From chefs to restaurants to cocktails, a dozen in Arizona are up for food’s biggest awards.
The 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists were announced this morning, and 12 Arizona restaurants, bars, chefs and mixologists made the cut. Let’s go through the list.
Outstanding Chef
Charleen Badman, FnB, Scottsdale
Best New Restaurant
INDIBAR, Scottsdale
Outstanding Bar
Highball, Phoenix
Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service
Zac Adcox, Kid Sister, Phoenix
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
Ross Simon, Little Rituals, Phoenix
Best Chef: Southwest (region includes Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and Oklahoma)
- Roberto Centeno, Espiritu, Mesa
- TJ Culp, Restaurant Progress, Phoenix
- Rochelle Daniel, Atria, Flagstaff
- Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin, Tacos Chiwas, Phoenix
- Scott Holmes, Little Miss BBQ, Phoenix
- Kyle Kent, Chula Seafood, Phoenix
- Claudia Vindiola, La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood, Tucson
In 2025, Yotaka Martin from Lom Wong won Best Chef: Southwest and was Arizona’s only winner that year.
The 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards winners will be announced on June 15 in Chicago.
