The highly anticipated finalists for the 2026 James Beard Foundation Awards have been unveiled, highlighting top talent across the nation's food and hospitality sectors. Notably, nine individuals and establishments hailing from Los Angeles County secured nominations this year.

Honorary Recognitions Announced

Beyond the competitive categories, several organizations and individuals will receive special recognition. Nancy Silverton is among those slated to receive an honorary award.

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) and the organization No Us Without You will also be honored for their significant contributions. These awards acknowledge work outside of standard culinary performance, focusing on community impact.

Humanitarian Achievement Award Winner Speaks Out

Damián Diaz received a Humanitarian Achievement Award, an honor he shared with others in the Arts District. Diaz expressed his profound gratitude for the recognition in a written statement.

“It’s been a dream to be considered for a James Beard Award, and a dream come true to be able to receive this Humanitarian Achievement Award,” Diaz stated. He dedicated the win to essential workers, adding, “This win is for all day laborers, street food vendors, and back-of-house workers across the country, who keep this broken machine afloat! ¡Puro pa’ delante!”

Notable Nominees Across Categories

The list of nominees showcases excellence in diverse areas of the industry. In one category, Diaz was named alongside Harrison Cheney of Sons & Daughters, as well as Sarah Cooper and Alan Hsu of Sun Moon Studio.

Daisy Ryan of Bell’s was also recognized in the same grouping as Diaz. The James Beard Awards, which commenced in 1991, cover numerous categories, including Outstanding Restaurant, Best Chef, and Outstanding Bar.

Key 2026 James Beard Award Categories and Nominees

The Foundation defines specific criteria for each award, ensuring recognition for excellence in entrepreneurship, culinary skill, and hospitality.

Outstanding Restaurateur

This award honors a restaurateur who utilizes their establishment for community building, demonstrating both creative entrepreneurship and operational integrity.

  • Srijith Gopinathan and Ayesha Thapar, Cal-India Collective (Palo Alto, San Francisco, Menlo Park, Los Altos, CA)
  • Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski, Link Restaurant Group (New Orleans)
  • Dana Street, Fore Street, Scales, Standard Baking Co., and others (Portland, ME)

Outstanding Chef

This recognizes a chef who establishes high culinary standards and serves as a positive role model for fellow food professionals.

  • Vicia (St. Louis, MO)

Emerging Chef

This category seeks a chef displaying exceptional talent, character, and leadership potential likely to make a significant future impact.

  • Rasheeda Purdie, Ramen by Ra (New York, NY)
  • Adrian Torres, Maximo (West University Place, TX)

Best New Restaurant

Eligibility requires a restaurant opened between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, showing excellence in cuisine, hospitality, and operations. Establishments opening after September 30, 2025, qualify for the 2027 Awards.

Other Major Categories Defined

The awards also recognize excellence in baking, pastry, hospitality, and beverage programs:

  • Outstanding Bakery: Recognizes consistent excellence in breads, pastries, or desserts.
  • Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: Honors exceptional skill in creating desserts, pastries, or breads, regardless of business structure.
  • Outstanding Hospitality: Celebrates establishments fostering hospitality that serve as community beacons.
  • Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: Focuses on exceptional skill in pairing beverages with food, including ethical sourcing.
  • Outstanding Bar: Honors beverage-focused businesses demonstrating excellence in curation, preparation, atmosphere, and service.
  • Best New Bar: For beverage establishments opened between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, showing early excellence.
  • Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service: Recognizes service professionals setting high standards in wine, beer, or other non-alcoholic offerings.
  • Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service: Honors cocktail professionals demonstrating creativity, innovation, and commitment to sustainable work culture.

Best Chefs Regional Nominees

The Best Chefs category highlights culinary leaders making efforts toward sustainable work cultures in their regions.

  • Daisy Ryan, Bell’s (Los Alamos, CA)
  • Suresh Sundas, Tapori (Washington, D.C.)
  • Zak Baker, Ca’Lucchenzo (Wauwatosa, WI)

The Best Chef: Mountain nominees include Penelope Wong of Yuan Wonton (Denver, CO), Maria La Mota and Chason Spencer of Chancho King (Jacksonville, FL), Joe Cash of Scoundrel (Greenville, SC), David Willocks of The Baker’s Table (Newport, KY), and Sarah Thompson of Casa Playa (Las Vegas, NV).