(13.10.2205) - The list of North America's 50 Best Restaurants, published for the first time, is headed by the Atomix restaurant in New York. The ranking was published on 25 September in Las Vegas. The debut list also included restaurants from Canada, the Caribbean and the USA.

Atomix, the flagship restaurant of Ellia and Junghyun "JP" Park, is also ranked 12th in the World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 and is celebrated for its refined 12-course tasting menu and captivating storytelling rooted in Korean tradition. Each course is served on bespoke ceramic crockery and accompanied by a menu with information on the ingredients, provenance and inspiration.

With Atomix at the helm, the Parks have built a string of acclaimed restaurants - including Atoboy, Naro and Seoul Salon - creating one of New York's most exciting restaurant chains. Their distinctive approach - characterised by hospitality, modesty and technical precision - is making Korean cuisine increasingly popular both in North America and around the world.

Atomix is followed in the top 10 ranking by Mon Lapin (#2) in Montreal, named Best Restaurant in Eastern Canada 2025, and Restaurant Pearl Morissette (#3) in Lincoln, named Best Restaurant in Central Canada 2025. Smyth (4th place) in Chicago receives the title "Best Restaurant in the Midwest USA 2025", while Tanière3 (5th place) in Quebec City receives the Art of Hospitality Award 2025. DAKAR NOLA (#6) in New Orleans was named Best Restaurant in the Southern US 2025, followed by Kalaya (#7) in Philadelphia and SingleThread (#8) in Healdsburg, which was named Best Restaurant in the Western US. The top ten is rounded off by Le Bernardin (9th place) andLe Veau d'Or (10th place), both in New York City.

Two outstanding restaurants from the Caribbean achieved a remarkable ranking on the debut list: Buzo Osteria Italiana (41st place) in Barbados under the direction of chef Nakita Goddard and Stush in the Bush (49th place) in Jamaica by Lisa and Christopher Binns. Each restaurant offers a distinctive culinary experience on their respective islands, with Buzo presenting sophisticated Italian flavours and Stush a bold interpretation of farm-to-table fare.

The list also pays tribute to lesser-known destinations, proving that world-class cuisine thrives far beyond traditional hotspots. Restaurants in cities like Denver, Charleston, Nashville, Portland, Richmond and Vancouver all made the list of North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2025.

William Drew, Content Director of North America's 50 Best Restaurants, says: "We are delighted to present the inaugural North America's 50 Best Restaurants list and to recognise the extraordinary diversity, creativity and excellence that characterise the region's dining scene. From groundbreaking gourmet restaurants to bold new voices, this list reflects the diverse culinary landscape of the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. We are proud to honour these exceptional restaurants and the people who bring them to life. Our heartfelt congratulations also go to the amazing team at Atomix, who have made history as the first restaurant to take the top spot in the ranking of North America's 50 Best Restaurants."

Renowned Montreal chef Normand Laprise was honoured with the 2025 Icon Award for his impact on the restaurant industry. The visionary behind Montreal restaurant Toqué!, Laprise has long championed local and seasonal ingredients and has received international recognition for his innovative cuisine.

Susan Bae, chef-patissère and partner at Moon Rabbit (No. 17) in Washington, D.C., was named Best Patissière in North America 2025. She is celebrated for her exceptional craft and innovative approach to luxury patisserie, combining unconventional flavours with artistic precision. Her refined, carefully composed desserts set new standards in modern patisserie.

Vanya Filipovic, Wine Director of Mon Lapin (No. 2) in Montreal, was named North America's Best Sommelier 2025 for her in-depth wine knowledge and intuitive wine pairings. An advocate of low-intervention wines, she also runs Les Vins Dame-Jeanne, which sources natural wines from across Europe for Quebec.

Michael Cimarusti, co-owner and executive chef of Providence (No. 47) in Los Angeles, was honoured with the Chefs' Choice Award 2025, the only award given exclusively by fellow chefs. The honour recognises his lasting impact on modern gastronomy and his unwavering commitment to sustainability and seafood.
SingleThread (No. 8) in Healdsburg received the Sustainable Restaurant Award, which recognises its deep and ongoing commitment to environmentally conscious hospitality. Under the direction of Kyle and Katina Connaughton, the restaurant integrates regenerative agriculture, including no-till farming and zero-waste practices, into a strong community commitment. By prioritising seasonal, home-grown ingredients and maintaining a cohesive connection between farm, kitchen and guest experience, SingleThread is setting a global benchmark for sustainable fine dining.

Chutatip "Nok" Suntaranon, chef and owner of Kalaya (No. 7) in Philadelphia, was honoured with the "North America's Best Female Chef" award. The award recognises her outstanding culinary talent, leadership and influence on the Northeast's culinary scene. Known for her vibrant Thai cuisine, Suntaranon has introduced her guests to a very personal interpretation of Southern Thai flavours rooted in family tradition and reinterpreted through refined techniques.

The evening also honoured the recipients of special awards announced in the months leading up to the awards ceremony, including Asmeret Berhe-Lumax, founder of One Love Community Fridge and winner of the Champions of Change Award; Taniere3 (No. 5), honoured with the Art of Hospitality Award; and Ladder 4 in Detroit, which received the Resy One To Watch Award.

The list of North America's 50 Best Restaurants is based on the votes of a 300-member academy of regional restaurant experts. The Academy is divided into eight sub-regions, each led by an independent Academy Chair. These chairs, selected for their expertise, comprise a balanced panel of chefs, restaurant owners, journalists, educators and experienced diners. At least 25 per cent of the members are renewed annually. Voters remain anonymous (with the exception of Academy Chairs), vote confidentially and must include at least three restaurants outside their home region. To ensure integrity, no one may vote for restaurants with which they have financial or family ties. Neither employees nor sponsors of 50 Best influence the results.