2026 James Beard finalists: See which New England chefs, eateries made the list
Some of New England's top chefs and restaurants have been recognized by the James Beard Foundation this year.
The foundation announced its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Award finalists, as well as this year's Achievement Award honorees, on Tuesday.
Widely considered the "Oscars of food," the prestigious annual awards recognize the country's top culinary professionals, authors and journalists.
"The honorees and nominees represent the incredible range of cuisines, foodways, and of course, talent shaping American food today," Dawn Padmore, vice president of awards for the James Beard Foundation, said in a press release. "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. We're deeply grateful to our committee members and judges for their thoughtful work in selecting this year's recipients."
The nominees, winners and honorees will be recognized at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Although no person or restaurant from Massachusetts was a finalist this year, chef Erin Miller of Urban Hearth in Cambridge was a finalist for Best Chef: Northeast in 2025. In addition, chef Cassie Piuma of Sarma in Somerville was a finalist for Outstanding Chef in 2025.
The last time a Massachusetts establishment won a James Beard Award was when Sullivan's Castle Island in South Boston received the 2025 America's Classics Award for the Northeast region.
Below are the 2026 James Beard Award finalists from New England.
Best New Bar
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Loma in Providence, Rhode Island
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
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The Port of Call in Mystic, Connecticut
Outstanding Bakery
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Super Secret Ice Cream in Bethlehem, New Hampshire
Outstanding Restaurateur
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Dana Street of Fore Street, Scales and Standard Baking Co. in Portland, Maine
Outstanding Chef
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David Standridge of The Shipwright's Daughter in Mystic, Connecticut
Best Chef: Northeast
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David DiStasi of Materia Ristorante in Bantam, Connecticut
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Evan Hennessey of Stages in Dover, New Hampshire
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Thomas Takashi Cooke and Izakaya Minato in Portland, Maine
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Paul Trombly of Fancy's in Burlington, Vermont
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Derek Wagner of Nicks on Broadway in Providence, Rhode Island
Founded in 1990, The James Beard Awards are regarded as the highest honor for food professionals in the U.S. The awards span restaurant and chef accolades, cookbook and media awards and leadership awards. Winners, who receive a medallion and a certificate, are determined by more than 600 industry professionals and culinary experts.
Click here for the full list of 2026 James Beard Award Finalists.
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