Jan 21, 2026 - News

8 Utah chefs, restaurants named 2026 James Beard semifinalists

Kim Bojórquez

Animated illustration of salt and pepper shakers posing on a red carpet as cameras flash. — Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios

The James Beard Awards named several Salt Lake City chefs and restaurants as semifinalists for one of the culinary world's most coveted honors.

The big picture: This year's round-up, announced Wednesday, includes returning semifinalist and Urban Hill chef Nick Zocco, alongside first-time nominees like Junah, a Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant run by restaurateurs Felipe Oliveira and Hiro Tagai.

Here are the chefs and restaurants that made the cut:

Best chef (Mountain)

Arlo's Milo Carrier
Oquirrh's Andrew Fuller
Felt Bar & Eatery's Travis Herbert
The Pearl's Tommy Nguyen
Urban Hill's Nick Zocco

Best new restaurant

Junah

Outstanding bar

Post Office Place

Outstanding professional in beverage service

Sara Sergent of Park City's Alpine Distilling Social Aid & Pleasure Club

Flashback: Water Witch, a Central Ninth staple, was Utah's only James Beard finalist in 2025 for "Outstanding Bar," but it did not take home the final prize.

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

Flashback: 2025 James Beard awards: Eight Utah semifinalists

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8 Utah chefs, restaurants named 2026 James Beard semifinalists

Best chef (Mountain)

Best new restaurant

Outstanding bar

Outstanding professional in beverage service

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