NIKKEI Guyana has been named Guyana’s Best Restaurant at the 2026 World Culinary Awards, securing the title for the second consecutive year, according to Fusion Hospitality Inc.
The achievement celebrates not only Nikkei’s continued international recognition but the talent, creativity, and dedication contributing to the growth of Guyana’s hospitality and culinary industries, Fusion Hospitality said in a press release.
It also represents another important step in Guyana’s emergence as a destination capable of delivering world-class dining, exceptional hospitality, and memorable experiences.
According to the release, since opening in Georgetown in May 2024, Nikkei introduced a distinctive dining experience blending Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions with creativity, attention to detail, and a commitment to exceptional service.
It became a destination for local patrons and international visitors seeking a memorable experience in Guyana.
“This award belongs to more than Nikkei. It belongs to the chefs, servers, bartenders, hospitality professionals, entrepreneurs, and dreamers across Guyana who believe that our country can offer experiences that stand proudly alongside the best in the world,” said Yonnick David, Managing Director of Fusion Hospitality Inc.
Additionally, he said, “There is another story unfolding in Guyana — one of creativity, ambition, service excellence, and people determined to build world-class experiences right here at home. Nikkei is proud to be part of that story.”
The award was received in Jamaica by Victor Tenias Padrón, Executive Chef and Partner of Fusion Hospitality Inc., whose culinary vision and passion have been central to Nikkei’s identity and success.
At the ceremony, Padrón shared his love for the culinary arts and reflected on the personal fulfilment of seeing Nikkei, once a vision, brought to life and recognised on an international stage.
For him, the honour celebrated not only culinary achievement, but the journey of turning imagination into a restaurant experience that guests have embraced. For Chef Víctor Padrón, the award also proves that the ideas, experiences, and years of dedication he has brought to the kitchen can flourish in Guyana.
This country welcomed him with open arms and gave his culinary vision room to grow. His story reflects the spirit Fusion Hospitality seeks to champion: the courage to imagine something different, the determination to build it, and the commitment to pursue excellence.
Nikkei’s success is a reminder that world-class experiences can be conceived, created, and celebrated in Guyana.
As Guyana attracts increasing global attention, achievements like this demonstrate the possibilities beyond traditional tourism. Culinary experiences, entertainment, culture, and high-quality hospitality can help establish a more diverse, competitive, and internationally recognised destination, while creating opportunities for local talent.
Although Nikkei’s original Sandy Babb Street location has closed, the brand’s journey is far from complete. What began as a bold vision has become an internationally recognised restaurant brand, shaped by its team and the loyalty of the guests who supported it.
“Nikkei was never intended to be just another restaurant. It was built to challenge perceptions of what was possible in Guyana,” David said adding, “Our journey has taught us many lessons, but it has strengthened our belief in the brand and in the future of hospitality here. We believe its greatest chapter is still ahead.”
Details of Nikkei’s future home will be shared at the appropriate time. Fusion Hospitality remains committed to bringing the Nikkei experience back to Guyana in a way that builds upon its original vision.
From internationally recognised restaurants to new hotels, cultural attractions, entertainment concepts, and tourism experiences, Guyana has an opportunity to establish itself as one of the Caribbean and South America’s most exciting emerging destinations.
“The world is discovering Guyana, and we have an opportunity to shape what that discovery looks and feels like,” Javid Rahaman, Operations Director, added.
“We want visitors to leave talking not only about our natural beauty and economic potential, but also about the warmth of our people, the quality of our hospitality, and experiences they could not have found anywhere else. That is the Guyana we believe in, and the Guyana we are helping to build,” he said.
In addition to winning the World Culinary Awards in 2025 and 2026, Nikkei was also named Restaurant of the Year by the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana in 2025 and 2026, and Best in Dining by the Guyana Tourism Awards in 2025.
The brand is known widely for its distinctive cuisine, contemporary dining atmosphere, and commitment to hospitality excellence.
