The James Beard Foundation has announced the winners of its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Awards, honoring the chefs, restaurants, bakers, bars, and beverage professionals shaping American dining today. Presented Monday night at the Lyric Opera of Chicago as part of the Foundation's 40th anniversary celebration, the ceremony saw Kalaya in Philadelphia take home Outstanding Restaurant Presented by Acqua Panna® Natural Spring Water, Michael Tusk of Quince in San Francisco earn Outstanding Chef, and Adrian Torres of Maximo in West University Place, TX win Emerging Chef Presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water.
Since their founding in 1990, the James Beard Awards have stood as one of the most influential honors in American food culture, recognizing excellence across restaurants, bars, beverage programs, bakeries, and hospitality. This year's winners were announced during a black-tie ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, hosted by Top Chef judge Gail Simmons and featuring presenters including Top Chef Season 23 winner Rhoda Magbitang, actor Luke Tennie, Killer Mike and El-P of Run the Jewels, and a roster of James Beard Award-winning chefs and industry leaders.
Additional honors included Best New Restaurant winner Lei in New York City, Outstanding Restaurateur winner Dana Street, Fore Street, Scales, Standard Baking Co., and others, in Portland, ME, and Outstanding Hospitality winner Providence in Los Angeles.
Below is the full list of 2026 James Beard Award winners.
