The Banchet Awards

The Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence return on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Venue SIX10, honoring the chefs, restaurants and visionaries who make Chicago one of the world’s great dining cities.

This year’s finalists in 12 categories were surprised in person Oct. 15 when executive director Michael Muser and the Banchet Awards team hand-delivered nomination letters to chefs and restaurant teams across the city.

The ceremony will also pay tribute to two culinary icons: Chef Grant Achatz of Alinea, who will receive the Culinary Excellence Award, and the beloved steakhouse Gene & Georgetti, named the first-ever Iconic Restaurant of the Year.

Tickets are now available to the public for $250 each and include access to the awards ceremony, a champagne reception and a lively post-party featuring food and drinks from some of Chicago’s best chefs.

A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Illinois efforts of Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit providing emergency financial assistance and resources to food service workers in crisis. Since launching in Chicago in 2024, Giving Kitchen has supported more than 120 Illinois food workers and distributed more than $80,000 to help cover essentials such as rent and utilities.