Narrowing down where to eat next can feel like a full time job in New York City, but the James Beard Foundation just did some of the work for us. The organization just announced its full list of 2026 Restaurant and Chef Award winners, and NYC claimed three of the industry’s most coveted honors.
For more than three decades, the James Beard Awards have recognized the chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality professionals shaping the future of American dining. A win is considered one of the highest distinctions in the culinary world, often putting a restaurant–or the people behind it–firmly in the national spotlight.
And this year, New York City gave food lovers three new reasons to make a reservation. If any of these places are already on your list, you may want to move them up a few spots! Here are the winners:
2026 James Beard Awards NYC Winners
From a 28-seat Chinatown wine bar to a traditional Korean fermentation restaurant led by Chef Hooni Kim, we’ll put it simply: these three spots should absolutely be on your radar right now.
🍷 Lei – Best New Restaurant
Best New Restaurant, one of the ceremony’s most coveted awards, was awarded to Lei, a teeny tiny wine bar nestled on the historic Doyers Street in Manhattan’s Chinatown.
In just over a year, the 28-seat spot from restaurateur Annie Shi has transformed from under-the-radar newcomer to one of the city’s toughest reservations to score.
Guests squeeze into the cozy space for thoughtfully curated wines from both renowned and emerging producers, paired with small plates inspired by regional Chinese home cooking.
Inside, guests pack into the snug, cherry-stained space, where the cozy atmosphere is just as much a part of the appeal as what’s on the menu.
Pro tip: a very limited number of reservations are released 14 days in advance at 9 am, and walk-ins are welcomed nightly.
📍 15-17 Doyers Street
🍸 Lee Campbell, Borgo – Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service
At Borgo, beverage director Lee Campbell took home the award for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service.
Campbell, whom Resy once dubbed “the mother of natural wine in New York restaurants,” built her reputation working dining rooms at beloved institutions including Verbena and Gotham Bar and Grill before helping shape Borgo’s acclaimed beverage program.
The Greenwich Village trattoria has quickly become one of the city’s most sought-after reservations, drawing diners with seasonal, wood-fired dishes inspired by the Tuscan countryside.
Centered around a glowing hearth, Borgo pairs rustic Italian cooking with a candlelit dining room, thoughtful hospitality, and a wine program that has earned national recognition.
The restaurant’s popularity has only continued to grow: Borgo landed at No. 6 on The New York Times’ list of the 100 Best Restaurants in New York City for 2026, up from No. 19 the year prior.
📍 124 E 27th Street
🍽️ Hooni Kim, Meju – Best Chef: New York State
New York City’s final win went to Hooni Kim of Meju, who took home the award for Best Chef in New York State.
Meju, a traditional Korean fermentation-focused restaurant tucked inside Long Island City’s Little Banchan Shop, is Kim’s third restaurant and a culmination of his years spent exploring Korean cuisine. The intimate tasting counter dives deep into the centuries-old craft of fermentation, where sauces, pastes, and preserved ingredients take center stage in each course.
With just nine seats and one seating per night, Meju has quickly become one of NYC’s most sought-after dining experiences. The restaurant was also named No. 4 on The New York Times’ list of the 100 Best Restaurants in NYC for 2026—making this James Beard win yet another major accolade for Kim.
Pro tip: Reservations are extremely limited, so this is one spot you’ll want to plan ahead for.
📍 5-28 49th Avenue
Want to see who else took home a trophy? You can find the full list of 2026 James Beard Award winners on the Foundation’s website and compare this year’s picks with NYC’s 2025 winners here.
