The James Beard Foundation has unveiled its highly anticipated semifinalists for the 2026 Restaurant and Chef Awards. Announced today, the list features a diverse array of nominees, highlighting exceptional talent across the culinary landscape. Among the standout selections is Boston’s renowned sushi restaurant, O Ya, which has garnered recognition despite being overlooked by Michelin.
The awards ceremony will take place on June 15, 2026, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, bringing together chefs and restaurateurs from around the country to celebrate their contributions to the culinary arts.
Best Chef Northeast Nominees
The competition for Best Chef in the Northeast is particularly fierce, with several notable contenders from Boston. The nominees include Luke Fetbroth from Tonino, Shi Mei from Lenox Sophia, Amarilys Colón from La Padrona, and S̄asha Colman from Comfort Kitchen. Other distinguished chefs in the running are Peter Nguyen of Lê Madeline in Quincy and David DiStasi from Materia Ristorante in Bantam, Connecticut.
Connecticut also sees nominations for Bolivar Hilario of Community Table in New Preston, as well as Shilimat Tessema from Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant in New Haven. The list further includes Sarah Jenkins of Nina June in Rockport, Maine, and Chris Gould from Central Provisions in Portland, Maine.
A Wide Range of Categories
The James Beard Awards cover an extensive range of categories, showcasing excellence in various aspects of the culinary experience. For Outstanding Bakery, Night Moves Bread from South Portland, Maine, and Super Secret Ice Cream from Bethlehem, New Hampshire, are in contention.
In the Outstanding Bar category, Spoke Wine Bar in Somerville has made the list. Notably, O Ya is also nominated for Outstanding Restaurant, alongside Oberlin in Providence, Rhode Island. For the Outstanding Wine Program, Talulla in Cambridge and Port of Call in Mystic, Connecticut, are recognized for their exceptional offerings.
Emerging talent is spotlighted with nominations for Pao Thampitak from Gaaeng Thai Supper Club in Boston and Jasmine Watson from Audette in Newport, Rhode Island.
The awards also recognize professionals in the beverage service industry, with nominees such as Alyssa Mikiko Dipasquale from Koji in Boston and Jesse Hedberg from Club Frills in Providence.
As the culinary community eagerly awaits the announcement of winners, the 2026 James Beard Awards promise to honor those who have made significant contributions to the food industry. The recognition not only highlights individual achievements but also celebrates the diverse culinary culture that enriches our dining experiences.
For further updates and detailed coverage, culinary enthusiasts and industry professionals can follow the developments leading up to the awards ceremony.
