America’s top chefs gather in Chicago for the James Beard Awards 2025

The James Beard Awards are getting underway at Chicago’s Lyric Opera House.

The culinary world’s big night out, which is celebrating its 35th year, brings together chefs and restaurateurs from across the country. The festivities have also brought a slew of events to Chicago, from parties to panels with industry insiders.

“This is truly iconic to be the James Beard Awards. It's not something that every city can boast or talk about or have the opportunity to do,” said Kristen Reynolds, the new president and CEO Choose Chicago, who was on the red carpet Monday.

The James Beard Awards ceremony, which began in 1991, moved to Chicago from New York in 2015.

Even though the Beards are only currently slated to be in Chicago until 2027, Reynolds was confident they will remain here. “We are definitely keeping the James Beard Awards beyond 2027 in Chicago,” Reynolds said. “I mean, we are the host of 'The Bear.' You know, we have to have the James Beard Awards in Chicago.”

This year, five Chicago restaurants are finalists. The list includes Galit, the Lincoln Park Middle Eastern restaurant, which is up for one of the Beards' top honors: Outstanding Restaurant.

West Loop’s Asian-inspired Maxwells Trading, Pilsen Vietnamese eatery HaiSous and fine dining destination Oriole are all among this year’s finalists in the Best Chef Great Lakes category, which recognizes the best in the region. And Julia Momosé’s Kumiko, in the West Loop, is nominated for Outstanding Bar.

Plus, South Side staple Lem’s Bar-B-Q has already earned a 2025 honor as an “America's Classics” awardee by the Beards.

Last year, Lula Cafe in Logan Square was Chicago’s sole winner, when it took home the prize for Outstanding Hospitality.

The sold-out ceremony, hosted by Nyesha Arrington and Andrew Zimmern, will be livestreamed online.

Courtney Kueppers is an arts and culture reporter at WBEZ.