Several Los Angeles-area restaurants and chefs earned top honors at the 2026 James Beard Foundation Awards, held Monday at the Lyric Opera in Chicago. The annual ceremony, widely regarded as the restaurant industry's highest recognition, celebrated culinary excellence across the nation, with Southern California destinations dominating the event.
Among the standout winners, Michael Tusk, chef-owner of Quince in San Francisco, received the prestigious Outstanding Chef award. However, Los Angeles talent also made a strong showing.
Notable nominees included Gilberto Cetina of Holbox and Niki Nakayama of n/naka, both nominated for Outstanding Chef. Fátima Juárez of Komal was recognized as an Emerging Chef, and the restaurant Ki in Los Angeles was named a Best New Restaurant.
In beverage service, Jack Benchakul of endorffeine coffee bar in Los Angeles was honored as Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service. Additionally, Kwang Uh of Baroo in Los Angeles was nominated for Best Chef: California.
Earlier in June, the foundation announced its 2026-27 TasteTwenty chefs, a group of culinary professionals identified as ones to watch. Anna Sonenshein and Niki Vahle of Little Fish Melrose Hill in Los Angeles were included in this cohort, which also features chefs from San Francisco and other cities.
The 20 chefs will participate in the foundation's Taste America culinary tour, beginning September 16 in New Orleans and continuing through March 2027.
The James Beard Foundation, established in honor of the renowned chef and culinary author, is based in New York and is a leading authority in the American food scene. The awards, now in their 36th year, were launched in 1990 to celebrate excellence in culinary craft, food media, and food systems improvement.
The foundation also evaluates nominees on community impact, sustainability, and commitment to racial and gender equity within the industry.