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- Chicago’s Smyth named The Best Restaurant in North America 2026, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna
- Emeril Lagasse of Emeril’s in New Orleans receives the SevenRooms Icon Award
- Eunji Lee of Lysée in New York City wins North America’s Best Pastry Chef Award, sponsored by Valrhona
- North America’s Best Sommelier Award, sponsored by Vik, goes to Aldo Sohm of Le Bernardin and Aldo Sohm Wine Bar in New York City
- Corey Lee of Benu in San Francisco receives the Estrella Damm Chefs’ Choice Award
- Atelier Crenn in San Francisco wins the Sustainable Restaurant Award
- Mashama Bailey of The Grey in Savannah receives the North America’s Best Female Chef Award
- Albi in Washington, D.C. wins the Highest Climber Award, sponsored by Lee Kum Kee
- Eight in Calgary wins the Highest New Entry Award
To view the full list of rankings from 1 to 50, please click here.
New OrleansMay 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On the evening of the 28th, leading figures from the culinary world gathered in New Orleans for the North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards ceremony, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, where Smyth was honored with the title of The Best Restaurant in North America. Held at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, the ceremony presented the second edition of the list and related special awards. This year’s list covers 20 cities, featuring 14 Canadian restaurants and 36 U.S. restaurants, with 18 new entries.
Smyth in Chicago is named The Best Restaurant in North America at the North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, held in New Orleans on May 28th.
Led by chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, Smyth claimed the top spot, rising from No.4 in 2025 to No.1. The restaurant is built on a personalized culinary philosophy, rooted in a network of relationships with farmers and suppliers, transforming seasonal ingredients into a precise and ever-evolving taste journey. Following behind are Eight in Calgary (No.2) and Restaurant Pearl Morissette in Lincoln (No.3).
Faye Huggett, Community Director of North America’s 50 Best Restaurants, said: “The second edition of North America’s 50 Best Restaurants celebrates the diversity, creativity, and excellence that define the North American dining landscape. Congratulations to Smyth, and to all the chefs and teams who continue to drive the industry forward with passion and innovation.”
The Champions of Change Award, sponsored by illycaffè, was presented to John ‘The Bajan Farmer’ Jones. Restaurant Pearl Morissette received the Art of Hospitality Award, while Wildweed in Cincinnati won the One To Watch Award, rounding out the series of awards announced ahead of this year’s ceremony.
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