Cortex Restaurant Vicia Selected as 2026 James Beard Award Finalist

The St. Louis dining scene is seeing some major national recognition courtesy of the James Beard Foundation.

Five St. Louis chefs and restaurateurs have advanced to the finalist round of the Foundation’s 2026 Restaurant and Chef Awards in the following categories:

• Best Chef: Midwest (20 regional semifinalists culled to five finalists)

  • Loryn Nalic, Balkan Treat Box

  • Nick Bognar, Sado, Pavilion

• Best New Restaurant (30 national semifinalists culled to 10 finalists)

  • Robin

• Outstanding Hospitality (20 national semifinalists culled to five finalists)

  • Louie

• Outstanding Restaurant (20 national semifinalists culled to five finalists)

  • Vicia