2026 James Beard Awards

It’s that time again: The 2026 James Beard Awards® for chefs and restaurants are taking place at the Lyric Opera House on June 15 (the media awards take place on June 13). It’s the biggest weekend of the year for the restaurant industry, as chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, writers and more descend upon our fair city for an epic celebration of all things hospitality.

Given that the awards are right in our backyard, and many visitors come to town hungry to try the best Chicago has to offer, we’re taking a moment to recognize the Resy restaurants that have been recognized in recent years — just in case you’re looking for somewhere (else) to eat. See all the nominees here.

Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio

• West Loop
• Italian
• $$

HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen

• Pilsen
• Vietnamese
• $$

NADU

• Lincoln Park
• Indian
• $$

Galit

• Lincoln Park
• Middle Eastern
• $$

Maxwells Trading

• West Loop
• Contemporary American
• $$

Mi Tocaya Antojería

• Logan Square
• Mexican
• $$

The Duck Inn

• Bridgeport
• New American
• $$$

BiXi Beer

• Logan Square
• Modern Pan-Asian
• $$

Middle Brow Brewery and Winery

• Logan Square
• Pizza
• $

Lem’s Bar-B-Q

• Chatham

This South Side barbecue icon, run by the Lemons family for over 70 years, is beloved for its smoked rib tips and hot links, and justly received an America’s Classic Award from the Foundation earlier this year. One of the most influential Black-owned rib joints in the city, it’s well worth a visit to learn more about Chicago’s signature aquarium-style smokers and sample a bite of some of the most coveted ribs (slathered in a tangy top-secret sauce) in town.