West Loop Is Home to the Best Restaurant in North America — And It's Right in Your Backyard

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/West Loop · May 31, 2026

West Loop neighbors, your neighborhood just claimed one of the most prestigious titles in the culinary world. Smyth, the three-Michelin-starred gem tucked away at 177 N. Ada St., has officially been crowned the No. 1 restaurant in North America on the "North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2026" list — the same organization behind the legendary "World's 50 Best Restaurants" rankings. The winners were announced Thursday evening during a star-studded awards ceremony held in New Orleans, and Smyth didn't stop at the top spot — the restaurant also took home the title of Best Restaurant in the Midwest USA 2026, a true double crown.

Known for its breathtaking tasting menu and celebrated natural wine program, Smyth has long been a crown jewel of Chicago's dining scene. According to 50 Best, the restaurant works closely with farms across the U.S. to ensure the finest ingredients make it to every diner's plate — a philosophy that clearly resonates with the world's most discerning food critics and industry insiders. For West Loopers, this isn't just a restaurant win — it's a neighborhood win, a reminder that one of the world's greatest dining experiences is right around the corner.

Whether you've already scored a coveted reservation or have Smyth on your bucket list, this is the perfect moment to celebrate the world-class culinary talent calling West Loop home. Have you dined at Smyth? Share your experience and tag your neighbors right here on Socialhood!

Sources:
1. https://wgntv.com/news/chicagocrime/smyth-named-best-restaurant-in-north-america-for-2026/