The annual James Beard Awards recognize the best and the brightest of the nation’s dining scene. These prestigious accolades honor not only chefs and restaurants that demonstrate excellence in quality, but those who contribute positively to their communities.
As the official home of the James Beard Awards, Chicago also has a fair share of award contenders this year. Check out the full list of Chicago nominees and semi-finalists below. The winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 10 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
James Beard Award 2024 Chicago nominees
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
- Anna Posey, Elske: Danish cuisine is the inspiration at Elske, where Anna Posey showcases contemporary and classic techniques in her stunning desserts.
Outstanding Hospitality
- Lula Cafe: A Logan Square staple since 1999, Lula still brings crowds out in droves for its funky, market-driven cuisine and welcoming atmosphere.
Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH)
- Sujan Sarkar, Indienne: This progressive fine-dining restaurant puts a spotlight on Indian culinary traditions, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
- Jenner Tomaska, Esmé: Art and food collide at Esmé, where you’ll find tasting menu collaborations with a diverse array of artists.
James Beard Award 2024 Chicago semi-finalists
Outstanding Chef
- John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, Smyth: This refined-tasting menu restaurant in the West Loop serves an ever-rotating array of creative dishes, all rooted in farm-fresh ingredients.
Outstanding Restaurant
- The Duck Inn: In Bridgeport, this neighborhood favorite serves its signature rotisserie duck and other hearty dishes in a cozy pre-Prohibition-era space.
Emerging Chef
- Zubair Mohajir, The Coach House by Wazwan: South Indian flavors shine through in untraditional ways at this seasonally inspired tasting menu spot in Wicker Park.
Best New Restaurant
- Atelier: New American cuisine is infused with unexpected global flavors at Atelier, where the menu and hospitality are inspired by the chef’s Southern heritage.
Outstanding Restaurateur
- Marcos Carbajal, Carnitas Uruapan: Marcos Carbajal is the latest generation to run Carnitas Uruapan, an iconic spot that has fans lining up for their authentic Mexican recipes.
- Nicolas Poilevey and Oliver Poilevey, Obelix, Le Bouchon, and Taqueria Chingón: These brothers are at the helm of some of the city’s buzziest and most beloved restaurants, with a focus on French cuisine.
Outstanding Bakery
- Loba Pastry+Coffee: This small-batch bakery in Roscoe Village boasts a beautiful space, coffee, and delicious treats inspired by the owner’s Mexican heritage.
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
- Middle Brow: The cool kid on the block in an already cool neighborhood, Middle Brow is the city’s first natural winery. Don’t miss the food menu for incredible pizzas.
Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH)
- Diana Dávila Boldin, Mi Tocaya Antojería: This lauded Logan Square restaurant pays homage to the chef’s Mexican roots, including lesser-known regional specialties.
- Joe Fontelera, Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant: This casual counter-service spot dishes up some of the city’s best Filipino fare and a homey vibe.
- Joe Frillman, Daisies: What if Italy was in the Midwest? The Daisies menu answers that question with an array of much-acclaimed pastas.
- James Martin, Bocadillo Market: A unique combination of Spanish and Southern cuisine, this Lincoln Park restaurant offers truly unforgettable flavor combinations.
- Sujan Sarkar, Indienne: This progressive fine-dining restaurant puts a spotlight on Indian culinary traditions, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
- Jenner Tomaska, Esmé: Art and food collide at Esmé, where you’ll find tasting menu collaborations with a diverse array of artists.
- Donald Young, Duck Sel: This innovative pop-up experience offers contemporary multi-course tasting menus in a variety of locations via ticketed events.
