James Beard Award Nomination Window Now Open
Deadline to nominate your favorite Buffalo chefs or restaurants is Friday, November 21 by 11:59pm (EST)
Each year, the James Beard Awards have honored the very best in America’s food and beverage industry, celebrating the chefs, restaurants, bakers, bars, and culinary innovators who shape our nation’s dining landscape.
We’re excited to share that the nomination period for the 2026 James Beard Awards is now officially open, and we want to make sure Buffalo’s dynamic food and drink scene is well represented.
There is no fee to nominate, and the deadline to submit is Friday, November 21 at 11:59pm (EST).
Many in the industry are already familiar with the James Beard Foundation, but it’s worth noting that the nomination process has become more inclusive in recent years – allowing self-nominations as well as nominations by peers and fans.
That’s why Visit Buffalo encourages chefs, restaurant owners, brewers, bakers, and food artisans from across Buffalo and Erie County to put themselves forward. Our city’s culinary scene continues to evolve in exciting ways, blending heritage with innovation, and we believe it deserves national recognition.
Nominations can be submitted in the following formats:
→ Written (150–300 words)
→ Audio (1–2 minutes)
→ Video (1–2 minutes)
Only one format is required, but submitting multiple can enhance your visibility. Consider inviting your loyal customers and fans to support your nomination by posting about it or submitting their own recommendations through social media or your website.
We’ve pulled together a simple summary of the nomination process to help you get started quickly and confidently.
→ James Beard Awards: Submit Your Nomination
→ Review eligibility guidelines: Restaurant & Chef Awards Rules of Eligibility
Questions? Reach out to the James Beard Foundation at [email protected].
Let’s continue putting Buffalo’s culinary talent on the map and give our food scene one more reason to shine!