11 James Beard-Nominated Restaurants, Bars & Bakeries in Wisconsin

Each year, the James Beard Foundation recognizes excellence in the culinary arts, food and beverage and hospitality industries across the U.S. The awards are divided by region and are among the highest honors for chefs, restaurateurs and beverage professionals. In 2026 alone, Wisconsin was home to 11 of these nominees, with five advancing to the finals. From imaginative fine dining and creative cocktails to local bakeries and breweries, read on to learn more about these stand-out spots across the state.

Wisconsin Restaurants A Cut Above the Rest

Nominated for Best Chef Midwest:

Ca’Lucchenzo - Wauwatosa

In East Tosa, Ca’Lucchenzo offers an intimate dining experience where every detail feels carefully considered. Inside the cozy space, the soft clink of glasses and aroma of simmering sauces set the tone as plates of delicate, handmade pasta arrive–each one thoughtfully crafted by chef Zak Baker, a finalist for Best Chef Midwest in 2026. 

His wife and business partner, Sarah Baker, curates a wine program that perfectly complements the menu, inviting guests to slow down and savor each course together. Named after their dogs, Luca and Enzo, be sure to visit for dishes like polenta ravioli with leeks and parmesan or braised artichoke risotto.

Goodkind - Milwaukee

In Milwaukee’s hip Bay View neighborhood near Lake Michigan, Goodkind blends the feel of a neighborhood tavern with a fresh, modern take on Old-World dining. The ever-changing menu features rotisserie meats and local produce, with plenty of vegetarian options. Behind the bar, house-made cocktails and thoughtful mocktails add another layer to the experience, inviting guests to linger and share the moment. Previously a semifinalist in the Outstanding Bar Program category, in 2026, chefs and owners Paul Zerkel and Lisa Kirkpatrick were named semifinalists for Best Chef: Midwest.

Mint Mark - Madison

Light-filled and lush with an abundance of greenery, Mint Mark celebrates the flavors of Wisconsin with a produce-forward menu that shifts with the seasons, including its popular Friday martini luncheons, where a special menu pairs perfectly with a crisp, chilled glass. Inside, the modern space hums with conversation as shareable plates, a classic Friday Fish Fry and creative cocktails made with local spirits make their way around the table. If there’s a wait, head upstairs to The Perch rooftop bar to sip, snack and take in the view or stop by Superette just down the hall for a curated taste of specialty foods and drinks to go.

Ellinor - Appleton

Tucked into Appleton’s historic City Park neighborhood, Ellinor offers an intimate yet relaxed dining experience centered entirely around its wood-fired oven. The space fills with the aroma of a crackling fire and blistered crusts, as every dish on the menu is crafted in the flames, from inventive wood-fired pizzas topped with Korean barbecue, lamb shank with cucumber and yogurt or smoked salmon with white sauce to other seasonal creations built on local ingredients. Led by chef Adam Marty, the restaurant blends creativity with a personal touch, even in its name–a nod to his children, Ellis and Norah.

Finalist for Best New Restaurant:

1033 Omakase - Milwaukee

Also in Milwaukee, 1033 Omakase offers a dining experience that isn’t your typical night out. As Milwaukee’s first omakase restaurant, this reservation-only space invites guests to settle in and trust the chef, as a multi-course progression of sushi and Japanese dishes unfolds one plate at a time. Recognized as a James Beard Award finalist for Best New Restaurant, it’s an unforgettable experience designed to be savored slowly.

Semifinalist for Emerging Chef:

Mother's - Milwaukee

Mother’s brings a globally inspired approach to the table, where flavors from different cultures meet in creative and unexpected ways. Led by chef Vanessa Rose—a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Emerging Chef—the menu blends techniques and traditions from around the world, resulting in dishes that feel both thoughtful and a little rebellious. Known for imaginative creations like quesabirria lasagna and venison tartare with mustard ice cream, the experience is rooted in community, inclusivity and a sense of fun, making every meal feel like a shared, one-of-a-kind gathering.

Finalist for Outstanding Bakery:

Cultured - Sister Bay

Cultured is a Door County bakery and café where everything begins with a slow, thoughtful process. What started as a winter sourdough experiment by founder Mattea has grown into a welcoming spot filled with the aroma of freshly baked bagels, sourdough loaves and warm focaccia. Alongside the breads, house-fermented specialties like kimchi and sauerkraut add bright, tangy flavor to a seasonal menu of sandwiches made with local ingredients. With coffee in hand and a seat outside, it’s an easy place to gather, linger and enjoy food made entirely from scratch and meant to be shared.

Bars and Breweries Going Above and Beyond

Public Parking - Madison

Semifinalist for Best New Bar, Public Parking is known for its deliciously experimental drinks with super unique names like “Bonsoir Suburu” made with cognac, Armagnac, cherry tarragon orgeat, lemon, orange, rose and egg white and “Mic Drop Mastery,” a tequila punch with lime, grapefruit, jasmine-chamomile honey syrup, salt, habanero, spearmint and champagne.

The trendy place opened in 2024 and has been a hit ever since. Visit for fun tiki glasses, a beautifully curated space and memorable nights with friends. And be sure to check the bar’s Instagram account for tasty pop-up events.

The Mothership - Milwaukee

In the Outstanding Bar category, The Mothership, in the Bayview neighborhood, earned a semifinalist nomination. With tiki dive bar vibes, no-frills, high-quality drinks and whimsical decor, this POC-owned establishment takes your classic corner bar to the next level.

Imaginary Factory - Madison

Part bar, part micro-distillery, the otherworldly interior of Imaginary Factory is almost completely white, complemented by colorful drinks made with homemade liqueurs. Owner Hastings Cameron opened the spot in 2021 and has been named a finalist for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service. Visit to one of their iconic fat-washed cocktails–drinks infused with spirits with savory fats like bacon grease, butter or coconut oil—to add rich, silky textures and complex flavors.

Sway Brewing + Blending - Baileys Harbor

Sway Brewing + Blending is a 2026 finalist for an Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, recognized for its thoughtful, place-driven approach to brewing. This easygoing beer project, bakery and kitchen creates small-batch beers using 100% Midwestern ingredients sourced from local, regenerative farms, including Wisconsin-grown hops and hand-foraged native plants. Embracing seasonal variation, each beer reflects the land, harvest and people behind it, while the taproom experience is rounded out with scratch-baked pastries and creative, Wisconsin-inspired street food.

Learn more about the James Beard Awards and annual winners here. And discover more impressive, local cuisine on Wisconsin’s Top Chef trail!