NEW YORK — The James Beard Foundation announced the 2026 slate of semifinalists for the Restaurant and Chef Awards, a notable honor recognizing culinary talent since 1990.
“We are thrilled to congratulate this year’s semifinalists as we mark another major milestone — 40 years of the James Beard Foundation,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. “For four decades, the foundation has recognized culinary excellence while championing the independent chefs and restaurants that are vital to our communities, economy, and culture. It is an honor to celebrate the 2026 semifinalists, whose work reflects the incredible dynamism, talent, and achievement defining our industry today.”
The impact is bountiful for shortlisted businesses and professionals; the James Beard Foundation noted that in 2025, 96% of surveyed semifinalists reported a positive impact on their businesses and communities following the recognition.
“On behalf of the Restaurant and Chef Awards committee, we congratulate the 2026 semifinalists,” said Lauren Saria and Erinn Tucker-Oluwole, Restaurant and Chef Awards committee co-chairs. “From beloved neighborhood restaurants to boundary-pushing bars, this year’s semifinalists reflect the innovation, regional diversity, and storytelling that make American dining so compelling. As we celebrate 36 years of the awards, it’s inspiring to see diners continue to embrace new flavors and the full spectrum of our culinary culture.”
In the Outstanding Bakery category, there are several repeat businesses selected as semifinalists, including 2025 nominees Starship Bagel, Gusto Bread and Super Secret Ice Cream. The full list of the 2026 bakeries nominated are outlined below.
- Bánh by Lauren | New York
- Born & Bread Bakehouse | Lakeland, FL
- The Burque Bakehouse | Albuquerque, NM
- Bywater Bakery | New Orleans
- Café Dear Leon | Baltimore
- Cultured | Sister Bay, WI
- Dan The Baker | Columbus, OH
- DeLuxe Cakes and Pastries | Iowa City, IA
- Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop | Anchorage, AK
- Gusto Bread| Long Beach, CA
- Librae | New York
- The Local General Store| Honolulu
- Mercado Sin Nombre | Austin, TX
- Niedlov’s Bakery Café | Knoxville, TN
- Night Moves Bread | South Portland, ME
- Poulette Bakeshop | Parker, CO
- Starship Bagel| Lewisville, TX
- Super Secret Ice Cream| Bethlehem, NH
- Weltons Tiny Bakeshop | Charleston, SC
- Wild Crumb | Bozeman, MT
In the Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker category, honorees are selected for their exceptional skill in crafting desserts, pastries or breads. Professionals shortlisted in this category can be affiliated with any food business. The 2026 semifinalists are:
- Renata Ameni | Birdee | Brooklyn, NY
- Neale Asato | Asato Family Shop | Honolulu
- Susan Bae | Moon Rabbit | Washington, DC
- Youssef Boudarine | J’adore Pastry | Indianapolis
- Tavel Bristol-Joseph | Nicosi | San Antonio
- Monique and Paul Feybesse | Tarts de Feybesse | Oakland, CA
- Monica Glass | Verveine Cafe & Bakery | Cambridge, MA
- Maggie Huff | Lucia | Dallas
- Courtney Kenyon-Snider | Obélix | Chicago
- Helen Jo Leach | The Town Company | Kansas City, MO
- Eunji Lee | Lysée | New York
- Justine MacNeil | Fiore | Philadelphia
- Claudia Martinez | Bar ANA | Atlanta
- Kimberly Mcintosh | MILKFISH Bakeshop | Las Vegas
- Lucia Merino | Lucia Patisserie | San Juan, PR
- Oscar Ortega | Atelier Ortega | Jackson Hole, WY
- Whitney Stancil | Cuvée at Chatham Inn | Chatham, MA
- Emily Thompson | The Wolf’s Tailor | Denver
- Christina Wood | Temple Pastries | Seattle
- Hannah Ziskin | Quarter Sheets | Los Angeles
In 2025, the aforementioned honors went to JinJu Patisserie in Portland, OR, and Cat Cox of Country Bird Bakery in Tulsa, OK.
Nominees will be announced on March 31, with the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony taking place June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Visit the James Beard Foundation website for the full list of 2026 semifinalists.
