The 2026 James Beard Awards

The James Beard Foundation has now announced all of its nominees for the 2026 James Beard Awards. The awards represent one of the highest honors in the restaurant industry, recognizing chefs and restaurants across the United States. In February, the foundation announced the winners of its America’s Classic Award, which honors six “independently owned restaurants with timeless appeal.” An announcement on March 31 highlighted chefs and restaurants in categories including Outstanding Restaurateur, Best New Restaurant, and Best Chef awards in each of the foundation’s 12 regions.