Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
Reading time: 2 minutes
Birmingham restauranteurs and chefs garnered five 2026 James Beard Awards semi-finalist nominations this morning.
Described as the “Oscars” of the food world, the James Beard Awards were established in 1990 by the James Beard Foundation to “recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields and furthers the foundation’s mission to celebrate, nurture and honor chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse and sustainable for everyone.”
And the James Beard Awards nominees from Alabama are…
Who made this year’s list?
- Outstanding Chef: Rob McDaniel, Bayonet, Birmingham, AL
- Best Chef (South): Kristen Hall, La Fête, Birmingham, AL
- Best Chef (South): Geri-Martha O’Hara and Ryan O’Hara, Pizza Grace, Birmingham, AL
- Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service: Eric Bennett, Continental Drift, Birmingham, AL
- Outstanding Hospitality: Bottega, Birmingham, AL
In addition to the Birmingham establishments, Jim Smith from The Hummingbird Way in Mobile, AL was nominated for Best Chef South.
Alabama James Beard Award winners
Alabama has produced several James Beard Award winners over the years, including Highland Bar and Grill in the “Best Restaurant in the U.S.” category…