The James Beard Foundation on Wednesday announced the semifinalists for its 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards, and Chicago saw 22 restaurants, chefs and bars make the cut.
The awards, which are among the most prestigious in the U.S. culinary industry, are marking their 35th anniversary this year.
“As we mark this milestone, we are committed to our vision of a vibrant independent restaurant industry that stands as a cornerstone of American culture, community and economy; and drives towards a better food system,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation.
This year, there are three new categories with a focus on beverages, and Chicago has semifinalists in each: Bisous and Truce for Best New Bar, Thomas Kakalios of Asador Bastian for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service and Christopher Marty of Best Intentions for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.
Chicago continues to see strong representation in the Best Chef: Great Lakes regional category, which highlights chefs from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. The Chicago semifinalists were Marcos Ascencio of Mariscos San Pedro; Thai Dang of HaiSous; Diana Dávila of Mi Tocaya Antojería; Bo Fowler of BiXi Beer; Joe Frillman of Daisies; Chris Jung and Erling Wu-Bower of Maxwells Trading; Lamar Moore of ETC.; Noah Sandoval of Oriole; Sujan Sarkar of Indienne; and Zeeshan Shah and Yoshi Yamada of Superkhana International.
Other notable Chicago semifinalists include mainstays such as Daisies and Boka as well as newer spots such as Feld and Cariño.
Last year, Lula Cafe was Chicago’s sole Beard Award winner, receiving the honor in the Outstanding Hospitality category.
The full list of Chicago Beard semifinalists
Outstanding Restaurateur: Brian Jupiter and Aaron Torricelli of Pioneer Tavern Group (Frontier and Ina Mae Tavern)
Outstanding Chef: Lee Wolen of Boka
Outstanding Restaurant: Galit
Emerging Chef: Jacob Potashnick of Feld
Best New Restaurant: Cariño
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: Leigh Omilinsky of Daisies
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: Elske
Outstanding Bar: Kumiko
Best New Bar: Bisous and Truce
Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service: Thomas Kakalios of Asador Bastian
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service: Christopher Marty of Best Intentions
Best Chef: Great Lakes (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio): Marcos Ascencio of Mariscos San Pedro; Thai Dang of HaiSous; Diana Dávila of Mi Tocaya Antojería; Bo Fowler of BiXi Beer; Joe Frillman of Daisies; Chris Jung and Erling Wu-Bower of Maxwells Trading; Lamar Moore of ETC.; Noah Sandoval of Oriole; Sujan Sarkar of Indienne; and Zeeshan Shah and Yoshi Yamada of Superkhana International.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.