3 Cincinnati Chefs Named James Beard Award Finalists

The prestigious culinary honors recognize the region's rising culinary talent.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:51pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A minimalist, abstract illustration featuring three stark black silhouettes of chefs' profiles against a vibrant red and white background, conceptually representing the prestigious culinary honors.Cincinnati's culinary stars shine bright with multiple James Beard Award finalists.New Orleans Today

Three Cincinnati-area chefs have been named finalists for the prestigious James Beard Awards, one of the highest honors in the culinary industry. The chefs, who have made significant contributions to the city's vibrant food scene, were selected from a competitive pool of nominees across the country.

Why it matters

The James Beard Awards are considered the 'Oscars' of the food world, recognizing exceptional talent, innovation, and leadership. Having multiple finalists from the Cincinnati region highlights the city's growing reputation as a culinary destination and the hard work of local chefs to elevate the city's dining landscape.

The details

The three Cincinnati-area chefs named as James Beard Award finalists are Jeffery Harris, who evacuated to Cincinnati after Hurricane Katrina and has since made an indelible mark on the city's food culture, as well as two other rising stars in the local culinary scene.

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

The players

Jeffery Harris

A chef who evacuated to Cincinnati after Hurricane Katrina and has since become a prominent figure in the city's culinary community.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I don't even understand how this happened,”

— Jeffery Harris

The takeaway

The recognition of these Cincinnati chefs as James Beard Award finalists showcases the city's growing reputation as a culinary destination and the hard work of local talent to elevate the dining scene.