We consider Chicago a great foodie town, home to top-notch restaurants of all kinds. Renowned chefs constantly move here to open up new spots that the nation's culinary crowd usually takes notice of.
Even TV gurus have noticed: The Bear, one of the most popular and critically acclaimed TV shows of the past few years, focuses entirely on a fictional award-winning chef who returns to his Chicago hometown and revolutionizes the local gastronomic scene.
Alas, despite all of our achievements, Chicago has failed to appear in the top 50 portion of The World's 50 Best Restaurants list, a ranking that was finally made public today. We are, as you might have surmised, supremely disappointed about it all.
Only one restaurant in America, Atomix in New York, actually made the final list, which got us thinking about the United States' current state of affairs when it comes to eateries. Is it, perhaps, time to revamp our offerings?
While musing on ways to catch the world's attention, we'll be seeking solace in the fact that our own Michelin-starred standout Smyth made it to the second tier of restaurants recognized by The World's 50 Best Restaurants. Smyth came in at No. 90 on the 51-100 list that was released last month.
Local chefs and restaurants will have another opportunity to take home some accolades next week when the 2024 James Beard Award winners are announced during a live ceremony at the Civic Opera House. Chicago is represented by four finalists.
Below, check out The World's 50 Best Restaurants ranking, which you can scroll through in more detail right here: