Out of the 12 Houston chefs and restaurants initially named semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards, six have advanced to the final round — up from four finalists last year.
READ: 12 Houston Restaurants and Chefs Named 2026 James Beard Semifinalists
The James Beard Awards honor outstanding talent in the culinary and hospitality industries across the country. This year’s Houston finalists span a range of categories, from Best Chef: Texas to Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, showcasing the region’s vibrant and diverse dining scene.
Here are the six Houston finalists:
- Emerging Chef: Adrian Torres, Maximo
- Best New Restaurant: Agnes and Sherman
- Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service: June Rodil, March
- Outstanding Restaurateur: Hugo Ortega and Tracy Vaught, H-Town Restaurant Group
- Best Chef: Texas: Ope Amosu, ChòpnBlọk
- Best Chef: Texas: Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu, JŪN
The James Beard Foundation also announced that Houston-based Southern Smoke Foundation will be an Impact Award honoree — recognition given to individuals or organizations actively working to build a more equitable, sustainable and economically viable food and beverage industry for producers, workers and consumers.
Winners will be announced during the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Learn more about living in Houston.