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

Stephanie Izard

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

Virtue in Hyde Park; photo by Nolis Anderson

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This category has been replaced by Outstanding Chef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.