Cincy’s food scene is officially having a moment and now it’s firmly on the national stage. Three standout restaurants,
Sudova,
Nolia Kitchen and
The Baker’s Table Newport, have been named finalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards, one of the most prestigious honours in the culinary world.
For nearly four decades, the James Beard Foundation has recognised excellence in American food culture, with the awards widely regarded as the industry’s highest benchmark. Winners will be announced on 15 June 2026 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, but for now, Cincy has plenty to celebrate.
The timing could not be better for the Cincy Region as British Airways has expanded its nonstop London Heathrow to Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport service to six weekly flights from 29 March 2026, boosting capacity by 55 to 60 percent in response to rising demand.
In the Best Chef: Great Lakes category, which covers Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio, Cincinnati claims two of the five finalists. Chef-owner Sarah Dworak of Sudova brings her Eastern European heritage to life through elevated, flavour-led dishes including house-made pierogi, borsch, brisket stroganoff and khachapuri. Joining her is Jeffrey Harris of Nolia Kitchen, whose New Orleans-inspired Southern cuisine combines bold flavours with a strong sense of seasonality and warm hospitality.
Also representing the wider Cincinnati region is David Willocks of The Baker’s Table in nearby Newport, Northern Kentucky, named a finalist in the Best Chef: Southeast category. Known for his refined, ingredient-driven tasting menus, Willocks champions local farms, heritage grains and whole-animal butchery, with a dining experience that evolves monthly.
Together, these finalists highlight the depth, diversity and growing national recognition of Cincinnati’s culinary scene, reinforcing its status as one of the most exciting emerging food destinations in the United States.
Maija Zummo, Senior Manager, International & Domestic Communications at Visit Cincy, said: “Cincinnati’s culinary scene has been building incredible momentum, and to see three of our restaurants recognised as James Beard Award finalists is a proud moment for the region. It speaks to the creativity, diversity and passion of our chefs, and reinforces Cincinnati as a must-visit destination for food lovers. With expanded accessibility from the UK, there’s never been a better time to experience it firsthand.”
About the Cincy Region:The Cincy Region unites the German heritage and urban energy of Cincinnati, Ohio with the Southern charm and cool quirkiness of Northern Kentucky. This easily accessible, two-for-one destination offers distinctive cuisine, vibrant street art, historic landmarks, and a celebrated bourbon and beer scene — ideal for a city break or the start of an American adventure. A regional tourism alliance of two destination marketing organizations, the Cincy Region works to drive travel, economic impact, and quality of life across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky through tourism marketing and destination development.
Direct British Airways LHR-CGV flights start from £559 return (including taxes, fees, imposed charges or fuel surcharges) and the flight time is 8h15.For further information on Cincy, visit
www.visitcincy.com
Posted by: Cincy Region
Posted on: 08/04/2026