James Beard Awards 2024: Here are the winners from the culinary world's biggest night

The 2024 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards took center stage at Chicago’s Lyric Opera House on Monday, bringing together some of the nation’s brightest minds in food in a celebration of the culinary arts.

Colloquially known as the Oscars of the culinary world, The James Beard Awards have celebrated excellence in cooking, restaurant hospitality, and food media since its first iteration in 1991, according to a statement from the nonprofit James Beard Foundation. Named for trailblazing chef and author James Beard, the awards are the nation's most prestigious honor for culinary leadership.

The event kicked off with a pre-awards party at Kindling in the iconic Willis Tower, where guests enjoyed drinks and hors d’oeuvres prepared by James Beard Award winners Chef Jonathon Sawyer of Kindling and Chef Gerard Craft of Niche Food Group. Attendees enjoyed small plate selections including octopus, oysters, and Chicago-style Italian beef sliders, a perfect way to relax and unwind before the main event.

This year’s live awards ceremony was presented by a roster of high-profile celebrity chefs including chef Nyesha Arrington of the popular TV program Next Level Chef, chef Richard Blais of Next Level Chef fame, chef Amanda Freitag of Food Network’s Chopped, and James Beard award-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson.

The James Beard Awards recognizes industry leaders across 22 categories, including Outstanding Chef, Outstanding Restaurateur, and Emerging Chef. This year’s ceremony honored a diverse body of chefs from around the country for their exceptional contributions to the culinary world.

Chef Michael Rafidi took home the highly coveted award for Outstanding Chef. Rafidi is the head chef and owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant Albi in Washington D.C., renowned for its modern take on Palestinian and Arabic cuisine.

Other James Beard Award winners included Colorado-based chefs Erika and Kelly Whitaker for Outstanding Restaurateur, and D.C.-based chef Masako Morishita for Emerging Chef. West African-inspired, New Orleans-based eatery Dakar NOLA received the award for Best New Restaurant.

Local Chicago dining hot spot Lula Cafe took home the award for Outstanding Hospitality. The highly lauded New American concept is no stranger to recognition, having received James Beard Award nominations in 2019, 2020, and 2022, as well as a Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition from 2015-2023. Lula has gained a dedicated following in Chicago for its exquisite yet simple farm-to-table fare and rustic atmosphere.

Lula head chef Jason Hammel accepted the award on behalf of the restaurant and emphasized the importance of community oriented service and hospitality, according to Eater. “We truly believe at Lula that hospitality is love and it’s a love with conditions, and we believe the conditions can be just and fair and kind,” Hammel said in his acceptance speech. “I hope that everyone... especially those with power will enact policies that protect and ensure that these conditions can be met and maintained for everyone.”

Dozens of other establishments and culinary leaders received honors throughout the evening, including national and regional designations. Along with notable restaurants and head chefs, the James Beard Awards also recognize influential pastry chefs, bars, and wine and beverage programs.

The James Beard Foundation also recognized past award winners during the ceremony and presented a lifetime achievement award to famed chef, food writer, and television personality Ruth Reichl.

"Tonight, we raise a glass to the 2024 Restaurant and Chef Award winners for their phenomenal achievements," said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation.

"These remarkable individuals embody the very essence of our Good Food for Good ethos, showcasing exceptional talent, unwavering dedication to their craft, and a steadfast commitment to elevating the industry. With their passion, skill, and leadership, they are shaping our nation's dining landscape and setting a new standard for culinary excellence."