- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Milwaukee Restaurant and Wauwatosa Chef Earn James Beard Award Finalist Nods
1033 Omakase and Zak Baker of Ca'lucchenzo recognized among top culinary talents in the country.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:34am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Two Milwaukee-area culinary standouts have been named finalists for the prestigious James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards. 1033 Omakase, an authentic Japanese restaurant in Walker's Point, is a finalist for Best New Restaurant, while Zak Baker of Ca'lucchenzo in Wauwatosa is a finalist for Best Chef in the Midwest region.
Why it matters
The James Beard Awards are considered the highest honors in the culinary industry, often referred to as the "Oscars" of food. Being named a finalist is a major achievement that can significantly boost a restaurant or chef's profile and recognition among food enthusiasts and industry peers.
The details
1033 Omakase opened in late 2024 and has quickly gained acclaim for its high-quality Japanese cuisine and intimate dining experience. Zak Baker, the chef at Ca'lucchenzo in Wauwatosa, has also been recognized for his exceptional skills and contributions to the Midwest's vibrant food scene.
- The James Beard Award finalists were announced on April 1, 2026.
- The winners will be revealed at a ceremony in Chicago on June 15, 2026.
The players
1033 Omakase
An authentic Japanese restaurant located in the Walker's Point neighborhood of Milwaukee that opened in late 2024 and has been named a finalist for Best New Restaurant in the country.
Zak Baker
The chef at Ca'lucchenzo, a restaurant in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, who has been named a finalist for Best Chef in the Midwest region.
What’s next
The winners of the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Chicago on June 15, 2026.
The takeaway
Milwaukee's vibrant food scene continues to gain national recognition, with two local establishments and culinary talents earning prestigious James Beard Award finalist nods. This achievement highlights the city's growing reputation as a destination for exceptional dining experiences.
