Smyth, Chicago’s only restaurant with three Michelin stars, is the best restaurant in North America, according to the second edition of the North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
Smyth’s No. 1 ranking was revealed at a ceremony hosted by the 50 Best organization in New Orleans on Thursday night in a celebration of the region’s diverse dining landscape ahead of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list reveal in November.
For chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, the award coincides with a historic milestone for Smyth, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in August.
“We are so deeply honored to be named the best restaurant in North America,” John Shields said in a statement. “This award belongs to our team, our loyal guests, and our partner Keith Shapiro. The recognition is a testament to their dedication to elevating our craft. As we look ahead to the next decade at Smyth, we are deeply grateful for this moment to reflect on their hard work.”
Smyth is the sole restaurant from Chicago on this year’s list. Last year, the West Loop restaurant won the No. 4 spot at the North America’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony. In 2024, Smyth came in at No. 99 in the extended list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
In a statement posted to Instagram Thursday night, the restaurant called out “the farmers, fishermen, and producers whose work inspires our menu season after season.”
Smyth has been known for its focus on local produce and continuously pushing the boundaries of modern gastronomy through collaborations with farmers, fishermen and artisanal purveyors.
The husband and wife duo also operate The Loyalist, a sister concept to Smyth located downstairs, with craft cocktails and other contemporary, chef-driven selections on the menu.
John Shields spent two years as sous chef at Alinea, which for many years was Chicago’s only representative on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, with its highest rankings at No. 6 in 2011 and No. 7 in 2012. Alinea last appeared on the list at No. 37 in 2019.
The World’s Best Restaurant list is produced every year by British media company William Reed. The list is decided by more than 1,000 restaurant industry experts around the world, including food writers, critics, chefs and restaurant owners. The first list appeared in 2002 in the British magazine Restaurant, making it a relatively newer accolade when compared to the Michelin Guide or the James Beard Awards.
177 N. Ada St. Suite 101, 773-913-3773, smythchicago.com
