Baan Lao Named North America's Best Restaurant 2026 at World Culinary Awards

Steveston dining destination earns third consecutive Canadian title and announces two Granville Island restaurants

RICHMOND, BC, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.

Executive chef-proprietor Nutcha Phanthoupheng is a former nurse and cancer researcher. She opened Baan Lao in 2021, featuring 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, which is an important part of our culture," said Chef Phanthoupheng, who accepted the award 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."

In May, the couple opened MaKaam at Time Out Market Vancouver at Oakridge Park, offering healthy, modern takes on casual Thai classics.

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.

ABOUT BAAN LAO
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine offers Royal Thai tasting menus on the Steveston waterfront, with tea, wine, cocktail and sake pairings. Afternoon Tea is served on weekends. Honours include North America's Best Restaurant 2026 and Canada's Best Restaurant 2024–2026 (World Culinary Awards); No. 12 and Best Restaurant in Western Canada (North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2025); and Best Destination Restaurant 2025 (Canada's 100 Best Restaurants).
baanlao.ca

High-resolution photos available for download

SOURCE Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine