The James Beard Foundation released its 2026 semifinalist list on January 21, and Chicago's hospitality industry showed up in force. Nearly two dozen local favorites are in the running for what many consider the Oscars of the food world, from celebrated fine dining destinations to neighborhood gems.
Diana Davila of Mi Tocaya Antojería and Zachary Engel of Galit earned nominations in the prestigious national Outstanding Chef category, competing against the best culinary talent in the country. Both restaurants have become essential stops on Chicago's dining circuit.
The Day Off Group—Frank Callero, Joe Flamm, Kara Callero, and Steven Zaleski—earned an Outstanding Restaurateur nomination for their work building Rose Mary, il Carciofo, and BLVD Steakhouse into neighborhood institutions.
In the Best Chef: Great Lakes category, Chicago dominated with nine nominees:
• Thai Dang of HaiSous, whose Vietnamese cuisine has earned a devoted following • Danny Espinoza of Santa Masa Tamaleria, elevating the humble tamale to art • Norman Fenton of the Michelin-starred Cariño • Christopher Jung and Erling Wu-Bower of Maxwells Trading • Mari Katsumura and Adam Sindler of SHŌ • Nick Kleutsch and James Sanders of Sanders BBQ Supply Co. • Rishi Kumar and Zubair Mohajir of Mirra • Ben Lustbader and Sarah Mispagel of Loaf Lounge • Jacob Potashnick of Feld
Daisies earned an Outstanding Hospitality nomination, while Courtney Kenyon-Snider of Obélix is a semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. Christopher Marty of Best Intentions represents Chicago in the Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service category.
Kasama, whose chefs Tim Flores and Genie Kwon already hold James Beard medals, is again under consideration for Outstanding Restaurant alongside EL Ideas.
The official nominees will be announced March 31, with winners revealed at a ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on June 15.