🚕 NYC Shines on North America’s 50 Best List

Good Morning NY!

Today, we’re looking at another major moment for New York’s dining scene as the city earns impressive recognition on one of the restaurant industry’s most prestigious rankings.

We’ll also explore a newly reopened piece of NYC food history that has been hidden from the public for decades.

At the same time, several beloved restaurants are saying goodbye, including one acclaimed institution whose closure marks the end of a remarkable run.

As World Cup fever arrives, restaurants and bars across the city are gearing up with special menus, watch parties, and fan-focused experiences.

From award-winning dining rooms to neighborhood favorites and global soccer celebrations, there’s plenty happening across NYC’s food scene this week.

NYC Shines on North America’s 50 Best List

The second annual North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list was announced on May 28, 2026, in New Orleans.

Atomix remains the highest-ranked New York City restaurant at No. 7.

César is the second-highest NYC restaurant at No. 10.

Chicago’s Smyth took the overall No. 1 spot.

New York City placed 13 restaurants on the list, matching last year’s number.

New entries from NYC include Kabawa, Torrisi, Semma, and Gramercy Tavern.

Returning restaurants include Le Veau d’Or and Corima.

Specialty awards went to Lysée’s Eunji Lee for Best Pastry Chef and Le Bernardin’s Aldo Sohm for Best Sommelier.

The full NYC rankings are:

43. Gramercy Tavern

41. Semma

39. Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi

38. Torrisi

36. Corima

23. Aska

19. Penny

18. Jungsik

14. Kabawa

13. Le Bernardin

12. Le Veau d’Or

10. César

7. Atomix

This strong showing highlights the continued excellence of New York City’s dining scene.

Katz’s Deli Reopens Long-Hidden Ludlow Room

Katz’s Deli has reopened The Ludlow Room, a historic 68-seat dining space hidden from the public since 1949.

The room had been converted into a massive walk-in refrigerator during the postwar years.

It is now fully restored and available for regular seating during busy hours and private events.

The Ludlow Room features its own dedicated on-site cutter who hand-slices pastrami, corned beef, and brisket to order.

The renovation preserved original tin ceilings and period-inspired lighting.

Jake Dell, the fifth-generation owner, described reopening the room as uncovering a forgotten chapter of the deli’s story.

Katz’s first opened in 1888 on the Lower East Side and moved to its current location in the 1920s.

The deli remains famous for its hand-carved pastrami sandwiches, fresh mustard, and thick-cut fries.

The Ludlow Room offers a unique portal into a part of Katz’s history previously unavailable to diners.

A Major Loss for NYC’s Dining Scene

A James Beard Award-winning restaurant in New York City is closing after 25 years.

The establishment has been a significant part of the city’s dining scene for a quarter century.

It earned recognition from the James Beard Foundation for its contributions to the local culinary landscape.

The closure marks the end of a long and successful run for this notable spot.

The restaurant was well-regarded by diners and industry professionals alike.

This announcement reflects ongoing changes and challenges in New York City’s restaurant industry.

The loss of such a long-standing and acclaimed venue highlights the difficulties many independent restaurants currently face.

It will leave a gap in the city’s diverse dining options.

The story serves as a reminder of how quickly beloved institutions can disappear from the NYC food scene.

Many in the community are expressing sadness over the impending closure.

Three Notable NYC Restaurant Closures

La Ripaille, the oldest bistro in the West Village, closed on Saturday, May 30 after 46 years.

Owner Alain Laurent, who had been hands-on since the beginning, is retiring.

The romantic French spot was known for salmon tartare, cassoulet, escargot, and steak au poivre frites.

It had celebrity patrons including Leonardo DiCaprio, Derek Jeter, and Anne Hathaway.

Marylou, the French cafe, brunch spot, and speakeasy in the East Village, closed on Sunday, May 31 after four years.

The space previously housed the iconic Cafe Orlin for 36 years.

Ban Ban Shop, the Southeast Asian fast-casual spot on the Upper West Side, suddenly closed on Friday, May 29.

It had been open since 2023 and was popular with Columbia students for customizable banh mi, bao, grain bowls, salads, and maki rolls.

These closures mark the end of several long-running and beloved establishments in the city.

World Cup 2026: NYC Dining and Watch Party Guide

Eater NY has published a comprehensive guide for dining and watching the World Cup in New York and New Jersey.

The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, with eight games at MetLife Stadium.

FIFA is hosting fan events in the five boroughs and Harrison, New Jersey, with large screenings at hubs like Rockefeller Center.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani launched the $26 dining deal program called Five Boroughs Winners Specials.

Nearly 300 restaurants have signed up offering $26 prix fixe meals or special food and drink combos.

Recommended watch parties include Berber Street Food, Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden, Eckhart Beer Co., Ernesto’s, Golden Hof, Honey Fitz, Kabin, Katana Kitten, Lucky Strike, Meju, Mercado Little Spain, Pebble Bar, Printers Alley, Ralph’s Sports Bar, The Red Lion, Socceria, Superbueno, Tacombi, Terroir, and Threes Brewing.

The guide also includes dining recommendations near MetLife Stadium for those attending matches in New Jersey.

This resource helps fans find great places to eat, drink, and celebrate during the tournament.

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