RI Bar Named 2026 James Beard Winner

YOUR PATCH — Loma in Providence was honored at Monday’s James Beard Foundation Awards ceremony at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.

The awards, regarded as the Academy Awards of the U.S. restaurant industry, honor excellence across a range of categories, from fine dining to casual gems.

Loma was named Best New Bar.

Derek Wagner of Nicks on Broadway in Providence was also nominated for an award.

What Is The James Beard Foundation?

Established in honor of the renowned chef and culinary author, the New York-based James Beard Foundation stands as a premier authority in the American food scene.

While it is famous for the namesake awards handed out Monday, the nonprofit is also dedicated to fostering a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable environment for independent restaurants, making its endorsement a highly coveted distinction.

Marking its 36th anniversary, the James Beard Awards were launched in 1990 to celebrate chefs and establishments that excel in culinary craft, food media, and the improvement of food systems. Beyond gastronomic excellence, the foundation evaluates nominees on their dedication to community impact, sustainability, and the promotion of racial and gender equity within the industry.

The awards presented Monday are the latest from the foundation.

Earlier this year, restaurants in six states were honored for classic menus. The foundation also named 20 chefs to watch in June.

America’s Classics Award In PA

Earlier this year, the James Beard Foundation announced America’s Classics awards to restaurants in California, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

These independently owned restaurants “reflect local character and cultural traditions and serve as an enduring anchor for their communities by serving delicious food across many years,” according to the foundation.

20 Chefs To Watch

Earlier in June, the James Beard Foundation announced its 2026-27 TasteTwenty chefs, a national group of culinary professionals recognized as “ones to watch” in the independent restaurant industry.

The 20 chefs will headline events in their hometowns as part of the foundation’s Taste America culinary tour, which begins Sept. 16 in New Orleans and continues in cities across the country through March 2027.

The foundation said the chefs were selected not only for culinary talent but also for their work beyond the kitchen, including efforts such as supporting sustainable agriculture, investing in restaurant teams, elevating quality ingredients and advocating for a stronger food system.

Chefs in Houston, New York, Detroit, Washington, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, Miami, Phoenix, Los Angeles and New Orleans are among the 20 to watch.

The Best Of The Rest

Rhode Island restaurants and chefs who were named semifinalists for the James Beard Awards in January were:

• Oberlin, Providence
• Jasmine Watson, Audette, Newport
• Claudine, Providence
• Loma, Providence
• Jesse Hedberg, Club Frills, Providence
• Kevin O'Donnell, Giusto, Newport
• Annie Parisi, Jayd Bun, South Kingstown
• Derek Wagner, Nicks on Broadway, Providence

Related:

• 8 Rhode Island Restaurants, Chefs Named 2026 James Beard Semifinalists
• These RI Restaurants And Chefs Win James Beard Nominations