Full Breakdown
2026 James Beard Awards Honor Culinary Excellence, Immigrant Impact, and St. Louis Triumphs
6/17/2026, 4:56:36 AM
Ceremony Overview and Winners
The James Beard Foundation held its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Awards on June 15 at Chicago’s Lyric Opera. Hosted by cookbook author and Top Chef presenter Gail Simmons, the ceremony honored over two dozen categories. Michael Tusk (Quince, San Francisco) received Outstanding Chef, Kalaya (Philadelphia) was named Outstanding Restaurant, Adrian Torres (Maximo, TX) earned Emerging Chef, and Lei (New York) won Best New Restaurant. Other national winners included Wild Crumb (Outstanding Bakery, Bozeman, MT), Scotch Lodge (Outstanding Bar, Portland, OR) and Loma (Best New Bar, Providence, RI). Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson appeared.
Background and Significance
The James Beard Awards, dubbed the “Oscars of the food world,” honor excellence in cooking, hospitality, media and related fields across the United States. Since their inception, they have highlighted culinary innovation, sustainability and cultural diversity, with categories ranging from Outstanding Chef to Humanitarian of the Year.
St. Louis Representation
St. Louis earned a spotlight when chef Loryn Nalic won Best Chef: Midwest for Balkan Treat Box and Telva at the Ridge. In her acceptance speech she said, “I’d like to thank my family. St. Louis. Volim te Bosnia.” Other St. Louis nominees were Nick Bognar (Sado, Pavilion), Robin (Maplewood prix fixe), Louie (restaurant) and Vicia (Take Root Hospitality), the latter’s first nomination for Outstanding Restaurant. The last local chef winner was Kevin Nashan in 2017.
Data Summary
National winners included Michael Tusk (Outstanding Chef, Quince, San Francisco), Kalaya (Outstanding Restaurant, Philadelphia), Adrian Torres (Emerging Chef, Maximo, TX), Lei (Best New Restaurant, New York), Wild Crumb (Outstanding Bakery, Bozeman, MT), Scotch Lodge (Outstanding Bar, Portland, OR), Loma (Best New Bar, Providence, RI), Providence (Outstanding Hospitality, Los Angeles) and Dana Street (Outstanding Restaurateur, Portland, ME). Humanitarian of the Year was No Us Without You LA (Damián Diaz and Othon Nolasco); Lifetime Achievement went to Nancy Silverton; the Impact Award recognized CHIRLA, Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen, Senator Ben Ray Luján, ReFED and Southern Smoke Foundation.
Impact and Immigrant Contributions
Speakers emphasized the central role of immigrants in American dining, noting that “Immigrants are what make this America great.” The awards also highlighted humanitarian work, underscoring the industry’s broader social impact.
Official Statements & Responses
The James Beard Foundation stressed culinary innovation, sustainability and the importance of community hospitality while recognizing the contributions of immigrant-led establishments and humanitarian initiatives.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our industry is an industry of immigrants,” — Damian Díaz, Co-founder, No Us Without You
- “I’d like to thank my family.” — Loryn Nalic, Chef, Balkan Treat Box
- “We are just really grateful for the recognition,” — Matt McGuire, Owner, Louie
- “What can we say? This is the ultimate recognition for the hard work of our entire team,” — Tara Gallina, Co-owner, Vicia
What’s Next
The foundation will announce the 2027 nominees later this year, and St. Louis chefs anticipate continued national attention.
