The restaurant world’s biggest names gathered at the Wynn in Las Vegas last night to celebrate the release of the inaugural North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The ranking spotlights North American restaurants at the top of their game right now, judged by a group of more than 300 independent leaders from across the region, who are each selected for their expert opinion of each region’s culinary scene.
Fine dining restaurant Smyth, helmed by chef John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, was named the fourth best restaurant in North America, making it the best restaurant in the Midwest and second best in the U.S. Preceded by the top-ranking spot Atomix in New York and two Canadian restaurants, Smyth was honored for its “inventive dining with a progressive, farm-to-table approach.” It’s been a busy time for John and Karen: Smyth also reclaimed its third Michelin star last year and remains one of just 16 restaurants in the U.S. with the same status, and its downstairs sister spot, The Loyalist, was recently honored for serving one of the best burgers in the world.
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But the praise for Chicago doesn’t stop there—Kasama was ranked the 31st best restaurant in North America. Husband-and-wife team Time Flores and Geniw Kwon’s Michelin-starred Filipino-American bakery and fine-dining spot in the East Ukrainian Village was lauded for its fare that “explores what it means to be Filipino in America today.” The Oriole and Eleven Madison Park alums are not new to the spotlight, though: They were awarded their first Michelin star last year, just four years since opening, and even made an appearance on The Bear.
Check out the full list of the 50 Best Restaurants in North America 2025.