The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony is still months away, but the James Beard Foundation has just announced this year’s semifinalists.
A number of Chicago's best restaurants and chefs are up for the industry’s highest honors. Widely referred to as the “Oscars of the food world,” the James Beard Awards recognize the country’s most distinguished culinary and media talents. The winners will be revealed during an event on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
2025 marks the Awards’ 35th anniversary, and will feature three new categories focused on beverages: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.
Chicago has 22 total semifinalists this year. Check out all of the local nominees below.
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2025 James Beard Awards Chicago semifinalists
Outstanding Restaurateur
Brian Jupiter and Aaron Torricelli, Pioneer Tavern Group (Frontier and Ina Mae Tavern)
Outstanding Chef
Lee Wolen, Boka
Outstanding Restaurant
Galit
Emerging Chef
Jacob Potashnick, Feld
Best New Restaurant
Cariño
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
Leigh Omilinsky, Daisies
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
Elske
Outstanding Bar
Kumiko
Best New Bar
Bisous
Truce
Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service
Thomas Kakalios, Asador Bastian
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
Christopher Marty, Best Intentions
Best Chef: Great Lakes
Marcos Ascencio, Mariscos San Pedro
Thai Dang, HaiSous
Diana Davila, Mi Tocaya Antojería
Bo Fowler, BiXi Beer
Joe Frillman, Daisies
Chris Jung and Erling Wu-Bower, Maxwells Trading
Lamar Moore, ETC.
Noah Sandoval, Oriole
Sujan Sarkar, Indienne
Zeeshan Shah and Yoshi Yamada, Superkhana International