As the restaurant industry continues to navigate the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Chicago's dining scene remains a shining beacon of culinary excellence. The prestigious Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence, named after the renowned chef who helped put the Chicago area on the map, are set to honor the city's most talented chefs, restaurateurs, and industry professionals in 2025.

Uncovering the Finest Flavors of the Windy City

Honoring Chicago's Culinary Heritage

Chicago's rich culinary heritage is celebrated through the "Best Heritage Restaurant" category, which recognizes establishments that have preserved and elevated the diverse flavors of the city. From the continent-spanning cuisine of Georgia at Stumara to the mouthwatering barbecue of Soul & Smoke, these finalists showcase the depth and breadth of Chicago's dining landscape. Meanwhile, New Village Gastro Pub & Karaoke and Ocean Grill & Bar offer unique takes on Korean and Vietnamese fare, respectively, highlighting the city's vibrant multicultural influences.

Celebrating Neighborhood Gems

The "Best Neighborhood Restaurant" category shines a spotlight on the local eateries that have become the heart and soul of their communities. Bungalow by Middle Brow, with its acclaimed sourdough pizza, and Daisy's Po-Boy and Tavern, helmed by the renowned Chef Erick Williams, are just two examples of the exceptional dining experiences found in Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. Kie-Gol-Lanee, a Mexican restaurant specializing in Oaxacan dishes, and the French bistro Le Bouchon, with its acclaimed culinary empire, round out this impressive list of finalists.

Recognizing the Next Generation of Culinary Talent

The "Rising Chef of the Year" category shines a spotlight on the up-and-coming culinary stars who are pushing the boundaries of Chicago's dining scene. From John Dahlstrom's ambitious palate at Nettare to Madalyn Durrant's French-inspired creations at Bar Parisette, these chefs are making waves with their innovative approaches to food. Mike Satinover's obsessive pursuit of perfection in ramen at Akahoshi Ramen and Chris Jung's personal take on American cuisine at Maxwells Trading further demonstrate the depth of talent emerging in the city.

Raising a Glass to Chicago's Best Bars

The "Bar of the Year" category celebrates the establishments that are elevating the city's cocktail culture. Nine Bar's spotlight on Asian liquors and flavors, Bisous' French-tinged retro vibe, and Sepia's creative drinks that complement its Michelin-starred cuisine all showcase the diversity and excellence of Chicago's bar scene. Golden Years, with its '70s-inspired libations, rounds out this impressive list of finalists.

Honoring the Best in Counter Service

The "Best Counter Service" category recognizes the restaurants that are delivering exceptional dining experiences in a more casual setting. Migos Fine Foods, with its chef-driven halal offerings, and Ragadan, which blends Middle Eastern and American influences, are standouts in this category. Santa Masa Tamaleria's focus on masa and flavorful fillings, and the longstanding excellence of J.P. Graziano Grocery's sandwiches, further demonstrate the breadth of talent in this segment of the industry.

Celebrating the Newest Culinary Gems

The "Best New Restaurant" category shines a light on the most exciting newcomers to the Chicago dining scene. From the tasting menu and late-night taco "omakase" at Cariño to the wood-fired, Latin American-inspired cuisine of Brasero, these finalists are making waves with their innovative approaches. John's Food and Wine's fast-casual service with ambitious food, and the 1930s-inspired glamor of Oliver's, round out this impressive list of finalists.

Recognizing Excellence in Hospitality and Design

The "Best Hospitality" category celebrates the restaurants that have elevated the dining experience through exceptional service and attention to detail. Brindille, Dear Margaret, Jeong, and Anelya, each with their unique culinary and cultural influences, have all been recognized for their commitment to providing an unparalleled dining experience.The "Best Design" category honors the restaurants that have created stunning and immersive environments to complement their culinary offerings. From the Latin American-inspired Brasero to the marble-filled luxury of Tre Dita, and the soaring windows and octopus sculpture of Bazaar Meat, these finalists have elevated the dining experience through their exceptional design.

Celebrating the Artistry of Pastry and Pizza

The "Pastry Chef of the Year" category recognizes the individuals who have elevated the art of dessert in Chicago. From Bo Durham's acclaimed creations at Mindy's Bakery to the Scandinavian-inspired pastries of Elske and the Mexican-influenced sweets of Mariscos San Pedro, these finalists are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of pastry.The new "Best Pizza of the Year" category celebrates the city's love affair with the beloved dish. Finalists like Pistores, Milly's Pizza in the Pan, Spacca Napoli Pizzeria, and Robert's Pizza and Dough Co. are all vying for the top spot, showcasing the diverse and delicious interpretations of pizza that can be found in Chicago.

Honoring the Culinary Luminaries

The "Chef of the Year" category recognizes the individuals who have made significant contributions to Chicago's dining scene. From Otto Phan's exceptional sushi at Kyōten to Sarah Grueneberg's acclaimed Italian cuisine at Monteverde, and Stephen Gillanders' diverse culinary empire, these chefs have left an indelible mark on the city's culinary landscape. Kevin Hickey's inventive twists on classic dishes at The Duck Inn round out this impressive list of finalists.Finally, the prestigious "Restaurant of the Year" category honors the establishments that have consistently delivered exceptional dining experiences. Avec, the beloved Mediterranean-inspired spot in the West Loop, El Che Steakhouse & Bar's Latin American-style cuisine, the Scandinavian-inspired Elske, and the Croatian-Italian fusion of Rose Mary are all vying for this top honor, showcasing the depth and breadth of Chicago's culinary excellence.