The 2026 Jean Banchet Awards honored Chicago’s best. This significant event celebrated culinary excellence. The ceremony took place January 25th. It was held at Venue SIX10. This is Chicago’s premier local food awards night. Many top chefs and restaurants received accolades. The event supports the Giving Kitchen nonprofit. This organization aids food service workers in crisis. It highlights Chicago’s thriving food scene.
Indienne Earns Top Restaurant Honor
Indienne was crowned Restaurant of the Year. This recognition marks a major achievement. Indienne opened in River North in 2022. Chef Sujan Sarkar leads the kitchen. The restaurant masterfully blends Indian and French cuisine. It offers a fine dining experience. This is Indienne’s second Banchet award. Previously, it won Best New Restaurant in 2024. Chef Sarkar has a growing empire in Chicago. He also leads Sifr and Nadu. The restaurant’s win underscores its rapid success.
John Manion Named Chef of the Year
John Manion received the Chef of the Year award. He is a celebrated figure in Chicago food. Manion leads El Che Steakhouse & Bar. He also runs the restaurant Brasero. His food journey began in Brazil. Manion’s passion shines through his cooking. His restaurants focus on live-fire techniques. This award recognizes his significant contributions. It also honors his impact on the Chicago restaurant community. He stated, “We stand up for each other, now more than ever.” This highlights industry solidarity.
Grant Achatz Honored for Culinary Excellence
Grant Achatz received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement award. The award is now called Culinary Excellence of the Year. Achatz is the force behind Alinea. Alinea is a globally renowned restaurant. It has pushed culinary boundaries for 20 years. Achatz accepted the award via video. He noted, “We wouldn’t have been able to do this in any other city.” This statement reflects his deep connection to Chicago. His restaurant, Alinea, recently experienced a change. It was demoted from three Michelin stars to two in late 2025. This news preceded Achatz’s Banchet honor. The award acknowledges his lasting impact. It celebrates his innovation and dedication to the craft.
Diverse Winners Across Categories
The Banchet Awards recognize a broad spectrum of talent. Feld secured the Best New Restaurant award. Mahari was honored as Best Neighborhood Restaurant. Alex Cuper of El Che and Brasero earned Sommelier of the Year. Feld also won Best Hospitality. Gus’ Sip & Dip claimed Bar of the Year. Sanders BBQ Supply Co. won Best Counter Service. The Alston received Best Restaurant Design. Nine Garden was named Best Heritage Restaurant. Javauneeka Jacobs from Frontera Grill won Rising Chef. Justin Lerias of Del Sur Bakery earned Pastry Chef of the Year. Gene & Georgetti received the Iconic Restaurant award. These wins showcase the depth of Chicago’s food scene.
Legacy and Giving Back
The Jean Banchet Awards began around 2003. They honor the legacy of Chef Jean Banchet. He was a pioneer of fine dining in Chicago. His restaurant, Le Francais, was highly acclaimed. The awards focus exclusively on Chicago’s regional dining scene. This distinguishes them from national awards. They celebrate technical skill, creativity, and consistency. A portion of the proceeds benefits Giving Kitchen. This nonprofit provides emergency financial aid. It supports food service workers facing hardship. Giving Kitchen’s Chicago efforts began in early 2025. The event itself was a sold-out affair. It was live-streamed on NBC for the first time. This year’s news highlights Chicago’s dynamic food landscape. The Banchets continue to be a vital part of the city’s identity. They celebrate both established icons and rising stars. The Chicago food community shows strong support for its own.
