D.C.'s 2026 James Beard winner: Susan Bae of Moon Rabbit

D.C.'s 2026 James Beard winner: Susan Bae of Moon Rabbit

The James Beard Foundation announced the winners of its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Awards — and one D.C.-area pro took home the gold.

The big picture: Five semifinalists with local ties made it to the award ceremony Monday in Chicago.

State of play: Susan Bae of Moon Rabbit took home the award for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker.

  • This comes after she was nominated for a Beard three times.

    • Zoom out: Los Angeles chef Nancy Silverton — behind Georgetown's buzzy Osteria Mozza — earned a Lifetime Achievement Award.

    Catch up quick: Here is the full list of D.C.-area semifinalists:

    Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic:

  • Suresh Sundas, Tapori — D.C.

    • Best New Restaurant:

  • Maison Bar à Vins — D.C.

    • Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service:

  • Brent Kroll, Maxwell Park — D.C.

    • Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages:

  • Field & Main — Marshall, Virginia

    • Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

  • Susan Bae, Moon Rabbit — D.C.