Two Dallas Chefs Earn James Beard Nominations

Lucia's Maggie Huff and Osteria Il Muro's Scott Girling recognized for excellence.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:34pm

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A striking black and white abstract illustration featuring bold, angular shapes and high contrast, conveying the prestigious and glamorous nature of the James Beard culinary awards.The James Beard Awards honor the top talent in the restaurant industry, shining a spotlight on Dallas-Fort Worth's rising culinary reputation.Dallas Today

The James Beard Foundation announced its annual chef and restaurant award nominees on Tuesday, with two Dallas-area chefs earning prestigious nods. Maggie Huff of Lucia in Oak Cliff was nominated for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker, while Scott Girling of Osteria Il Muro in Denton was nominated for Best Chef: Texas.

Why it matters

The James Beard Awards are considered the 'Oscars' of the culinary world, recognizing the top talent in the restaurant industry. These nominations highlight the growing reputation of Dallas-Fort Worth as a dining destination, with the region's chefs earning national acclaim.

The details

Lucia, an Italian restaurant in Dallas' Bishop Arts district, is known for its house-cured meats, fresh-baked bread, and handmade pasta. Osteria Il Muro in Denton is a small, in-demand spot that also specializes in house-cured meats and homemade pasta. Both chefs were recognized for their exceptional skills and leadership in the industry.

  • The James Beard Foundation announced the nominees on March 31, 2026.

The players

Maggie Huff

The pastry chef at Lucia, an Italian restaurant in Dallas' Bishop Arts district.

Scott Girling

The chef at Osteria Il Muro, a small, in-demand restaurant in Denton, Texas.

Lucia

An Italian restaurant in Dallas' Bishop Arts district, known for its house-cured meats, fresh-baked bread, and handmade pasta.

Osteria Il Muro

A small, in-demand restaurant in Denton, Texas that specializes in house-cured meats and homemade pasta.

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What’s next

The James Beard Foundation will announce the winners of the chef and restaurant awards on May 6, 2026.

The takeaway

These James Beard nominations highlight the growing reputation of the Dallas-Fort Worth region as a dining destination, with local chefs earning national recognition for their exceptional skills and leadership in the industry.