Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine Wins
North America’s Best Restaurant 2026
at the World Culinary Awards
Steveston Village dining destination earns third consecutive
Canadian title and announces two Granville Island restaurants
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine has been named North America’s Best Restaurant 2026 at the World Culinary Awards—the first Canadian restaurant to win the title. It was also named Canada’s Best Restaurant for the third consecutive year.
The 20-seat destination restaurant, set on the waterfront in the historic fishing village of Steveston, in Richmond, B.C., south of Vancouver, topped a category that included 22 Canadian and 18 U.S. nominees. Previous North American title holders have included French Laundry, Le Bernardin and Atelier Crenn. Winners are determined by a weighted voting system. The highest scoring nominee from Canada and the United States is named best in North America.
Executive chef-proprietor Nutcha Phanthoupheng is a former nurse and cancer researcher. She opened Baan Lao in 2021, offering Royal Thai tasting menus with individually plated courses and white-glove service.
“I wanted to show people that Thai food is more than just street food and introduce them to the beauty of Royal Thai cuisine,” said Chef Phanthoupheng, who accepted the award Wednesday night at a ceremony in Montego Bay, Jamaica. “I am very grateful to our team and everyone who has supported us. This award encourages us to keep improving.”
“Our goal was to become the best Thai restaurant in North America,” said co-owner John Phanthoupheng. “To be named the best restaurant overall is immensely gratifying. We hope it brings greater appreciation for the depth and refinement of Thai cuisine.”
The award caps a busy year filled with new ventures, and more to come. In May, the husband-and-wife couple opened MaKaam at Time Out Market Vancouver at Oakridge Park, offering healthy, modern takes on casual Thai classics.
Next, two new Granville Island restaurants are planned for summer 2027. Baan Baan, Thai Farmer’s Table & Bar, will specialize in Isaan cuisine, serving charcoal-grilled seafood and meats with spicy, fermented flavours. The late-night gathering place will feature a showpiece bar, private dining room and expansive patio. Le KaNom, Thai Desserts & Caffe, will offer gluten-free and dairy-free Thai sweets during the day. They will be located side by side in the Chain & Forge building.
“Baan Baan means village or community and Granville Island feels like that,” Chef Phanthoupheng explained. “People from many different places come together there. The location feels very natural for this concept. It will allow people to experience my food in a more casual way.”
ABOUT BAAN LAO
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine offers an extraordinary culinary experience that honours the rich heritage and refined flavours of Royal Thai cuisine. Since opening in 2021 under the expert guidance of executive chef-proprietor Nutcha Phanthoupheng, Baan Lao has swiftly become a beacon of fine dining, celebrated for its unwavering commitment to authenticity, sustainability, meticulous attention to detail and heartfelt hospitality. Its many accolades include: North America’s Best Restaurant 2026 and Canada’s Best Restaurant 2024 – 2026 (World Culinary Awards); #12 and Best Restaurant in Western Canada 2025 (North America’s 50 Best Restaurants) 2025; and Best Destination Restaurant 2025 (Canada’s 100 Best). Nestled along the picturesque waterfront in Steveston Village in Richmond, British Columbia, Baan Lao offers an elegant dining environment where every guest is treated with the warmth and reverence befitting royalty.
4100 Bayview St., Richmond, BC, V7E 6S8
P. 778-839-5711
