2024 James Beard Awards Recognizes Chicago Restaurants

Since 2015, Chicago has hosted the annual James Beard Awards, a foundation recognizing exemplary chefs and restaurants across the country. Four Chicago restaurants were finalists in this year’s 2024 James Beard Awards, with one taking home a winning title.

Keep reading to discover these great Windy City eateries, and after enjoying some fine dining cap your day off with a trip along Chicago’s famous river. Chart a course aboard Chicago's First Lady, voted #1 Boat Tour in the U.S.

Lula Cafe - 2024 James Beard Award Winner

For a scrumptious brunch or delicious dinner, head over to Lula Cafe, winner of the 2024 James Beard Award in Outstanding Hospitality. Opened Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays) this delicious Chicago eatery is known for its exceptional service, making diners feel taken care of from the moment they step through the door. 

2024 James Beard Award Finalists

Three other Chicago restaurants were recognized in the 2024 James Beard Awards as finalists:

Serving up delicious Indian fare, Indienne offers a variety of six-course tasting menus, with options for a variety of dietary restrictions including vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian, as well as a full wine list and additional supplementary courses. An a-la-carte menu is also available at the bar. Chef Sujan Sarkar was a finalist for Best Chef: Great Lakes. 

Offering both a tasting menu and bar, Esmé makes food into art. Dining meets art gallery at this innovative establishment featuring a harmony of flavors, textures, and colors. The restaurant is home to Chef Jenner Tomaska, who was also a finalist for the Best Chef: Great Lakes award in the 2024 James Beard Awards. Chef Tomaska was previously nominated for the Rising Star Chef award in 2016 and 2017. 

Elske, famous for its pastry work, combines simplistic fare with seasonal ingredients and energetic hospitality. Anna Posey, pastry chef and co-owner of the restaurant, made it to the final round of the James Beard Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker category.

Set Sail For Picturesque Views

Visiting Chicago to taste the delicious restaurant scene? See the best views the Windy City has to offer with Chicago's First Lady. Tour the dazzling skyscrapers and historical bridges with our Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise, take in the setting sun on an evening cruise, or chart your own course on the river or Lake Michigan with a private charter. We hope to see you aboard soon!