Today the 2025 James Beard Award Restaurant and Chef award nominees and the honorees of the Impact Awards, Humanitarian of the Year Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award were announced at a live ceremony in Los Angeles.
The Chicago Nominees are:
Outstanding Restaurant:
- Galit
Outstanding Bar:
- Kumiko
Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH)
- Thai Dang: Hai Sous
- Chris Jung and Erling Wu-Bower: Maxwells Trading
- Noah Sandoval: Oriole
The winners will be announced at the 35th Annual James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 16th at the Lyric Opera House of Chicago.
As one of the culinary industry’s most celebrated events, this annual Academy Awards-style ceremony will feature red carpet arrivals and an awards ceremony honoring the exceptional talent, innovation, and dedication of chefs and restaurateurs from across the country. Set against the backdrop of Chicago’s vibrant dining scene, the evening promises to be a night of inspiration and recognition for the best in the business. 2,000 guests are expected.
Immediately following the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony there’s a walk-around tasting reception held at Chicago Union Station and will be attended by over 2,000 chefs, restaurateurs, food media, and culinary enthusiasts. The event will feature food and beverage stations highlighting chefs from around the country.
Tickets are on sale NOW and can be purchased HERE.
