Guadalajara will take center stage in the regional culinary world this winter as it hosts Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants awards on December 1, 2026. The ceremony, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, gathers top chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality leaders from across the continent to unveil the year’s official dining rankings.
This marks the first time the Jalisco state capital will host the event, now in its 14th edition. Mexico has hosted three previous ceremonies – twice in Mexico City (2015 and 2016) and once in Mérida (2022) – highlighting the country’s steady influence on the broader regional food scene.
Guadalajara makes a natural fit for the gathering. Long recognized for cultural exports like mariachi and charrería, the city has built a food culture that balances traditional specialties – such as birria, tortas ahogadas, tejuino, and jericalla – with a fast-growing contemporary restaurant scene. Its location near the UNESCO World Heritage agave fields and historic distilleries of Tequila adds deep agricultural roots to that modern momentum.
State officials see the event as a key validation of local efforts. Michelle Fridman Hirsch, Secretary of Tourism for Jalisco, pointed out that hosting the awards reflects years of hard work by local chefs and producers to create a unique culinary identity. She noted that the event also serves as a stepping stone toward Jalisco’s broader “Year of Gastronomy” initiatives planned for 2027.
Before the main December ceremony, organizers will announce three individual awards: the Champions of Change Award for social leadership in hospitality, the Art of Hospitality Award for outstanding service, and the One To Watch Award for an emerging restaurant on the rise.
Since its launch in 2013, Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants has helped introduce diners around the world to the region’s diverse culinary traditions and innovative restaurant scene. The annual ranking is determined by the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, made up of 300 restaurant industry leaders from across the region.
With Guadalajara as the host city, the 2026 ceremony will offer an international audience another opportunity to discover the flavors, traditions and culinary talent that make Jalisco an important part of Mexico’s food story.
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