Milwaukee Represented in 2026 James Beard Award Semifinalists

The GK Burger Night

Wisconsin's culinary scene is commanding national attention once again. The James Beard Foundation announced its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists on Wednesday, and the Badger State is well represented—with Milwaukee-area establishments leading the charge.

From a buzzy Bay View newcomer to a Wauwatosa fine dining gem, this year's semifinalist list features fresh faces alongside familiar names, signaling an exciting new chapter for Wisconsin's growing reputation as a serious food destination.

Milwaukee-Area James Beard Semifinalists

Vanessa Rose, Mother's (Bay View) — Emerging Chef Mother's opened its doors in June in Bay View and has quickly become one of the city's most talked-about restaurants. Chef Vanessa Rose's recognition in the Emerging Chef category puts her among the nation's most promising culinary talents.

1033 Omakase (Walker's Point) — Best New Restaurant This intimate omakase experience opened in December 2024 in Walker's Point and has already earned a coveted spot among the country's best new restaurants—a remarkable achievement in just over a year of operation.

The Mothership (Bay View) — Outstanding Bar Bay View continues its hot streak with The Mothership earning a nomination for Outstanding Bar, recognizing excellence in cocktail culture, atmosphere, and hospitality.

Lisa Kirkpatrick and Paul Zerkel, Goodkind (Bay View) — Best Chef Midwest The husband-and-wife team behind Goodkind returns to James Beard consideration. The restaurant was previously a 2022 semifinalist for Outstanding Bar Program, but this marks the first Best Chef nomination for Kirkpatrick and Zerkel.

Zak Baker, Ca'Lucchenzo (Wauwatosa) — Best Chef Midwest Chef Zak Baker's refined Italian cooking at Ca'Lucchenzo in Wauwatosa has earned him a spot among the Midwest's best chefs, bringing well-deserved recognition to Milwaukee's western suburbs.

Wisconsin Semifinalists Beyond Milwaukee

The James Beard love extends across the state this year:

• Adam Marty, Ellinor (Appleton) — Best Chef Midwest

• Cultured (Sister Bay) — Outstanding Bakery

• Sway Brewing & Blending (Baileys Harbor) — Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

• Public Parking (Madison) — Best New Bar

• Hastings Cameron, Imaginary Factory (Madison) — Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service

• Kasey Lee Cooke, Mint Mark (Madison) — Best Chef Midwest

A New Wave of Milwaukee Talent

What makes this year's semifinalist list particularly notable is the fresh lineup. While recent years have seen repeat nominations for acclaimed local chefs like Dan Jacobs and Dan Van Rite of EsterEv, Gregory León of Amilinda, Ross Bachhuber and Samuel Ek of Odd Duck, and Kyle Knall of Birch (who recently opened French bistro Cassis in the Third Ward), the 2026 class introduces an entirely new roster of Milwaukee-area contenders.

Milwaukee's James Beard Legacy

Milwaukee has produced four James Beard Award winners over the years:

• Dane Baldwin, The Diplomat (2022)

• Justin Aprahamian, Sanford Restaurant (2014)

• Adam Siegel, Lupi & Iris (2008)

• Paul Bartolotta, The Bartolotta Restaurants (1994, 2009)

What's Next

The James Beard Foundation will announce finalists on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 15, 2026 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Congratulations to all of Wisconsin's semifinalists—we'll be cheering you on!