Sublime, nestled in Guatemala City’s Zona 14, is the country’s newest addition to San Pellegrino’s 50 Best in Latin America list in 2022. Helmed by Chef Sergio Díaz, Sublime is part of the New Guatemalan cuisine movement, which aims to explore the country’s indigenous cuisine and ingredients. The 12-course Tasting Menu at Sublime takes you through 200 years of Guatemalan history, with each course representing a different era in time. It begins with pre-Columbian times, passes through Spanish colonial syncretism, and finishes with tastes of the present – and invites the diner to reflect on the future. Diners are presented with a lovely letter from the chef at the end of their meal, which felt like a lovely touch.

After numerous trips to Guatemala, and driving by Sublime countless times, we finally had the chance to dine there. I’m so happy that we were able to try their tasting menu before the San Pellegrino list was announced, as I’m sure it’s much harder to get reservations now!

Our meal started off with a “menu” with where each dish came from or where inspired by. You’ll notice that one of the desserts is named Irtra, which is the name of the theme park that we visited on our last trip to Guate. This was really nice – and a cool souvenir for when you’re finished with your meal!

Now, months later, I do not recall every course that we were given. But I can point out some of the highlights below.

Our first course was a drink made from cocoa and achiote, a paprika-like spice, and served on top of coffee beans in this cute little monkey stand.

Crab dish inspired by Motagua River with a sapote broth

Taco with tortilla criolla, turkey, and a churro topping for the texture

Sea Bass with zapuyul sauce, the seed of the Mamey Sapote tree

Caribbean-inspired “rice and beans” with sweet rice, coconut milk, and shrimp

Roasted Duck Breast with a cocoa nibs and coffee oil sauce, served over a potato puree

Strawberries and Cream themed dessert with a strawberry crisp and edible flowers

Dark Chocolate Medallions with their logo, served on cocoa beans

Our meal was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. The food really highlighted the biodiversity of Guatemala and allowed us to travel through the history of this amazing country. All the dishes were expertly prepared and delicately presented, with the finesse that you’d expect from a 3 Michelin starred restaurant. If you’re ever in Guatemala City, you should definitely make reservations for Sublime!