Chicago Has One James Beard Award Winner in 2026

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The James Beard Awards, a national recognition in the food and hospitality industry often compared to the Academy Awards, gave out medals in a ceremony hosted once again at Chicago's Lyric Opera house, drawing prominent chefs and industry folks from across the country to the city. 

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker made an appearance onstage, lauding Chicago's food scene as the city hosted the Awards for the eleventh time; they will continue to take place here through at least 2028. He was followed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, who welcomed guests in his trademark way to the "greatest freaking city in the world." Both Johnson and Pritzker, a possible presidential contender in 2028, pledged to protect immigrants, who make up a large portion of the food industry workforce. 

This year, Chicago had three nominees narrowed down from 23 semifinalists this year, the fewest nominees from the city in years as the Beard Foundation broadens its focus beyond the biggest, best-known food cities. 

Last year, Chicago was represented by two winners out of five nominees, while the South Side institution Lem's Bar-B-Q was named an "America's Classic." 

Find Chicago's lone 2026 winner below, in a category presented by Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark of Parachute HiFi and Anelya, who won the same award in 2019.

Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH)

Jacob Potashnick, Feld – Potashnick is racking up awards lately even after a rocky start to his restaurant, starting with a Michelin star last year, a Best New Restaurant and Best Hospitality win at Chicago’s Banchet Awards this year, a spot on Bon Appétit’s national best new restaurant list, a place on Chicago magazine's best restaurant list, and more. His intensely seasonal, ever-changing tasting menu spot focuses on his relationships with farmers, some of whom he thanked out in his acceptance speech. 

He spoke to WTTW's Chicago Tonight about being nominated, and recently shared his favorite places to eat, drink, and shop in Chicago with us.