The Banchet Awards, recognizing chefs and restaurants across Chicago, announced the nominees for 2026 on Thursday, plus a new category honoring a historic icon.

“The Banchets are a yearly celebration where the food and beverage universe of Chicago takes a deep breath and looks back upon the previous year,” said Michael Muser, director of the awards.

Nominees can be found across the city and suburbs, from counter service to fine dining.

“The awards pay honor and respect to the hard work and the dedication that goes into the craft of hospitality by so many small business owners and restaurateurs and chefs and sommeliers and managers and bartenders,” said Muser, who was previously director of operations at the critically acclaimed restaurant Ever and its cocktail bar, After.

Winners will

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