Chicago's James Beard Award Winners | Restaurants & Chefs

Chicago’s James Beard Award winners

Chicago is proud to be home to over 50 James Beard Awards winners, honoring the very best of Chicago’s acclaimed dining scene.

Throughout the years, the prestigious awards have recognized chefs and restaurants in every corner of the city, from long-time neighborhood institutions to some of the world’s best culinary talent.

Since the first ceremony in 1991, this national award has become the most coveted honor in the food and beverage industry. Chicago is honored to host the annual James Beard Awards ceremony through 2027.

If you’re looking for a place to dine in Chicago, this esteemed list of James Beard Award winners is a good place to start.

Chicago’s James Beard Award winners

Beverly Kim and her husband with their James Beard Award; photo by Galdones Photography

Monteverde chef/co-owner Sarah Grueneberg, photo courtesy of Galdones Photography

Best Chef: Great Lakes

2025: Noah Sandoval, Oriole
2023: Tim Flores and Genie Kwon, Kasama
2022: Erick Williams, Virtue
2019: Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark, Parachute (closed)
2018: Abraham Conlon, Fat Rice (closed)
2017: Sarah Grueneberg, Monteverde
2016: Curtis Duffy, Grace (closed)
2014: Dave Beran, Next
2013: Stephanie Izard, Girl & the Goat
2012: Bruce Sherman, North Pond
2010: Koren Grieveson, Avec
2008: Carrie Nahabedian, Naha (closed)
2007: Grant Achatz, Alinea

A salmon danish at kasama — Kasama, photo by Timothy Flores

Outstanding Chef

2013: Paul Kahan, Blackbird (closed)
2008: Grant Achatz, Alinea
1999: Charlie Trotter, Charlie Trotter’s (closed)
1995: Rick Bayless, Topolobampo and Frontera Grill

Emerging Chef

2023: Damarr Brown, Virtue

Outstanding Restaurant

2017: Topolobampo
2007: Frontera Grill
2000: Charlie Trotter’s (closed)

Best New Restaurant

2012: Next
1996: Brasserie Jo (closed)

Outstanding Hospitality

2024: Lula Cafe

Outstanding Restaurateur

2019: Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz, Boka Restaurant Group
2015: Donnie Madia, One Off Hospitality
2011: Richard Melman, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises

Outstanding Bar

2025: Kumiko
2015: The Violet Hour (closed)
2013: The Aviary

America’s Classics

2025: Lem’s Bar-B-Q
2018: Sun Wah BBQ
2010: Calumet Fisheries
2008: Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap
1999: The Berghoff

Outstanding Pastry Chef Award

2012: Mindy Segal, HotChocolate
2001: Gale Gand, Tru (closed)

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

2019: Greg Wade, Publican Quality Bread

Outstanding Wine Program

1993: Charlie Trotter’s (closed)

Humanitarian of the Year

2012: Charlie Trotter
2009: Vicki Escarra
2007: Art Smith
1998: Jennifer Fite

The following award categories have been renamed or retired.

Outstanding Restaurant Design (75 seats and under)

2015: Brindille

Outstanding Restaurant Design (76 seats and over)

2019: Pacific Standard Time (closed)
2016: Cherry Circle Room

Best Chefs in America

This category has been replaced by Outstanding Chef

1999: Debbie Gold

Best Chef: Midwest

Chicago is now categorized under Best Chef: Great Lakes

2006: Shawn McClain, Spring (closed)
2005: Tony Mantuano, Spiaggia (closed)
2004: Paul Kahan, Blackbird (closed)
2002: Rick Tramonto, Tru (closed)
2000: Arun Sampanthavivat, Arun’s (closed)
1998: Sarah Stegner, The Dining Room at The Ritz-Carlton (closed)
1997: Gabino Sotelino, Ambria (closed)
1997: Roland Liccioni, Les Nomades (closed)
1995: Jean Joho, Everest (closed)
1994: Paul Bartolotta, Spiaggia (closed)
1992: Charlie Trotter, Charlie Trotter’s (closed)
1991: Rick Bayless, Topolobampo/Frontera Grill

Rising Star Chef

This category has been replaced by Emerging Chef

2014: Jimmy Bannos Jr., The Purple Pig
2003: Grant Achatz, Trio (closed)
1998: Keith Luce, Spruce (closed)
1994: Sarah Stegner, The Dining Room, The Ritz-Carlton (closed)