The Banchet Awards for culinary excellence which recognizes “local innovators on the Chicago restaurant scene” announced the finalists for the the 2026 edition of the awards which will take place on Sunday January 25, 2026. Before the culinary world writers and enthusiasts flocked to the Chicagoland area for Charlie Trotter, Le Bouchon, Alinea and Co, there was Jean Banchet and his famed French cuisine restaurant Le Francais, that put Chicago dining on the map in the 70s and ‘80s. The awards named after the famed chef, held its first event in 2002. The 2026 Banchet awards finalists in all 12 categories that includes Rising Chef, Best Bev Program and Best New Restaurant, were hand delivered their nomination letters by Executive Director Micheal Muser and the team.
This year will also include two special awards, the Culinary Excellence Award presented to famed Chef Grant Achatz of the Alinea Group and the first-ever Iconic Restaurant of the Year will be presented to Gene & Georgetti, Chicago’s oldest steakhouse. Gene & Georgetti, founded in 1941 by Gene Michelotti and his business partner Alfredo “Georgetti” Federighi, is now ran by third generation Georgetti family, Michelle Durpetti and her husband Collin Pierson. The Banchet Awards can be described as the James Beard awards for the Chicagoland region where winners often go on to national acclaim, winning Michelin stars and James Beard Awards. Since its creation in 2002, the event, now led by restaurateur Michael Muser, has grown into a celebration of the high caliber and diversity of talent in the Chicago region’s food and beverage industry.
“The Banchet Awards are a night to honor the people and places that define Chicago’s dining scene,” said executive director Michael Muser. “It’s a celebration of the creativity, dedication and hospitality that make our city one of the world’s great food destinations.”
A portion of the 2026 Banchet awards proceeds will benefit the Illinois efforts of Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit providing emergency financial assistance and resources to food service workers in crisis.
AWARD SHOW DETAILS:
WHEN: Sunday, January 25, 2026
WHERE: Venue SIX10 | 610 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
PRICE: $250/pp
DRESS CODE: Black Tie TICKETS HERE
Here is the comprehensive list of all the 2026 Banchet Awards finalists
Rising Chef
Alex Cochran – Cellar Door Provisions
Bailey Sullivan – Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio
César Murillo – North Pond
Javauneeka Jacobs – Frontera Grill
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
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
Sommelier of the Year
Alex Cuper – Brasero
Emily Sher – Elske
Jonas Bittencourt – Class Act
Owen Huzar – John’s Food & Wine
Best Heritage Restaurant
M’daKhan (Bridgeview)
Nine Garden (Chinatown)
Tesfa Ethiopian Cuisine
Torizen (Schaumburg)
Best New Restaurant
Cafe Yaya
Feld
Il Carciofo
Void
Pastry Chef of the Year
Courtney Kenyon-Snider – Obélix, Le Bouchon
Justin Lerias – Del Sur Bakery
Mary Eder-McClure – Galit and Cafe Yaya
Dedra Simmons – Pookie Crack Cakes
Best Counter Service
Kanin
Rendang Republic
Sanders BBQ Supply Co
Taquizas Valdez
Chef of the Year
Andrew Lim – Perilla Fare, Perilla Steak, Noriko Handroll Bar
Jennifer Kim – Proxi
John Manion – El Che, Brasero
Zubair Mohajir – Lilac Tiger, The Coach House, Mirra, Sarima
Best Hospitality
Asador Bastian
Feld
Minyoli
Perilla Fare
Restaurant of the Year
Cellar Door Provisions
HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
Indienne
Proxi
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