The James Beard Awards on Wednesday announced their 2026 semifinalists, and four Miami chefs and restaurants are in the running.
- Last year, Miami earned six nominations.
Why it matters: The Beards are like the Oscars for the American hospitality industry, so even the semis are significant.
State of plate: This year’s semifinalists are all newcomers.
- Best New Bar: Bar Bucce in Little River
- Best Chef — South: Michael Beltran of Ariete in Coconut Grove.
- Best Chef — South: Maria Teresa Gallina and Nicolas Martinez of Recoveco in South Miami.
- Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: Amara at Paraiso in Edgewater.
The intrigue: This year’s list omits a few notable names in Miami’s culinary scene, like Miami Beach favorite Macchialina, which had earned noms the last two years.
- More notably, though, the Chang siblings aren’t included.
- The brother and sister duo Valerie and Nando Chang won the top spot in the Best Chef — South category in 2024 and 2025, respectively, for their work at the now-closed Maty’s and Itamae AO.
The big picture: The noms follow a brutal year in Miami for the restaurant and bar industry, and omissions like the Chang siblings are a stark reminder of what we’ve lost…