James Beard Awards: Chicago Nominees Across the City https://share.google/d1HBijkV0cBRNFXnj
Category: Chicago restaurants
Chicago’s 2026 James Beard Award Semifinalists | WTTW Chicago
Chicago’s 2026 James Beard Award Semifinalists | WTTW Chicago https://share.google/rdKy4x89QO1Hds6HF
ANNOUNCING CHICAGO RESTAURANT WEEK’S PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS 2026
Record-setting participation in Chicago’s most anticipated annual dining out experience
Choose Chicago, the city’s official destination marketing organization, announces the return of Chicago Restaurant Week (CRW), with a record-setting number of participating restaurants. Produced annually by Choose Chicago, the beloved event celebrates its 19th year Friday, January 23 through Sunday, February 8, 2026. Food lovers can reserve tables and view menus online beginning today for multi-course meals at more than 500 Chicagoland eateries at chicagorestaurantweek.com.
Chicago Restaurant Week offers visitors and local foodies an exciting opportunity to experience some of the area’s most sought-after restaurants. For 17 consecutive, dining-packed days, participating restaurants will showcase specially curated prix fixe menus with prices set at $30 for brunch or lunch, and $45 and/or $60 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity). Lending an ideal reason to explore Chicago’s nationally lauded culinary scene, diners can experience new, show-stopping restaurants and familiar favorites alike daily.
“Choose Chicago’s Chicago Restaurant Week is one of the most anticipated events of the year for our restaurant community, our visitors and our residents,” said Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago. “It’s more than a week of fantastic discounts at top culinary establishments; it’s our moment to celebrate the restaurants and chefs who power this industry every day. From beloved neighborhood spots to world-renowned dining destinations, this event offers exciting, accessible ways for everyone to experience the flavors that make Chicago the place to be this winter — and one of the great food cities of the world. Bon appétit!”
An all-time record, more than 500 participating restaurants represent 33 distinct Chicago neighborhoods and 61 suburban eateries. Of the participants, 160 are women and/or minority owned enterprises, and 76 restaurants make their Restaurant Week debut.
Participants include a range of new and established locales such as Lula Cafe (Logan Square), Il Carciofo (West Loop), Café Yaya (Lincoln Park), Topolobampo (River North), Señoritas Cantina on Dearborn (The Loop), Truth Be Told (Hyde Park) and Lior’s Café (Washington Heights). They join a list of repeat loyalists such as Gene & Georgetti (River North), Geja’s Café (Lincoln Park), Frontier (West Town), Big Jones (Andersonville), Dove’s Luncheonette (Bucktown/Wicker Park) and more. A complete list of participating restaurants and their curated menu offerings can be found here.
Reservations are nowopen at chicagorestaurantweek.com.
“Chicago Restaurant Week champions the passion and vitality of our neighborhood restaurants,” said Sam Toia, President and CEO, Illinois Restaurant Association. “Celebrations like this provide diners with the perfect opportunity to explore every corner of our city. This initiative also helps restaurants to grow their business during the first quarter of the year when they need it the most.”
Chicago Restaurant Week kicks off in grand style on Thursday, January 22 at First Bites Bash. The event, which sold out within 24 hours of the ticket launch, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at Chicago’s Field Museum. Award winning Chicago chef Jonathon Sawyer of Kindling serves as the Host Chef for the star-studded party, where guests will experience exclusive tasting portions from more than 70 restaurants, as well as enjoy wine, beer, spirits, entertainment and more. Choose Chicago will make a financial contribution to its event beneficiaries, the James Beard Foundation and No Kid Hungry.
This year, Chicago Restaurant Week enjoys overlap with the equally popular Chicago Theatre Week, taking place February 5-15, 2026. As these two iconic cultural celebrations coincide, there is no better opportunity to experience Chicago like a local this winter. Through the exploration of food and theatre in every pocket of the city, locals and visitors have even more reason to book that hotel stay or staycation – while adding shopping, sporting events and sightseeing.
Chicago Restaurant Week is generously sponsored by Today’s Variety, 101.9 THE MIX, 97.1 The Drive – Chicago’s Classic Rock, Throwback 100.3 – All The Hits Of The 90s & 2000s, the James Beard Foundation, OpenTable and Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits.
