Milwaukee Chef and Restaurant Named 2026 James Beard Award Finalists

Two local food establishments recognized for excellence by prestigious culinary organization.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:13pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring repeated images of a sushi roll and chef's knife, conveying the energy and creativity of the Milwaukee dining landscape.The recognition of a Milwaukee chef and restaurant as James Beard Award finalists showcases the city's vibrant and innovative culinary scene.Today in Milwaukee

A Milwaukee chef and restaurant have been named finalists for the prestigious 2026 James Beard Awards, one of the highest honors in the culinary industry. The announcement comes as the city's dining scene continues to gain national attention.

Why it matters

The James Beard Awards are considered the 'Oscars' of the food world, recognizing exceptional talent and innovation. Being named a finalist is a major accomplishment that can boost a restaurant or chef's profile and draw more visitors to the local dining scene.

The details

The two Milwaukee establishments named as 2026 James Beard Award finalists are Chef Rachel Bernhard, who is up for the 'Best Chef: Midwest' category, and Sushi Moto, a new sushi restaurant that is a finalist for 'Best New Restaurant'. Bernhard and Sushi Moto were selected from a pool of top 25 restaurants in Milwaukee that Bernhard highlighted in her 2025 restaurant guide.

  • The 2026 James Beard Award finalists were announced on March 31, 2026.
  • The winners will be revealed at the annual James Beard Awards ceremony in May 2026.

The players

Rachel Bernhard

A Milwaukee-based chef who was named a finalist for the 2026 James Beard 'Best Chef: Midwest' award.

Sushi Moto

A new sushi restaurant in Milwaukee that was named a finalist for the 2026 James Beard 'Best New Restaurant' award.

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What they’re saying

“Being recognized by the James Beard Foundation is a true honor and a testament to the hard work of our entire team.”

— Rachel Bernhard, Chef

“We're thrilled to be included among the best new restaurants in the country. It's a dream come true for our small team.”

— Akiko Tani, Owner, Sushi Moto

What’s next

The winners of the 2026 James Beard Awards will be announced at a ceremony in New York City in May 2026.

The takeaway

Milwaukee's dining scene continues to gain national recognition, with two local establishments being named finalists for the prestigious 2026 James Beard Awards. This highlights the city's growing reputation as a culinary destination and the hard work of its talented chefs and restaurateurs.