Here are Seattle's 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios
More than a dozen Seattle chefs and restaurants were named James Beard Award semifinalists Wednesday, giving the city a shot at ending its yearslong drought in the prestigious food awards.
Why it matters: The awards are the culinary industry's highest honor — but a Seattle chef or restaurant hasn't won since 2020.
Zoom in: The semifinalist list includes a wave of Seattle chefs and restaurants earning their first James Beard recognition. Among them:
- Ahmed Suliman of Cafe Suliman is a semifinalist in the emerging chef category for his casual spot in Capitol Hill's Melrose Market.
- Little Beast Ballard and The Wayland Mill near Gas Works Park are up for best new restaurant.
- Christina Wood of Temple Pastries is competing for outstanding pastry chef or baker.
The list also includes repeat semifinalists, such as Melissa Miranda of Musang and Logan Cox of Homer, both recognized again for their Beacon Hill restaurants.
What's next: The semifinalists list will be whittled down to a shorter list of nominees on March 31, with winners to be announced June 15.
Here's the full list of the 2026 James Beard semifinalists from Washington state. All but two are from Seattle.
Outstanding Chef
Aaron Verzosa, Archipelago, Seattle
Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific
Janet Becerra, Pancita, Seattle
Johnny Courtney, Atoma, Seattle
Logan Cox, Homer, Seattle
Melissa Miranda, Musang, Seattle
Thai Nguyen and Trinh Nguyen, Ramie, Seattle
Aaron Tekulve, Surrell, Seattle
Jordan Koplowitz, Starla's, Bellingham
Best New Restaurant
Little Beast Ballard, Seattle
The Wayland Mill, Seattle
Emerging Chef
Ahmed Suliman, Cafe Suliman, Seattle
Best New Bar
The Elbow Room, Vancouver, Wash.
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
Christina Wood, Temple Pastries, Seattle
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
Le Caviste, Seattle
Outstanding Bar
Roquette, Seattle
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
Anu Apte, Rob Roy, Seattle