A Middle Eastern hotspot has been named Restaurant of the Year

The Chicago dining community came together this past Sunday to honor local chefs and restaurants at the 2024 Jean Banchet Awards.

Galit, the Michelin-starred Middle Eastern spot from chef Zachary Engel, was named Restaurant of the Year. Chef of the Year went to Paul Virant (Vie, Vistro Prime, Gaijin) while Indienne was crowned Best New Restaurant.

The ceremony was held at Venue SIX10 for the first time since 2022. The Jean Banchets—named after the influential chef of legendary French institution Le Francais in Wheeling—skipped 2023 to relaunch as a nonprofit that better helps the Chicago hospitality industry. This year, the awards partnered with Chicago Chefs Cook to benefit James Beard Award-winning chef Erick Williams’ Virtue Leadership Program, which develops young adults of color so that they can lead and advocate for their communities.

Former Chicago Tribune dining critic Phil Vettel, who retired in 2021, was the recipient of the Culinary Excellence of the Year Award, a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to the local restaurant scene. 

Check out the full list of winners below.

• Restaurant of the Year: Galit

• Chef of the Year: Paul Virant (Vie, Vistro Prime, Gaijin)

• Best New Restaurant: Indienne

• Rising Chef of the Year: Trevor Fleming, Emily Kraszyk, John Lupton (Warlord)

• Bar of the Year: Best Intentions

• Pastry Chef of the Year: Tatum Sinclair (S.K.Y., Valhalla, Apolonia)

• Sommelier of the Year: Christian Shaum (Bazaar Meat)

• Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year: Pompette

• Heritage Restaurant of the Year: Rubi’s on 18th

• Best Counter Service: Omarcitos Latin Café

• Best Hospitality: Bronzeville Winery

• Best Restaurant Design: The Omakase Room at Sushi-san

• Culinary Excellence of the Year Award: Phil Vettel