Atlanta's 2026 James Beard Award finalists react to national honor

Aria owner Andres Loaiza and Mujo executive chef J. Trent Harris share their thoughts on being named finalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:08pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a highly reflective silver serving tray, capturing the luxurious, high-end texture and dramatic studio lighting typical of glamour photography.The James Beard Awards honor the finest in American cuisine, shining a spotlight on the exceptional culinary talent and hospitality that define Atlanta's vibrant restaurant scene.Atlanta Today

Two Atlanta restaurant leaders, Andres Loaiza of Aria and J. Trent Harris of Mujo, have been named finalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards. Both chefs credit their success to the strong cultures and teams supporting their restaurants.

Why it matters

The James Beard Awards are considered the Oscars of the food world, so being named a finalist is a prestigious honor that can boost a restaurant's profile and draw more customers. Atlanta's culinary scene has been gaining national recognition in recent years, and these nominations highlight the city's growing reputation for high-quality dining experiences.

The details

Loaiza, the owner and longtime manager of Aria, was named a finalist in the Outstanding Hospitality category for a second year in a row. Harris, the executive chef and partner at Mujo, was named a finalist for Best Chef: Southeast. Both chefs emphasized that their success is due to the strong cultures and teams supporting their restaurants, rather than individual achievement.

  • The 2026 James Beard Award finalists were announced on March 31, 2026.

The players

Andres Loaiza

The owner and longtime manager of Aria restaurant in Atlanta.

J. Trent Harris

The executive chef and partner at Mujo restaurant in Atlanta.

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What they’re saying

“Aria was named a finalist in the Outstanding Hospitality category for a second year in a row.”

— Andres Loaiza, Owner, Aria

“Mujo's executive chef J. Trent Harris was named a finalist for Best Chef: Southeast.”

— J. Trent Harris, Executive Chef and Partner, Mujo

What’s next

The winners of the 2026 James Beard Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Chicago on May 6, 2026.

The takeaway

These James Beard Award nominations highlight the growing strength and reputation of Atlanta's culinary scene, with two local restaurant leaders being recognized for their commitment to creating exceptional dining experiences through strong team cultures and high-quality food.