WA’s culinary scene thrives with 16 James Beard Awards semifinalists

Washington’s dining scene has made a serious statement on the national stage.

The semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards were announced on Wednesday, with 16 Washington candidates up for an award.

The James Beard Foundation calls its awards “the pinnacle of culinary recognition in the U.S.,” the industry’s equivalent of an Oscar.

Washington matched last year’s total with 16 semifinalists. However, the state has not had a winner since Rupee Bar in Ballard won for Restaurant Design in 2020, according to The Puget Sound Business Journal.

WA’s James Beard Award semifinalists

Looking at this year, Seattle’s Aaron Verzosa of Archipelago earned a spot among 20 Outstanding Chef semifinalists — a category honoring those who set “high culinary standards” and serve as “a positive example for other food professionals.”

Semifinalist for Emerging Chef

Ahmed Suliman of Café Suliman in Seattle was named as an Emerging Chef semifinalist, who “displays exceptional talent, character, and leadership ability, and who is likely to make a significant impact in years to come.”

Café Suliman draws inspiration from several eateries in Egypt, North Africa, and the Arabian Gulf. The café serves comforting home-cooked food and is positioned as a “cozy spot” tucked inside a corner of Melrose Market in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.

Best New Restaurant

Two Seattle eateries were recognized as James Beard Award semifinalists, with The Wayland Mill in North Lake Union and Little Beast Ballard both collecting honors for Best New Restaurant.

The Best New Restaurant category is defined as a restaurant that opened between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. These semifinalists demonstrated “consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations.”

The Wayland Mill, located in North Lake Union, is an all-day cafe with Western food ideas interpreted through a Japanese lens.

Little Beast Ballard is a GastroPub and Steakhouse, “showcasing traditional English fare rarely seen in the Pacific Northwest.”

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

Christina Wood of Temple Pastries in Seattle was honored as a semifinalist for a pastry chef or baker who makes desserts, pastries, or breads.

“Candidate demonstrates exceptional skills and can be affiliated with any food business and does not need a brick and mortar presence,” the James Beard Foundation stated.

Temple Pastries offers pastries such as the Cardamom Almond Brioche or desserts like the Black Sesame Yuzu Macaron.

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

Le Caviste in Seattle was recognized as a semifinalist for this award, labeled as a restaurant that provides exceptional care and skill in pairing wine and other beverages with food.

“Le Caviste is a bistrot-à-vins, a wine-bar, offering a broad selection of wines from France, along with wine-based apéritifs,” the restaurant stated. “It is a warm and inviting refuge in the bustling heart of the city, where wines are chosen with care and priced to drink every day, accompanied by charcuterie, AOC fromages, and a few specialty plates from its tiny kitchen.”

Outstanding Bar

Roquette was named for the Outstanding Bar award, which includes any business whose primary offering is a beverage, including wine, beer, cocktails, and coffee.

“[The bar] demonstrates consistent excellence in curating a selection or in the preparation of drinks, along with outstanding atmosphere, hospitality, and operations,” the James Beard Foundation stated.

Best New Bar

The Elbow Room in Vancouver, Washington, was selected as one of the Best New Bars that opened between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025.

The criteria for a best new bar include wine, beer, cocktail, or coffee bars that “demonstrate consistent excellence in the preparation of drinks, sourcing, service, hospitality, atmosphere, and operations.”

The Elbow Room initially opened in 1970, and though it underwent an ownership change in July 2025, kept its iconic character intact and remains a staple in the Vancouver area.

Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service

Anu Apte of Rob Roy in Seattle was recognized as a service professional who creates and serves cocktails at a high standard, while demonstrating creativity, innovation, and excellence.

“Our mission is simple: to provide an exceptional experience from classic favorites to innovative creations. Each cocktail is crafted by the team with care,” Rob Roy stated. “Geek out with us or just sit back and relax.”

Best Chef semifinalists by region

Several semifinalists were listed as Best Chef semifinalists in the Northwest and Pacific region, which includes Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington.

The list of best chef semifinalists in the region includes: