NEW YORK, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — 50 Best reveals North America’s 50 Best Restaurants’ special award categories and Academy Chairs for its premier year.
Special Award Categories
- Champions of Change Award: A celebration of unsung heroes of the hospitality sector who are driving positive action and creating a more inclusive society.
- Art of Hospitality Award: A special recognition for excellence in restaurant service and dining experiences.
- One To Watch Award: Identifying a rising-star restaurant which the 50 Best organization believes has the potential to feature in a future edition of the North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
- Icon Award: A celebration of an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the hospitality industry.
- North America’s Best Pastry Chef Award: Highlighting excellence in the fields of desserts and pastry.
- North America’s Best Sommelier Award: A recognition of an individual displaying innovation, knowledge and customer service in the world of wine.
- Chefs’ Choice Award: A peer-voted accolade in North America’s 50 Best Restaurants program. It honors a chef who has had a positive impact over the last year, as chosen by the chefs leading the restaurants in this year’s list.
- Sustainable Restaurant Award: This independently audited award champions a restaurant in North America which has demonstrated an outstanding effort towards sustainability.
- Best in Destination Awards: The highest-ranked restaurant in each of the eight sub-regions will be named as The Best Restaurant in that respective region.
- The Best Restaurant in North America: The No.1 restaurant in the ranking will be named The Best Restaurant in North America, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna.
Academy Chairs
The North America Academy Chairs are chosen for their expertise and networks and are tasked with selecting a panel that ensures a diverse culinary representation.
- Adrian Brijbassi, Canada West
- Jamila Robinson, USA Northeast
- Lesley Chesterman, Canada East
- Lyndsay Green, USA Midwest
- Mike Jordan, USA South
- Renée Suen, Canada Central
- Virginia Miller, USA West
- Nneka Nurse, Caribbean
More information on North America’s 50 Best Restaurants: https://www.theworlds50best.com/northamerica
