Chicago’s dining scene is marking the 35th anniversary of the coveted James Beard Awards in a big way, with 22 semi-finalist nominations for 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards announced on Wednesday.
Named after the legendary Chicago chef, “for 35 years, the James Beard Awards have stood as a testament to American food culture and its exceptional talent. What began as a celebration of culinary achievement has evolved into a platform leading chefs and the broader culinary industry towards a new standard of excellence,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation.
Chef Lee Wolen of Boka is nominated in the category of Outstanding Chef and, as in many years past, Chicago chefs dominated the category of Best Chef Great Lakes Region with 10 nominations.
The recently Michelin-starred Cariño earned its first Beard nomination, in the category of Best New Restaurant, while Feld restaurant’s chef Jacob Potashnick earned a first-time nomination in the category of Emerging Chef.
The Michelin-starred Galit in Lincoln Park received the lone Chicago nomination in the category of Outstanding Restaurant.
Three new categories were also introduced this year — Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service — with Chicago represented in each category.
Affectionately known as the “Oscars of the culinary world,” the awards recognize excellence across all aspects of the restaurant industry. The restaurant and chef award finalists will be announced on April 2, and winners will be revealed June 16 at the annual gala ceremony at Chicago’s Lyric Opera House, which will also mark the 10th year the ceremony has called Chicago home.
The following Chicago chefs, restaurants, hospitality/industry and beverage service specialists are 2025 James Beard Award semi-finalist nominees:
Outstanding restaurant:
Outstanding chef:
Lee Wolen, Boka
Best new restaurant:
Best Chef Great Lakes:
Marcos Ascencio, Mariscos San Pedro
Thai Dang, HaiSous Vienamese Kitchen
Diana Davila, Mi Tocaya Antojería
Bo Fowler, BiXi Beer
Joe Frillman, Daisies
Chris Jung and Erling Wu-Bower, Maxwells Trading
Lamar Moore, ETC.
Noah Sandoval, Oriole
Sujan Sarkar, Indienne
Zeeshan Shah and Yoshi Yamada, Superkhana International
Emerging chef:
Jacob Potashnick, Feld
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker:
Leigh Omilinsky, Daisies
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program:
Outstanding Bar:
Best New Bar
Outstanding Restaurateur:
Brian Jupiter and Aaron Torricelli, Pioneer Tavern Group (Frontier and Ina Mae Tavern)
Outstanding professional in Beverage Service:
Thomas Kakalios, Asador Bastian
Marika Josephson and Aaron Kleidon, Scratch Brewing Company, Ava, Illinois
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service:
Christopher Marty, Best Intentions