A Chicago Restaurant Was Just Named The Best In North America

A Massive Culinary Win: Illinois Home to the Top Restaurant in North America

I always knew Illinois was loaded with great food options, but I had no idea there was a restaurant in the state considered the best not only in the U.S. but the entire North American continent.

That’s wild when you consider just how much land that covers, but hey, I’ll take it, and I’m certain the folks at Smyth will too.

Chicago’s Three-Michelin-Starred Smyth Claims the #1 Spot for 2026

That’s because they were just ranked the #1 restaurant in North America for 2026. They were also called the Best Restaurant in the Midwest.

Ran by husband-and-wife team John Shield and Karen Urie Shields, the restaurant sources high-quality ingredients from farms across the country.

The menu at Smyth focuses heavily on that, too, with plenty of Midwest flavor, seasonal ingredients, and creative fine dining. The standout dish mentioned by The World’s 50 Best is a warm bittersweet chocolate and maitake mushroom tart.

Adding Smyth to the Bucket List: How to Check Out the Continent's Best

I have heard of Smyth and know diners have raved about their experience there, but I had no idea it was this good. You can pin Smyth to the top of my must-visit list.

If you can’t make it out to Smyth or if it doesn’t sound like your bag, there are other restaurants that should be on the top 50. See the entire list HERE, but keep in mind, Smyth is the only Illinois entry on the whole thing.

No matter how in or out you might be on Smyth, Illinois now has the best restaurant in North America, and that alone might be worth checking out in person.

Smyth is located at 177 North Ada Street in Chicago.