#USA #New York City #Korean Cuisine #Atomix #North America's Best

Atomix Triumphs at North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2025

On September 25, 2025, a gathering of culinary elites at Wynn Las Vegas witnessed the unveiling of a monumental ranking: North America's 50 Best Restaurants. Leading the pack was Atomix, located in New York City, which proudly claimed the title of The Best Restaurant in North America. This prestigious accolade, sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, recognizes exceptional dining establishments across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.

The Crown Jewel of Cuisine

Atomix, helmed by the talented duo Ellia and Junghyun 'JP' Park, is celebrated for its innovative 12-course tasting menu that intricately weaves together stories rooted in Korean tradition. Each thoughtfully crafted dish is not only a feast for the palate but also an immersive experience, served on bespoke ceramics along with detailed explanations about the ingredients and inspirations behind them. The restaurant's unique approach has been pivotal in elevating Korean cuisine on both the local and international dining scenes, landing Atomix at number 12 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list as well.

Notable Mentions in Culinary Excellence

While Atomix stole the spotlight, the event also celebrated a host of other remarkable restaurants. Following Atomix in the rankings was Mon Lapin from Montreal, awarded The Best Restaurant in East Canada for its exceptional offerings, while Restaurant Pearl Morissette in Lincoln secured The Best Restaurant in Central Canada. Other noteworthy mentions include Smyth in Chicago, hailed as the best in the Midwest region, and Kalaya in Philadelphia, which showcased vibrant Thai cuisine and earned the title of North America's Best Female Chef for its chef-owner Chutatip ‘Nok’ Suntaranon.

Award Highlights

The awards ceremony recognized not only the restaurants but also distinguished individuals within the gastronomic community. Normand Laprise, the mastermind behind Toqué! in Montreal, received the Icon Award for his long-standing influence on the culinary landscape. Meanwhile, Susan Bae of Moon Rabbit was named North America's Best Pastry Chef, celebrated for her inventive desserts that push the boundaries of traditional patisserie.

Vanya Filipovic, wine director at Mon Lapin, claimed the title of North America's Best Sommelier, acknowledging her expertise in natural wines and insightful pairings. Michael Cimarusti, co-owner of Providence restaurant in Los Angeles, was awarded the Estrella Damm Chefs' Choice Award, with the recognition stemming from votes by fellow chefs appreciating his impact on sustainable seafood practices.

Among other recognitions was SingleThread in Healdsburg, which won the Sustainable Restaurant Award for its commitment to environmental conservation and innovative farm practices. The awards further highlighted culinary talent from lesser-known areas, demonstrating that exceptional cuisine is not limited to major city centers.

A Reflection on Diversity in Dining

William Drew of North America's 50 Best Restaurants articulated the significance of this inaugural list, emphasizing the initiative's aim to reflect the rich tapestry of the culinary landscape across all regions. The rankings embody a mixture of fine-dining traditions and emerging voices, proving that every corner of North America contributes to the art of dining.

As the night concluded, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and pride across the culinary spectrum. From barrier-breaking chefs to innovative restaurateurs, the collective recognition at the inaugural North America's 50 Best Restaurants awards heralds a bright future for gastronomy, particularly for Atomix, which has now etched its name in history as the first to hold the prestigious No. 1 position.