Chicago is proud to be home to over 50 James Beard Award winners. Since the first ceremony in 1991, this national award has become the most coveted honor in the world of food and beverage. Chicago is honored to host the James Beard Awards through 2027.
If you’re looking for a place to dine, this esteemed list is a good place to start.
Best Chef: Great Lakes
2023: Tim Flores and Genie Kwon, Kasama
2022: Erick Williams, Virtue
2019: Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark, Parachute
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
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 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 Program
2015: The Violet Hour
2013: The Aviary
America’s Classics
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)
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This category has been replaced by Outstanding Chef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
1998: Sarah Stegner, The Dining Room at The Ritz-Carlton (closed)
1997: Gabino Sotelino, Ambria (closed)
1997: Roland Liccioni, Les Nomades
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)
Outstanding Service
This category has been replaced by Outstanding Hospitality
2010: Grant Achatz, Alinea
2007: Rick Tramonto, Gale Gand, and Richard Melman, Tru (closed)
2002: Charlie Trotter, Charlie Trotter’s (closed)
For more information about the James Beard Foundation and the awards, visit jamesbeard.org.
