Smyth in Chicago Crowned North America’s Best Restaurant 2026

Raquel Laguna/ SUCOPRESS. Smyth, the Chicago-based restaurant, was crowned The Best Restaurant in North America 2026 during the North America’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony, held at the Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans. The restaurant, led by chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, climbed from fourth place in the inaugural 2025 ranking to claim the top spot in this year’s prestigious gastronomic list. Sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, the awards brought together some of the most prominent names in the culinary world from across the United States and Canada to celebrate the region’s finest dining establishments. Following Smyth in the ranking were Eight in Calgary, which secured second place, and Restaurant Pearl Morissette in Lincoln, Ontario, which completed the podium. Smyth’s culinary approach won over voters thanks to a philosophy centered on seasonal ingredients sourced from a close network of local farmers and producers. The restaurant offers an ever-evolving tasting menu designed to reflect both the precise moment of the year and the environment surrounding it. One of the standout products of the evening was Cinco Jotas acorn-fed Iberian ham, one of the sponsors of North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026. The Spanish delicacy became one of the most appreciated culinary offerings among guests, who had the opportunity to enjoy it throughout the celebration. Widely regarded as one of the great ambassadors of Spanish gastronomy worldwide, Cinco Jotas once again showcased the excellence of Spain’s culinary heritage at an event that brought together some of North America’s most influential chefs, restaurateurs, and food experts. The list of North America’s top ten restaurants was rounded out by Dakar NOLA in New Orleans; Mon Lapin in Montreal; Albi in Washington, D.C.; Atomix and César, both in New York City; Quetzal in Toronto; and Tanière3 in Quebec City. Overall, the ranking featured 36 restaurants from the United States and 14 from Canada. The ceremony also honored some of the industry’s most influential figures. Chef Emeril Lagasse received the Seven Rooms Icon Award in recognition of his outstanding career, while Eunji Lee of New York’s Lysée was named North America’s Best Pastry Chef. Meanwhile, Aldo Sohm of Le Bernardin and Aldo Sohm Wine Bar received the award for Best Sommelier.