Exploring the Best of Chicago's James Beard Award-winning Restaurants

What Are James Beard Awards and Their Significance?

The James Beard Awards are coming to Chicago this June. Considered the Oscars of culinary world, they celebrate what’s best about America’s restaurants, chefs, and media.

Top James Beard Award-Winning Restaurants in Chicago

The top 2026 James Beard Award finalists from Chicago, announced in March 2026, include Bailey Sullivan of Monteverde (Emerging Chef), Norman Fenton of Cariño (Best Chef: Great Lakes), and Jacob Potashnick of Feld (Best Chef: Great Lakes). These chefs were recognized for excellence, with final winners announced June 15 at the historic Lyric Opera House.

The 2026 James Beard Award Finalists & Semifinalists (Chicago)

Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio (West Loop): Bailey Sullivan was nominated for Emerging Chef.
Cariño (Uptown/Lakeview area): Norman Fenton was nominated for Best Chef: Great Lakes.
Feld (Ukrainian Village): Jacob Potashnick was nominated for Best Chef: Great Lakes.
Kasama (Ukrainian Village): Recognized in the Outstanding Restaurant category.
EL Ideas (Near West Side): Recognized in the Outstanding Restaurant category.
Mi Tocaya Antojeria (Logan Square): Diana Dávila was named in the Outstanding Chef category.
Galit (Lincoln Park): Zachary Engel was named in the Outstanding Chef category.
HaiSous (Pilsen): Thai Dang was a semifinalist for Best Chef: Great Lakes.
Maxwells Trading (West Town): Christopher Jung and Erling Wu-Bower were semifinalists for Best Chef: Great Lakes. [1, 2]

Must-Try Dishes at Chicago’s James Beard Restaurants

Mirra (River North): Chaas Aguachile, Crispy Tacos, Tacos Arabe, and the Barbacoa Biryani.

Maxwells Trading (West Town): Known for Asian-influenced, high-praise dishes.

Cariño (Evanston): Latin-inspired tasting menu and special taco omakase.

Feld (Lincoln Park): Farm-focused, sustainable tasting menu concept.

HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen (Pilsen): Popular for their authentic, bold Vietnamese flavors.

Loaf Lounge (Avondale): Check out their exceptional baked goods.

Upcoming Food Events and Festivals in Chicago

Chicago’s 2026 food scene features diverse, high-energy festivals, headlined by the iconic Taste of Chicago in Grant Park (July 8-10) and the Roscoe Village Burger Fest (July 17-19). Other highlights include specialized, niche food events like the Michelada Fest (June 26-28), Taco & Tequila Fest (June 26), and the Oxtail Off (May 31).

Others to mark on your calendar:

Argyle Night Market (July 9–Aug 27): Weekly Thursday night market showcasing local Asian cuisine.

Chicago Italian Beef Fest (July 31): Celebrating the iconic Chicago sandwich at Jefferson Memorial Park.

Hamburger Hop at Chicago Gourmet (Sept-Nov): Culinary event focusing on gourmet burgers.

Food Truck Thursdays (June 11–Sept 3): Weekly in Highland Park’s Jens Jensen Park.