For reservations, visit chicagorestaurantweek.com.
Foodies are encouraged to follow @ChooseChicago on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Get social using #FirstBitesBash and #ChicagoRestaurantWeek.
About Choose Chicago
Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city, its residents and our partner business community. Follow @choosechicago on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and X/Twitter and tag #FirstBitesBash and #ChicagoRestaurantWeek. For more information, visit choosechicago.com.
Photos courtesy of Choose Chicago.
Chicago Holiday Hotel Dinners & Special Events
Chicago, with its numerous holiday happenings and millions of holiday lights, is a magical destination. Wondering where to stay and what to do? Here are some ideas for you.
Gather at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago this Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 27, 12:00PM – 6:00PM) for Adorn Bar & Restaurant’s heartwarming Thanksgiving Grand Feast Experience. Celebrate the season in style with an abundant spread of gourmet stations, decadent dishes, and irresistible sweets. Whether you’re making new memories or honoring cherished traditions, Adorn invites you to savor every bite—and every moment—with warmth, joy, and festive flavor.
Savor the season with a playful twist on a timeless tradition. Delight in an elegant afternoon of festive indulgence at the Teddy Bear Tea, featuring artfully crafted tea sandwiches, exquisite desserts, and a thoughtfully curated selection of fine teas. Toast the occasion at our sparkling mimosa station, while little ones are enchanted by whimsical holiday entertainment and receive a charming teddy bear keepsake to treasure.
- Saturdays and Sundays, November 29 & 30, December 7, 13*, 20, 27 & 28
- 1st Seating: 10:00 AM; 2nd Seating: 1:00 PM; *10 AM Seating Only
- $185 per adult / $65 per child (6-12 years old)
- Children 5 and under are complimentary
Treat your loved ones to an unforgettable Christmas Day Feast at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago (Thursday, December 25,12:00PM – 6:00PM) . Delight in festive fare from chef-attended action stations and an elaborate chocolate buffet, while little ones enjoy holiday-themed activities designed just for them. A live band sets the scene with cheerful sounds of the season, and our decadent hot chocolate station—complete with a “Spike Your Cocoa” option—adds a playful, grown-up twist. A memorable experience for guests of all ages, wrapped in the magic of the holidays.
- $285 per adult / $95 per child (6-12 years old), Adult pricing includes one glass of champagne (Pricing is exclusive of Tax & Gratuity)
Ring in the New Year with an opulent New Year’s Eve Dinner at Adorn (Wednesday, December 31, seatings at 7:00PM and 9:00PM). Indulge in a luxurious five-course journey. Savor every moment with decadent canapés, artfully prepared appetizers, and a choice of exquisite entrée, culminating in a show-stopping dessert.
- $225 Per Person exclusive of tax and gratuity
the Albert, the Italian-American restaurant located at the luxury boutique Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection, welcomes the festive season with an exciting lineup of dining experiences. Under the direction of acclaimed Chef Steve Chiappetti, the Albert’s menus and events honor his Calabrian heritage while embracing Chicago’s culinary vibrancy. Guests can look forward to special offerings, holiday feasts, a charitable book drive, an early New Year’s Eve party, and interactive wine and cocktail classes — all designed to joyfully gather loved ones around the table.
- Thanksgiving Chef Hotline – Wednesday, November 26, 2025 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Turkey emergency? Stuffing disaster? Chef Chiappetti is back in 2025 and just a phone call away with The Albert’s Thanksgiving Chef Hotline. From troubleshooting to expert tips, Chicagoans can count on his culinary guidance to present their holiday meals without breaking a sweat! Call 1-833-THX-CHEF (1-833-849-2433).
