NEW YORK — On Wednesday, the James Beard Foundation Awards announced the list of restaurants and chefs who are semifinalists for the 2026 awards.
Several restaurants from Washington—particularly in Seattle—made the cut.
Outstanding Chef
Archipelago returns to the list with a nomination for Outstanding Chef for Aaron Verzosa.
The fine-dining Filipino restaurant was nominated last year for Best Hospitality, making it all the way to the finals in 2025.
Emerging Chef
Ahmed Suliman of Cafe Suliman on Capitol Hill was nominated for the Emerging Chef award.
Cafe Suliman, located in Melrose Market, is known for its Middle Eastern and Arabian flavors and traditions.
Best New Restaurants includes
Both Little Beast Ballard and The Wayland Mill were named nominees for Best New Restaurant.
Little Beast Ballard is known for its hearty English pub fare and cocktails.
The Wayland Mill creates Japanese-inspired Western dishes in the Northlake neighborhood.
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
In the Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker category, Christina Wood of Temple Pastries in East Seattle was nominated.
Temple Pastries is a bakery that challenges traditional bakery norms through innovative flavors and textures
Bar and Beverage
Le Caviste, known for its romantic setting and French wine, was nominated for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages.
Roquette, a small, cozy bar with a big reputation in Belltown, was nominated for Outstanding Bar.
Vancouver’s The Elbow Room was nominated as a semifinalist for Best New Bar.
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service went to Anu Apte of Rob Roy, a bar within walking distance of the Seattle waterfront.
Best Chef
Best Chef is the most coveted award on the list.
In the Northwest & Pacific category, seven chefs from Washington State were nominated:
- Janet Becerra, Pancita — Seattle (Ravenna)
- Johnny Courtney, Atoma — Seattle (Wallingford)
- Logan Cox, Homer — Seattle (North Beacon Hill)
- Jordan Koplowitz, Starla’s — Bellingham, WA
- Melissa Miranda, Musang — Seattle (Beacon Hill)
- Thai Nguyen and Trinh Nguyen, Ramie — Seattle (Capitol Hill)
- Aaron Tekulve, Surrell — Seattle (Cherry Hill)
The finalists for the James Beard Foundation Awards will be announced on March 31.