Two Atlanta restaurants named finalists for 2026 James Beard Awards

On Tuesday, March 31, two Georgia restaurants were named finalists for The James Beard Foundation’s 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award. (Pixabay)

The James Beard Foundation announced its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Awards finalists on Tuesday, with two Atlanta restaurants making the cut.

The James Beard Awards are one of the culinary industry’s most prestigious honors. The awards aim to acknowledge “exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive,” according to the organization’s website.

Eleven restaurants in Georgia were named semifinalists for this year’s awards in January.