28 IL Restaurants, Bars, Chefs Named 2026 James Beard Semifinalists

Twenty-eight Illinois restaurants and chefs were named 2026 James Beard semifinalists, the organization announced Wednesday.

A vanguard of culinary honors in the United States since 1990, the Awards have been a definitive source for culinary excellence for more than 35 years.

Sometimes known as the “Oscars of food,” the awards recognize eateries and chefs who create exceptional food, food media content, and better food systems, the James Beard Foundation said. Awards also recognize a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.

The semifinalists announced on Wednesday are across 14 categories. The best chef semifinalists are in a dozen regions.

In Illinois, the following restaurants and chefs were named semifinalists this year:

Outstanding Restaurateur: A restaurateur who uses their establishment(s) as a vehicle for building community, demonstrates creativity in entrepreneurship, and integrity in restaurant operations.

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

Outstanding Chef: A chef who sets high culinary standards and has served as a positive example for other food professionals.

• Diana Davila, Mi Tocaya Antojeria, Chicago, IL
• Zachary Engel, Galit, Chicago, IL

Outstanding Restaurant presented by Acqua Panna® Natural Spring Water: A restaurant that demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations.

• EL Ideas, Chicago, IL
• Kasama, Chicago, IL

Emerging Chef presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water: A chef who displays exceptional talent, character, and leadership ability, and who is likely to make a significant impact in years to come.

• Nicolai Mlodinow, Class Act, Chicago, IL
• Bailey Sullivan, Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio, Chicago, IL

Best New Restaurant: A restaurant opened between October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025 that already demonstrates excellence in cuisine, seems likely to make a significant impact in years to come, and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations

• Nadu, Chicago, IL
• Nic & Junior's, Chicago, IL

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: A pastry chef or baker who makes desserts, pastries, or breads. Candidate demonstrates exceptional skills and can be affiliated with any food business and does not need a brick-and mortar presence

• Courtney Kenyon-Snider, Obélix, Chicago, IL

Outstanding Hospitality: A restaurant, bar, or bakery that fosters a sense of hospitality among its customers and staff that serves as a beacon for the community and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations.

• Daisies, Chicago, IL

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: A restaurant that demonstrates exceptional care and skill in the pairing of wine and other beverages with food. This includes the selection, preparation, and serving of wine, cocktails, spirits, coffee, tea, beer, or any other beverage with outstanding hospitality and service that helps inform and enhance a customer’s appreciation of the beverage(s). Ethical sourcing will also be considered.

• Brasero, Chicago, IL

Outstanding Bar: A wine bar, beer bar, cocktail bar, coffee bar, or any other business whose primary offering is beverage and that demonstrates consistent excellence in curating a selection or in the preparation of drinks, along with outstanding atmosphere, hospitality, and operations.

• Hopleaf Bar, Chicago, IL

Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service: A service professional who creates and serves cocktails or other offerings such as low- and non-alcoholic beverages. Candidate has set high standards; demonstrates creativity and consistency in excellence, innovation, and hospitality; is making efforts to create a sustainable work culture; and has served as an exceptional example or mentor for other beverage professionals

• Christopher Marty, Best Intentions, Chicago, IL

Best Chefs presented by Capital One - Great Lakes Region: Chefs who set high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities and who are making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions.

• Thai Dang, HaiSous, Chicago, IL
• Danny Espinoza, Santa Masa Tamaleria, Chicago, IL
• Norman Fenton, Cariño, Chicago, IL
• Christopher Jung and Erling Wu-Bower, Maxwells Trading, Chicago, IL
• Mari Katsumura and Adam Sindler, SHŌ, Chicago, IL
• Nick Kleutsch and James Sanders, Sanders BBQ Supply Co., Chicago, IL
• Rishi Kumar and Zubair Mohajir, Mirra, Chicago, IL
• Ben Lustbader and Sarah Mispagel, Loaf Lounge, Chicago, IL
• Jacob Potashnick, Feld, Chicago, IL

Receiving a James Beard Award can be transformational for restaurants and chefs. Recognition of any kind — whether as a semifinalist, nominee, or winner — can lead to significant visibility, new opportunities, and positive economic impact that helps sustain these vital businesses. In 2025, 96 percent of surveyed semifinalists reported a positive impact on their business and communities following their recognition, the organization said in a news release.

Nominees will be announced on March 31, and winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.