The James Beard Foundation has unveiled the 2026 Restaurant and Chef Awards in Chicago, closing one of the most closely watched seasons in American dining. Hosted by cookbook author and Top Chef presenter Gail Simmons at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the ceremony highlights excellence across the country's culinary landscape.
This year's honors span major categories such as Outstanding Restaurant, Best New Restaurant, Outstanding Chef, and the regional Best Chef awards. The foundation had already revealed its Media Awards over the weekend, recognizing achievements in cookbooks, journalism, broadcast, and food storytelling, before turning the spotlight to restaurant and chef talent.
Among the earlier 2026 honorees, No Us Without You LA founders Damián Diaz and Othón Nolasco received Humanitarian of the Year, while chef and restaurateur Nancy Silverton was selected for Lifetime Achievement. The Impact Awards also went to organizations and leaders including CHIRLA, Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen, Senator Ben Ray Luján, ReFED, and the Southern Smoke Foundation.
The James Beard Awards remain one of the most influential benchmarks for culinary creativity, leadership, and hospitality in the United States. With winners now being revealed across categories, the 2026 edition reflects a food culture that continues to evolve through craft, community, and innovation. The recognition may help shape the next generation of dining standards and inspire broader excellence across the industry.