The Banchet Awards is a celebration of culinary excellence in Chicago, gathering more than 400 of Chicagoland’s foremost chefs, culinary professionals, and industry insiders. It is the sole Chicago-based awards ceremony honoring originality and talent across the region. Named after Chef Jean Banchet, who was inducted into the Chicago Chefs Hall of Fame in 2013, the organization pays homage to his legacy.
Please visit our ticket partner, Tock, to purchase your tickets today!
Meet the 2026 nominees!
Bar of the Year or Beverage Program of the Year
Cantina Rosa – Maria Rodriguez
Daisies – Nicole Yarovinsky
Elske – Monica Casillas-Rios
Gus’ Sip & Dip – Kevin Beary and Scott Kitsmiller
Sommelier of the Year
Alex Cuper – El Che, Brasero
Emily Sher – Elske
Jonas Bittencourt – Class Act
Owen Huzar – John’s Food & Wine
Rising Chef
Alex Cochran – Cellar Door Provisions
Bailey Sullivan – Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio
César Murillo – North Pond
Javauneeka Jacobs – Frontera Grill
Best New Restaurant
Cafe Yaya
Feld
Il Carciofo
Void
Best Counter Service
Kanin
Rendang Republic
Sanders BBQ Supply
Taquizas Valdez
Best Hospitality
Asador Bastian
Feld
Minyoli
Perilla Fare
Best Design
Adalina Prime
Matilda
Noriko Handroll Bar
The Alston
Best Neighborhood Restaurant
Bungalow by Middle Brow
Coda di Volpe
Mahari
Maplewood Brewery & Distillery Lounge
Best Heritage Restaurant
M’daKhan (Bridgeview)
Nine Garden (Chinatown)
Tesfa Ethiopian Cuisine
Torizen (Schaumburg)
Pastry Chef of the Year
Courtney Kenyon-Snider – Obélix, Le Bouchon
Justin Lerias – Del Sur Bakery
Mary Eder-McClure – Galit, Cafe Yaya
Dedra Simmons – Pookie Crack Cakes
Chef of the Year
Andrew Lim – Perilla Fare, Perilla Steakhouse, Noriko Handroll Bar
Jennifer Kim – Proxi
John Manion – El Che, Brasero
Zubair Mohajir – Lilac Tiger, Coach House, Mirra, Sarima Cafe
Restaurant of the Year
Cellar Door Provisions
HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
Indienne
Proxi
Iconic Restaurant (25+ years)
Gene & Georgetti
Culinary Excellence (Lifetime Achievement)
Grant Achatz