BREAKING: The Banchet Awards have just announced the nominees for the highly anticipated 2026 ceremony, alongside the introduction of a new honor recognizing a historic Chicago dining establishment. This year’s nominations celebrate the vibrant food scene across the city and its suburbs, highlighting both counter service and fine dining options.
The announcement was made earlier today by Michael Muser, director of the awards, who emphasized the importance of acknowledging the hard work of chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality staff. “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,” Muser stated.
The awards ceremony is set for January 25, 2026, at Venue SIX10 in the South Loop, with tickets currently available for $250 at thebanchetawards.com.
Among the most exciting developments is the inaugural Iconic Restaurant award, designated for establishments over 25 years old. The first recipient will be the legendary Gene & Georgetti, a River North steakhouse that has been a cornerstone of Chicago dining since 1941.
“Restaurants come and go, so it is rare and it is special and it is iconic when one hits 25-plus years old,” Muser noted. The awards also honor Chef Grant Achatz with the Culinary Excellence award for his lifetime achievements. “I was so happy when he said, ‘Of course I will be there,’” Muser said, highlighting Achatz’s ongoing 20th-anniversary celebrations for his renowned restaurant, Alinea.
The Banchet Awards feature twelve categories, including Best Neighborhood Restaurant and Best Heritage Restaurant. Notable nominees for the Best Heritage category include M’daKhan, Nine Garden, Tesfa Ethiopian Cuisine, and Torizen. “The neighborhood and heritage categories are The Banchets at their best and most exciting,” Muser added, sharing his enthusiasm for the diverse culinary talent showcased.
The gala event will also contribute to a noble cause, with a portion of the proceeds going to Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit that provides emergency assistance to food service workers. The evening will kick off with a champagne reception, followed by an entertaining awards presentation and an after-party featuring live music and culinary delights from eight chefs.
As excitement builds for the Banchet Awards 2026, Muser invites the public to join the celebration of Chicago’s culinary excellence. With nominations spanning various categories, this year promises to be one of the most dynamic yet.
Stay tuned for the winners to be announced in January, and don’t miss your chance to experience this significant event in the Chicago dining landscape. For a complete list of nominees and more information, visit thebanchetawards.com.
