#United States #Chicago #North America #Culinary #Smyth

Smyth Takes Top Honors in North America's Culinary Landscape

In a stunning announcement that underscores the culinary excellence flourishing across North America, Smyth, located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, has been named The Best Restaurant in North America for 2026. This prestigious accolade, awarded during the eagerly awaited North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 event on May 28, 2026, marks a significant leap from its previous position at No. 4 in 2025.

The awards ceremony took place at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, echoing with cheers and celebrations from chefs and food enthusiasts alike, further highlighting the vibrant and diverse dining culture prevalent throughout the region. Sponsored by S.Pellegrino Acqua Panna, this event not only highlights culinary talent but also sets the stage for a community dedicated to gastronomy.

What Makes Smyth Stand Out

Smyth is helmed by the talented duo of husband and wife chefs, John Shields and Karen Urie Shields. Their commitment to a deeply personal approach to cooking shines throughout their menu, which is centered on seasonal ingredients sourced from a select network of local growers and purveyors. Every dish served is a reflection of the land, timings, and relationships that define their culinary philosophy.

Nestled within a serene, minimalist environment, Smyth offers an intimate yet precisely tuned dining experience. The open kitchen invites guests to witness the meticulous attention to detail that goes into each course, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to take center stage. This emphasis on simplicity, alongside artistic presentation, creates a harmonious balance that elevates the dining experience.

Celebrating Diversity in Dining

Following Smyth in the top 10, Eight in Calgary was recognized as the second-best restaurant, earning the title of Best Restaurant in West Canada 2026. Meanwhile, Restaurant Pearl Morissette in Lincoln captured the third spot as the Best Restaurant in Central Canada 2026. Other notable eateries in the top ten include Dakar NOLA in New Orleans, Mon Lapin in Montreal, and Albi in Washington DC.

Overall, the list showcases a remarkable array of 14 Canadian restaurants and 36 from the United States, reflecting the rich tapestry and influence of culinary arts within North America.

Special Awards to Culinary Innovators

Several prestigious chef awards were also presented during the event. Emeril Lagasse from Emeril's in New Orleans received the SevenRooms Icon Award, symbolizing his significant impact on American cuisine as he transitions his legendary restaurant legacy to his son, E.J. Lagasse.

Additionally, Eunji Lee of Lysée in New York was honored as North America's Best Pastry Chef for her innovative desserts that blend bold flavors and artistic presentation. Aldo Sohm, a renowned sommelier, was awarded North America's Best Sommelier 2026, further emphasizing the importance of pairing exquisite foods with exceptional wines.

The Sustainable Restaurant Award 2026 was bestowed upon Atelier Crenn in San Francisco for their commitment to ethical dining practices, while Mashama Bailey from The Grey was recognized as North America's Best Female Chef 2026, celebrating her rich storytelling through the lens of Savannah's culinary history.

Conclusion: A Flourishing Culinary Culture

The North America's 50 Best Restaurants program continues to elevate the ambitious talents across the continent, uniting chefs, restaurateurs, and food lovers to celebrate creativity and excellence in dining. The second edition of this event not only acknowledges established names like Smyth but also embraces new and emerging restaurants making their mark on the culinary landscape.

As we look ahead, the future of dining in North America appears promising and invigorating, with an impressive roster of culinary innovators leading the way.