2025 Banchet Award Winners in Chicago
Restaurant of the Year
Avec was named Restaurant of the Year, with Mary Kay Bonoma of the Illinois Restaurant Association acknowledging the importance of immigrants in the industry.
Chef of the Year
Otto Phan of Kyōten in Logan Square was awarded Chef of the Year, beating out other notable chefs including Sarah Grueneberg of Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio and Stephen Gillanders of S.K.Y., Valhalla & Apolonia.
Best New Restaurant
Cariño, located in Uptown, took home the award for Best New Restaurant, having gained its first Michelin star last year.
Rising Chef
Chris Jung of Maxwell’s Trading in the West Loop was named Rising Chef, with Jung expressing gratitude for being part of a city that is “so diverse, that’s so welcoming of its immigrants.”
Pastry Chef of the Year
T.C. Lumbar of Elske was awarded Pastry Chef of the Year, beating out other talented pastry chefs including Antonio Incandela of Mariscos San Pedro and Bo Durham of Mindy’s Bakery.
Sommelier of the Year
Jelena Prodan of S.K.Y., Valhalla & Apolonia was named Sommelier of the Year, with Prodan recognized for her expertise and dedication to the craft.
Bar of the Year
Bisous was named Bar of the Year, with the award recognizing the bar’s exceptional service and atmosphere.
Best Heritage Restaurant
Stumara was named Best Heritage Restaurant, with the award honoring the restaurant’s commitment to preserving traditional culinary heritage.
Best Neighborhood Restaurant
Le Bouchon, a French bistro in Bucktown, took home the award for Best Neighborhood Restaurant, with the restaurant’s warm atmosphere and exceptional service recognized by the judges.
Best Counter Service
Ragadan was named Best Counter Service, with the award recognizing the restaurant’s quick and delicious service.
Best Design
Tre Dita was named Best Design, with the award honoring the restaurant’s unique and stylish atmosphere.
Best Hospitality
Dear Margaret was named Best Hospitality, with the award recognizing the restaurant’s exceptional service and welcoming atmosphere.
Best Pizza
Spacca Napoli Pizzeria was named Best Pizza, with the award recognizing the restaurant’s authentic Neapolitan-style pizza.
Conclusion
The 2025 Banchet Awards celebrated the best of Chicago’s culinary scene, with winners recognized for their exceptional service, atmosphere, and cuisine. The awards honor the hard work and dedication of Chicago’s chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality professionals.
FAQs
Q: What is the Banchet Award?
A: The Banchet Award is an annual award that recognizes the best of Chicago’s culinary scene, with winners chosen by a panel of judges.
Q: Who was the winner of the Restaurant of the Year award?
A: Avec was the winner of the Restaurant of the Year award.
Q: Who was the winner of the Chef of the Year award?
A: Otto Phan of Kyōten in Logan Square was the winner of the Chef of the Year award.
Q: Who was the winner of the Best New Restaurant award?
A: Cariño, located in Uptown, was the winner of the Best New Restaurant award.
