Smyth restaurant earns fourth place in North America's best restaurants ranking

In 2025, the World's 50 Best released its ranking of North America's top 50 restaurants, and Smyth, located in Chicago, has made a remarkable impression by claiming the fourth position overall. This ranking highlights Smyth's rise in the culinary scene, where it has established itself with a unique blend of inventive dining and a focus on progressive, farm-to-table approaches. Along with this prestigious ranking, Smyth was also honored as the best restaurant in the Midwest USA for the year, further solidifying its status among top dining establishments in the region. Smyth's chefs and co-owners, Karen Urie Shields and John Shields, have a rich history in the culinary world, having met while working at the renowned Charlie Trotter's restaurant. Their journey took them on an adventurous path, beginning with Town House in rural Virginia before finally settling in Chicago, where they opened Smyth and its companion location, The Loyalist. The Loyalist serves as a more casual dining experience while maintaining the same commitment to quality and philosophy that Smyth upholds. The World's 50 Best panel praised Smyth for its commitment to innovative dining and its dedication to sourcing ingredients directly from local farms, which contributes to the freshness and quality of their dishes. This farm-to-table concept is a significant factor in the growing trend of the restaurant industry towards sustainability and culinary excellence. As Smyth continues to thrive, it sets a standard for other restaurants to strive for, especially within the Midwest. Smyth isn't Chicago's only notable restaurant on the list; Kasama, an acclaimed Filipino restaurant in the Ukrainian Village known for its unique offerings, also made the cut, landing at number 31 overall. The presence of these two establishments on the list emphasizes Chicago's growing reputation as a culinary destination, showcasing a diversity of flavors and dining experiences that are becoming increasingly recognized on a national scale.