Smyth, Chicago’s three-MICHELIN-starred fine-dining beacon and 50 Best’s No. 1 Restaurant in North America, has appointed MICHELIN-starred Chef Conor Dalton as Head Chef following a rigorous global search for the world’s rising culinary talent.
Building upon a landmark decade of culinary excellence, Smyth is breaking ground on an ambitious new era. Head Chef Conor Dalton will work alongside Executive Chef John Shields and Executive Pastry Chef Karen Urie Shields to uphold Smyth’s rigorous standards while continuously pushing the boundaries of modern gastronomy. Conor Dalton’s appointment marks a bold new epoch for the restaurant, building upon Smyth’s storied legacy as the team charts its next chapter.
With over twenty years of experience across internationally renowned fine-dining restaurants, Conor Dalton is well-equipped for this latest venture. Serving as the Head Chef for Skof, Tom Barnes’ Manchester restaurant which achieved a MICHELIN star within only eight months of opening, he has been recognized as an exceptional culinary talent across the United Kingdom and beyond. He has earned a host of accolades, including placement on the National Restaurant Awards 2025’s Chef to Watch Shortlist, an honor bestowed upon only the best of the best in the culinary industry. Before Skof, Conor Dalton honed his craft in the kitchens of Simon Rogan’s three-MICHELIN-starred L’Enclume and The Five Fields in London, refining his fine-dining techniques and leadership expertise. Now, he eyes his next frontier, signing on as the Head Chef of Smyth, closing out a landmark year for the restaurant and breaking ground on its new stage as a gastronomical trailblazer.
“Joining this team is a tremendous honor and profound responsibility,” says Head Chef Conor Dalton. “Chefs John and Karen have built one of the world’s most extraordinary dining destinations. I look forward to working alongside them, bringing my own perspective to the kitchen, and contributing to the restaurant’s next chapter of innovation. I’ve always admired the warmth of American hospitality, and to be a part of a restaurant which prioritizes this artistry is a lifelong dream.”
Conor Dalton’s appointment comes after an international search by Smyth, seeking out visionary chefs from across the globe to anchor the celebrated restaurant’s high-caliber kitchen. The team was drawn to his discipline, commitment to peak-season produce and collaborative leadership style. John Shields and Conor Dalton initially connected over a conversation surrounding influences, ambitions and an adoration for an intangible, yet all-consuming, sense of hospitality. As part of the selection process for the position, the two chefs met in person, and worked together to pilot this new vision for Smyth’s next chapter. After two days of seamless hands-on collaboration in the kitchen, Conor Dalton emerged as the ideal candidate.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Conor to our team,” says Executive Chef John Shields. “It is rare to find someone with the raw talent to achieve the excellence we strive for at Smyth. This appointment marks the start of an exciting era as we constantly seek to refine and perfect our craft”.
This appointment marks an already historic year for Smyth, earning the title of No. 1 Best Restaurant in North America by 50 Best in May and celebrating its 10 year anniversary earlier this summer. In addition to this year’s achievements, the concept has also earned and retained a third MICHELIN-star in 2023, 2024, and 2025 – the guidebook’s highest and most coveted recognition.
Reserve Smyth’s experience at www.smythchicago.com. Smyth is located at 177 North Ada Street in Chicago. For more information on the restaurant, diners can follow its social media at @smythchicago on Facebook and Instagram.
