Oklahoma City James Beard Award-Winning Restaurants

Find all of Oklahoma City's James Beard Award winners here

Oklahoma City’s culinary scene has been heating up and the James Beard Foundation is taking note. As one of the most prestigious honors in the food world, a James Beard Award celebrates the chefs, restaurants and culinary changemakers raising the bar across America. OKC has been racking up nominations (and wins) like a town that knows its way around a kitchen.

In 2022, Florence Jones of the iconic Florence’s Restaurant made history as the first Oklahoman to win a James Beard Award. Just a year later, Chef Andrew Black turned heads nationwide, snagging Best Chef: Southwest for his wildly creative tasting menus at Grey Sweater. These wins, along with a growing number of nominations each year, have helped put our city on the national food map. It’s also proof that Oklahoma City is a rising culinary destination, where diverse flavors, creative risk-taking and serious talent come together to deliver unforgettable dining experiences. With our ever-expanding roster of standout restaurants and chefs pushing the envelope, it’s safe to say more James Beard honors are on the horizon. Keep your forks handy, OKC’s just getting warmed up.

WINNERS:

Finalists

• 2026 Best Chef: Southwest 
  • Jeff Chanchaleune, Ma Der Lao Kitchen 
  • Zack Walters, Sedalia’s
• 2026 Best New Bar - Later Bye
• 2025 Outstanding Restaurant - Nonesuch 
• 2025 Best Chef: Southwest - Zack Walters, Sedalia’s
• 2023 & 2024 Best Chef: Southwest - Jeff Chanchaleune, Ma Der Lao Kitchen
• 2024 Outstanding Beverage Professional - Ian Bennett, The Study

2026 Semifinalists 

• Outstanding Restaurateur - Rachel Cope of 84 Hospitality (Elisabetta, Gorō Ramen, and Burger Punk)
• Outstanding Restaurant - Nonesuch
• Best New Bar - Later Bye
• Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service - Ian Bennett of The Study 
• Best Chef: Southwest 
  • Jeff Chanchaleune, Bar Sen
  • Brian Momanyi and Stayce Momanyi, Plus254
  • Zack Walters, Sedalia's
  • Veronica Zelada, Café Kacao

2025 Semifinalists 

• Outstanding Restaurateur - Elliot Nelson of McNellie’s Group 
• Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service - Ian Bennett of The Study 
• Best Chef: Southwest 
  • Tahnee Francis, Naija Wife Kitchen
  • Eric Smith, The Crown
  • Kevin Lee, Birdie's