The James Beard Foundation dished out a nationwide list of restaurant, chef and beverage finalists for its prestigious 2026 awards ceremony, with many NYC venues and culinary professionals snagging nominations. 

The James Beard Awards recognize culinary talents from across the United States. It is a high honor in the food world, as noteworthy as a Michelin rating. Categories for the awards this year include Outstanding Restaurant, Emerging Chef, Best New Restaurant, Outstanding Bakery and a whole more.

“As we mark 40 years of the James Beard Foundation, we’re reminded of just how vital it is to celebrate and champion the people driving American food culture forward,”  Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation, said. “From the industry professionals defining our dining landscape to the advocates shaping our food system, their work is a testament to the talent, leadership, and care that make food such a powerful force in our lives.”

NYC venues are listed throughout the categories. Galloping into one of the top spots is The Four Horsemen in Williamburg, one of five nominations for Outstanding Restaurant, and the only nominee from the Big Apple. 

Opened in 2015, the restaurant is known for its American fare, featuring small plates and tapas, along with an extensive wine list. 

Speaking of vino, a resounding ‘cheers’ goes to Chambers in Tribeca, which is up for the Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program award. The wine list here is almost endless, featuring reds, whites, roses and more from vineyards across the world. 

Newbies in New York were not overlooked this year. Lei in Chinatown is up for Best New Restaurant, a crowded category this year with 10 nominees. 

Newbies in New York were not overlooked in the nominations. Lei in Chinatown is up for Best New Restaurant, a crowded category this year with 10 nominees. 

Many New Yorkers have an insatiable sweet tooth, yet, not a single NYC bakery was nominated for a Beard Bakery Award. Even without official accolades, the Big Apple is still a sugary metropolis, boasting sweet shops from Lower Manhattan’s Chinatown up to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx and everything in between. 

Meanwhile, Dawn Padmore, vice president of the awards at the foundation, said the nominees represent an array of foods and culinary talents shaping the industry in America. 

“In a time when our industry is navigating real challenges, we know this recognition plays a powerful role in supporting both the business health and visibility of those honored,” Padmore said “We’re deeply grateful to our committee members and judges for their thoughtful work in selecting this year’s recipients.”

The 2026 James Beard Award winners will be announced in Chicago on June 15.

James Beard Awards: NYC’s finalists
Outstanding Restaurant

The Four Horsemen, Williamsburg

NYS Best Chef

Fidel Caballero, Corima, Chinatown

Giovanni Cervantes, Carnitas Ramirez, East Village

Hooni Kim, Meju, Long Island City

Ayesha Nurdjaja, Shukette, Chelsea

Joshua Pinsky, Claud, East Village

Emerging Chef

Rasheeda Purdie, Ramen by Ra, East Village

Best New Restaurant

Lei, Chinatown

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

Chambers, Tribeca

Best New Bar

Clemente Bar, Flatiron

Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service

Lee Campbell, Borgo, Nomad

Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service

Ivy Mix, Whoopsie Daisy, Crown Heights