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Meet the 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists from Austin

The 2026 James Beard Award season is upon us, and Austin has nine restaurants + foodies vying for a trophy.

January 21, 2026 • 
Laura Figi
Four colorful cocktails on a wooden table, including a dark purple drink in a tall glass with a pink straw, a clear gin and tonic garnished with lemon, rosemary, and juniper berries, a golden drink with a lemon slice, and a pink cocktail with a salted rim and watermelon garnish.

Cheers to Kalimotxo’s happy hour deals. | Photo by ATXtoday

The James Beard Award semifinalists are here, and Austin has nine nominees in the pipeline.

Frequently called the “Oscars of food,” the James Beard Awards recognize some of the best and brightest in American culinary culture. Finalists will be announced on Tuesday, March 31, followed by the awards ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on Monday, June 15.

Austin is currently home to seven James Beard Award winners. Let’s dig in on the restaurants in this year’s running.

Outstanding Bakery: Mercado Sin Nombre

Also a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, this teeny cafe specializes in Mexican coffee and dishes with maíz. Mercado Sin Nombre is one of two Texas bakeries — joining Starship Bagel in Dallas — nominated in this category.

A unique culinary creation with an artistic presentation. A small, round base, possibly a bread or pastry, is topped with a creamy, lightly toasted layer of sauce or cheese. Skewered on top are succulent, charred pieces of meat or mushroom, stacked and crowned with a tiny figurine of a skull in a top hat. The background is softly blurred, with hints of other elegantly plated dishes.

Barley Swine’s contemporary cuisine has been praised for its use of local ingredients and “global sophistication.”

Photo by Richard Casteel

Outstanding Hospitality: Barley Swine

Lauded with one MICHELIN Star, Barley Swine‘s restaurateurs are also the minds behind Odd Duck and Sour Duck Market.

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: Kalimotxo

Named for a Spanish drink that mixes red wine and Coca-Cola, the east Austin restaurant shares the nomination with one other restaurant from Texas: Taconeta in El Paso.

Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service: Celia Pellegrini, Este

This seafood-forward restaurant is known for its daily $10 margarita happy hour.

Best Chef: Texas

Psst — Austin has more nominees in this category than any other Texas city.

While you wait to learn the fate of our nominees, check out the history of James Beard winners + semifinalists in Austin.

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