- Holiday Book Drive: Share a Story, Light the Season – November 19-December 31, 2025
Hotel EMC2 invites guests to celebrate the spirit of giving through Share a Story, Light the Season in partnership with Books4Cause, a Chicago-based social venture dedicated to expanding access to books and education worldwide. From November 18 through December 31, guests who bring a gently used book to donate at the Albert, will receive a complimentary glass of wine in return. Guests are invited to place their books beneath the hotel’s striking holiday tree while enjoying canapés, cocktails, and the warmth of the season. Each book donated supports Books4Cause’s mission to recirculate books into the hands of new readers, helping to build libraries and empower communities both locally and abroad. At Hotel EMC2, where art and science live in harmony, the initiative is a reflection of the property’s belief that curiosity, creativity, and compassion are all part of a story worth sharing. 21+. Limit one per guest, per visit. Available during service hours only.
- Thanksgiving All-Day Buffet – Thursday, November 27, 2025 | 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
$65 per person (excludes beverages, tax, and gratuity)
Give thanks with Chef Chiappetti’s festive buffet featuring roasted turkey with cranberry stuffing, honey glazed ham, cheese tortellini, Sicilian mushrooms, shaved salumi and Italian cheeses, roasted vegetables, Italian frittata, and tables laden with housemade pies and other sweet treats.
- Christmas Eve Dinner
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 – 5 p.m. to close
$60 per person, including a glass of rosé prosecco (excludes additional beverages, tax, and gratuity)
Let the night before Christmas be a decadent culinary occasion with a pre-fix menu featuring:
- Choice of Crostini: Prosciutto, ricotta, and honey, or Confit chicken, pesto, and ricotta, or Sicilian mushroom, ricotta, and chili
- Main Course: Lobster ravioli, roasted red pepper sauce, or Beef Wellington, or Dover Sole, shrimp soufflé
- Dessert: Nonna’s Tiramisu
- Christmas Day Buffet
Thursday, December 25, 2025 – 11:30 a.m.
$70 per person with a glass of Champagne (excludes other beverages, tax and gratuity)
Wake up and feast on a bountiful buffet and special menu selections featuring both Italian and classic American dishes. Guests can tour the antipasti buffet, choose their entree and then cap off the celebration with sweets upon sweets at the 20-foot dessert table.
- Antipasti Buffet: Roasted mint carrots, Sicilian mushrooms, asparagus with aged balsamic, Italian olives, Shaved salumi, Italian cheeses, fig jam, crackers, nuts, Frittata, spiral ham, cheese tortellini with fresh basil tomato sauce and more.
- Entree Selections: Eggs Benedict, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Roasted Turkey, Herb Crusted Prime Ribeye, Gnocchi, Seared Pacific Coast Salmon, Grilled Lamb Chops
- The 20-Foot Dessert Buffet: Assorted Cakes, Pies, Cannoli, Dark Chocolate Brownies, Butter Cookies, and more
- Rockin’ Italian Style New Year’s Celebration
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 4 to 7 p.m.
$55 per person (excludes tax and gratuity)
For those who wish to celebrate early and watch the ball drop at home, all are invited to enjoy live music as the clock strikes midnight in Italy. They will have the chance to honor the grape-eating tradition that accompanies the holiday in Italy, all while delighting in a beverage bar featuring rosé prosecco and espresso martinis and a Sicilian pizza bar including favorites like potato, rosemary, goat cheese, duck prosciutto, pinenuts, mushroom, provolone, soprasata, sweet peppers, pesto, four cheese, and white truffle cream. A homemade pasta bar will dole out the traditional Casarece pasta with shrimp, spinach and lobster cream sauce. Unlimited servings of Nonna’s Tiramisu will start the New Year on a high note!
