NYC Korean Restaurant Atomix Takes Top Prize in Elite North America’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards
New York, NY – A Manhattan Korean fine-dining destination, Atomix, has claimed the prestigious title of North America’s No. 1 restaurant at the inaugural North America’s 50 Best Restaurants awards. Renowned for its $395 12-course tasting menu, Atomix’s win marks a significant milestone in contemporary Korean cuisine’s growing recognition on the global culinary stage.
The award ceremony held in Las Vegas earlier this week celebrated North America’s finest eateries, with Atomix rising above other gastronomic giants to earn the coveted top spot. The acclaimed restaurant also holds two Michelin stars, ranked No. 12 worldwide on the franchise’s list, and recently garnered a James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality.
Atomix’s Innovative Korean Cuisine Captivates New York and the World
Located in the bustling NoMad neighborhood, Atomix was established by chef-owner Junghyun ‘JP’ Park and his wife Ellia Park in 2018. Their innovative approach combines Korean culinary tradition with modern artistry, beautifully presented on custom ceramics. The 12-course tasting menu includes standout dishes such as tteok-galbi (grilled short rib patty) with chocolate and chopi (Korean pepper), and halibut paired with sea urchin and rice porridge.
“We are deeply honored to be recognized among so many inspiring restaurants,” chef JP Park said in a statement. “This motivates us to continue pushing ourselves and to share the depth and creativity within Korean cuisine with the world.”
The recognition reinforces Atomix’s position as a leader in elevating Korean dining experiences beyond traditional expectations.
New York’s Thriving Culinary Scene Shines in the Awards
New York City demonstrated its culinary strength with 12 restaurants making the list alongside Atomix. The lineup features iconic spots like Le Bernardin, the popular French establishment Le Veau d’Or, and Brooklyn’s trendy wine bar and restaurant The Four Horsemen. Other notable NYC entries include:
- Via Carota
- Kono
- Aska
- Saga
- Jungsik
- Corima
- César
- Café Carmellini
- Penny
Celebrating a Decade of Culinary Excellence
Amidst this triumph, the Parks are preparing to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of their first restaurant, Atoboy, which sparked a contemporary Korean dining movement in New York. The couple has since expanded their portfolio with innovative venues like NARO and Seoul Salon.
“For us, hospitality has always been about creating spaces that feel warm, thoughtful, and forward-thinking,” said Ellia Park. “As we look ahead to the 10-year anniversary of our first restaurant and our own beginnings, we are so proud of our team and grateful for the support of our guests as we explore what the next decade can look like.”
North America’s Best: A Continental Perspective
While Atomix led the pack in the U.S., Canadian restaurants dominated the top five spots in the awards, with standout mentions including Mon Lapin in Montreal, Restaurant Pearl Morissette in Ontario’s Niagara wine region, and Tanière3 in Quebec City. The only other U.S. restaurant in the top five was Smyth, a Michelin three-starred establishment in Chicago.
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Key Facts About the Awards and Atomix
- The awards are an offshoot of the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
- Atomix offers a $395 12-course tasting menu, blending Korean tradition with modern culinary techniques.
- The restaurant opened in 2018 and quickly garnered two Michelin stars and a James Beard Award.
- The recognition highlights New York City as a major player in the North American fine-dining landscape.
- Atomix is renowned for dishes like tteok-galbi with chocolate and halibut with sea urchin.
For more on this culinary achievement and the full list of award-winning restaurants, visit the original report at New York Post.
What Do These Awards Mean for the Future of Korean Cuisine and NYC Dining?
Atomix’s victory signals a transformative moment for Korean flavors in North America’s high-end dining scene. It places NYC at the forefront of culinary innovation, inspiring both chefs and food enthusiasts alike to explore the nuanced depth of Korean gastronomy.
What do you think about this exciting achievement? Have you experienced Atomix’s acclaimed tasting menu or visited other top NYC restaurants on the North America’s 50 Best list? Share your thoughts and dining experiences in the comments below!