Jan 21, 2026 - Food and Drink

10 Oregon chefs and restaurants named James Beard semifinalists

Meira Gebel

Two silver James Beard Foundation Award for Excellence medals on light gray ribbons, placed on a wooden surface. — A James Beard nod is a boon for restaurants and a signal of their status. Photo: AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post

Nearly a dozen Oregon chefs, bars and restaurants are in the running for the industry's premier recognition for tastemakers and trendsetters after The James Beard Awards announced their 2026 semifinalists Wednesday.

The big picture: This year's Oregon nominees includes some long timers and some fresh faces.

Outstanding restaurant: Le Pigeon (Portland)
Outstanding wine or other beverages program: Coquine (Portland)
Outstanding bar: Scotch Lodge (Portland)
Outstanding professional in beverage service: Joel Gunderson, Heavenly Creatures (Portland)
Best chef: Northwest and Pacific

Josh Dorcak, MÄS (Ashland)
Taylor Manning and Siobhan Speirits, Cafe Olli (Portland)
Kristen Murray, Måurice (Portland)
Thomas Pisha-Duffly, Gado Gado (Portland)
Ryan Roadhouse, Nodoguro (Portland)
Jack Strong, JORY Restaurant at The Allison Inn & Spa (Newberg)

Flashback: Gabriel Rucker, chef-owner of Le Pigeon and sister restaurant Canard, won two James Beard awards back in 2011 and 2013, for rising star and best chef, respectively.

Scotch Lodge and Coquine, as well as chefs Dorcak and Roadhouse, were finalists in last year's awards.

What's next: Finalists will be announced on March 31 and winners will be celebrated at a Chicago ceremony on June 15.

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10 Oregon chefs and restaurants named James Beard semifinalists

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