North America’s 50 Best Restaurants will unveil its 2026 list in New Orleans on May 28, marking the second edition of the regional ranking.
The live awards ceremony, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, follows the inaugural North America list, which debuted in Las Vegas in September 2025 and named Atomix as its first No. 1 restaurant.
New Orleans, long regarded as one of the country’s most distinct food cities, will host a multi-day program leading up to the countdown. In partnership with New Orleans & Company, the event will bring together chefs, restaurateurs, journalists, and industry leaders from across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.
The ranking is determined by 300 anonymous voters drawn from eight sub-regions: USA Northeast, USA South, USA Midwest, USA West, Canada East, Canada Central, Canada West, and the Caribbean (excluding Cuba and the Dominican Republic). The voting panel includes chefs, restaurateurs, food and beverage journalists, educators, and frequent travelers. Members of the 50 Best organization and its sponsors do not vote.
In the months leading up to the ceremony, the organization will announce several special honors, including the Champions of Change Award, One To Watch Award, and Art of Hospitality Award. Additional awards will be revealed during the live event, culminating in the announcement of The Best Restaurant in North America 2026.
Beyond the ceremony, the event program will include #50BestTalks, a thought-leadership forum focused on hospitality’s evolving challenges, and a Chefs’ Feast highlighting regional ingredients and techniques.
The 2026 edition marks another step in the expansion of the 50 Best brand, which has steadily broadened its regional lists in recent years.
