Chicago Reach the Top at North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026

By Dan Q (IG @danielquintero)

North America’s culinary map is changing; the second edition of North America’s 50 Best Restaurants  shows a much broader and more dynamic landscape — one driven by new cities, emerging voices, and a dining scene no longer centered exclusively around New York, San Francisco, or Montreal.

Smyth, took home the top honor as North America’s Best Restaurant for 2026. Chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, a husband-and-wife team, lead this Chicago spot, which moved up from No. 4 last year to No. 1 as they marked ten years since opening. Smyth stands out for its close ties to local farmers and its focus on seasonal ingredients, showing a trend in fine dining toward personal, ingredient-focused meals that highlight skill and character over flashy presentations.

One of the most interesting things about this year’s list is the rise of the Midwest and smaller cities.  Eighth from Calgary jumped straight to No. 2 and won the Highest New Entry Award. Restaurant Pearl Morissette in Lincoln, Ontario, landed at No. 3. For the first time, Minneapolis, Collingwood, Atlanta, San Diego, and Whistler also made the list.

tomix is the highest ranked NY Restaurant placed 7th. | Photo Atomix

New York City still stands out as a top dining destination, with 11 restaurants on the list. This year, five new places joined: Kabawa, Torrisi, Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi, Semma, and the return of Gramercy Tavern. The mix of long-standing favorites and new spots is what makes this year’s list special, blending tradition with fresh ideas.

The ceremony took place in New Orleans and honored some of the industry’s most influential people. Emeril Lagasse received the Icon Award for his lasting impact on American food and for sharing Cajun and Creole flavors with the world through Emeril’s. Mashama Bailey was named North America’s Best Female Chef for her work at The Grey, a key restaurant in today’s Southern dining scene.

Other big honors went to Eunji Lee of Lysée, who was named North America’s Best Pastry Chef. Aldo Sohm won Best Sommelier for his work at Le Bernardin and Aldo Sohm Wine Bar. Corey Lee of Benu received the Chefs’ Choice Award, which is voted on by fellow chefs.

Sustainability was also a key theme this year. Atelier Crenn, led by Dominique Crenn, won the Sustainable Restaurant Award for its work in ethical sourcing, regenerative farming, and running a plastic-free kitchen.ons.

This year’s ranking includes restaurants from 20 cities across North America, with 36 in the United States and 14 in Canada. The list highlights how North America is now more diverse and decentralized than ever before. New cities and regions are gaining attention from diners, critics, and the industry. Fine dining’s future is moving beyond the old capitals and toward places building their own food identities through local ingredients, community, and culture. You can watch the Full ceremony here: