Chicago continues to prove itself as a culinary powerhouse with 22 nominations in the James Beard Foundation's 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards. Celebrating the 35th anniversary of this prestigious event, the nominations highlight the city's ongoing impact on the culinary arts and its status as a food lover’s paradise.
Jess Lubrano, Julie Novak, Jonathan Sawyer, Brian Goodman and Dave Rega at the James Beard Foundation Awards 2015 at the Lyric Opera House. (Photo by Candace Jordan)
Among the distinguished nominees is Brian Jupiter of Frontier and Ina Mae Tavern, sharing recognition with Aaron Torricelli of Pioneer Tavern Group for Outstanding Restaurateur. Lee Wolen, the culinary mastermind behind Boka, has been nominated for Outstanding Chef, solidifying his reputation as one of the nation's finest.
James Beard Awards 2015- Gary Zeng, from Wicker Park Seafood and Sushi, with a wall of frozen fish at Lyric Opera House. (Photo by Candace Jordan)
Elske has earned a well-deserved nod for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, while Kumiko is making waves as a contender for Outstanding Bar.
In the Best New Restaurant category, Cariño has captured attention with its creativity and fresh take on dining. This nomination underscores Chicago's dedication to fostering innovative new establishments.
Full List of Chicago’s 2025 James Beard Semifinalists
- Outstanding Restaurateur: Brian Jupiter (Frontier, Ina Mae Tavern), Aaron Torricelli (Pioneer Tavern Group)
- Outstanding Chef: Lee Wolen (Boka)
- Best New Restaurant: Cariño
- Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: Elske
- Outstanding Bar: Kumiko
- Outstanding Hospitality: Virtue
- Outstanding Bakery: Lost Larson
- Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: Aya Fukai (Aya Pastry)
- Best Chef: Great Lakes (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio): Tim Flores and Genie Kwon (Kasama), Diana Dávila Boldin (Mi Tocaya Antojería), Erick Williams (Virtue), Debbie Gold (LeTour), John Shields and Karen Urie Shields (Smyth)
The finalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards will be announced on April 2, with the winners revealed at a ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. This much-anticipated event will unite the country’s top culinary talents, further affirming Chicago’s place at the heart of America’s dining scene.
For a full list of the 2025 James Beard Awards semifinalists, visit the official James Beard Foundation website.
From rising stars to culinary icons, Chicago’s nominees reflect the city’s diverse and dynamic food culture. These honors celebrate not only individual achievements but also Chicago’s influential role in shaping the national culinary landscape.
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