Chicago's Banchet Awards has announced its finalists for it's 25th anniversary.
Founded in 2002, the annual event, often called the Oscars of the city's food scene, honors culinary excellence across twelve categories, including Best Counter Service, Best Neighborhood Restaurant, and Rising Chef the Year.
Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen will receive the Iconic Restaurant Award, recognizing more than eight decades of family-owned hospitality.
And new this year, Chef Sarah Stegner, co-owner of Prairie Grass Cafe, will receive the inaugural Environmental Leadership Award for her work supporting local farmers and a more sustainable food system.
The Banchet Awards celebrates its silver anniversary Sunday, January 31, at the Harris Theater.
Here's the full list of 2027 finalists:
Bar of the Year
Bar Bambi
Belmont Tavern
Culebra
Oliver’s
Sommelier of the Year
Chris Farrell, Indienne
Claire McDonal, Avec
Nathan Ducker, Feld
Olivia Duncan-Williams, Maxwells Trading
Rising Chef of the Year
Alex Ching, Bonyeon
Alex Cochran, Cellar Door Provisions
Devin Denzer, Atsumeru
Tayler Ploshehanski, Creepies
Best New Restaurant
All Well
Creepies
Petite Edith
The Greggory
Best Counter Service
Chomp Pizza
Seedo’s Levantine Bakery
No Pasa Nada
Turkish Doner
Best Hospitality
Anelya
Brindille
Obélix
Perilla Fare
Best Design
Adalina Prime
Kitty’s Cosmopolitan Club
The Hand & The Eye
Tryzub Ukrainian Kitchen
Best Neighborhood Restaurant
Cerdito Muerto
Il Mio
Spice by CMB
Torizen
Best Heritage Restaurant
Lao Hu Tong
Mazor
Nadu
Noodles Party
Pastry Program of the Year
Fat Peach Bakery
Guillotine Bakery
Smyth
Sugar Moon Bakery
Chef of the Year
Adam McFarland and Tom Rogers
Jenner Tomaska
Zachary Engel
Zubair Mohajir
Restaurant of the Year
Asador Bastian
Brasero
Cellar Door Provisions
Maxwells Trading
