Alabama Restaurant Earns James Beard Award Finalist Spot

D'Road Cafe in Montgomery recognized for its Venezuelan-Latin cuisine

Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:16am

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D'Road Cafe, a Venezuelan-Latin restaurant in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, has been named a finalist for the prestigious James Beard Awards, often referred to as the "Oscars of the food world." The restaurant is known for its fresh, homemade breakfasts, lunches, and dinners featuring flavors from Venezuela and Latin America.

Why it matters

The James Beard Awards are one of the highest honors in the culinary industry, recognizing exceptional talent and innovation. D'Road Cafe's finalist status shines a national spotlight on the vibrant and diverse food scene in Montgomery, showcasing the city's emergence as a dining destination.

The details

D'Road Cafe is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving the Montgomery community since 2018. The eatery is known for its authentic Venezuelan and Latin American dishes, including arepas, empanadas, and cachapa, as well as its commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

  • D'Road Cafe opened in downtown Montgomery in 2018.
  • The restaurant was named a finalist for the 2026 James Beard Awards on April 4, 2026.

The players

D'Road Cafe

A Venezuelan-Latin restaurant in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, known for its fresh, homemade breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

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What they’re saying

“We are honored and humbled to be recognized by the James Beard Foundation. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and the support of our community.”

— Alejandro Diaz, Owner, D'Road Cafe

What’s next

The winners of the 2026 James Beard Awards will be announced on May 6, 2026.

The takeaway

D'Road Cafe's James Beard Award finalist recognition showcases the growing culinary scene in Montgomery, Alabama, and the city's emergence as a destination for authentic and innovative Latin American cuisine.