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.