Introduction to North America’s 50 Best Restaurants
Two Chicago restaurants have been named among the 50 best in North America. West Loop’s Smyth came in at No. 4 on the inaugural list, which was announced Thursday in a Las Vegas ceremony. The three-Michelin-starred restaurant from the husband-wife duo John Shields and Karen Urie Shields was also crowned The Best Restaurant in the Midwest. Smyth is one of two Chicago restaurants to boast three Michelin stars, along with Grant Achatz’s Alinea.
Chicago Restaurants on the List
Plus, Kasama, Genie Kwon and Timothy Flores’ Filipino eatery, was ranked at No. 31. Since opening in 2020, the Ukrainian Village spot has become the first Filipino restaurant to receive a Michelin star, earned a James Beard Award and been featured in FX’s “The Bear.”
Genie Kwon and Timothy Flores at the 2023 James Beard Awards. Their Filipino eatery, Kasama, was ranked No. 31 on the inaugural North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
The North America 50 Best Restaurants List
The North America roundup is the latest from the “50 Best” brand, backed by the British media company William Reed. The brand began ranking the 50 best restaurants globally in 2002 and has slowly expanded to additional, region-specific lists. The list recognizes the best in dining across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, while Mexican eateries are included on the Latin America ranking.
Statement from the Head of North America Rankings
William Drew, head of the North America rankings, said in a statement that the list celebrates “the extraordinary diversity, creativity and excellence that define the region’s dining scene.”
“From pioneering fine-dining institutions to bold new voices, this list reflects the rich culinary landscape of the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean,” Drew said. “We’re proud to honor these exceptional restaurants and the individuals who bring them to life.”
The inaugural list of North America’s 50 Best Restaurants was announced Thursday in a Las Vegas ceremony.
Courtesy of Michael Kirschbaum
The Top Spot on the List
The list’s top spot went to New York’s Atomix. The Korean restaurant from chef Junghyun Park also took home some hardware at June’s James Beard Awards ceremony in Chicago, where the restaurant won for “Outstanding Hospitality.” Atomix is also ranked No. 12 on the list of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. No Chicago restaurants are on that global ranking.
Conclusion
The North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list is a recognition of the best in dining across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. With two Chicago restaurants, Smyth and Kasama, making it to the list, the city’s culinary scene is definitely making waves. The list is decided on by a group of 300 anonymous chefs, restaurateurs, journalists, educators, and experienced diners, making it a credible and trustworthy ranking.
FAQs
Q: Which two Chicago restaurants made it to the North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list?
A: Smyth and Kasama.
Q: What ranking did Smyth receive on the list?
A: No. 4.
Q: What ranking did Kasama receive on the list?
A: No. 31.
Q: Who is the head of the North America rankings?
A: William Drew.
Q: What is the name of the Korean restaurant that took the top spot on the list?
A: Atomix.
