We’re thrilled to kick off the 15th annual Tribune Food Awards with the portion you can participate in: Readers’ Choice.
We’ve selected 10 categories and want to hear about your favorites from 2025, from pizza and burgers to new restaurants and suburban eateries. After the difficult times the restaurant industry faced last year, we’re especially excited to highlight a food-focused effort that brought the community together.
Submit your nominations using the form below or click here. We’re accepting nominations now through 11:59 p.m. April 3. Afterward, we’ll pick five finalists in each category to advance to the final voting round. Readers can then vote once per day during the voting period, which runs from April 8 through April 15. Winners will be announced on May 13.
Need some inspiration? Check out our interactive map and searchable list of all the winners since we launched these awards in 2011, plus last year’s Readers’ Choice picks and Critic’s Choice honorees.
— Kayla Samoy, food editor
This year’s categories are:
New Restaurant of the Year: Your favorite eatery that opened in 2025.
Suburban Restaurant of the Year: Standout food outside of city limits.
Bakery of the Year: Your favorite place for creative pastries and delicious bread.
Coffee Shop of the Year: Your go-to spot to grab a cup of joe.
Neighborhood Bar of the Year: After a long day at work, where do you go to unwind or celebrate with a beer or cocktail?
Pizza of the Year: From tavern-style to deep dish, which slice rises above the rest?
Burger of the Year: Whether you like to keep it simple or pile it high with toppings, which burger is the best of the bunch?
Community Impact Award: 2025 saw the restaurant industry come together to support the community during tough times, whether it was through organizing fundraisers or other food relief efforts. What initiative stood out to you?
Longstanding Neighborhood Icon: It can be so difficult for businesses to stay afloat. What neighborhood mainstay, that’s been open for years or even decades, holds a special place in your heart?
Best Bang for Your Buck: Going out to eat is becoming more and more expensive. What’s the best deal that leaves both your stomach and your wallet satisfied?
