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Las Vegas Dominates 2026 Food Awards With 14 James Beard Nods and Yelp’s Top Spots

From rising chefs to bold new openings, Sin City’s kitchen revolution is turning heads. Could this be the year Las Vegas claims its food throne?

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2 min read
The image shows a restaurant with tables and chairs in front of a large window, illuminated by...
The image shows a restaurant with tables and chairs in front of a large window, illuminated by lights on the ceiling. There is a carpet on the floor and a cupboard with various objects on it, as well as a display screen and other objects. This restaurant is located in the Mall of America, and is one of the best restaurants in the area.

Las Vegas Dominates 2026 Food Awards With 14 James Beard Nods and Yelp’s Top Spots

Las Vegas is making waves in the culinary world this year. Four of its restaurants have secured spots on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the US for 2026. Meanwhile, the city has also earned its largest-ever presence in the 2026 James Beard Awards, with 14 semifinalists across multiple categories.

The city’s dining scene is gaining national attention. Rock N' Potato, Lucky Noodle, Ton Shou Katsu & Izakaya, and Rutba Indian Kitchen all feature on Yelp’s prestigious list. This recognition follows a strong showing in 2025, when Las Vegas had five semifinalists in the James Beard Awards, with three reaching the finalist stage.

This year’s Beard Awards include several standout names. Elizabeth Blau, known for Honey Salt, Buddy V’s, and Blau + Associates, is a semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurateur. Kimberly McIntosh of Milkfish Bakeshop is in the running for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. James Trees has earned two nominations: Best Chef: Southwest for Bar Boheme and Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program for Ada’s Food + Wine. Tamba is also a contender in the Best New Restaurant category, while 26-year-old Ellie Parker, a Hell’s Kitchen finalist and executive chef at Main St. Provisions, is up for Emerging Chef.

Beyond awards, the city’s restaurant landscape is evolving. Blue Ribbon American Grill & Oyster Bar at the Cosmopolitan will shut its doors on February 16, making way for a new concept called Corner Store. Meanwhile, Charter 75 Modern Kitchen is set to open at the Gold Coast Casino later in the month.

The 2026 James Beard Awards will reveal whether any of Las Vegas’s 14 semifinalists advance further. With four restaurants on Yelp’s top list and new openings on the horizon, the city’s food scene continues to grow. These developments highlight its expanding reputation as a dining destination.

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