Chicago is proud to host the annual James Beard Awards, including the Restaurant and Chef Awards and the Media Awards.
The Awards, long considered the pinnacle of culinary recognition in the U.S., carry significant meaning for the independent restaurant industry, food media, and diners alike.
The James Beard Awards are a deeply ingrained feature of Chicago’s dynamic culinary scene, as the official James Beard Awards host city for the past decade. Chicago is home to more than 50 previous award honorees, including the 2025 winners for Best Chef: Great Lakes and Outstanding Bar.
James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards
This star-studded celebration, held in Chicago each spring, features red carpet arrivals and the exciting awards ceremony honoring exceptional talent and achievement across the restaurant industry. Winners are announced for distinguished categories such as Outstanding Restaurant, Emerging Chef, Best New Restaurant, Outstanding Bar, and more.
The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards take place at the stunning Lyric Opera of Chicago, followed by a reception featuring bites from nominees, previous award winners, and many of the country’s best chefs.
Thank you to all who attended the 2025 ceremony and congratulations to the nominees and winners! Explore Chicago’s James Beard Award winners and check back for more details on the 2026 James Beard Awards.
James Beard Media Awards
The James Beard Media Awards honors the nation’s top cookbook authors and food-focused book authors, food and beverage broadcast producers, hosts, podcasters, and food journalists with a ceremony and reception in Chicago.
JBF Greens Chicago
James Beard Foundation’s Greens is for food lovers under 40 in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Seattle. From multi-course dinners to walk-around tastings, Greens offers dynamic programming that shines a spotlight on chefs and operators making meaningful change within their communities. Events are open to Young Patrons and to the general public.
Upcoming Chicago events:
- JBF Greens Chicago x Mirra(Feb. 3, 2026)
Join the email list to hear about upcoming Greens Chicago events and learn more about the benefits of Young Patrons membership.
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