A CELEBRATION OF CULINARY EXCELLENCE
The James Beard Foundation Awards 2026 brought together some of the most talented and influential voices in food, beverage, and hospitality for an unforgettable evening celebrating culinary excellence. Held at the iconic Lyric Opera of Chicago, the annual awards ceremony once again recognized the chefs, restaurants, beverage professionals, and industry leaders who continue to shape the future of American dining.
Paramount Events was honored to be part of this prestigious event alongside the James Beard Foundation and an incredible group of partners who helped bring the evening to life. One of the highlights was collaborating with Chef Michael Anthony to create a dining experience worthy of the occasion, showcasing the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion that define the industry.
From the thoughtfully curated menu to the seamless hospitality experience, every detail reflected the spirit of the awards: honoring those who continue to elevate and inspire the culinary world.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Illinois Restaurant Association and Choose Chicago for co-hosting such a meaningful evening, and to David Bowen and the entire team at Bowen & Company for producing a flawless event from start to finish. Their partnership, dedication, and attention to detail helped create an unforgettable celebration of hospitality and culinary excellence.
Events like the James Beard Foundation Awards remind us of the power of gathering around great food and meaningful experiences. We are grateful to our clients, partners, sponsors, and dedicated team members whose hard work and collaboration made the evening a success.
2026 JAMES BEARD AWARD WINNERS
NATIONAL AWARDS
Outstanding Restaurateur
Dana Street, Fore Street, Scales, Standard Baking Co., and others — Portland, ME
Outstanding Chef
Michael Tusk, Quince — San Francisco, CA
Outstanding Restaurant presented by Acqua Panna® Natural Spring Water
Kalaya — Philadelphia, PA
Emerging Chef presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water
Adrian Torres, Maximo — West University Place, TX
Best New Restaurant
Lei — New York, NY
Outstanding Bakery
Wild Crumb — Bozeman, MT
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
Susan Bae, Moon Rabbit — Washington, D.C.
Outstanding Hospitality
Providence — Los Angeles, CA
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
Kato — Los Angeles, CA
Outstanding Bar
Scotch Lodge — Portland, OR
Best New Bar
Loma — Providence, RI
Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service
Lee Campbell, Borgo — New York, NY
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
Kevin Diedrich, Pacific Cocktail Haven — San Francisco, CA
BEST CHEF WINNERS BY REGION
Best Chef: California
Dave Beran, Seline — Santa Monica, CA
Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH)
Jacob Potashnick, Feld — Chicago, IL
Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA)
Jesse Ito, Royal Sushi & Izakaya — Philadelphia, PA
Best Chef: Midwest (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI)
Loryn Nalic, Balkan Treat Box — Webster Groves, MO
Best Chef: Mountain (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY)
Penelope Wong, Yuan Wonton — Denver, CO
Best Chef: New York State
Hooni Kim, Meju — Queens, NY
Best Chef: Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT)
Evan Hennessey, Stages — Dover, NH
Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA)
Ryan Roadhouse, Nodoguro — Portland, OR
Best Chef: South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR)
Serigne Mbaye, Dakar NOLA — New Orleans, LA
Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV)
Taylor Montgomery, Montgomery Sky Farm — Leicester, NC
Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, OK)
Sarah Thompson, Casa Playa — Las Vegas, NV
Best Chef: Texas
Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu, JŪN — Houston, TX
LOOKING BACK ON AN INCREDIBLE EVENING
The James Beard Foundation Awards continue to be one of the most important celebrations in the culinary world, recognizing excellence, innovation, and leadership across the industry. We are proud to have played a role in bringing this extraordinary evening to life and look forward to supporting the continued growth and success of the hospitality community.
Want to see more from the evening? Visit our social channels for behind-the-scenes moments, event highlights, and a closer look at this remarkable celebration of hospitality and culinary achievement.
