The James Beard Awards delivered their 2026 honorees Monday night at the Lyric Opera, with Philadelphia's Kalaya taking Outstanding Restaurant, Michael Tusk winning Outstanding Chef, and New York's Lei earning Best New Restaurant.

Often called the Oscars of the food world, the James Beard Awards have recognized culinary excellence since 1991, when the first ceremony took place following the James Beard Foundation's 1986 establishment. The awards expanded over the decades to include journalism, broadcast media, and leadership categories focused on social justice, as the foundation changed its rules in 2018 to address race and gender imbalances in the industry. The Lyric Opera, which has called the historic Civic Opera House home since 1954, hosted roughly 2,000 chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary professionals for the evening.

James Beard Awards 2026 Highlights Kalaya and Michael Tusk Among National Winners

Kalaya, a southern Thai restaurant in Philadelphia, received the Outstanding Restaurant award among finalists including The Catbird Seat from Nashville, Mixtli from San Antonio, and Vicia from St. Louis. Chutatip "Nok" Suntaranon had previously won Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic for the restaurant. Michael Tusk from Quince in San Francisco was honored as Outstanding Chef, beating finalists including Niki Nakayama and David Standridge. Dana Street, proprietor of Fore Street, Scales, and Standard Baking Co. in Portland, Maine, won Outstanding Restaurateur.

Adrian Torres of Maximo in West University Place, Texas, won Emerging Chef, while Wild Crumb from Bozeman, Montana, received Outstanding Bakery. Susan Bae of Moon Rabbit in Washington, D.C., was named Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. Providence in Los Angeles won Outstanding Hospitality, and Scotch Lodge in Portland, Oregon, took Outstanding Bar. Loma in Providence, Rhode Island, earned Best New Bar, with Kato in Los Angeles winning Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program.

James Beard Awards Ceremony Features Immigration Themes as Nancy Silverton Gets Lifetime Achievement

Nancy Silverton, the Los Angeles chef and co-owner of Michelin-starred Osteria Mozza, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The 2014 James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Chef and 1991 Pastry Chef of the Year has mentored countless chefs during a career spanning more than four decades, according to the James Beard Foundation. Silverton became the fourth woman to win the most prestigious chef prize in the United States when she won Outstanding Chef in 2014.

Representation, belonging, and immigration emerged as recurring themes throughout the awards ceremony. The event coincided with significant protests against ICE raids under the Trump administration, with thousands gathered in Chicago for demonstrations Saturday. During the evening, chefs addressed current challenges related to immigration and deportation in the United States, as reported by Eater regarding the 2025 ceremony's similar themes. No Us Without You LA received the Humanitarian of the Year award.

The James Beard Awards continue to shape conversations about excellence and equity in American culinary culture. As the foundation's mission has adapted since its opening in 1986, it remains a center for celebrating and developing culinary arts while addressing industry challenges. Tables at winning restaurants like Kalaya, Quince, and Lei will book up fast following the awards buzz.

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