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Several Chicago chefs, restaurants named among James Beard Award semifinalists

Half of this year's semifinalists for Best Chef in the Great Lakes region are Chicago chefs

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With 2025 fresh underway, several Chicago chefs and restaurants have received a prestigious honor, being named among the semifinalists for the James Beard Foundation Award, lauding the finest restaurants, chefs, bars, bakeries and more in America's culinary scene.

The expansive awards feature numerous different categories, with some honoring chefs and restaurants by region.

Award categories range from Outstanding Restaurateur and Outstanding Chef to Emerging Chef, Best New Restaurant and Outstanding Hospitality.

Overall, Chicago was represented a remarkable 22 times among 2025's semifinalists, including comprising half of the foundation's 20 semifinalists for Best Chef in the Great Lakes region, which also includes Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.

Nominees for the award will then be announced on April 2, with winners later revealed at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on June 16.

Below is a look at the Chicago establishments and chefs who were named as James Beard semifinalists:

Outstanding Restaurateur

Outstanding Chef

Outstanding Restaurant

Emerging Chef

  • Jacob Potashnick, Feld

Best New Restaurant

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

Outstanding Bar

Best New Bar

Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service

Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service

Best Chef: Great Lakes

More information on this year's semifinalists and the full list can be found here.

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