On the evening of December 9, the Glasshouse in Hell’s Kitchen was bustling with culinary excellence as the Michelin Guide unveiled its latest honorees for New York, Chicago, and Washington, DC. Among the highlights of the evening was a moment that made headlines in the gastronomic world. It was announced that Jungsik, a Korean restaurant helmed by Yim Jungsik, earned three Michelin stars, becoming the first new restaurant in New York to achieve this honor in twelve years.
A Night of Recognitions
The ceremony, hosted by TV personality Java Ingram, celebrated achievements across diverse culinary categories. The evening opened with special recognition that set the stage for a surprise-filled night. Suwincha “ChaCha” Singsuwan from Bangkok Supper Club in the West Village was honored with the Exceptional Cocktails Award. Chase Sinzer and Ellis Srubas-Giammanco of Claud sibling Penny in the East Village earned the Sommelier Award.
At the same time, Tina Vaughn of Eulalie in Tribeca took home the Exceptional Service Award. Rising talent Joseph Rhee of Jean-Georges in Midtown has received the Young Chef Award, and the Mentor Chef Award was posthumously presented to James Kent, whose family accepted the honor on his behalf.
Sustainability Took the Spotlight
As sustainability continues to change the concept of dining spaces, the Michelin Green Star Awards recognized those leading the charge. One White Street in Tribeca earned a Green Star for its dedication to sustainable practices. With this recognition, it has joined a prestigious cohort that includes Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Family Meal at Blue Hill in Greenwich Village, and Dirt Candy on the Lower East Side. All these restaurants have retained their Green Stars over the years.
Jungsik’s Historic Achievement
The announcement by Gwendal Poullennec, director of the Michelin Guides, became the main highlight of the evening. He revealed Jungsik’s elevation to three-star status. Opened in 2011, Jungsik had already established itself as a two-star favorite.
Poullennec has praised the restaurant for its “originality and impeccable presentation,” which creates a unique dining experience that captured the collective admiration of diners and Michelin inspectors.
This coveted recognition for Jungsik is also significant as it is the first time a Korean restaurant in the United States has achieved three Michelin stars. This accolade has placed Jungsik alongside New York’s elite culinary establishments, such as Eleven Madison Park, Le Bernardin, Masa, and Per Se, which have retained their three-star status this year.
However, New York has not seen any new restaurants in this prestigious category this year. Eleven Madison Park in New York was last featured in this category in 2012.
Long List of Michelin Stars Recipients
While Jungsik made headlines for earning three stars, other restaurants made notable entries into the Michelin ranks. The list of two-star restaurants in New York added more, such as César, a tasting menu concept from César Ramirez, and his former establishment, Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare. Another newcomer in this category is Sushi Sho.
The one-star category was expanded to add eight restaurants, reflecting the city’s rapidly evolving dining scene. Among them were Bar Miller, the reopened Cafe Boulud on the Upper East Side, and Mexican fine dining standout Corima on the Lower East Side. Korean tasting menu restaurant Joo Ok made a strong debut in this category, and La Bastide by Andrea Calstier in North Salem earned a star for its French-inspired offerings. Hidden gem Noksu, Williamsburg’s Shota Omakase, and Yingtao in Hell’s Kitchen, known for their unique Chinese tasting menu, also secured one-star accolades.
A Culinary Revolution
The 2024 Michelin Guide ceremony reflected the diversity of New York’s dining scene and culinary culture. Jungsik’s historic win became a broader recognition of the sophistication and creativity of Korean cuisine on the global stage. The evening was dedicated to honoring celebrated talents across various cuisines and distinct dining experiences.
As the first new three-star Michelin restaurant in over a decade and the first Korean restaurant in the US to receive this honor, Jungsik has elevated its status and re-established New York’s reputation as a culinary capital.
