Likened to the Oscars of the food industry, the James Beard Awards is one of the most distinguished honors in the food and beverage industry. In celebration of culinary excellence, recognizing the immense talent of chefs and restaurateurs alike, the James Beard Foundation has unveiled its finalists across 25 categories, highlighting the standout performers currently shaping the landscape of the culinary world.
While Houston started with a dozen names on the longlist, the city remains the strong featuring six finalists to represent the city at the official gala at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on June 15. Here are Houston’s James Beard Award finalists 2026.
Outstanding Restaurateur
Hugo Ortega and Tracy Vaught, H-Town Restaurant Group (Hugo’s, Xochi, Urbe, and more). Hugo Ortega—already a Beard winner himself—and Tracy Vaught head a local culinary empire with city favorites that include Hugo’s, Xochi, Caracol. The group’s latest concept, Zaranda, was recently named as one of the best new restaurants in Texas by Texas Monthly.
Best New Restaurant
Agnes and Sherman. Recently named the best new restaurant in Texas by Texas Monthly, Agnes and Sherman is an Asian American diner in the Heights opened in April 2025 under Chef Nick Wong (formerly of UB Preserv and Momofuku Ssam Bar).
Wong masterfully blends Chinese flavors with American classics, showcased in standout dishes like the Taiwanese beef broth French dip and a shrimp cocktail that has already garnered Texas Monthly acclaim. From its “potluck-style” Rangoons to creative breakfast sandwiches, the menu is a brilliant riff on nostalgic comfort food.
Emerging Chef
Adrian Torres, Maximo. Previously honored with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, Maximo is a modern Mexican “destination” restaurant. Helmed by Executive Chef Adrian Torres, the kitchen emphasizes authentic techniques like in-house nixtamalization for their heirloom masa.
The menu features creative dishes such as masa-encrusted fish, duck carnitas, and a popular Milanesa with spaghetti verde, all served in a stylish, sunset-hued space with a vibrant outdoor patio.
Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service
June Rodil, MARCH Partner and CEO of the Michelin-Starred MARCH, June Rodil has been a trailblazer in the industry. Rodil was previously a James Beard Award semifinalist. This most recent recognition is the latest among her many accolades that include untold Sommelier of the Year Awards from the likes of Food & Wine.
Best Chef: Texas
Houston once again leads Texas in the category of Best Chef: Texas with two out of the five finalists hailing from our backyard:
- Ope Amosu, ChòpnBlọk: The Best Chef: Texas finalist nomination is the latest of many accolades role in for the West African hotspot. In the 2025 addition of the Texas Michelin Guide, the restaurant secured a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
- Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu, JŪN: The Top Chef finalist and her partner continue are the team behind the Michelin Recommended Heights restaurant. JŪN is an intimate, 65-seat “New Asian American” restaurant shaped by the diverse culinary backgrounds and upbringings of Garcia and Lu.
Special Recognition: Southern Smoke Foundation
Beyond the restaurant categories, Houston’s own Southern Smoke Foundation has been named a 2026 Impact Award honoree. Founded by Chef Chris Shepherd, the foundation is being celebrated for its tireless work in providing a safety net for food and beverage workers across the country.
