Vegas Restaurant News News

Vegas Culinary Scene Shines in 2026 James Beard Semifinalists

Las Vegas chefs and venues are semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards across multiple categories, including Best Chef: Southwest with Oulay Ceesay Fisher, Brian Howard, Yuri Szarzewski, Sarah Thompson, Jamie Tran, and James Trees; Outstanding Restaurateur Elizabeth Blau; Emerging Chef Ellie Parker; Best New Restaurant Tamba; Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker Kimberly Mcintosh; Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program Ada’s Wine Bar; Best New Bar Nocturno; Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service Bank Atcharawan; and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service Mariena Mercer Boarini. Winners will be announced June 15, 2026 in Chicago.