Chicago to host James Beard Awards on June 15

The James Beard Foundation will hold its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Awards on Monday, June 15, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. (jamesbeard.org) The ceremony is the foundation’s main event for restaurant and chef honors, covering categories across food, beverage, and hospitality. The foundation said winners will be revealed in Chicago that night. (jamesbeard.org 1) (jamesbeard.org 2) This year’s nominees were announced on March 31, 2026, after the semifinalists were released in January. The 2026 list includes national categories such as Outstanding Restaurant and Best New Bar, along with regional Best Chef awards. (jamesbeard.org 1) (jamesbeard.org 2) Chicago is not just the host city; it is under contract to remain the home of the awards through at least 2028. WTTW reported that the extension was disclosed when this year’s nominees were announced. (wttw.com) (choosechicago.com) That keeps one of the food industry’s highest-profile ceremonies anchored in Chicago for another cycle, after the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards were also held at the Lyric Opera on June 16. (jamesbeard.org 1) (jamesbeard.org 2) The broader James Beard Awards program also includes Media Awards, which were held in Chicago on June 14, 2025, at Columbia College Chicago. Those awards cover books, broadcast media, journalism, podcasts, and social media creators. (jamesbeard.org) For restaurants and chefs, the June 15 ceremony is the date that turns the 2026 nominee list into winners. Chicago, once again, is where that decision becomes official. (jamesbeard.org) (jamesbeard.org)