California Chefs and Restaurants Win Top Honors at 2026 James Beard Awards
California restaurants and chefs dominated the 2026 James Beard Awards, with San Francisco’s Michael Tusk of Quince winning Outstanding Chef and Los Angeles’ Providence earning Outstanding Hospitality. The awards, announced June 15 in Chicago, recognize culinary excellence across the U.S., including Dave Beran of Santa Monica’s Seline among Best Chefs in California.
The James Beard Foundation announced the winners of the 2026 Restaurant and Chef Awards on June 15, held at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. California establishments led the honors, with San Francisco and Los Angeles restaurants securing multiple top accolades. Michael Tusk of Quince in San Francisco won Outstanding Chef, an award given to chefs setting high culinary standards and serving as role models. The Outstanding Hospitality award went to Providence in Los Angeles, recognizing its excellence in food, atmosphere, and service. Other California winners included Kato in Los Angeles for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, and Kevin Diedrich of Pacific Cocktail Haven in San Francisco for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service. Dave Beran of Seline in Santa Monica was named among the Best Chefs in California. The James Beard Awards, now in their 40th year, honor culinary innovation and excellence in the independent restaurant industry. The foundation, named after James Beard—the ‘Dean of American cookery’—advocates for education, recognition, and community initiatives in food culture.
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