On September 25, the inaugural list of North America’s 50 Best Restaurants was revealed in Las Vegas with an appropriately lavish gala.
It's about time: In another step toward representing the full spectrum of culinary excellence found around the globe, The World's 50 Best Restaurants presented their inaugural List for North America in Las Vegas on September 25, highlighting the best of the best in Canada, the U.S. and (most of) the Caribbean. It's the latest in the organization’s portfolio of regional guides, following Asia, Latin America and the Middle East & North Africa; each highlighting exceptional establishments with a sense of place, from fabled classics and neighborhood bistros to family-run taco joints and beach shacks serving the freshest catch of the day – all vetted by in-the-know locals.
And while some winners are temples of classic fine dining, most are casual eateries that champion culinary diversity while showcasing enhanced versions of traditional dishes, irreverent creativity and a relaxed attitude. “I was struck by how many different culinary nations are represented on the list: Korean, Mexican, Senegalese, Haitian, Swedish, Palestinian … restaurants that have their heritage all over the world. With the publicity surrounding the political climate in the States, we forget that this is still a beautiful nation of immigrants. Hopefully, a list like this can, in a small way, show another side of the country and send a positive message. What I hope this debut ranking reminds us is that food transcends borders, it brings people together (literally and figuratively), it offers a window into different cultures and encourages us all to remain curious and open to something new,” concludes William Drew, Director of Content at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
At No.1: Atomix, a Korean fine dining gem nestled in a New York City townhouse where Junghyun ‘JP’ and Ellia Park present an ultra-creative, hyper-refined tasting menu, both grounded in heritage and buoyed in innovation. “This is surreal,” JP gushes. “We came to the U.S. in 2012 and opened Atomix 7 years ago. We never thought we’d make this lifetime achievement. It’s giving me bigger dreams. Now we want to help younger Korean cooks to dream as big as possible. I think the future of Korean cuisine is bright,” adds the chef, who revealed they will soon open a London outpost.
“The North America’s 50 Best Restaurants platform will allow us to build a stronger community and connect with chefs and restaurants all over the region. I’ve never been to Canada, I want to explore all of these places and make new friends,” says Restaurant Director Ellia Park. Indeed, Canada came in strong with Montreal’s Mon Lapin and Restaurant Pearl Morissette in Lincoln, Ontario, at No.2 and No.3, respectively. Of the 50 entries, 11 are located in Canada, two in the Caribbean and 37 in the U.S. – with New York claiming 13. The list showcases under-the-radar destinations like Denver, Charleston, Nashville, Portland, Richmond and Vancouver, proving that world-class cuisine thrives beyond the usual epicenters. You can see the full list here.
Normand Laprise, the visionary chef behind Montreal’s Toqué!, received the Icon Award, sponsored by Lavazza, in recognition of his impact and passion for local, seasonal fare.
Executive pastry chef and partner at Moon Rabbit (No.17), in Washington DC, Susan Bae was named North America’s Best Pastry Chef, sponsored by Valrhona. She is known for her boundary-pushing approach to luxury patisserie, combining unconventional flavors with artistic precision.
Vanya Filipovic, wine director at Mon Lapin (No.2) in Montreal, is now North America’s Best Sommelier thanks to her deep expertise and intuitive pairings. She is also a great fan of low-intervention methods, championing European natural wines in Quebec.
Michael Cimarusti, co-owner and chef of Providence (No.47) in Los Angeles, was awarded the Estrella Damm Chefs’ Choice Award, the only accolade chosen exclusively by fellow chefs. The honor recognizes his lasting impact on modern gastronomy and his unwavering commitment to sustainability and seafood.
SingleThread (No.8) in Healdsburg received the Sustainable Restaurant Award for its ongoing commitment to environmentally conscious hospitality. Led by Kyle and Katina Connaughton, the restaurant integrates regenerative agriculture, including no-till farming and zero-waste practices, alongside strong community engagement. Seasonal, estate-grown ingredients are a priority, and they maintain a closed-loop between the farm, kitchen and guest experience, setting a global benchmark.
Chutatip 'Nok' Suntaranon, chef-owner of Kalaya (No.7) in Philadelphia, was named North America’s Best Female Chef for her outstanding talent, leadership, and impact. Suntaranon’s vibrant cooking is a deeply personal expression of southern Thai flavors, rooted in family tradition and reimagined through refined technique.
Asmeret Berhe-Lumax, founder and CEO of One Love Community Fridge, received the Champions of Change Award 2025, an award that rewards positive action in the community and the drive for a more inclusive society. One Love Community Fridge aims to eliminate hunger, food insecurity and the stigma surrounding these issues by offering free, nutritious food to those in need across New York and Seattle – with Los Angeles and Atlanta coming soon.
Tucked in the vaulted cellar of a historic house in Old Quebec, Tanière3 received the Art of Hospitality Award, sponsored by Lee Kum Kee to spotlight and elevate exceptional hospitality across North America. Tanière3 features an immersive, innovative take on Quebecois cuisine, with a hyperlocal multi-course menu with a passion for storytelling, time-honored techniques and intriguing guest experiences.
Detroit’s Ladder 4, which occupies a lovingly refurbished firehouse, took the Resy One To Watch Award, an accolade that honors a rising star whose distinctive vision and culinary excellence have earned it recognition. Since opening in 2022, Ladder 4 has earned numerous accolades for its soulful cuisine and thoughtfully sourced wine list. It celebrates and elevates comfort food classics, giving them a rich personality while pairing them with natural wines from small, family-run producers.
