Every year, the James Beard Awards recognize extraordinary talent and achievement in the culinary world. Today, Wednesday, Jan. 21, the James Beard Foundation announced the 2026 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists, and several St. Louis-area and Missouri chefs and restaurants are among those advancing in the awards process.
Below are the local semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards:
Best Chef: Midwest
Nick Bognar // Indo, Sado, Pavilion – St. Louis
Alex Henry // El Molino del Sureste – St. Louis
Philip Day // Root Food + Wine – Augusta
Loryn Nalic // Balkan Treat Box, Telva at the Ridge – Webster Groves
Outstanding Restaurant
Vicia – St. Louis
Best New Restaurant
Robin – Maplewood
Outstanding Hospitality
Louie – Clayton
The next round of nominees will be announced on March 31, with winners honored on June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.