Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene is once again in the national spotlight with a remarkable showing in the 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists, announced January 21 by the James Beard Foundation. This year’s list highlights a deep bench of chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality professionals from the Windy City across a broad range of categories, from Outstanding Chef and Best New Restaurant to Outstanding Hospitality and Best Chef: Great Lakes.
The James Beard Awards are widely regarded as the premier honors in the American restaurant industry, celebrating creativity, excellence and impact. The semifinalists represent the first step toward the March 31 finalist announcement and the prestigious awards ceremony on June 15 at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.
Chicago’s Culinary Leaders Among the Semifinalists
Outstanding Restaurateur
Chicago’s Day Off Group—helmed by Frank Callero, Joe Flamm, and Steven Zaleski—is recognized in the national Outstanding Restaurateur category. The group operates several beloved Chicago restaurants including Rose Mary, il Carciofo, and BLVD Steakhouse, and this nomination underscores their sustained excellence across diverse concepts.
Outstanding Chef
Two Chicago chefs earn semifinalist honors in one of the most competitive categories:
- Diana Dávila of Mi Tocaya Antojería brings her deeply personal and celebrated approach to modern Mexican cuisine to national attention.
- Zachary Engel of Galit, known for his imaginative Israeli-inspired fine dining, also makes the semifinalist cut.
Outstanding Restaurant
Two Chicago restaurants are spotlighted among the nation’s top dining experiences:
- EL Ideas, a tasting-menu-driven destination known for its intimate and innovative presentations.
- Kasama, the Filipino-American restaurant and café that has become a local favorite for its creative blend of tradition and modern technique.
Emerging Talent
Chicago chefs emerge as top young talent this year:
- Nicolai Mlodinow of Class Act and
- Bailey Sullivan of Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio have been named semifinalists for Emerging Chef, a category that spotlights up-and-coming culinary stars.
Best New Restaurant
Chicago’s restaurant scene continues to churn out exciting new destinations. Two newcomers—Nadu and Nic & Junior’s—are in contention for Best New Restaurant, recognizing standout openings that have quickly captured attention.
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
Courtney Kenyon-Snider of Obélix represents Chicago in the pastry category, highlighting the city’s excellence not only in savory cooking but dessert and baking as well.
Outstanding Hospitality & Beverage Programs
Chicago’s hospitality culture earns praise across multiple categories:
- Daisies, a restaurant known for warm service and a distinctive guest experience, is a semifinalist for Outstanding Hospitality.
- Brasero is recognized for its Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program.
- And Hopleaf, a longtime Chicago favorite, is among those named for Outstanding Bar.
- Christopher Marty of Best Intentions receives a nod for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service, reflecting Chicago’s strong mixology scene.
Best Chef: Great Lakes
In the regional Best Chef: Great Lakes category, Chicago talent is particularly prominent, with chefs like:
- Thai Dang (HaiSous),
- Danny Espinoza (Santa Masa Tamaleria),
- Norman Fenton (Cariño),
- Christopher Jung & Erling Wu-Bower (Maxwells Trading),
- Mari Katsumura & Adam Sindler (SHŌ),
- Nick Kleutsch & James Sanders (Sanders BBQ Supply Co.),
- Rishi Kumar & Zubair Mohajir (Mirra), and
- Ben & Sarah Lustbader (Loaf Lounge),
- plus Jacob Potashnick (Feld) all among the semifinalists.
This deep roster underscores Chicago’s dynamism and diversity in the culinary world.
Chicago’s Place on the National Stage
Year after year, Chicago chefs and restaurants hold their own against competitors nationwide. With recognition across nearly every major category, from culinary innovation and hospitality to beverage programs and rising talent, this year’s James Beard semifinal list underscores Chicago’s continuing influence on American cuisine.
Finalists will be announced on March 31, with winners revealed at the awards ceremony June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, bringing the city’s culinary excellence full circle. (Source: James Beard Foundation)
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