Chicago's three-Michelin-starred Smyth has been named the best restaurant in North America for 2026, rising from fourth place in the inaugural ranking last year. The annual list, unveiled at a ceremony in New Orleans, is considered one of the most prestigious honours in the culinary world.
The husband-and-wife team of chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields run the minimalist, open-kitchen restaurant, which was praised for its hyper-seasonal, deeply personal approach to fine dining. The restaurant relies on a tight-knit network of local growers and purveyors.
Calgary's Eight made an unprecedented debut at number two, securing the Highest New Entry Award and the title of Best Restaurant in West Canada. Lincoln's Restaurant Pearl Morissette came third and also won the Art of Hospitality Award.
The list spans 20 cities, with 14 restaurants from Canada and 36 from the United States, including 18 new entries. New York City excelled in individual categories: Eunji Lee of Lysée was named Best Pastry Chef for her French-Korean creations, while Aldo Sohm of Le Bernardin took Best Sommelier.
The ranking is compiled from votes by a 300-member Academy of regional restaurant experts, divided into eight sub-regions. Voters remain anonymous, must include at least three restaurants outside their home region, and cannot vote for establishments in which they have financial or family ties.
