Ana, Guatemalan Restaurant, Wins American Express One To Watch Award 2025
Ana, the acclaimed restaurant in Guatemala City led by chef Nicolás Solanilla, wins the American Express One To Watch Award 2025 from Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Ana, the innovative restaurant in Guatemala City led by Colombian chef Nicolás Solanilla, has been honored with the American Express One To Watch Award 2025, part of the prestigious Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants program. The award celebrates emerging culinary stars in the region with the potential to join the ranking in the coming years.
A Culinary Philosophy Rooted in Respect and Territory
At the heart of Ana’s culinary identity lies a deep respect for ingredients, seasonality, and cultural roots. Each dish is designed to highlight authenticity and origin, blending Solanilla’s Colombian heritage with the richness of Guatemala’s local produce.
Chef Solanilla’s vision is influenced by his travels and cultural encounters, resulting in a mestizo cuisine that reinterprets local ingredients through memories, modern techniques, and ancestral inspiration. The restaurant also emphasizes collaboration with local producers, reflecting a commitment to community growth and environmental balance.
A Dynamic and Shared Dining Experience
Ana’s menu is designed to evolve constantly, inspired by seasonal availability and creative exploration. The restaurant offers two formats, “shared plates” and a tasting menu, both intended to immerse guests in an expansive and communal dining experience.
This versatility allows Ana to be both a destination for special culinary journeys and a welcoming space for everyday visits, inviting guests to engage with food as an experience rather than a routine.
Recognition from Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants
“It is a great pleasure to announce Ana as the winner of this year’s American Express One To Watch Award,” said William Drew, Director of Content for Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants. “Chef Nicolás Solanilla’s ability to weave together his Colombian heritage, international experiences, and a deep respect for Guatemalan ingredients into such an authentic and moving culinary narrative is truly inspiring. Ana represents the vibrant future of Latin American gastronomy.”
Pablo Rivero, Senior Vice President of American Express Global Dining and CEO of Resy and Tock, added:
“Chef Solanilla’s cuisine reflects a profound connection with Guatemalan land, transforming native ingredients into a genuine expression of place. The American Express One To Watch Award honors restaurants that tell captivating stories through hospitality, and Ana embodies this beautifully.”
Chef Nicolás Solanilla: A Visionary with Deep Roots
“Receiving the American Express One To Watch Award is a tremendous honor for me and the entire Ana team,” said Chef Nicolás Solanilla. “This recognition validates our passion for showcasing the extraordinary ingredients of Guatemala while celebrating the stories behind our cuisine. We are grateful for this acknowledgment and excited to continue sharing our vision of a migrant, mestizo, and multicultural cuisine that honors its roots while embracing new possibilities.”
Originally from Bogotá, Solanilla’s career spans renowned restaurants such as Rafael, La Despensa, and Azahar, as well as his tenure as Executive Chef at Santos de Piedra in Cartagena. In Guatemala, he has contributed his craft at Flor de Lis and Maíz before opening Ana. His culinary creativity also extends to Niquito Café and Bacán, both located in Guatemala City.
The Road to Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 in Antigua, Guatemala
Launched in 2013, Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants celebrates the diversity and creativity of the region’s gastronomy. The list is curated by an academy of 300 culinary experts across Latin America and published by William Reed, also responsible for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and other regional lists.
The American Express One To Watch Award is the third special recognition announced ahead of the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 ceremony, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, which will take place on December 2, 2025, in Antigua, Guatemala.
The celebration will include #50BestTalks on December 1, a platform for leading voices in the culinary community, and a series of 50 Best Signature Sessions, featuring collaborative dinners between acclaimed chefs and local restaurants.
INGUAT and Official Partners
The Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT) leads the promotion and sustainable development of Guatemala’s tourism sector, positioning the country as a world-class destination through strategic alliances and responsible tourism initiatives.
The event’s official partners include:
- S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna – Main partner and official water sponsor
- American Express Resy – Award sponsor and dining platform
- Estrella Damm, República del Cacao
- Buchanan’s Special Reserve 18 Years
- Aspire Lifestyles
- Lee Kum Kee
- and Vik Wines, among others.
With this milestone, Ana cements its place among the most promising restaurants in Latin America. Guided by Chef Nicolás Solanilla’s vision and deep respect for Guatemalan produce, Ana continues to redefine the region’s dining landscape—bridging tradition, creativity, and a profound sense of place.
