About
Chef/Partner Jimmy Papadopoulos describes his style of cooking as "bold, bright and beautiful."
In partnership with Boka Restaurant Group, Bellemore aims to define the category of "Artistic American" in both cuisine and decor.
Designed by Karen Herold of Studio K, the sleek interiors feature brass details accentuating natural elements, plush blush sofas, and nostalgic wood & wicker seating. And don't forget the peacocks.
"Cooking is like love,
It should be entered into with complete abandon
Or not at all."
— Harriet Von Horne
Artistic American
Jimmy Papadopoulos
Executive Chef
Jimmy Papadopoulos’s passion for his work has always revolved around two driving forces; people and food..
A fascination with the art, style and technique of great cooking as well as the opportunity to enrich the lives of others over the dinner table has been his inspiration since the beginning of his career.
Papadopoulos currently helms the kitchen of Bellemore, where his vision of ‘Artistic American’ cooking has a stage to take light in Chicago’s West Loop.
He describes the cooking as “bright, bold & beautiful” and pushes himself showcase the soulful, rich techniques that exemplify exceptional cooking & genuine hospitality. A strong believer that greatness comes from the sum of an entire collaborative team effort; he works to provide his staff the ability to evolve their techniques while working with some of the highest quality meat, fish, vegetables & grains from around the world.
In 2015 Papadopoulos was named Eater Chicago’s Chef of the Year, as well as one of Zagat’s ‘30 under 30’. Since opening Bellemore in November 2017, the restaurant has been awarded the number 1 spot on Robb Report’s ‘Best New Restaurants in America’, as well as Papadopoulos being named as Robb Report’s 2018 Best Young Chefs in the country. Papadopoulos has been praised for his ability to “take the familiar and add layers of flavor to make it outstanding.”
Outside of the kitchen Jimmy loves nothing more than spending time with his wife Ashly and creating memories with their three young children Leo, Elliana & Mack.