- New Year’s Eve Dinner
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 5 p.m. to close
$90 per person
End the year with an extraordinary prix fixe tasting menu featuring:
- 1st Course: Smoked Duck Consommé and black truffle puff crust, or Hamachi crudo, black garlic, and tomato jus
- 2nd Course: Choice Of Risotto with shrimp, saffron broth and peas, or Garginelle with lamb sausage and fennel dust
- 3rd Course: Choice Of Roasted rack of lamb stuffed with pesto, or Snapper, fresh crab crust, and prosecco sauce
- 4th Course: Chocolate Decadence
Staypineapple The Loop is offering the following meal packages:
- Holiday Tea at Atwood – Available November 1, 2025 through January 10, 2026, Atwood will offer a festive Holiday Tea menu with a selection of aromatic teas, savory sandwiches and decadent sweets, available daily from 11 AM-5 PM by reservation, $55 per person. (Menu and photos)
- Atwood’s Theatre Prix Fixe – To celebrate the fall and winter theatre season, starting October 1, 2026, Atwood, located in the heart of the theatre district, is offering a prix fixe menu, perfect for pre- or post-show dining. The three courses feature seasonal flavors in main dishes such as Pumpkin Risotto, Pork Shoulder Ragout and Pan-Roasted Chicken. Available daily 11 AM-9 PM, no reservation required, $52 per person.(Menu and photos)
The Pendry Chicago’s special holiday events include:
- Holiday Lights & Festive Kick-Off: Festival of Lights Champagne & Hot Chocolate Toast (Nov. 22 | 4 – 5:30 pm | Lobby) – Celebration of Chicago’s official holiday season kick-off with champagne and hot chocolate before the lighting ceremony.
- Letters to Santa (Nov. 22 – Dec. 25 | 10 am – 7 pm) in Lobby – Kids can visit the Concierge to write their letter to Santa and send it to the North Pole.
- Myles Hayes Holiday Music (Nov. 22 – Dec. 31 | Saturdays, 4 – 6 pm) at Bar Pendry – Live holiday-inspired performances by Chicago Jazz artist Myles Hayes.
- Festive Boozy Tea (Dec. 7 – Dec. 28 | Sundays, 11 am – 3 pm) at Bar Pendry – Bar Pendry puts a festive spin on Sunday afternoon tea with Festive Boozy Tea, pairing tea-based cocktails with a three-tiered tower of sweet and savory bites accompanied by live music from Chicago musicians. Guests can enjoy holiday delicacies such as Lobster Quiche with Parmesan Royale and Black Truffle and Gingerbread Profiteroles with White Russian Crème. $100 per person inclusive of tax & gratuity. View menu here.
For more information about where to stay and what to do in the city, visit Choose Chicago.
NYTimes: The 25 Best Restaurants in Chicago Right Now
The 25 Best Restaurants in Chicago Right Now https://www.nytimes.com/article/best-restaurants-chicago.html?smid=nytcore-android-share
Experience Two of the City’s Top Lunch Spots
Ready for a new take on lunch? Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood at Somerset Viceroy Chicago or opt for the sophisticated artistry of modern Japanese cuisine in the West Loop at Nobu Chicago. Our suggestion? Try both.
Somerset at Viceroy Chicago (1118 N State St., Chicago, IL
Located in the heart of the Gold Coast, Viceroy Chicago’s signature restaurant, Somerset, embodies the motto of “Bright Flavors & Gold Coast Glamour.” The menu blends old-world Mediterranean traditions with a fresh, modern edge, creating a perfect atmosphere for a business lunch or a social outing.
Guests can experience the “dance of zesty harissa, smoky zaatar, and the earthy warmth of pistachio and dukkah” through a variety of shareable plates and composed dishes. Those looking for a more substantial lunch can opt for the acclaimed Somerset Burger, layered with chermoula aioli and caramelized onion, or the Crispy Pork Milanese topped with fresh arugula and parmesan. Other midday favorites include Crispy Brussels Sprouts with pumpkin seed pesto or a bubbling Lobster Mac crowned with chili crumb.
With its elegant, light-filled dining room and spacious patio overlooking State Street, Somerset offers a stylish yet relaxed setting that works as both a place for a power lunch or an afternoon escape. Paired with curated wines and inventive cocktails, Somerset transforms every midday meal into a vibrant celebration of flavor, culture, and connection. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m to 3 p.m.
- Reserve HERE
Nobu Chicago (854 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL)
For a truly elevated midday experience, Nobu Chicago offers a Prix Fixe Lunch Menu available weekdays from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. For a set price of $40, guests can embark on a three-course culinary journey, selecting from signature Nobu favorites like Yellowtail Jalapeño or Tuna Sashimi Salad for the cold course, followed by a hot dish such as Rock Shrimp Tempura Creamy Spicy or Wagyu Sliders. Complete the experience with a decadent dessert like the Whisky Cappuccino.
