Gastón Acurio (born 30 October 1967) is a Peruvian chef, restaurateur, and culinary ambassador widely recognized for popularizing Peruvian cuisine internationally. He was born in Lima, Peru, to a family of Italian descent and initially studied advertising before turning to the culinary arts.
Career
Acurio opened his first restaurant, Astrid y Gastón, in 1994 in the San Isidro district of Lima. The establishment has received multiple accolades, including a listing among the world’s 50 best restaurants. Following its success, he expanded his portfolio to include a variety of concepts ranging from fine dining to casual eateries, such as La Mar (seafood), Tanta (contemporary Peruvian), Panchita (regional grill), and Café y Pastelería Clementina. His enterprises operate across several Latin American countries and in other regions, including the United States, Spain, and Japan.
Beyond restaurant ownership, Acurio has been involved in numerous initiatives aimed at promoting Peruvian culinary heritage. He founded the Gastón Acurio Foundation, which supports small-scale producers, preserves biodiversity, and provides training for culinary professionals. He has also been a visible figure in media, presenting television programs and authoring several cookbooks that document traditional and modern Peruvian recipes.
Recognition
Acurio has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to gastronomy and cultural promotion, including:
- The Order of Merit for Distinguished Services (Orden al Mérito por Servicios Distinguibles), awarded by the Peruvian government.
- The 2013 Latin America's Best Chef Award by the World Travel Awards.
- Inclusion in the “World’s Most Influential People” list by Time magazine (2021).
Impact
Gastón Acurio is credited with elevating Peruvian cuisine to a global stage, influencing both the perception and economic development of Peru’s food sector. His advocacy for sustainable sourcing and the use of native ingredients, such as quinoa, ají peppers, and variety of potatoes, has contributed to increased international demand for Peruvian products.
Personal life
Acurio is married to Claudia Martínez Dagnino, a television journalist. The couple has two children. He maintains a public presence through social media platforms, where he shares culinary content and promotes social causes related to food security and cultural heritage.