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Food March 31, 2026

List of the top James Beard finalist restaurants and chefs

WATCH: James Beard Award-winning chef revitalizing and revolutionizing Indigenous cuisine
AUTHOR PHOTO: Kelly McCarthy By Kelly McCarthy

Diners, set your restaurant reservation alerts, because the James Beard Foundation has dropped its list of top dining destinations across every region of the U.S.

The food advocacy nonprofit organization, which is based in New York City, unveiled its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Award finalists on Tuesday, celebrating excellence across the independent restaurant industry from emerging chefs like E.J. Lagasse of Emeril's in New Orleans to a family-owned bakery in Honolulu.

"As we mark 40 years of the James Beard Foundation, we're reminded of just how vital it is to celebrate and champion the people driving American food culture forward," James Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach said in a statement. 

Widely regarded as the Oscars of the culinary world, winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Read on for a snapshot of the restaurateurs, chefs, pastry chefs, bakers, and eateries named in the shortlist of finalists, and see the full list from the James Beard Foundation here.

2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award Nominees

Awards committee co-chairs Lauren Saria and Erinn Tucker-Oluwole said in a joint statement that this year's nominees "show just how vibrant and dynamic restaurant culture is right now," adding that the list includes both longstanding institutions and exciting newcomers.

"They reflect an industry defined by outstanding craft, hospitality, and deep connection to the communities they serve. Together, they offer a compelling snapshot of American dining today," the pair stated.

Outstanding restaurateur 

This category celebrates "a restaurateur who uses their establishment(s) as a vehicle for building community, demonstrates creativity in entrepreneurship, and integrity in restaurant operations."

Outstanding chef

The foundation defines this category as "a chef who sets high culinary standards and has served as a positive example for other food professionals." 

Outstanding restaurant

This award is given to "a restaurant that demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations," per the James Beard Foundation.

Emerging chef 

This award is given to "a chef who displays exceptional talent, character, and leadership ability, and who is likely to make a significant impact in years to come," according to the foundation.

Best new restaurant

This award is given to a restaurant that opened between Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025, "that already demonstrates excellence in cuisine, seems likely to make a significant impact in years to come, and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations," according to the James Beard Foundation.

Outstanding bakery

Outstanding pastry chef or baker 

Outstanding hospitality 

This award is for "a restaurant, bar, or bakery that fosters a sense of hospitality among its customers and staff that serves as a beacon for the community and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations."

Best chefs

The best chefs category is broken down regionally and recognizes "chefs who set high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities and who are making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions."

Best chef: California

Best chef: Great Lakes (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio)

Best chef: Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C.)

Best chef: Midwest (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin)

Best chef: Mountain (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming)

Best chef: New York State

Best chef: Northeast (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire , Rhode Island, Vermont)

Best chef: Northwest & Pacific (Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington )

Best chef: South (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Puerto Rico)

Best chef: Southeast (Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia)

Best chef: Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma )

Best chef: Texas

Other categories not mentioned here include outstanding wine and other beverages program, outstanding bar, best new bar, outstanding professional in beverage service and outstanding professional in cocktail service.

Click here for full list of finalists.

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