Beyond the prix fixe, the full lunch menu presents a wide range of options for every palate. Guests can indulge in renowned dishes like the Black Cod with Miso or explore the extensive sushi and sashimi selection, including specialties like Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna.
For a comprehensive tasting, the Signature Bento offers a curated selection of some of Nobu’s most celebrated dishes. In addition to its acclaimed dining, Nobu Chicago’s appeal was highlighted by Travel + Leisure readers, who named it one of the “10 Favorite Hotels in Chicago of 2025” for its prime location for dining and shopping in the Fulton Market District.
- Reserve HERE
Top photo: Yellow Sashimi with Jalapeno. Photo credit Nobu Chicago.
Patio Party at PostBoy in New Buffalo: Chicago’s Middle Brow is Coming to Southwest Michigan
Chicago’s Middle Brow, nationally known for their pizza, beer, sourdough and local native wines, is opening a winery early in 2026. But for those who don’t want to wait, the Logan Square-based fermenters are popping up at PostBoy for an epic patio pour party on Sunday, July 13th, starting at 12 p.m. ET. Join them for an afternoon of sipping, snacking and sun with servings of their bakery’s signature sourdough loaves paired with PostBoy’s Chef James Galbraith’s spreads, along with generous pours of their natural wine.
And, as an added extra, a selection of Middle Brow’s wine will also be available for retail purchase to take home, along with some PostBoy merch perfect for a beachgoing summer uniform.
About Middle Brow
Middle Brow makes their beer. wine. pizza dough. and bread. entirely from sources in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin. According to their website, “given that our beverage program is over 95% made, by us, from produce and other earth’m within 150 miles of home, our menu is likely more ‘local’ than any other restaurant in the country.”
About PostBoy
DATE: Sunday, July 13th
TIME: Beginning at noon ET
DETAILS: PostBoy is bringing Chicago’s beloved Middle Brow to New Buffalo for a patio pour party! Snack on signature sourdough loaves paired with PostBoy spreads, pours of their expressive natural wines by the glass, and a selection of bottles available for retail purchase to take home.
RESERVATIONS: Walk-ins welcome on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are optional and available on Tock, although outdoor seating is not promised.
Eater: Overheard at the 2025 James Beard Awards
Summer Fun in the City: Chicago’s Festival Season Has Just Begun
- Chicago Pride Fest (June 21-22, 2025) – Each year, more than 100,000 revelers flock to the historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood of Northalsted to take part in the festivities, including three stages with live music, more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, food from local restaurants, drag shows, dance performances, a high-heel race, and more. This year’s headlining artists include Natasha Bedingfield, JoJo Siwa, Sapphira Cristál, Bob the Drag Queen, Amber Riley, and more across two stages.
- Argyle Night Market (Every Thursday from July 3 – August 28, 2025) – Started in 2013 by Uptown United, the Argyle Night Market is an annual event that features food from local Argyle restaurants plus live cultural and musical performances on Thursday evenings each summer. This vibrant and award-winning event is located on Argyle, the city’s first shared street, which prioritizes pedestrians, celebrates green infrastructure, and encourages community engagement.
- Windy City Smokeout (July 10-13, 2025) – The nation’s premier outdoor country music and BBQ festival returns to Chicago’s iconic United Center for its 12th year. The star-studded weekend will feature country music’s biggest names, including Kane Brown, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Bailey Zimmerman, and Megan Moroney, along with an impressive roster of up-and-coming talent and over 25 of the best BBQ teams from across the country. In addition to the top performer in country music, the festival offers a selection of curated events, such as the “Biggest Happy Hour of the Summer” on Friday, July 11 and an epic “BBQ Brunch” on Sunday, July 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The bottomless BBQ Brunch will include a variety of dishes from the Windy City Smokeout’s Pitmaster Buffet, featuring a special Bacon Bar. Guests can also sip on mimosas and build their own Bloody Marys with all the fixings at the Bloody Mary Bar.
