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The James Beard Foundation released its list of 2026 finalists today, narrowing the field ahead of the awards gala in Chicago this June. For diners and industry professionals, the shortlist highlights which Washington-area restaurants and restaurateurs are now competing on a national stage—and who missed the cut.
The winners will be announced at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on Monday, June 15, during the 36th annual ceremony; local nominees are hoping a strong finish will bring national recognition and more business back home.
Who from the D.C. scene made the final round
Washington, D.C., placed finalists across five national categories. Among them is Maison Bar à Vins, the Adams Morgan outpost from the Popal Group that positions itself as a wine-focused spot but also serves full plates, from marinated octopus to pasta with rabbit ragu. Chef Matt Conroy leads the kitchen there.
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Suresh Sundas, chef of Tapori and part of last year’s buzz as one of the country’s best new openings, is the only D.C.-area nominee in the competitive Best Chef: Mid‑Atlantic category, which covers chefs from Virginia through New Jersey.
Other notable finalists include pastry chef Susan Bae of Moon Rabbit, and sommelier Brent Kroll of Maxwell Park, who is up for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service after building wine programs in Shaw and at Canton Disco in Navy Yard. Restaurateurs Molly and Meherwan Irani of Chai Pani—an Asheville import that expanded to D.C. last year—are finalists in the Outstanding Restaurateur category.
| Category | D.C.-area Finalist |
|---|---|
| Best Chef: Mid‑Atlantic | Suresh Sundas, Tapori (Washington, D.C.) |
| Best New Restaurant | Maison Bar à Vins (Washington, D.C.) |
| Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker | Susan Bae, Moon Rabbit (Washington, D.C.) |
| Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program | Field & Main (Marshall, VA) |
| Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service | Brent Kroll, Maxwell Park (Washington, D.C.) |
| Outstanding Restaurateur | Molly & Meherwan Irani, Chai Pani (expanded to D.C.) |
Local names that fell short this round
Several D.C.-area semifinalists did not advance to the final ballot. That list includes industry figures and restaurants that have been fixtures in recent regional coverage, underscoring how competitive the awards are nationwide.
- Anthony Jones, Marcus DC (Emerging Chef)
- Bresca (Outstanding Hospitality)
- Centrolina (Outstanding Restaurant)
- Fried Rice Collective (Outstanding Restaurateur)
- Peter Pastan, 2 Amys (Outstanding Chef)
- Christine Kim, Service Bar (Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service)
The results today follow the larger pool of semifinalists published in January and set the stage for the June ceremony, when winners across dozens of categories will be announced. For restaurants and hospitality professionals, a Beard award can translate into greater national visibility and a meaningful boost in reservations and media attention.
Disclosure: Some Vox Media employees participate in the James Beard Foundation voting process.
