Chicago’s Smyth is the best restaurant in North America, according to 50 Best
New York dominates the list overall, tallying 13 restaurants in the top 50
June 1, 2026
North America’s 50 Best Restaurants were announced on May 28 at a live ceremony in New Orleans. This is the second annual ranking dedicated to the North American continent following last year’s debut list.
The top 50 hail from the United States, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean. Mexico is absent because the country is already included on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
Smyth in Chicago took the top spot after ranking fourth last year. The top five are rounded out by Eight in Calgary, Alberta, Restaurant Pearl Morissette in Lincoln, Ontario, Dakar NOLA in New Orleans, and Mon Lapin in Montréal.
Smyth occupies a minimalist space that focuses firmly on the food. Chefs work in an open kitchen as diners look on, and each course of the ever-evolving tasting menu is designed to let the ingredients shine.
Last year’s top-ranked restaurant, Atomix in New York City, placed seventh this year. But New York dominated the list overall, with 13 restaurants in the top 50, more than triple that of any other city. San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Montréal each featured four restaurants on the list.
“The second edition of North America’s 50 Best Restaurants celebrates the extraordinary diversity, creativity, and excellence that define the region’s dining scene,” Faye Huggett, director of community for North America’s 50 Best Restaurants, said in a statement. “From pioneering dining institutions to bold new voices, the list reflects the depth and dynamism of North America’s rich culinary landscape.”
The restaurants were voted on by a 300-member academy of industry experts. The panel includes a balanced mix of chefs, restaurateurs, journalists, educators, and experienced diners, all divided by region. Voters are anonymous and vote confidentially.
The Chicago restaurant serves an ever-evolving tasting menu that highlights growers and purveyors.
North America’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2026
1. Smyth, Chicago
2. Eight, Calgary, Alberta
3. Restaurant Pearl Morissette, Lincoln, Ontario
4. Dakar NOLA, New Orleans
5. Mon Lapin, Montréal
6. Albi, Washington, D.C.
7. Atomix, New York City
8. Quetzal, Toronto
9. La Tanière3, Quebec City
10. César, New York City
11. Kalaya, Philadelphia
12. Le Veau d’Or, New York City
13. Le Bernardin, New York City
14. Kabawa, New York City
15. Le Violon, Montréal
16. SingleThread, Healdsburg, Calif.
17. Published on Main, Vancouver, British Columbia
18. Jungsik, New York City
19. Penny, New York City
20. Emeril’s, New Orleans
21. Chubby Fish, Charleston, S.C.
22. Saison, San Francisco
23. Aska, New York City
24. Moon Rabbit, Washington, D.C.
25. Edulis, Toronto
26. Holbox, Los Angeles
27. Beba, Montréal
28. Mhel, Toronto
29. Avize, Atlanta
30. Acamaya, New Orleans
31. Addison, San Diego
32. Providence, Los Angeles
33. Benu, San Francisco
34. Sabayon, Montréal
35. AnnaLena, Vancouver, British Columbia
36. Corima, New York City
37. Dōgon, Washington, D.C.
38. Torrisi, New York City
39. Tatiana, New York City
40. Friday Saturday Sunday, Philadelphia
41. Semma, New York City
42. Pascual, Washington, D.C.
43. Gramercy Tavern, New York City
44. Atelier Crenn, San Francisco
45. Sons & Daughters, San Francisco
46. Somni, Los Angeles
47. Wild Blue, Whistler, British Columbia
48. The Pine, Collingwood, Ontario
49. Kato, Los Angeles
50. Diane’s Place, Minneapolis
About the Author
Kevin Gray
Kevin Gray is a Dallas-based writer covering independent restaurants for NRN. He also writes for publications including Food & Wine, The Infatuation, and Wine Enthusiast, and he previously served as a correspondent for Restaurant Hospitality. Follow Kevin on Instagram.
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