Honoring Excellence: The Tasties 2026 Award Nominees Announced
With anticipation sizzling hotter than a cast-iron pan, The Tasties 2026 Award Nominees have been officially announced, marking the return of Philadelphia’s most exciting and inclusive culinary awards. The nominees were made public at during the official The Tasties Nominee Party, held at the recently opened Ballers facility. Spearheaded by Chef Eli Kulp, Marisa Magnatta, and Dave Wesolowski of The Delicious City Podcast, the second annual Tasties will take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, located at 900 Packer Avenue.
The red carpet rolls out at 4 p.m., followed by an elegant awards ceremony from 5 to 7 p.m., and a celebratory after-party that promises to be as unforgettable as the dishes that earned these nominees their place in the spotlight.
The Tasties continue to evolve, expanding both their judging committee and nomination process to reflect a deeper commitment to integrity, transparency, and culinary excellence. The 15-member committee now includes food writers, past winners, lifestyle journalists, and community leaders. This year, each category includes four nominees, allowing for a broader celebration of Philadelphia’s most dynamic chefs, bakers, mixologists, and restaurateurs.
A three-step selection system is in place, and all results will be tabulated by the legal experts at Klein & Spector PC, ensuring that no one — not even the organizers — knows the winners until the envelopes are opened onstage.
The 2026 ceremony will include 14 core award categories, four People’s Choice Awards, and a new honorary title: Best Dishwasher, recognizing one of the hardest-working and often overlooked roles in any restaurant. With 600 seats available for the main event and another 200 tickets for the immersive after-party, the Tasties are growing into a true culinary gala, featuring top-tier vendors, live entertainment, and appearances by Philly’s brightest culinary stars.
Breaking Down the Tasties 2026 Award Nominees by Category
The Tasties 2026 Award Nominees reflect the depth, diversity, and creativity that define Philadelphia’s food scene. In the Craft Cocktail Excellence category, four bars stand tall: Kampar, La Jefa, Messina, and Next of Kin. Each offers inventive mixology and impeccable ambiance, from La Jefa’s Latin-forward flair to Kampar’s immersive Malaysian storytelling in a glass.
The Excellence in Hospitality nominees—Fri Sat Sun, Her Place Supper Club, Honeysuckle, and Kalaya—remind us that hospitality is more than a meal; it’s a warm, human connection. Whether it’s the intimacy of Her Place’s dinner party-style service or Kalaya’s bustling Thai generosity, these spots offer experiences that linger long after the final course.
This year’s Icon Award recognizes restaurants that have stood the test of time: Fork, Oyster House, Tequilas, and Monk’s Café. These institutions have helped shape Philadelphia’s dining culture for decades, earning respect for both their consistency and their ability to innovate with the times.
The Neighborhood Gem award celebrates local treasures that nourish their communities with heart and flavor. Baby’s Kusina, Cafe Nhan, Stina Pizzeria, and The Breakfast Den embody the joy of discovering greatness close to home — whether it’s Filipino comfort food or a Vietnamese cafe buzzing with character.
In the coveted Best New Restaurant category, fresh talent rises to the top. Emmett, Amá, La Jefa, and Little Water are redefining what it means to make a splash in Philly’s ever-competitive food scene.
As for the industry’s highest honors, Restaurant of the Year nominees include Blue Corn, Her Place Supper Club, Mawn, and Royal Sushi & Izakaya, each of which combines vision, technical mastery, and cultural resonance.
For sweet aficionados, the Standout Baker or Pastry Chef nominees are: Abby Dahan of Provenance, McBryan Lesperance of Baby’s Kusina & Market, Emily Riddell of Machine Shop, and Kenan Rabah of Majal. Their creations transcend dessert—they’re edible art.
Emerging culinary voices take the stage with the Breakout Chef category: Dane DeMarco of Gass & Main, Evan Snyder of Emmett, Jacob Trinh of Little Fish, and Sam Henzy of Fork are leading the new wave of kitchen talent.
Finally, Chef of the Year spotlights the highest level of leadership and artistry. This year’s Tasties 2026 Award Nominees include Phila Lorn of Mawn and Sao, Thanh Nguyen of Gabriella’s Vietnam, Jesse Ito of Royal Sushi, and the dynamic duo Omar and Cybille St. Aude-Tate.
What Makes the Tasties 2026 Award Nominees Matter
The Tasties 2026 Award Nominees symbolize resilience, creativity, and the powerful role food plays in connecting people. In the words of Chef Eli Kulp, “The hospitality profession connects people, stories, and neighborhoods — and that’s what we’re incredibly excited to honor.” This year’s nominees reflect an industry that is stronger, more inclusive, and more community-focused than ever before.
Adding depth to the event’s purpose, proceeds from The Tasties will benefit Philabundance, the region’s leading hunger relief organization. As the industry comes together to recognize excellence, it also uplifts those in need — a full-circle gesture rooted in food, compassion, and community.
Whether you’re a die-hard foodie, a hospitality insider, or a proud Philadelphian, the Tasties are where it all comes together — red carpets, hand-crafted bites, and the city’s brightest talents sharing the stage. Tickets are on sale now, and the dress code? Bring your best — and your appetite.
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