Here are the Chicago semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards

The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony is still months away, but the James Beard Foundation has just announced this year’s semifinalists.

A number of Chicago's best restaurants and chefs are up for the industry’s highest honors. Widely referred to as the “Oscars of the food world,” the James Beard Awards recognize the country’s most distinguished culinary and media talents. The winners will be revealed during an event on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

2025 marks the Awards’ 35th anniversary, and will feature three new categories focused on beverages: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.

Chicago has 22 total semifinalists this year. Check out all of the local nominees below.

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2025 James Beard Awards Chicago semifinalists

Outstanding Restaurateur

Brian Jupiter and Aaron Torricelli, Pioneer Tavern Group (Frontier and Ina Mae Tavern)

Outstanding Chef

Lee Wolen, Boka

Outstanding Restaurant

Galit

Emerging Chef

Jacob Potashnick, Feld

Best New Restaurant

Cariño

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

Leigh Omilinsky, Daisies

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

Elske

Outstanding Bar

Kumiko

Best New Bar

Bisous

Truce

Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service

Thomas Kakalios, Asador Bastian

Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service

Christopher Marty, Best Intentions

Best Chef: Great Lakes

Marcos Ascencio, Mariscos San Pedro

Thai Dang, HaiSous

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