el Restaurante congratulates the 12 Mexican/Latin-themed restaurants and outstanding chefs who advanced from the semifinal round to join the list of nominees in the James Beard Foundation’s 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Monday, June 15, 2026, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Outstanding Restaurateur
Hugo Ortega and Tracy Vaught, H-Town Restaurant Group (Hugo’s, Xochi, Urbe, and others), Houston, TX
Outstanding Chef
Gilberto Cetina, Holbox, Los Angeles, CA
Outstanding Restaurant presented by Acqua Panna® Natural Spring Water
Mixtli, San Antonio, TX
Emerging Chef presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water
Fátima Juárez, Komal, Los Angeles, CA and Adrian Torres, Maximo, West University Place, TX
Outstanding Hospitality
Ansots Basque Chorizos & Catering, Boise, ID
Best Chef Great Lakes
Norman Fenton, Cariño, Chicago, IL
Best Chef Mountain
Johnny Curiel, Alma Fonda Fina, Denver, CO
Best Chef New York State
Fidel Caballero, Corima, New York, NY and Giovanni Cervantes, Carnitas Ramirez, New York, NY
Best Chef South
Maria La Mota and Chason Spencer, Chancho King, Jacksonville, FL
Best Chef Southwest
Sarah Thompson, Casa Playa, Las Vegas, NV
Best Chef Texas
Gabe Padilla and Melissa Padilla, Café Piro, Socorro, TX
Humanitarian of the Year
No Us Without You LA, Damián Diaz and Othon Nolasco. Watch for a profile of this charity that provides food relief to the most disenfranchised hospitality workers including back-of-house staff such as dishwashers, line and prep cooks coming soon.