The “Oscars of the food world” returned to Chicago on June 15, and Los Angeles had plenty to celebrate. At the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards, three L.A. County restaurants earned some of the industry’s highest honors.
The awards highlight everything from exceptional hospitality and world-class beverage programs to groundbreaking fine dining.
Beyond the restaurant awards, Los Angeles was also recognized with several prestigious special honors, reinforcing the region’s influence on America’s culinary landscape.
Here’s every Los Angeles County winner from the 2026 James Beard Awards:
🏆 Best Chef: California
Seline (Santa Monica)
Winner: Chef Dave Beran
Santa Monica chef Dave Beran earned Best Chef: California for his acclaimed tasting menu restaurant, Seline.
The intimate restaurant offers an ever-evolving 15- to 18-course tasting experience. It often features imaginative dishes like puffed beef tendon presented on a branch, black cod with mussels and fennel, and the restaurant’s signature coffee and caviar course.
During his acceptance speech, Beran reflected on the importance of community, telling the audience: “What you need more than anything are the people in your life.”
The recognition marks another milestone for one of Southern California’s most innovative chefs.
🍷 Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
Kato (Los Angeles)
Los Angeles fine dining destination Kato received the Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program award, recognizing one of the country’s best beverage experiences.
Led by co-owner, operations and wine director Ryan Bailey alongside bar director Austin Hennelly, Kato’s beverage program is carefully designed to complement chef Jon Yao’s Taiwanese-inspired cuisine. They offer expertly selected wines, inventive cocktails, and thoughtful non-alcoholic pairings.
The honor also continues Kato’s remarkable James Beard streak. In 2025, chef Jon Yao was named Best Chef: California. And this year’s award highlights the restaurant’s continued excellence even beyond the kitchen.
🍽️ Outstanding Hospitality
Providence (Los Angeles)
Legendary seafood restaurant Providence was recognized with the Outstanding Hospitality award, celebrating restaurants that deliver truly exceptional guest experiences.
Opened by chef Michael Cimarusti in 2005 alongside co-owner Donato Poto, Providence has become one of California’s most celebrated fine dining destinations. It has earned three Michelin stars and consistently ranking among the nation’s best restaurants.
The recognition adds another James Beard accolade to Providence’s history after winning Best New Restaurant in 2006.
More Los Angeles Honorees
While the Restaurant and Chef Awards spotlighted restaurants and chefs, Los Angeles was also well represented through several special James Beard Foundation honors.
🥞 The Serving Spoon earns an America’s Classics Award
Inglewood institution The Serving Spoon was named one of the 2026 America’s Classics recipients, an award recognizing beloved locally owned restaurants that have served their communities for at least a decade.
Founded in 1983, the soul food staple has become a cornerstone of L.A.’s Black community, known for breakfast favorites, shrimp and grits, catfish, and Southern comfort food.
❤️ Humanitarian of the Year
Damián Diaz and Othón Nolasco, founders of No Us Without You, received the Humanitarian of the Year Award for their work supporting undocumented restaurant workers and food service employees throughout Southern California.
🤝 Impact Award
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), a Los Angeles County-based nonprofit advocating for immigrant communities, was honored with the Impact Award for its longstanding work supporting immigrant rights.
🌟 Lifetime Achievement Award
Legendary Los Angeles chef Nancy Silverton received the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her decades of influence on American dining.
Silverton helped shape L.A.’s culinary scene through landmark restaurants including Campanile, Osteria Mozza, Pizzeria Mozza, and Chi Spacca, inspiring generations of chefs while helping establish Los Angeles as one of the country’s premier food destinations.
Other Los Angeles Finalists
Several other L.A. chefs and restaurants were finalists in this year’s awards, including:
- Fátima Juárez (Komal) — Emerging Chef
- Jack Benchakul (Endorffeine) — Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service
- Ki — Best New Restaurant
- Gilberto Cetina (Holbox) — Outstanding Chef
- Niki Nakayama (n/naka) — Outstanding Chef
Although they didn’t take home awards this year, their nominations further demonstrate the depth and diversity of Los Angeles’ dining scene.
With three major Restaurant and Chef Award wins, plus multiple special recognitions, Los Angeles once again proved why it remains one of the nation’s most exciting culinary destinations.
