Bars, bakers, beverage professionals, chefs, and restaurants around Wisconsin have been recognized as semifinalists by the prestigious 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards, presented by Capital One. The 2026 semifinalist candidates in Wisconsin include four in regional categories and seven candidates for national awards. The Restaurant and Chef nominee finalists will be announced March 31, and winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 15, in Chicago.
James Beard Semifinalists from Milwaukee
Milwaukee shines with semifinalists in five different categories. 1033 Omakase in Walker’s Point is nominated for Best New Restaurant. Via Instagram, the 1033 Omakase team shared that they are honored to be a James Beard semifinalist. “This moment belongs to our team, our community, and everyone who believes in doing things the right way.”
Two Milwaukee area chefs were nominated in the Best Chef Midwest category. First up is Zak Baker, the chef at Ca’Lucchenzo, an Italian dinner restaurant. Baker worked with amazing chefs in Italy over the last decade and brought his love of pasta to Wauwatosa.
Head southeast to a Milwaukee neighborhood with quite a few 2026 James Beard semifinalists, Bay View. In the category of Best Chef Midwest are nominees Lisa Kirkpatrick and Paul Zerkel of neighborhood favorite, Goodkind.…