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Fresh from Atomix bagging the Villa Massa Highest Climber Award as part of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023, owners JP and Ellia Park discuss their mission, the rise of Korean cuisine – and each other
She describes him as a “genius”. He describes her as “a super smart leader”. Together, Junghyun ‘JP’ and Ellia Park lead the talented team behind Atomix, the New York restaurant that has taken the international dining world by storm in recent years.
The South Korean-born pair not only make an endearing couple, but complement each other professionally. “In our Atomix show, he is the creative director, I am the producer,” says Ellia, before adding with a smile, “he’s the artist, I’m the boss!”
A course of cheonggukjang (fermented soybeans) is just one of Atomix's dishes designed to enlighten diners on the breadth of Korean gastronomy
And the Atomix experience is the kind of memorable culinary production that simultaneously delights and educates diners, especially those who don’t necessarily have more than a passing knowledge of Korean cuisine. “We are showing our culture, not just through dishes, but also through music, fashion and the plates,” says Ellia. “We are telling the story of who we are, where we came from, what we do and why we are doing it.”
Each dish that helps form Atomix’s multi-course tasting menu is served on handmade ceramic plateware, sourced from the Parks’ homeland, and paired with a bespoke beverage. These carefully curated elements are all part of restaurant’s ultimate mission: to educate the world on Korean culture, led by the inspired cooking of Chef JP.
His delicate, layered, flavourful combinations frequently prompt diners to want to know – and taste – more, a process aided by Ellia’s highly personable and knowledgeable service team. “Now I think a lot of people want to know more and more about Korean cuisine, not only about kimchi and bibimbap!” says JP.
Atomix offers one of New York's most intimate dining experiences, seating just 14 diners per sitting at its counter
Soon, even those unable to bag a treasured reservation at the 14-seat counter restaurant in Manhattan’s NoMad district will get a closer glimpse of JP’s food when he releases his first cookbook. “It will not just be recipes from our restaurants, but Korean cuisine in general – the stories behind it and the secret of its recent boom. I want Korean cuisine to be part of people’s lives.”
Now watch the video:
Atomix is ranked No.8 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, an achievement that sees it pick up the Villa Massa Highest Climber Award, after rising 25 places in the annual list. This also makes it the highest ranked establishment not only in New York City, but in North America.
“When Ellia and I were first talking about opening a restaurant, it was going to be in Korea,” explains JP from his adopted home. “But we changed to open in New York because all the diners we met here were so open-minded. The city has a passion for creativity and an amazing diversity of cultures. We love New York!”
New York – and increasingly the world – appears to love Atomix back.
The list of The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2023, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, was announced on Tuesday 20th June at a live awards ceremony in Valencia. To stay up to date with the latest news, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, and sign up to our newsletter.
