Frequently Asked Questions

Why has North America's 50 Best Restaurants changed name to The 50 Best Restaurants North America?

Launched on 9 September 2026, The 50 is the new unified master brand for 50 Best, bringing together its globally recognised rankings, awards, content and Discovery platform under one clear and distinctive identity. The 50 Best Restaurants North America's name change reflects this evolution.

Formerly known as North America's 50 Best Restaurants, The 50 Best Restaurants North America remains focused on recognising excellence and celebrating the very best restaurants across the region. The new naming convention creates greater consistency across The 50's global portfolio and better reflects the scale and breadth of what we do today. This is an evolution of the brand rather than a change to the ranking itself, and the ranking's credibility, independence and methodology remain unchanged. 

Why The 50 Best Restaurants North America?

Following the success of The 50 Best Restaurants over the last 20-plus years and the establishment of The 50 Best Restaurants Asia, The 50 Best Restaurants Latin America and The 50 Best Restaurants Middle East & North Africa, The 50 launched in North America in 2025 to highlight the entire region as a premier culinary destination. The 50 Best Restaurants North America awards aims to bring global recognition to well-deserving restaurants and their teams across the USA, Canada and the Caribbean. The 50 Best Restaurants North America event programme provides a unique opportunity to unite chefs, gourmets and journalists in celebration of the cuisine, hospitality and talent of the region's restaurant sector. 

Which countries are included in The 50 Best Restaurants North America voting? 

The countries included are the USA, Canada and countries within the Caribbean (excluding Cuba and Dominican Republic).

Why do the awards not encompass Mexico?

As Mexico is already included in the ranking of The 50 Best Restaurants Latin America, and has been since the list's inception in 2013, it will remain in that ranking and not be eligible in The 50 Best Restaurants North America. Likewise, Cuba and Dominican Republic will remain part of The 50 Best Restaurants Latin America ranking.

Why are only certain Caribbean countries/territories encompassed?

For voting purposes, the Caribbean has been divided into two groups. Cuba and the Dominican Republic, where Spanish is the official language and the culture is distinctly Latin, will remain part of The 50 Best Restaurants Latin America. Restaurants from the rest of the Caribbean are eligible to be voted for in The 50 Best Restaurants North America. Similarly, as Puerto Rico remains a US territory, restaurants in Puerto Rico are eligible to be voted for in The 50 Best Restaurants North America. 

Can a restaurant be taken off the list?

Not until the following year – and even then it will only be the results of the voting that determines this, or if we are advised that it will be closed within three months of the list being published. 

Can consumers attend the awards ceremony?

The awards are invitation-only, but food-lovers across North America and the world can follow the awards ceremony live on The 50 YouTube channel.

What does it mean to be included in The 50 Best Restaurants North America ranking? 

It provides recognition of the dedication, passion and skill of the teams behind those restaurants. It also helps promote those establishments regionally and internationally to well-travelled, discerning gourmets, boosting the restaurants' profiles and business. 

How does publishing The 50 list help restaurants in North America? 

The 50 believes the publication of the list is part of an overall drive to support the regional restaurant scene. Moreover, the global gastronomic community sees the announcement of this list as a way to generate awareness around restaurants while also promoting the hospitality sector as a whole. Ultimately, the list also serves as an economic stimulus for those restaurants featured by helping drive business into their establishments.