- Chinatown Summer Fair (July 26-27, 2025) – This iconic event is one of the most ethnically unique outdoor events in Chicago and the Midwest. Attracting more than 50,000 people from throughout the region, Chinatown Summer Fair is a true celebration of Far East beauty and culture including food, art, and music. This neighborhood street festival will open with a lion dance procession, followed by Asian performances; kung fu demonstrations; samplings from Chinatown’s restaurants and unique gift shops; arts & crafts exhibits; street vendors with an array of merchandise; and a children’s area.
- Lollapalooza (July 31 – August 3, 2025) – One of Chicago’s most highly anticipated summer events, this genre-defying lineup is packed with the music industry’s biggest names, along with local favorites and emerging artists.The full Lollapalooza lineup features more than 170 musical acts across nine stages, with headliners such as Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, the Creator, Sabrina Carpenter, Rüfüs du Sol, Luke Combs, A$AP Rocky, Gracie Abrams and Doechii
- Chicago Air and Water Show (August 16-17, 2025) – The Chicago Air and Water Show has been an iconic Chicago event since 1959. The annual summer spectacle is the largest and oldest free-admission air and water exhibition in the United States. The two-day event draws an audience of over one million to the city’s stunning lakefront to see pilots perform astonishing stunts above the waters of Lake Michigan.
- Chicago House Music Festival and Conference (August 22-23, 2025) – The Chicago House Music Festival is an annual celebration of the Chicago-born genre that has revolutionized dance music globally. Held in Millennium Park every summer, this joyous event attracts house fans from across the globe to hear today’s top DJs and up-and-coming talent.
- Chicago Jazz Festival (August 28-31, 2025) – The Chicago Jazz Festival is a Labor Day weekend tradition that promotes all forms of jazz through free, high-quality music programming at Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park. The festival showcases Chicago’s local talent alongside national and international artists to raise awareness and appreciation for one of the city’s most beloved art forms.
Announcing this year’s James Beard Award Nominees and Honorees
Announcing the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award nominees, as well as the Impact, Lifetime Achievement, and Humanitarian of the Year Award honorees, for the James Beard Awards® presented by Capital One. Winners will be revealed at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, the James Beard Awards® is upholding its role as the nation’s foremost culinary honors by evolving its awards structure. The 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards is introducing three new categories: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service. As an extension of the James Beard Foundation’s impact work and advocacy policy priorities, we are also proud to inaugurate the Impact Awards, which recognize individuals and/or organizations advancing standards for a more equitable, sustainable, and economically viable restaurant industry and food system. Impact Award honorees will be acknowledged at a ceremony in Chicago on Sunday, June 15, as well as on stage at the Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 16, along with the Lifetime Achievement and Humanitarian of the Year Award honorees.
Tickets for the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards in Chicago can be purchased here beginning at 3 P.M. ET on Wednesday, April 2. The Awards will be broadcast live on Eater. We encourage you to learn more about the James Beard Awards® categories, policies, and procedures here.
Check out the nominees and honorees below!
Restaurant and Chef Award Nominees
Outstanding Restaurateur
- Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski, Atomic Workshop (The Anchovy Bar, State Bird Provisions, and The Progress), San Francisco, CA
- Sue Chin and Jason Chin, Good Salt Restaurant Group (Seito Sushi, Reyes Mezcaleria, The Osprey, and others), Orlando, FL
- Scott Drewno and Danny Lee, The Fried Rice Collective (Anju, Chiko, and I Egg You), Washington, D.C.
- Allison Gibson and Cara Tobin, Honey Road and Gray Jay, Burlington, VT
- Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr, Frenchette, Le Veau d’Or, and Le Rock, New York, NY
Outstanding Chef presented by Hilton
- Lisa Becklund, FarmBar, Tulsa, OK
- Gabriel Kreuther, Gabriel Kreuther, New York, NY
- Josh Niernberg, Bin 707, Grand Junction, CO
- Cassie Piuma, Sarma, Somerville, MA
- Jungsik Yim, Jungsik, New York, NY
Outstanding Restaurant presented by Acqua Panna® Natural Spring Water
- Coquine, Portland, OR
- Frasca Food and Wine, Boulder, CO
- Galit, Chicago, IL
- Nonesuch, Oklahoma City, OK
- Oberlin, Providence, RI
Emerging Chef presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water
- Kaitlin Guerin, Lagniappe Bakehouse, New Orleans, LA
- Phila Lorn, Mawn, Philadelphia, PA
- Nikhil Naiker, NIMKI, Providence, RI
- Jane Sacro Chatham, Vicia, St. Louis, MO
- RJ Yoakum, Georgie, Dallas, TX
Best New Restaurant
- Alma Fonda Fina, Denver, CO
- Atoma, Seattle, WA
- Bûcheron, Minneapolis, MN
- Ema, Houston, TX
- Fet-Fisk, Pittsburgh, PA
- Mābo, Dallas, TX
- Mita, Washington, D.C.
