Smyth Chicago — 3-MICHELIN-Star Tasting Menu in West Loop
At a glance
Name: Smyth Chicago
Address: 177 N Ada St., Chicago, IL 60607, USA (guide.michelin.com)
Phone: (773) 913-3773 (smythandtheloyalist.com)
Neighborhood: West Loop (Fulton Market district)
Cuisine: Contemporary American, seasonal tasting-menu
Star Rating: Three Michelin stars — “Exceptional cuisine”
Price Range: Approximately US $420+ per person for the tasting menu (exclusive of beverage) (exploretock.com)
Reservations: Required; advance booking through the official website or reservation platform
Hours: Dinner service Tuesday through Saturday, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM (Sunday & Monday closed) (guide.michelin.com)
Website: smythandtheloyalist.com
Notable Awards: Awarded its third Michelin star in 2023 (announced Nov 2023) (axios.com), Included in The World’s 50 Best (North America list) (theworlds50best.com)
Quick overview
Located in the heart of Chicago’s West Loop, Smyth Chicago offers one of the city’s most refined and ambitious dining experiences. Under the leadership of chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, the restaurant presents a daily-changing seasonal tasting menu that celebrates exceptional ingredients, meticulous technique, and creative presentation. With its three-star rating from the Michelin Guide—one of only two in Chicago—and a reputation that spans the globe, Smyth is best reserved well in advance and approached as a special-occasion journey, not a casual night out.
Tasting menu & signature dishes
Smyth Chicago is renowned for its in-depth tasting menu which evolves constantly to reflect seasonal produce, local purveyors, and the creative voice of its chefs. According to the Michelin Guide listing, examples of dishes have included a kelp tart filled with English pea butter and trout roe, or a doughnut filled with foie gras and egg-yolk fudge paired with Dungeness crab. The tasting menu typically spans 14–17 courses, featuring surprise interludes, dessert bites, and precise pacing. Vegetarian and dietary-friendly options are available with notice, reflecting Smyth’s flexible, seasonal approach. Guests can choose expertly curated wine or non-alcoholic pairings, with the restaurant’s wine program earning a prestigious White Star recognition.
The chefs & philosophy
John and Karen Urie Shields bring a deeply personal and regional sensibility to Smyth. Previously working together in top kitchens, they anchor the restaurant’s philosophy on seasonal Midwestern farming, foraging, and a sense of place. Smyth Chicago completed the rare journey from one → two → three Michelin stars by building consistency, refinement, and evolution over years rather than major reinvention. Their kitchen is characterized by an open layout and intimate focus (only 13-table capacity reported when the third star was awarded) which allows service and cuisine to operate in concert as a unified journey.
Awards, recognitions & press highlights
The Michelin Guide lists Smyth as Three Stars: “Exceptional cuisine” (2024 edition) at its West Loop address. SmythSmyth Chicago joined the elite ranks of U.S. three-star restaurants in late 2023, making it one of only two in Chicago (alongside Alinea) to hold that distinction. It was included in The World’s 50 Best (North America list) in 2025 and has been featured in multiple travel and food-press outlets as “Chicago’s benchmark fine-dining experience,” praised for both innovation and approachability within the fine-dining category.
Practical info for visitors
Reservations & Booking: With limited tables and high demand, reserve well in advance. A deposit (about US$100 per person) is required, and cancellations are strictly managed.
Dress Code: Smart-elegant attire suits the refined yet relaxed atmosphere.
Parking & Transit: Located in West Loop’s Fulton Market, Smyth offers valet service and is a short walk from the Ashland or Morgan CTA stations.
Dietary Restrictions: The kitchen accommodates vegetarian or allergen needs with advance notice.
Cost Estimate: The tasting menu begins around US$420 per person, excluding drinks, tax, and gratuity.
Service Experience: Expect a multi-hour journey with precise pacing, creative plating, and attentive service—every dish crafted to be memorable.
What reviewers say & what to expect
Guests and critics praise Smyth for blending comfort, creativity, and regional sourcing into an unforgettable dining experience. Its open kitchen, attentive service, and evolving menu make each visit feel personal and refined. One reviewer called it “the best Michelin-starred fine dining in the city,” noting every dish feels special. While menus are intricate and bookings competitive, Smyth’s value lies in the artistry and journey rather than quantity—a restaurant that has elevated itself through quiet, consistent excellence.
Location & neighborhood highlights
Being in the West Loop / Fulton Market district means you’re in one of Chicago’s most dynamic culinary zones. After finishing dinner at Smyth, consider walking to nearby bars for a digestif or nightcap in the lively Fulton Market area, exploring other local fine-dining spots or dessert bars, or staying at boutique hotels in the same neighborhood for convenience. For visitors travelling internationally, the neighborhood is accessible from Chicago O’Hare or Midway airports via taxi or CTA + rideshare, making it a top destination for a special-occasion meal.
FAQs
Q: How far in advance should I book?
As soon as you decide on visit dates. With only a limited number of tables, reservations can fill months ahead.
Q: Is vegetarian or vegan service available?
Yes — the kitchen requests advance notification to accommodate dietary needs with a dedicated tasting menu.
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
Typically, a deposit is required and cancellation within a certain window (often 72 hours) may incur full charge. Always check the official booking terms.
Q: Can I pay with a credit card?
Yes — the restaurant accepts major credit cards.
Q: Is there dress code?
Smart-elegant attire is recommended. While formal wear isn’t strictly required, it suits the ambiance and expectations of a three-star fine-dining setting.
Why Smyth stands out
Prestige: Three Michelin stars place Smyth at the very highest echelon of global fine dining. Seasonal sourcing & Midwestern voice: While many ultra-fine dining restaurants lean heavily on imported luxury ingredients, Smyth embeds a sense of region — local farms, seasonal produce, and sustainable sourcing. Refined consistency: Rather than flashy renovation, Smyth Chicago has deepened its service, cuisine, and hospitality over years — a strategic journey recognized by Michelin. Accessible luxury: Within Chicago’s fine-dining landscape, Smyth offers warmth, creativity, and personality rather than formality.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a visit or guiding someone on a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Smyth Chicago offers one of the most compelling tastings in the United States. By including the detailed facts, chef context, practical tips, and internal-linking structure outlined above, your page will not only be better positioned for Google visibility but also more likely to be featured in AI-generated overview cards such as “People also ask” or “Restaurant details” panels.
