These Washington restaurants, chefs and bars are 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists

Congrats are in order! The James Beard Award semifinalists for 2026 are here, and you might recognize some names on the list.

While local restaurants, chefs and bars are always winners in our hearts, being nominated for a James Beard Award is a big honor and deserves to be celebrated at every level, from semifinalist to winner.

Dozens of Washington restaurants, bars and chefs have been nominated for the “Oscars” of the culinary world this year — bringing a spotlight to our region’s impressive culinary scene.

Here are your local semifinalists:

Outstanding Chef

• Aaron Verzosa, Archipelago, Seattle, WA

Emerging Chef presented by S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water

• Ahmed Suliman, Cafe Suliman, Seattle, WA

Best New Restaurant

• Little Beast Ballard, Seattle, WA
• The Wayland Mill, Seattle, WA

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

• Christina Wood, Temple Pastries, Seattle, WA

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

Outstanding Bar

Best New Bar

• The Elbow Room, Vancouver, WA

Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service

• Anu Apte, Rob Roy, Seattle, WA

Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA)

• Janet Becerra, Pancita, Seattle, WA
• Johnny Courtney, Atoma, Seattle, WA
• Logan Cox, Homer, Seattle, WA
• Jordan Koplowitz, Starla’s, Bellingham, WA
• Melissa Miranda, Musang, Seattle, WA
• Thai Nguyen and Trinh Nguyen, Ramie, Seattle, WA
• Aaron Tekulve, Surrell, Seattle, WA

Finalists will be announced on Tuesday, March 31. The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony will take place at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on Monday, June 15.

KEEP READING: