Seoul, South Korea – Mingles, the contemporary Korean fine dining restaurant in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, led by Chef Kang Min-goo, has been named to the prestigious "World's 50 Best Restaurants" list for the second year in a row. Often dubbed the "Oscars of the culinary world," this achievement solidifies Mingles' position as a global gastronomic leader.

According to reports from the New York Times and other outlets on June 19 (local time), Mingles was announced at No. 29 during the awards ceremony held in Turin, Italy. The "World's 50 Best Restaurants" is a highly respected global restaurant ranking, with selections made annually by a professional panel of over 1,000 food critics, chefs, and restaurateurs.

The organizers lauded Mingles, stating, "It has captivated domestic and international gourmands with its sophisticated Korean cuisine." They further described it as "the perfect place to experience lesser-known Korean ingredients such as acorn jelly (dotorimuk) and bellflower root (doraji root)," highlighting Chef Kang's innovative approach to traditional flavors.

Mingles' ranking has seen a significant climb, moving up from No. 44 last year to No. 29 this year. Its inclusion last year was particularly noteworthy as it marked the first time a Korean restaurant had ever made it onto the esteemed World's 50 Best Restaurants list, generating considerable buzz in the culinary world.

 
Atomix, New York, Achieves Highest U.S. Restaurant Ranking

Meanwhile, Atomix, a Korean restaurant located in Manhattan, New York, secured an impressive No. 12 spot, making it the highest-ranked restaurant in the United States on this year's list. Operated by a Korean couple, Chef Junghyun Park and his wife Ellia Park, Atomix was praised as "a culinary space that perfectly showcases the Hallyu phenomenon." The establishment received accolades for its "sophisticated and flavorful cuisine, representing the best of Korean food, blending tradition with unique and innovative dishes." Atomix is particularly known for its intimate, counter-style dining experience and multi-course tasting menus that offer a deep dive into Korean culinary philosophy.

 
Top Restaurants Globally

This year's No. 1 spot was claimed by Maido from Lima, Peru, for the second consecutive year. Asador Etxebarri in the Basque Country of Spain took second place, followed by Quintonil from Mexico City at No. 3. These top rankings underscore the diverse global landscape of fine dining and the continuous innovation within the culinary world.