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James Beard Foundation Names 2026 Awards Semi-Finalists

  • Writer: Bob Benenson
    Bob Benenson
  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read

Chicago is Well-Represented in the National List


The James Beard Foundation today (January 21) announced the semifinalists in all categories for its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Awards. Finalists will be announced on March 31, and the winners will receive their award medallions at the annual ceremony that will be held on June 15 at Chicago's Lyric Opera House.


While there is no guarantee how many of the semifinalists will make it to the final round, Local Food Forum (as a Chicago-based publication) is pleased to share the list of our outstanding local establishments that have made it this far. Considering that these are national awards and the Foundation has tens of thousands of places to choose from, it's an honor in itself to be acknowledged as a semifinalist.


This year, all of our local semifinalists are located in the city of Chicago.


As is regularly the case, the contest for the Best Chef Great Lakes Award is where the Chicago culinary community most stands out, so we'll lead with that.


BEST CHEF GREAT LAKES (IL, IN, MI, OH)

  • Thai Dang, HaiSous

  • Danny Espinoza, Santa Masa Tamaleria

  • Norman Fenton, Cariño

  • Christopher Jung and Erling Wu-Bower, Maxwells Trading

  • Mari Katsumura and Adam Sindler, SHÅŒ

  • Nick Kleutsch and James Sanders, Sanders BBQ Supply Co.

  • Rishi Kumar and Zubair Mohajir, Mirra

  • Ben Lustbader and Sarah Mispagel, Loaf Lounge

  • Jacob Potashnick, Feld


OUTSTANDING RESTAURATEUR

  • Frank Callero, Chef Joe Flamm and Steven Zaleski, Day Off Group (Rose Mary, il Carciofo, and BLVD Steakhouse)


OUTSTANDING CHEF (National)

  • Diana Davila, Mi Tocaya Antojeria

  • Zachary Engel, Galit


OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT

  • EL Ideas

  • Kasama


EMERGING CHEF

  • Nicolai Mlodinow, Class Act, Chicago, IL

  • Bailey Sullivan, Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio


BEST NEW RESTAURANT

  • Nadu

  • Nic & Junior's


OUTSTANDING PASTRY CHEF OR BAKER

  • Courtney Kenyon-Snider, Obélix


OUTSTANDING HOSPITALITY

  • Daisies


OUTSTANDING WINE OR OTHER BEVERAGES PROGRAM

  • Brasero


OUTSTANDING BAR

  • Hopleaf


OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL IN COCKTAIL SERVICE

  • Christopher Marty, Best Intentions



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