Smyth in Chicago is Named No.1 in the List of North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2026

Smyth in Chicago, Illinois, was named North America’s best restaurant for 2026 at the North America’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony, hosted in New Orleans on May 29, 2026. The restaurant, led by chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, climbed from fourth place in 2025, praised for its seasonal, ingredient-driven tasting menu and immersive dining experience. The ceremony, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, recognized top chefs and restaurants across 20 cities. Emeril Lagasse of Emeril’s in New Orleans received the SevenRooms Icon Award, while Eunji Lee of Lysée in New York City won North America’s Best Pastry Chef Award. Aldo Sohm of Le Bernardin and Aldo Sohm Wine Bar in New York City took the Best Sommelier Award, and Corey Lee of Benu in San Francisco won the Estrella Damm Chefs’ Choice Award. The top 10 list includes Eight in Calgary (No. 2), Restaurant Pearl Morissette in Lincoln (No. 3), Dakar NOLA in New Orleans (No. 4), and Albi in Washington D.C. (No. 6). New entries this year include Eight, Edulis in Toronto, Avize in Atlanta, and seven others from New York City, Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Vancouver. The 2026 list features 14 Canadian and 36 U.S. restaurants, with 18 debuting for the first time. Smyth’s success highlights its focus on local sourcing and seasonal dishes, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in modern fine dining. The awards ceremony celebrated North America’s culinary excellence, with regional winners like Albi (Northeast USA), Dakar NOLA (South USA), and Mon Lapin (East Canada) also recognized.