Guadalajara Selected as Host for 14th Edition Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants has announced that its 2026 awards ceremony will take place in Guadalajara, Mexico, on December 1, marking the first time the event is held in the city and the fourth occasion the awards have taken place in Mexico overall. The selection underscores Guadalajara's position within the region's culinary landscape. The city's gastronomic identity draws from local dishes including birria, tortas ahogadas, tejuino, and jericalla, alongside a contemporary restaurant scene. The region's proximity to Tequila—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—further reflects Jalisco's gastronomic heritage tied to agave production and traditional crafts including mariachi and charrería.
Event Structure and Special Awards The ceremony will reveal the 2026 Restaurants list alongside three special accolades: the Champions of Change Award for those driving positive change in gastronomy and hospitality; the Art of Hospitality Award recognizing exceptional guest experiences; and the One To Watch Award celebrating emerging restaurants with potential for future rankings. The program includes #50BestTalks on November 30, featuring discussions among culinary leaders on key topics within the gastronomic community. A series of 50 Best Signature Sessions will also take place, featuring collaborative pop-up events where renowned chefs partner with local restaurants to create exclusive culinary experiences.
Industry Leadership and Voting Process Rikki Tidball, General Manager of Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants, states: "We are excited to bring Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants to Guadalajara for the first time. The city's cultural heritage, hospitality, and culinary identity make it an inspiring setting to celebrate the extraordinary talent and diversity of Latin America's restaurant scene." Michelle Fridman Hirsch, Secretary of Tourism of the State of Jalisco, affirms: "The arrival of Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants to Guadalajara confirms what Jalisco's own chefs and producers have been building for years: a gastronomy with its own identity, capable of competing with and standing alongside the best on the continent. This announcement adds to the path we have already forged and positions us—looking ahead to the Year of Gastronomy 2027—as one of the most complete culinary destinations in Latin America." The 2026 list will be created by the Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants Academy, comprising 300 leaders in the region's restaurant industry. Deloitte serves as the official independent adjudicator to ensure voting integrity and credibility. S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna remain the main partners, with additional sponsors including Estrella Damm, SevenRooms, DoorDash, and others supporting various award categories.
Why It Matters
For restaurant operators and hospitality professionals across Latin America, the relocation to Guadalajara signals growing recognition of Mexico's culinary depth beyond established centers. The event's emphasis on heritage, innovation, and hospitality—combined with collaborative pop-up programming—offers networking and visibility opportunities for restaurants seeking regional recognition and positioned to compete for rankings or special accolades.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
