Milwaukee Restaurants Earn National Acclaim

Local chefs and eateries recognized as finalists for prestigious James Beard Awards

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In this edition of the Dish dining newsletter, dining critic Rachel Bernhard celebrates a string of exciting restaurant news in Milwaukee. Several local establishments and chefs have been named finalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards, considered the Oscars of the food world. This includes 1033 Omakase, Milwaukee's first omakase sushi restaurant, and Zak Baker of Italian restaurant Ca'Lucchenzo in Wauwatosa. The article also highlights the openings of new restaurants like Soban Korean Eatery and JoSã on the River, bringing a renewed sense of hope and energy to the local dining scene.

Why it matters

The James Beard Award nominations are a major milestone for Milwaukee's culinary community, showcasing the city's growing reputation as a dining destination. These accolades not only celebrate the hard work and talent of local chefs and restaurateurs, but also have the potential to draw more attention and visitors to Milwaukee's vibrant food scene.

The details

The 2026 James Beard Award finalists include 1033 Omakase, Milwaukee's first omakase sushi restaurant, which is up for Best New Restaurant in the nation. Zak Baker, the chef and co-owner of Italian restaurant Ca'Lucchenzo in Wauwatosa, is also a finalist in the category of Best Chef: Midwest. In addition, Wisconsin as a whole racked up three more James Beard Award finalists this year. The article also highlights the recent openings of Soban Korean Eatery's downtown location and JoSã on the River, a fusion restaurant celebrating its soft opening in the long-vacant Pier 106 space on the Milwaukee River.

  • On Tuesday, the 2026 James Beard Award finalists were announced.
  • The winners will be announced on June 15, 2026.

The players

1033 Omakase

Milwaukee's first omakase sushi restaurant, which is a finalist for Best New Restaurant in the nation.

Zak Baker

The chef and co-owner of Italian restaurant Ca'Lucchenzo in Wauwatosa, who is a finalist for Best Chef: Midwest.

Soban Korean Eatery

A new Korean restaurant opening a downtown location in Milwaukee this weekend.

JoSã on the River

A new fusion restaurant celebrating its soft opening in the long-vacant Pier 106 space on the Milwaukee River.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I let out an audible 'YESSS!' as I saw each name revealed on Tuesday morning. Reporting on these James Beard Award finalists (and the state's 12 semifinalists) is one of the highlights of my job.”

— Rachel Bernhard, Dining Critic

What’s next

The winners of the 2026 James Beard Awards will be announced on June 15, 2026, when it will be determined if Milwaukee's finalists take home the prestigious honors.

The takeaway

The recent recognition of Milwaukee's restaurants and chefs by the James Beard Awards underscores the city's growing reputation as a dining destination. This, combined with the openings of new and exciting eateries, signals a renewed sense of energy and optimism in Milwaukee's vibrant culinary community.