The culinary Oscars of our continent have spoken—and if you guessed New York City would clean up, collect your prize at the bar. The inaugural North America’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking, announced last night at the Wynn Las Vegas, confirmed what anyone who’s tried to book a table at Atomix already knows: New York still wears the crown.
The Korean fine-dining jewel from husband-and-wife duo Junghyun “JP” Park and Ellia Park sits atop the list. The restaurant, which opened in 2018 with its 12-course tasting menu and exquisite storytelling, has quickly become a global benchmark. Already sitting at No. 12 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants (the highest North American entry there), Atomix now officially holds bragging rights as No. 1 on the continent. “We are deeply honored to be recognized among so many inspiring restaurants across North America,” said Chef JP. His partner Ellia added: “To be included on this list is such a testament to the dedication of our team and the trust of our guests.”
Atomix’s win caps a banner stretch for the couple’s NA:EUN Hospitality Group, which also runs Atoboy and Naro. Between two Michelin stars and a James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality earlier this year, the Parks have redefined what Korean dining looks like on this side of the Pacific.
But Atomix isn’t the only Gotham name lighting up the list. The city is home to multiple honorees, including Corima in Chinatown (No. 36), the modern Northern Mexican newcomer that’s already snagged a Michelin star since opening in 2024. New York’s dominance wasn’t confined to the restaurant list either: The city also led in the just-released “51–100” bars longlist, with the East Village’s cheekily named Schmuck debuting at No. 59 and stalwarts like Attaboy and Employees Only still holding court.
Taken together, the results underline what locals have always argued at the dinner table: If you want to eat (and drink) at the cutting edge, New York is the city. Yes, Mexico City, Toronto and San Francisco had strong showings. But in a year when the spotlight widened to the whole continent, the Big Apple still stole the show.
Good luck snagging that Atomix reservation—there’s a shiny new No. 1 plaque on the wall and the waitlist just got longer.
See the full North America's 50 Best Restaurant list below:
1. Atomix, New York, New York
2. Mon Lapin, Montreal, Canada
3. Restaurant Pearl Morissette, Jordan Station, Canada
4. Smyth, Chicago, Illinois
5. Tanière 3, Quebec City, Canada
6. Dakar NOLA, New Orleans, Louisiana
7. Kalaya, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
8. Singlethread, Healdsburg, California
9. Le Bernardin, New York, New York
10. Le Veau d’Or, New York, New York
11. Quetzal, Toronto, Canada
12. Baan Lao, Richmond, Canada
13. Benu, San Francisco, California
14. Californios, San Francisco, California
15. The Four Horsemen, New York, New York
16. Friday Saturday Sunday, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
17. Moon Rabbit, Washington, D.C.
18. Via Carota, New York, New York
19. Chubby Fish, Charleston, South Carolina
20. Locust, Nashville, Tennessee
21. Saison, San Francisco, California
22. Montréal Plaza, Montreal, Canada
23. Kono, New York, New York
24. Aska, New York, New York
25. Lazy Bear, San Francisco, California
26. Kato, Los Angeles, California
27. Kann, Portland, Oregon
28. Published on Main, Vancouver, Canada
29. Le Violon, Montreal, Canada
30. Emeril’s, New Orleans, Louisiana
31. Kasama, Chicago, Illinois
32. Royal Sushi and Izakaya, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
33. Saga, New York, New York
34. Albi, Washington, D.C.
35. Jungsik, New York, New York
36. Corima, New York, New York
37. Dōgon, Washington, D.C.
38. César, New York, New York
39. Café Carmellini, New York, New York
40. Penny, New York, New York
41. Buzo Osteria Italiana, Bridgetown, Barbados
42. Holbox, Los Angeles, California
43. Alma, Montreal, Canada
44. Mhel, Toronto, Canada
45. Alma Fonda Fina, Denver, Colorado
46. Atelier Crenn, San Francisco, California
47. Providence, Los Angeles, California
48. Quince, San Francisco, California
49. Stush in the Bush, St. Ann, Jamaica
50. Beba, Montreal, Canada