Three People Posing At A Bar. — Frank, Pardis and Weston Stitt – Bottega Favorita (Bham Now)

Six Alabama restaurants and chefs were named 2026 James Beard Awards semifinalists nominees Wednesday morning.

Described as the “Oscars” of the food world, a James Beard Award is considered one of the most prestigious culinary honors a restaurant or chef can receive in the United States.

And the James Beard Award 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
Best Chef (South): Jim Smith from The Hummingbird Way in Mobile, AL
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service: Eric Bennett, Continental Drift, Birmingham, AL
Outstanding Hospitality: Bottega, Birmingham, AL

Alabama James Beard Award winners

A Sign On A Wall — James Beard Foundation plaque in front of The Bright Star (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Alabama has produced a number of James Beard Award winners over the years, including Highland Bar and Grill in the “Best Restaurant in the U.S.” category.

Here are Alabama’s past winners: