The James Beard Foundation released its 2026 longlist on Tuesday, January 21, and Washington State rebounded with a strong showing after a quiet 2025 awards season. This year’s selections span both new and returning contenders, including first-time nominees such as Cafe Suliman’s Ahmed Suliman (Emerging Chef), Ballard newcomers Wayland Mill and Little Beast (Best New Restaurant), and Christina Wood of Temple Pastries (Outstanding Pastry Chef or Bakery). Familiar names also reappear, with Anu Apte of Rob Roy recognized for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service and Archipelago’s Aaron Verzosa earning an Outstanding Chef nomination.
The next stage of the awards process is on March 31, when all of the semifinalists will be whittled down to a shorter list of nominees. Ultimately, the final winners will be announced on June 15. The last time a Seattle chef or restaurant won was in 2020.
Outstanding Chef
- Aaron Verzosa, Archipelago
Emerging Chef
- Ahmed Suliman, Cafe Suliman
Best New Restaurant
- Little Beast Ballard
- The Wayland Mill
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Bakery
- Christina Wood, Temple Pastries
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
- Le Caviste
Outstanding Bar
- Roquette
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
- Anu Apte, Rob Roy
Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA)
- Janet Becerra, Pancita, Seattle
- Johnny Courtney, Atoma, Seattle
- Logan Cox, Homer, Seattle
- Jordan Koplowitz, Starla’s, Bellingham
- Melissa Miranda, Musang, Seattle
- Thai Nguyen and Trinh Nguyen, Ramie, Seattle
- Aaron Tekulve, Surrell, Seattle