NORTH AMERICA’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS 2026 TO BE UNVEILED IN NEW ORLEANS ON MAY 28
For its second year, North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 heads to The Big Easy with a live countdown of the list on May 28, 2026
February 19, 2026 – 50 Best, the organization behind The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, has announced that North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 will be revealed on May 28, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, the live awards ceremony marks the second edition of the North America ranking, following its inaugural launch in Las Vegas in September 2025, which revealed Atomix as the debut No.1 winner.
Renowned for its dynamic restaurant scene, deep-rooted food culture and warm hospitality, New Orleans offers a fitting backdrop for a celebration of the region’s restaurant scene. In partnership with New Orleans & Company, the event will bring together chefs, restaurateurs and industry leaders from across the region for a series of culinary events culminating in the live awards ceremony.
“With food so deeply embedded in its identity, we’re excited to gather the North American restaurant community in New Orleans and shine a spotlight on the chefs, restaurants, and stories defining the region’s current dining landscape,” says a spokesperson for North America’s 50 Best Restaurants. “Hosting North America’s 50 Best Restaurants here allows us to celebrate both the city’s enduring legacy and the chefs and restaurants pushing the region's culinary culture forward.”
The awards celebrate the finest food and beverage talent across North America, covering the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, with a live countdown of the list, culminating in the announcement of The Best Restaurant in North America. The ceremony in New Orleans will be preceded by a number of special announcements in the months leading up to the list announcement, including the Champions of Change Award, One To Watch Award, and Art of Hospitality Award. Other special awards will be revealed on the evening itself, designed to honor the achievements of both individuals and establishments.
“Welcoming the North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 event program is truly a milestone for New Orleans and part of a larger effort to amplify our culinary scene,” says Walt Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company. “In the past few years, we at New Orleans & Company have worked to raise the profile of New Orleans as a global travel destination and a culinary center of excellence. Selecting our city as the backdrop for North America’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony and its ancillary events is another reminder to the world of our culinary pedigree.”
Paolo Passoni, Head of International Partnerships & Events of Sanpellegrino, says: “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with North America’s 50 Best Restaurants, celebrating the chefs and restaurants shaping North America’s culinary landscape. New Orleans is a natural home for this year’s awards ceremony, from its rich culinary heritage to its innovative contemporary cuisine, the city embodies the passion, quality, and creativity our brands proudly stand for.”
The ranking will reflect the best restaurant experiences collated from 300 expert voters – a balanced mix of chefs, restaurateurs, food and beverage journalists, educators, and well-travelled gourmets. The voters, who must remain anonymous, are recruited by a group of industry-leading Academy Chairs across eight sub-regions within North America, including: USA Northeast; USA South; USA Midwest; USA West; Canada East; Canada Central; Canada West; and the Caribbean (excluding Cuba and Dominican Republic). Members of the 50 Best organization and sponsors do not vote. For more information on how the voting works, visit the 50 Best website here.
An extensive event program includes thought-leadership forum #50BestTalks, exploring some of the most pertinent topics affecting the hospitality world today; a Chefs’ Feast showcasing the finest quality ingredients and cooking techniques the region is known for; and the awards ceremony and countdown itself.
For additional news leading up to the awards ceremony, visit https://www.theworlds50best.com/northamerica and follow along at @theworlds50best.
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Media contact: Bella Scott, Becca PR na50br@hellobecca.com; +1 214 449 4948
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