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The Full List of James Beard Awards 2026 Restaurant and Chef Winners

The 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards occurred on June 15 in Chicago. Kalaya received the outstanding restaurant award and Michael Tusk was named outstanding chef. The event focused on immigration and resistance.

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What changed

New details confirm the announcement of Achievement Award winners and specific finalists for the 2026 honors.

Live updates

  1. James Beard Foundation Announces 2026 Restaurant and Chef Award Winners

    The 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards occurred on June 15 in Chicago. Kalaya received the outstanding restaurant award and Michael Tusk was named outstanding chef. The event focused on immigration and resistance.

    What's confirmed:

    • The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards took place June 15 in Chicago.
    • Kalaya won the outstanding restaurant award.
    • Michael Tusk was named outstanding chef.
    • The James Beard Foundation announced Achievement Award winners alongside the main nominees.
    • The awards recognize excellence in hospitality, food and beverage, and the culinary arts.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Srijith Gopinathan and Ayesha Thapar of the Cal-India Collective were finalists for National Outstanding Restaurateur.
    confidence 100%

  2. Kalaya and Michael Tusk Win Top 2026 James Beard Honors

    The 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards took place June 15 in Chicago. Kalaya won the outstanding restaurant award while Michael Tusk was named outstanding chef. The event focused on themes of resistance and immigration.

    What's confirmed:

    • The 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards were held on Monday, June 15, in Chicago.
    • Kalaya won the award for outstanding restaurant.
    • Michael Tusk received the outstanding chef honor.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Figaretti's in Wheeling won a 2026 James Beard America's Classics award.
    • Mary Ellen Diaz of Alma Bea was a Best Chef: Southeast finalist.
    • Jesse Ito of Royal Sushi & Izakaya was among the recognized chefs.
    confidence 90%

  3. James Beard Foundation Announces 2026 Award Winners

    The James Beard Foundation named its 2026 winners during a ceremony in Chicago. Honors include categories for Outstanding Chef and Best New Restaurant. Jesse Ito of Royal Sushi & Izakaya is among the recognized chefs.

    What's confirmed:

    • The James Beard Foundation revealed 2026 winners at a ceremony in Chicago.
    • Awards include categories for Outstanding Chef and Best New Restaurant.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • A Boznian chef won Best Chef in the Midwest.
    confidence 90%

  4. 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award Winners Announced

    The James Beard Foundation revealed its 2026 winners during a ceremony in Chicago. The awards recognize top culinary talent and industry professionals across the United States. Jesse Ito of Royal Sushi & Izakaya is among the honored chefs.

    What's confirmed:

    • The 2026 James Beard Awards ceremony took place in Chicago.
    • The awards were presented by Resy and American Express.
    • Jesse Ito is the chef of Royal Sushi & Izakaya.
    confidence 100%

  5. James Beard 2026: Full List of Restaurant and Chef Winners Announced

    The James Beard Foundation has revealed its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Award winners, recognizing top talent in food, beverage, and hospitality. Philadelphia’s Jesse Ito and Washington D.C.’s Susan Bae secured major honors, while California and Chicago each claimed one award. The full list was finalized after the June 15 ceremony in Chicago.

    What's confirmed:

    • The 2026 James Beard Awards ceremony took place on June 15 in Chicago, honoring excellence in American food culture.
    • Philadelphia’s Jesse Ito (Royal Sushi & Izakaya, Kalaya) and Washington D.C.’s Susan Bae (Moon Rabbit) won key awards.
    • California and Chicago each secured one award, while Atlanta and Wisconsin nominees did not win any.
    • The awards celebrate achievements across restaurants, chefs, and hospitality leadership in the U.S.
    confidence 100%

  6. 2026 James Beard Awards: Full Restaurant & Chef Winners Announced

    The 2026 James Beard Awards ceremony in Chicago has concluded, recognizing top chefs and restaurants across the U.S. Philadelphia’s Jesse Ito (Royal Sushi & Izakaya, Kalaya) and D.C.’s Susan Bae (Moon Rabbit) won key honors. California and Chicago each secured one award, while Atlanta and Wisconsin nominees did not win. The full list of winners is now official after months of anticipation.

    What's confirmed:

    • Philadelphia chef Jesse Ito of Royal Sushi & Izakaya and Kalaya was honored with a prestigious James Beard Award.
    • D.C.’s Susan Bae of Moon Rabbit won a 2026 James Beard Award.
    • Chicago’s Jacob Potashnick, chef and owner of Feld, was the city’s sole winner at the 2026 ceremony.
    • California’s Kato won Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages, marking its second James Beard Award.
    • The ceremony took place on June 15, 2026, in Chicago, concluding the awards season.
    • Atlanta and Wisconsin nominees did not secure any wins at this year’s awards.
    • The full list of 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award winners was revealed after months of anticipation.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • A pastry chef bringing Italian influences to Kensington is up for an award, though no specific win has been confirmed.
    • New Orleans had nine chefs and restaurants nominated but no confirmed wins.
    confidence 98%