TUJU IS THE WINNER OF THE ART OF HOSPITALITY AWARD, AS PART OF THE 50 BEST RESTAURANTS 2026

Tuju, the Brazilian restaurant led by chef-owner Ivan Ralston, has been named the recipient of the Art of Hospitality Award as part of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026. The award recognises exceptional service, warmth and overall guest experience, with the winner selected through votes from The 50 Best Restaurants Academy.

Based in São Paulo’s Jardim Paulistano, Tuju has built its reputation around a distinctly Brazilian approach to hospitality, favouring warmth, generosity and genuine personal attention over formal or distant luxury. Ralston opened Tuju in 2014 after working at leading European restaurants and later completely reimagined the restaurant following the pandemic.

In its new purpose-built three-storey space, Tuju deliberately reduced its capacity to one-third of its previous number of guests, allowing the team to devote more time and attention to each diner. Hospitality and Research Director Katherina Cordás works alongside Ralston to create an experience centred on anticipation, with thoughtful details such as discreetly offering guests items they may unexpectedly need, from reading glasses to drawing materials for children.

The food is also designed to encourage conversation and discovery, with tasting menus inspired by climatic themes including rain, humidity, wind and drought, using ingredients largely sourced from small-scale regional producers. The beverage programme follows the same guest-focused philosophy, with more than 5,000 wine selections and recommendations tailored to individual preferences rather than rigid pairings. This recognition builds on Tuju’s growing international profile: in 2024, it became the first Latin American restaurant to receive the Art of Hospitality Award at Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, and in 2025 it entered The World’s 50 Best Extended List at No.70. The 2026 awards ceremony will take place in Lima, Peru, on 4 November.