Smyth in Chicago Crowned North America's Best Restaurant for 2026
Smyth in Chicago Crowned North America's Best Restaurant for 2026
In an elegant ceremony held in New Orleans on May 28, 2026, Smyth, located in Chicago, was awarded the title of The Best Restaurant in North America at the North America’s 50 Best Restaurants awards. Sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, this prestigious recognition showcases the evolving culinary landscape across the continent.
Smyth, which operates under the expert guidance of chefs John and Karen Urie Shields, has impressively risen to the top position from last year's fourth place. This remarkable leap reflects the restaurant's commitment to personal culinary experiences and its strong network of local producers. By transforming seasonally available ingredients into exquisite dishes, Smyth ensures a dining experience that is both refined and dynamic.
Following Smyth in the rankings are Eight from Calgary, which claimed the second position, and Restaurant Pearl Morissette from Lincoln at third. The diversity of culinary talent represented in this year's awards underscores the creativity and excellence proliferating in North America’s restaurant scene.
Faye Huggett, the community director for North America’s 50 Best Restaurants, expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, “This second edition of North America's 50 Best Restaurants celebrates the rich diversity, creativity, and excellence characterizing the region's dining scene. Congratulations to Smyth and all the chefs and teams whose passion and innovation continue to elevate the industry.”
Among the other honorees, John 'The Bajan Farmer' Jones received the Champions of Change Award, emphasizing the commitment to sustainable practices in gastronomy. Additionally, the Art of Hospitality Award was presented to the Restaurant Pearl Morissette, showcasing its exceptional service qualities, while the One To Watch Award honored Wildweed in Cincinnati, recognizing its promising emergence in the culinary field.
This year's list featured a total of twenty cities, with representation from fourteen restaurants in Canada and thirty-six in the United States, as well as eighteen new entries that highlight the dynamic nature of the culinary industry.
The event not only recognizes the top restaurants but also aims to inspire chefs and food enthusiasts across the continent. Smyth’s ascendancy is a testament to the team's dedication to quality culinary experiences, an aspect that the judging panel could not overlook during their assessments.
As the culinary landscape continues to shift and adapt, the recognition of Smyth as the best restaurant serves as both an honor and a challenge to maintain their esteemed status. With a vibrant food scene and discerning diners, the commitment to excellence remains a key focus, ensuring that Smyth will continue to delight and surprise visitors and locals alike in Chicago.
For a complete listing of the North America's 50 Best Restaurants, please visit the official website. This annual recognition serves not just to celebrate achievements in fine dining but to underscore the importance of food culture as a vital aspect of community and creativity across the continent.