2026 Banchet Award Winners
A heartfelt congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Banchet Culinary Excellence Awards! This year's James Beard Award winners were announced Sunday, January 25, 2026 at Venue Six10. Find them below!
Culinary Excellence of the Year
Grant Achatz – The Alinea Group
Iconic Restaurant (25+ years)
Gene & Georgetti
Restaurant of the Year
Indienne
Chef of the Year
John Manion – El Che, Brasero
Rising Chef of the Year
Javauneeka Jacobs – Frontera Grill
Best Counter Service
Sanders BBQ Supply
Best Neighborhood Restaurant
Mahari
Best Restaurant Design
The Alston
Best New Restaurant
Feld
Best Bar or Bar Program
Gus’ Sip & Dip
Best Heritage Restaurant
Nine Garden
Pastry Chef of the Year
Justin Lerias – Del Sur Bakery
Sommelier of the Year
Alex Cuper – El Che, Brasero
Best Hospitality
Feld