The nation’s capital is once again proving it belongs at the top of American dining.
DC Dominates the 2026 James Beard Nominations
Five restaurants and chefs from the Washington, DC region earned 2026 James Beard Award nominations, cementing the city’s reputation as one of the most exciting food destinations in the country. Maison Bar à Vins, the French-inspired wine bar and restaurant from The Popal Group in Adams Morgan, earned a Best New Restaurant nomination under Executive Chef Matt Conroy, a 2025 James Beard semifinalist whose work across Pascual, Lutèce, and now Maison has made him one of DC’s most decorated chefs. Susan Bae of Moon Rabbit received an Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker nomination for her nature-inspired, technique-driven desserts that have made her a standout since co-founding the restaurant with Chef Kevin Tien during the pandemic!
Virginia Wine Country and DC’s Best Sommeliers Earn National Recognition
Beyond the kitchen, DC’s beverage talent earned two prestigious nominations. Field & Main Restaurant in Marshall, Virginia, about an hour west of DC, was nominated for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, a reflection of proprietor Neal Wavra’s deep expertise as a certified sommelier, Loudoun County Wine Competition director, and Virginia Governor’s Cup judge. Brent Kroll, proprietor and sommelier of Maxwell Park in Shaw, earned an Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service nomination for his approachable, genre-defying wine bar that Esquire named Best Bar in America.
Chef Suresh Sundas Brings Nepalese and Indian Street Food to the National Stage
Rounding out DC’s nominees, Chef Suresh Sundas of Tapori on H Street NE earned a Best Chef nomination for his bold, modern take on Indian street food. Sundas, a 2025 RAMMY Rising Culinary Star winner and the chef behind MICHELIN Bib Gourmand-rated Daru, drew on his Nepalese roots and Indian training at Rasika West End to build one of DC’s most acclaimed new restaurants. Winners will be revealed at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 15, 2026 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago!
Maison Bar à Vins — 1834 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009 | info@maisondc.com | Hours: Sun, Wed, Thu 5pm–12am; Fri–Sat 5pm–1am; Mon–Tue closed
Moon Rabbit — 801 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024 | (202) 516-4620
Field & Main Restaurant — 8369 W Main St, Marshall, VA 20115 | (540) 364-0700 | Average dinner ~$85–$125 per person
Maxwell Park — 1336 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Tapori — 501 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
The Washington Lobbyist celebrates DC’s world-class dining scene and the chefs, sommeliers, and restaurateurs who make it extraordinary — follow us for the latest restaurant news, reviews, and the stories behind the city’s best tables.