- Ômo by Jônt, Winter Park, FL
- Penny, New York, NY
- The Union, Helena, MT
Outstanding Bakery
- Atelier Ortega, Jackson Hole, WY
- Gusto Bread, Long Beach, CA
- JinJu Patisserie, Portland, OR
- Starship Bagel, Dallas and Lewisville, TX
- Super Secret Ice Cream, Bethlehem, NH
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
- Susan Bae, Moon Rabbit, Washington, D.C.
- Cat Cox, Country Bird Bakery, Tulsa, OK
- April Franqueza, The Dining Room at High Hampton, Cashiers, NC
- Crystal Kass, Valentine, Phoenix, AZ
- Carolyn Nugent and Alen Ramos, Poulette Bakeshop, Parker, CO
Outstanding Hospitality presented by American Airlines
- Archipelago, Seattle, WA
- Aria, Atlanta, GA
- Atomix, New York, NY
- Harbor House Inn, Elk, CA
- Mixtli, San Antonio, TX
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
- Bar Brava, Minneapolis, MN
- Campo at Los Poblanos, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM
- Charleston, Baltimore, MD
- MARCH, Houston, TX
- Strong Water, Anaheim, CA
Outstanding Bar
- Kumiko, Chicago, IL
- Scotch Lodge, Portland, OR
- The Lovers Bar at Friday Saturday Sunday, Philadelphia, PA
- Water Witch, Salt Lake City, UT
- Wolf Tree, White River Junction, VT
Best New Bar
- Agency, Milwaukee, WI
- Bar Colette, Dallas, TX
- Identidad Cocktail Bar, San Juan, PR
- Merai, Brookline, MA
- ViceVersa, Miami, FL
Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service
- Jacob Brown, Lazy Bear, San Francisco, CA
- Jose Medina Camacho, Adiõs, Birmingham, AL
- Arjav Ezekiel, Birdie’s, Austin, TX
- Cassandra Felix, Daniel, New York, NY
- Cristie Norman, Delilah, Las Vegas, NV
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
- McLain Hedges and Mary Allison Wright, Yacht Club, Denver, CO
- Ignacio “Nacho” Jimenez, Superbueno, New York, NY
- Dave Newman, Pint + Jigger, Honolulu, HI
- Tobin Shea, Redbird, Los Angeles, CA
- Mike Stankovich, Longfellow, Cincinnati, OH
Best Chefs presented by Capital One (by region)
Best Chef: California
- Daniel Castillo, Heritage Barbecue, San Juan Capistrano, CA
- Richard Lee, Saison, San Francisco, CA
- Tara Monsod, ANIMAE, San Diego, CA
- Kosuke Tada, Mijoté, San Francisco, CA
- Jon Yao, Kato, Los Angeles, CA
Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH)
- Jennifer Blakeslee and Eric Patterson, The Cooks’ House, Traverse City, MI
- Thai Dang, HaiSous, Chicago, IL
- David Jackman, Wildweed, Cincinnati, OH
- Chris Jung and Erling Wu-Bower, Maxwells Trading, Chicago, IL
- Noah Sandoval, Oriole, Chicago, IL
Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA)
- Henji Cheung, Queen’s English, Washington, D.C.
- Carlos Delgado, Causa and Amazonia, Washington, D.C.
