Today, the James Beard Foundation revealed the finalists for the esteemed 2026 awards. Often referred to as the “Oscars” of the culinary world, these honors represent some of the highest recognition available within the restaurant industry.
The announcement today trims down the extensive list of semifinalists released back in January.
Maison Bar à Vins, the French-inspired venue linked to neo-bistro Lutèce in Adams Morgan, has advanced to contend for the distinguished title of Best New Restaurant in America. Although Maison Bar à Vins is primarily characterized as a wine bar by the Popal Group, chef Matt Conroy offers a diverse menu that features dishes ranging from marinated octopus and olives to a hearty serving of pasta with rabbit ragu. Additionally, D.C. sommelier Brent Kroll, known for managing the Maxwell Park wine bar in Shaw and for curating the wine list at the new Canton Disco in Navy Yard, has been named a finalist in the Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service category.
For this year’s award, D.C. has secured only one 2026 finalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic — a particularly competitive category that includes chefs from Virginia to New Jersey — and that honor goes to Suresh Sundas of Tapori, recognized as one of Eater’s Best New Restaurants in America last year. The other four finalists for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic hail from Pennsylvania.
Moreover, Molly and Meherwan Irani, the minds behind the successful Indian street-food establishment Chai Pani—originally from Asheville, N.C.—are contenders in the Outstanding Restaurateur category after opening a D.C. location last year.
Several local semifinalists, however, did not advance to the final round in various national categories. Notable names include Anthony Jones of Marcus DC for Emerging Chef; Bresca for Outstanding Hospitality; Centrolina for Outstanding Restaurant; Fried Rice Collective for Outstanding Restaurateur; 2 Amys’ Peter Pastan for Outstanding Chef; and Christine Kim from Service Bar for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.
In total, D.C. has secured spots in five different categories for this year’s awards. The winners will be announced during an elaborate gala at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on Monday, June 15. Below is the complete list of local contenders aiming for glory at the 36th-annual James Beard Awards:
Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA)
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service
Disclosure: Some staff members from Vox Media are involved in the voting process for the James Beard Foundation Awards.
