11 Chicago Restaurants, Chefs Named James Beard Award Semifinalists

CHICAGO — Restaurants and chefs in Chicago are well represented in the semifinalists announced Wednesday for the prestigious 2023 James Beard Awards, sometimes referred to as the Oscars of the culinary arts industry.

Named for the late chef, cookbook author, and food presenter James Beard, the awards “recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive,” the James Beard Foundation said Wednesday in a news release.

The semi-finalists are recognized across 23 categories, including a new award for outstanding bakery.

Here are the 2023 James Beard Award nominees from Chicago:

OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT

Smyth, Chicago

EMERGING CHEF

Damarr Brown, Virtue, Chicago

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Obelix, Chicago

Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining, Chicago

OUTSTANDING HOSPITALITY

Sepia, Chicago

OUTSTANDING WINE AND OTHER BEVERAGES PROGRAM

All Together Now, Chicago

BEST CHEF (GREAT LAKES REGION)

Diana Davila Boldin, Mi Tocaya Antojeria, Chicago

Zubair Mohajir, Wazwan, Chicago

Genie Kwon, Kasama, Chicago

Thai Dang, HaiSous, Chicago

Paul Fehribach,Big Jones, Chicago

Award nominees will be announced on March 29, and the winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 5 at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.