The highest-rated restaurant in Chicago — three Michelin stars for a hyper-seasonal tasting menu built around Midwestern ingredients. The most technically precise kitchen in the city.
Why It Belongs on the List
The highest-rated restaurant in Chicago by multiple 2025 evaluations — Smyth in the West Loop, where husband-and-wife Chefs John and Karen Shields run a farm-connected tasting menu with produce from their own 20-acre farm south of the city. La Liste ranked it the best restaurant in Chicago in 2025 with a 95.5 score. The $420 tasting menu changes daily. The Loyalist downstairs is the sister casual restaurant with what many consider the best burger in Chicago. Book 6–8 weeks ahead.
What Stands Out
- 3 Michelin stars — the only 3-star restaurant in Chicago and one of 14 nationwide
- #1 Chicago restaurant on La Liste 2025 (score 95.5) — above Alinea
- Own 20-acre farm: menu changes daily based on what's ready
- The Loyalist downstairs: same building, no reservation needed, best burger in Chicago
- $420 tasting menu: 2.5 hours, extraordinary wine pairing available
- Book 6–8 weeks ahead; slightly easier than Alinea