Times Madison Chefs Brought Home James Beard Honors

Madison has a long history with the James Beard awards — notably one of the most prestigious awards in food, and referred to as the “Oscars of the food world” by TIME magazine. Over the years, Madison restaurants and chefs have earned many different nominations, in a variety of categories.

Below you'll find our elite lineup of chefs who have contributed to Madison's culinary legacy. Feeling hungry? Explore more restaurants in Madison.>>

Please note that some restaurants may no longer be in business.

2023

• Itaru Nagano and Andrew Kroeger, Fairchild – Winner for Best Chef: Midwest
• Francesco Mangano, Osteria Papavero – Semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest
• Jamie Brown-Soukaseume (Hoang), Ahan – Semifinalist for Emerging Chef
• Andrew Hutchison, Madison Sourdough – Semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

2022

• Daniel Bonanno, A Pig in a Fur Coat – Semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest
• L'Etoile – Semifinalist for Outstanding Wine Program

2020

• Sean Pharr, Mint Mark – Semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest

2019

• Tory Miller, L'Etoile – Semifinalist for Outstanding Chef
• Jonathan Hunter, Forequarter – Semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest
• Maggie Roovers, Forequarter – Semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest

2018

• L'Etoile – Semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant
• Jonathan Hunter, Forequarter – Semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest

2017

• L’Etoile – Semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant
• Dan Fox, Heritage Tavern – Semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest
• Jonathan Hunter, Forequarter – Semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest

2016

• Tory Miller – Semifinalist for Outstanding Chef
• Dan Fox, Heritage Tavern – Semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest
• Jonathan Hunter, Underground Food Collective's Forequarter – Semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest
• Francesco Mangano, Osteria Papavero – Semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest

2015

• Dan Fox, Heritage Tavern – Semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest
• Jonathan Hunter, Forequarter – Semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest

2013

• Elizabeth Dahl, Nostrano – Semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef
• Forequarter – Semifinalist for Best New Restaurant
• L'Etoile – Semifinalist for Outstanding Wine Program
• Daniel Bonanno, A Pig in a Fur Coat – Semifinalist for Rising Star Chef of the Year (under age 30)
• John Gadau and Phillip Hurley, Sardine – Semifinalists for Best Chef: Midwest

2012

• Tory Miller, L’Etoile – Winner of Best Chef: Midwest
• Shinji Muramoto, Restaurant Muramoto – Semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest
• The Old Fashioned – Semifinalist for Outstanding Bar Program

2011

• Justin Carlisle, 43 North – Semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest
• Tory Miller, L’Etoile – Nominee for Best Chef: Midwest

2010

• Nicholas Johnson, Restaurant Magnus – Semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest

2009

• Shinji Muramoto, Restaurant Muramoto – Semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest
• Derek Rowe, Harvest – Semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest

2008

• Tami Lax, Harvest – Semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest
• Shinji Muramoto, Restaurant Muramoto – Semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest

2001

• Odessa Piper, L’Etoile – Winner of Best Chef: Midwest

2000

• Odessa Piper, L’Etoile – Nominee for Best Chef: Midwest

1999

• Odessa Piper, L’Etoile – Nominee for Best Chef: Midwest