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Clayton Today
By the People, for the People
5 St. Louis Nominees Earn James Beard Award Finalist Spots
Local chefs and restaurants recognized for excellence in Midwest cuisine and hospitality
Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:09pm
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The James Beard Award nominations celebrate the vibrant and diverse culinary scene in St. Louis, shining a national spotlight on the region's talented chefs and innovative restaurants.Clayton TodayThe James Beard Foundation announced the finalists for its annual Restaurant and Chef Awards, and several members of the St. Louis food scene made the cut. Two local chefs are up for Best Chef: Midwest, and three St. Louis restaurants are finalists for national awards including Outstanding Restaurant, Best New Restaurant, and Outstanding Hospitality.
Why it matters
The James Beard Awards are considered the 'Oscars' of the culinary world, so this recognition shines a national spotlight on the vibrant and diverse dining scene in the St. Louis region. These nominations highlight the city's growing reputation as a Midwest culinary destination.
The details
The finalists include Nick Bognar of Sado for Best Chef: Midwest, Loryn Nalic of Balkan Treat Box for Best Chef: Midwest, Vicia for Outstanding Restaurant, Robin for Best New Restaurant, and Louie in Clayton for Outstanding Hospitality. Many of these nominees have been recognized before, demonstrating the consistent excellence of St. Louis' food and hospitality industry.
- The James Beard Foundation announced the finalists on March 31, 2026.
- The winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 15, 2026 in Chicago.
The players
Nick Bognar
Chef at Sado, a sushi restaurant in St. Louis. He was a semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest last year and his restaurant Sado was a semifinalist for Best New Restaurant in 2024.
Loryn Nalic
Chef at Balkan Treat Box, a restaurant in Webster Groves, Missouri that features cuisine from the Balkan Peninsula. She has been a semifinalist in the Best Chef: Midwest category three times, including previous nominations in 2020, 2024 and 2025.
Vicia
A restaurant in St. Louis that was named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best New Restaurant in 2018. It has also received recognition from publications like Bon Appétit, Eater, and Esquire.
Robin
A new restaurant in Maplewood, Missouri that opened in March 2026. It was named one of the best restaurants in America by The New York Times for its four-course tasting menu highlighting Midwest cuisine.
Louie
An Italian restaurant located in Clayton, Missouri that is being recognized by the James Beard Foundation for its outstanding hospitality, creating a welcoming atmosphere for customers and staff.
What’s next
The winners of the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Chicago on June 15, 2026.
The takeaway
St. Louis' growing reputation as a Midwest culinary destination is further bolstered by these prestigious James Beard Award nominations, which showcase the city's talented chefs, innovative restaurants, and commitment to hospitality. This recognition underscores St. Louis' emergence as a must-visit food hub.
