HONOLULU (KHON2) — The James Beard Foundation has announced its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Award Semifinalists, shining a spotlight on Hawaiʻi’s unique and flavorful food scene.
From a variety of categories, local spots and innovators in the cooking community are being celebrated in the national competition that has been called the “leading benchmark for excellence in American food culture.”
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Here are the Hawaiʻi highlights from this year’s list:
Outstanding Restaurateur: A restaurateur who uses their establishment(s) as a vehicle for building community, demonstrates creativity in entrepreneurship and integrity in restaurant operations.
- Peter Merriman, Merriman’s, Monkeypod and others, O’ahu, Maui, and Big Island, HI.
Emerging Chef presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water: A chef who displays exceptional talent, character and leadership ability, and who is likely to make a significant impact in years to come.
- Bao Tran, Giovedi, Honolulu, HI.
Outstanding Bakery: A baker of breads, pastries or desserts that demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality and operations.
- The Local General Store, Honolulu, HI.
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: A pastry chef or baker who makes desserts, pastries or breads. Candidate demonstrates exceptional skills and can be affiliated with any food business and does not need a brick-and-mortar presence.
- Neale Asato, Asato Family Shop, Honolulu, HI.
Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA).
- Michele Di Bari, Sale Pepe, Lahaina, HI.
- Ed Kenney, Mud Hen Water, Honolulu, HI.
- Andrew Le, The Pig and the Lady, Honolulu, HI.
- Sheldon Simeon, Tiffany’s Restaurant and Bar, Wailuku, HI.
- Yuya Yamanaka, Paris Hawaiʻi, Honolulu, HI.
Nominees will be announced on Tuesday, March 31 and winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 15, in Chicago…