- Jesse Ito, Royal Sushi & Izakaya, Philadelphia, PA
- Dan Richer, Razza, Jersey City, NJ
- Amanda Shulman, Her Place Supper Club, Philadelphia, PA
Best Chef: Midwest (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI)
- Shigeyuki Furukawa, Kado no Mise, Minneapolis, MN
- Diane Moua, Diane’s Place, Minneapolis, MN
- Loryn Nalic, Balkan Treat Box, Webster Groves, MO
- Karyn Tomlinson, Myriel, St. Paul, MN
- David Utterback, Ota and Yoshitomo, Omaha, NE
Best Chef: Mountain (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY)
- Joshua Adams, Campione, Livingston, MT
- Salvador Alamilla, Amano, Caldwell, ID
- Brandon Cunningham, The Social Haus, Greenough, MT
- David Wells, The Tasting Room at Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa, Pray, MT
- Penelope Wong, Yuan Wonton, Denver, CO
Best Chef: New York State
- Nasim Alikhani, Sofreh, Brooklyn, NY
- Ryan Fernandez, Southern Junction Barbecue, Buffalo, NY
- Eiji Ichimura, Sushi Ichimura, New York, NY
- Atsushi Kono, Kono, New York, NY
- Vijay Kumar, Semma, New York, NY
Best Chef: Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT)
- Avery Buck, May Day, Burlington, VT
- Sky Haneul Kim, Gift Horse, Providence, RI
- Brian Lewis, The Cottage, Westport, CT
- Erin Miller, Urban Hearth, Cambridge, MA
- Derek Wagner, Nicks on Broadway, Providence, RI
Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA)
- Jay Blackinton, Houlme, Orcas Island, WA
- Joshua Dorcak, MÄS, Ashland, OR
- Ryan Roadhouse, Nodoguro, Portland, OR
- Beau Schooler, In Bocca Al Lupo, Juneau, AK
- Timothy Wastell, Antica Terra, Amity, OR
Best Chef: South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR)
- Nando Chang, Itamae AO, Miami, FL
- Matthew Cooper, Conifer, Bentonville, AR
- Kevin Garcia, La Faena AgroCocina, Guaynabo, PR
- Angel David Moreno Zayas, El Gallo Pinto, Guayama, PR
- Rafael Rios, Yeyo’s El Alma de Mexico, Bentonville, AR
Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV)
- Noam Bilitzer, MeeshMeesh Mediterranean, Louisville, KY
- Sara Bradley, freight house, Paducah, KY
- Jake Howell, Peninsula, Nashville, TN
- Silver Iocovozzi, Neng Jr.’s, Asheville, NC
- Robbie Robinson, City Limits Barbeque, West Columbia, SC
Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, OK)
- Olivier Bouzerand, Fait Maison, Edmond, OK
- Yotaka Martin, Lom Wong, Phoenix, AZ
- Sarah Thompson, Casa Playa, Las Vegas, NV
- Eleazar Villanueva, Restaurant de Joël Robuchon, Las Vegas, NV
- Zack Walters, Sedalia’s Oyster & Seafood, Oklahoma City, OK
Best Chef: Texas
- Thomas Bille, Belly of the Beast, Spring, TX
- Emmanuel Chavez, Tatemó, Houston, TX
- Emil Oliva, Leche de Tigre, San Antonio, TX
- Regino Rojas, Purépecha, Dallas, TX
- Michael Anthony Serva, Bordo, Marfa, TX
Achievement Awards
Impact Awards
The 2025 Impact Award honorees are:
- Angie Craig, U.S. Representative (MN-2); Minority Leader, House Committee on Agriculture
- Brandon Edwin Chrostowski, CEO, EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute
- Anthony Edwards Jr., CEO and Co-Founder, EatOkra
- Seanicaa Edwards Herron, Founder and Executive Director, Freedmen Heirs Foundation
- Dune Lankard, President and Founder, Native Conservancy
Humanitarian of the Year Award
The 2024 Humanitarian of the Year Award honoree is Chad Houser, founder and CEO of Café Momentum, a Dallas-based nonprofit restaurant with multiple locations nationwide dedicated to equipping justice-involved teens aged 15-19 with skills, education, and employment opportunities in the culinary industry.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award honoree is esteemed author, culinary journalist, and activist Toni Tipton-Martin.
