Three-Michelin-Starred Smyth and Kasama Lead Chicago's Top Restaurant Rankings

The Upper West Side of New York City is gaining recognition for its dining scene, with The Infatuation naming 23 top restaurants across different neighborhoods, highlighting the area's growing culinary appeal. Meanwhile, Chicago continues to assert itself as a major food city, with two local restaurants, Smyth and Kasama, earning spots on the prestigious 2025 list of North America's 50 Best Restaurants, underscoring the city's vibrant and diverse food culture. Smyth, renowned for its farm-to-table approach using produce from a dedicated nearby farm, holds three Michelin stars, while Kasama, a Filipino-American bakery and restaurant, made history as the first Filipino-American eatery to earn a Michelin star. The city's culinary excellence is complemented by a wide range of dining experiences, from Sushi San's quality Japanese offerings to Omakase by Kanemaru's intimate omakase menu. These developments reflect the broader trend of food tourism and dining as a key cultural experience, encouraging travelers to seek out Michelin-starred and highly acclaimed restaurants as part of their adventures. Additionally, restaurant aesthetics play a significant role in dining experiences across the U.S., with many establishments recognized for their beautiful and unique settings, enhancing the overall appeal for diners.