East Bay Chefs Earn James Beard Award Nominations

Six local culinary artists make the cut for prestigious food honors

Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:55pm

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The James Beard Foundation has announced the 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists, and several East Bay chefs and restaurants are among the nominees. This includes three chefs in the "Best Chef: California" category, a pastry chef duo, and an emerging chef recognized for their traditional Korean fare.

Why it matters

The James Beard Awards are considered the "Oscars" of the food world, so these nominations highlight the strength and diversity of the East Bay's culinary scene. It also demonstrates that the region's chefs and restaurants are gaining national recognition for their innovative and high-quality offerings.

The details

In the "Best Chef: California" category, Oakland's Sun Moon Studio, led by Sarah Cooper and Alan Hsu, and Burdell, the Temescal restaurant run by Chef Geoff Davis, are among the 20 nominees. Husband-and-wife team Monique and Paul Feybesse of Tarts de Feybesse in Oakland are semifinalists for "Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker", while Steve Joo of Joodooboo in Oakland is nominated in the "Emerging Chef" category for his traditional Korean cuisine.

  • The James Beard Award semifinalists were announced on January 21, 2026.
  • Finalist information will be revealed on March 31, 2026.
  • The winner-take-all ceremony will be held on June 15, 2026 in Chicago.

The players

Sun Moon Studio

An Oakland restaurant led by chefs Sarah Cooper and Alan Hsu, known for its seasonal and acclaimed cuisine. Sun Moon Studio received a Michelin star in 2025 and has been praised by publications like The New York Times and Bon Appétit.

Burdell

A Temescal restaurant in Oakland run by Chef Geoff Davis, a protégé of James Syhabout. Burdell was named one of Esquire's 50 Best New Restaurants in America in 2023 for its "nostalgic soul food."

Tarts de Feybesse

An Oakland bakery owned by husband-and-wife team Monique and Paul Feybesse, known for their vibrant and inventive pastries and desserts. This is their second consecutive James Beard Award semifinalist nomination.

Joodooboo

An Oakland deli restaurant opened in 2022 by Chef Steve Joo, recognized for his traditional approach to making homemade tofu and banchan.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Finalist information for the James Beard Awards will be revealed on March 31, 2026, followed by the winner-take-all ceremony in Chicago on June 15, 2026.

The takeaway

These James Beard Award nominations showcase the strength and diversity of the East Bay's culinary scene, with local chefs and restaurants gaining national recognition for their innovative, high-quality, and tradition-inspired offerings.