2027 Banchet awards
Sunday, January 31, 2027
Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 AM on September 30.
HOW TO BE A SPONSOR AND SUPPORT FOR THE 2027 BANCHET AWARDS
SPONSORS & DONATIONS
Support from our sponsors and donors helps The Banchet Foundation advance its mission, invest in the next generation of culinary professionals, and strengthen Chicago’s hospitality community.
FOUNDING PATRON PACKAGE
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YOUR 2027 BANCHET FINALISTS
Bar of the Year
Bar Bambi
Belmont Tavern
Culebra
Oliver’s
Sommelier of the Year
Chris Farrell - Indienne
Claire McDonal - avec
Nathan Ducker - Feld
Olivia Duncan-Willliams - Maxwells Trading
Rising Chef of the Year
Alex Ching - Bonyeon
Alex Cochran - Cellar Door Provisions
Devin Denzer - Atsumeru
Tayler Ploshehanski - Creepies
Best New Restaurant
All Well
Creepies
The Greggory
Petite Edith
Best Counter Service
Chomp Pizza
No Pasa Nada
Seedo's
Turkish Doner
Best Hospitality
Anelya
Brindille
Obelix
Perilla Fare
Best Design
Adalina Prime
Kitty’s Cosmopolitan Club
The Hand & The Eye
Tryzub Ukrainian Kitchen
Best Neighborhood Restaurant
Cerdito
MuertoIl Mio
Spice by CMB
Torizen
Best Heritage Restaurant
Lao Hu Tong
Mazor
Nadu
Noodles Party
Pastry Program of the Year
Fat Peach
Guillotine Bakery
Smyth
Sugar Moon
Chef of the Year
Adam McFarland and Tom Rogers
John's Food & Wine
Jenner Tomaska
Esmé, Petite Edith, The Alston
Zachary Engel
Galit, Cafe Yaya
Zubair Mohajir
Coach House, Lilac Tiger, Mariela, Mirra, Muhājir, Sarima Cafe
Restaurant of the Year
Asador Bastian
Brasero
Cellar Door Provisions
Maxwells Trading
2027 Banchet Awards & After Party
Sunday, January 31, 2026
Harris Theatre For Music & Dance
205 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Tickets go on sale at 10 am CST on September 30, 2026
2027 Culinary
Excellence Award
Chef Paul Kahan
“It’s an incredible honor to accept The Banchets’ Culinary Excellence Award,” Kahan said.
“But this recognition really isn’t about me. So many talented people have been part of this journey, from my partners and the people who have worked alongside us over the years to the family farmers and producers we’re so tremendously proud to work with. Chicago is a fantastic restaurant city, and I’m grateful to have played a small part in what makes this industry so special.”
2027 Culinary
Excellence Award
Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen
“Manny’s has always been a place where everyone feels welcome and generations of families gather,” said Dan Raskin, fourth-generation owner-operator of Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen.
“This honor belongs to the generations of our family who came before us, our incredible employees, and the loyal customers who have made Manny’s what it is today. We are deeply honored to have our history recognized by The Banchet Foundation.”
Environmental Leadership Award
Sarah Stegner
“I’m thrilled that The Banchets has created an award recognizing environmental leadership in our industry,” said Stegner.
“Chefs have a real opportunity to make a difference through the farmers we support, the ingredients we choose and the way we operate our restaurants. This work has been important to me throughout my career, so it is especially meaningful to be chosen as the first recipient of this award.”
What to know
Celebrating 25 Years of The Banchet Awards
The Banchet Awards returns on Sunday, January 31, 2027, taking the celebration to the Harris Theater for Music and Dance for its milestone anniversary. This new home creates a larger stage for the chefs, restaurants and hospitality professionals whose talent, leadership and creativity make Chicago one of the world’s great dining cities.
Hosted by the newly established Banchet Foundation, the evening will celebrate excellence across Chicago’s food and beverage community while honoring the legacy of Chef Jean Banchet, whose groundbreaking work at Le Français helped establish Chicago as a world-class culinary destination.
Honoring Two Chicago Legends
Chef Paul Kahan will receive the 2027 Culinary Excellence Award in recognition of his extraordinary impact on Chicago’s restaurant community. From the groundbreaking Blackbird to avec, The Publican, Big Star and Dove’s Luncheonette, Kahan has helped shape how Chicago eats while mentoring generations of hospitality professionals.
Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen will receive the 2027 Iconic Restaurant Award. For more than eight decades, the family-owned institution has welcomed generations of Chicagoans and visitors with timeless food, genuine hospitality and unmistakable character.
A New Chapter for The Banchet Foundation
The 25th anniversary also marks an exciting new chapter for the organization. The Banchet Foundation is now a nonprofit dedicated to creating a healthier, more sustainable food system and supporting the next generation of culinary professionals through mentorship, education and job training.
The Banchet Awards will remain at the heart of that mission, alongside new year-round programming designed to serve and strengthen Chicago’s culinary community.
Watch Live with NBC 5 Chicago
For the second consecutive year, audiences near and far will be able to watch The Banchet Awards live through our digital streaming partnership with NBC 5 Chicago.
The ceremony will stream on the NBC 5 Chicago News streaming channel on Roku, Peacock, Xumo and other major platforms, as well as NBCChicago.com, the NBC Chicago app and the NBC Chicago YouTube channel.
