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 — popular spots like Galit, HaiSous, Maxwells Trading, Oriole, and Kumiko are nominated for top awards.
Check out the full list of Chicago James Beard Award nominees and semi-finalists below. The winners will be announced at the 35th annual James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 16, 2025 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
James Beard Award 2025 Chicago nominees
Outstanding Restaurant
Outstanding Bar
Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH)
- Thai Dang, HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
- Chris Jung and Erling Wu-Bower, Maxwells Trading
- Noah Sandoval, Oriole
James Beard Award 2025 Chicago semi-finalists
The following Chicago restaurants were named as semi-finalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards:
Outstanding Chef
- Lee Wolen, Boka
Emerging Chef
- Jacob Potashnick, Feld
Best New Restaurant
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
- Leigh Omilinsky, Daisies
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
Best New Bar
Outstanding Restaurateur
Mark Domitrovich, Brian Jupiter, and Aaron Torricelli, Pioneer Tavern Group (Frontier, Ina Mae Tavern, Lotties Pub, and others)
Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service
- Thomas Kakalios, Asador Bastian
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
- Christopher Marty, Best Intentions
Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH)
- Marcos Ascencio, Mariscos San Pedro
- Diana Davila, Mi Tocaya Antojería
- Bo Fowler, Bixi Beer
- Joe Frillman, Daisies
- Lamar Moore, ETC.
- Sujan Sarkar, Indienne
- Zeeshan Shah and Yoshi Yamada, Superkhana International
Check out all the past Chicago James Beard Award winners and catch the 2025 ceremony on June 16, 2025!
