Smyth Tops North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2026, Displacing Last Year's Leader

Event summary

  • Smyth in Chicago named No.1 in North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2026, rising from No.4 in 2025.
  • The list includes 14 Canadian and 36 U.S. restaurants, with 18 new entries this year.
  • Special awards given to Emeril Lagasse, Eunji Lee, Aldo Sohm, Corey Lee, and others.
  • The ceremony was held in New Orleans on May 28, 2026.

The big picture

Smyth's rise to the top spot reflects a shift towards personalized, seasonal dining experiences rooted in local sourcing. The awards ceremony underscores the growing importance of regional diversity and sustainability in the culinary world. With 18 new entries, the list highlights the dynamic nature of North America's dining scene, where innovation and excellence are increasingly recognized across borders.

What we're watching

Sustainability Focus
Whether Atelier Crenn's Sustainable Restaurant Award will drive broader industry adoption of eco-friendly practices.
Regional Diversity
How the inclusion of 14 Canadian restaurants will impact the list's perception and reach.
New Entrants
The pace at which the 18 new entries will establish themselves as long-term competitors.

Related topics

Rankings