This cozy café in Melrose Market celebrates cuisine that is proudly and unmistakably Arab. 2026 Emerging Chef nominee Ahmed Suliman puts a creative spin on regional classics at his Capitol Hill restaurant, Cafe Suliman—think roasted cauliflower with apricot amba, caramelized shallot labneh, Aleppo chile oil, sesame crumble, and sorrel. A pandemic pop-up turned into an instant classic for Chef Janet Becerra, who used the unexpected time at home to perfect masa. Now the 2024 Emerging Chef finalist is serving up modern Mexican at Ravenna’s Pancita, with a menu including albacore tuna tostada and choco flan. The 2021 Emerging Chef nominee Kristi Brown has gained a devoted following at Communion Restaurant & Bar in the Central District, thanks to the Laotian Scotch eggs, neckbone stew, and other tempting dishes.

Aaron Verzosa earned his spot in the conversation for Outstanding Chef due to the must-try tasting menu experience at Hillman City’s Archipelago, acclaimed for telling the story of Filipino culture in the Pacific Northwest. Seif Chirchi and Rachel Yang snagged their nomination in the same category in 2022 for their work at Fremont’s Joule, a Korean fusion restaurant that’s still a hot spot more than 15 years after it debuted. Try the spicy rice cake with chorizo and pickled mustard greens.

Two standout nominees for 2026 Best Restaurant showcase Seattle’s dynamic dining scene. The Wayland Mill, an all-day bistro in Northlake Commons, channels Japanese kissaten traditions while serving regional American comfort food reimagined with Japanese ingredients—don’t miss the Gohn Goey Butter Cookie or the Japanese-American Breakfast. Meanwhile, The Little Beast Ballard brings the vision of a butcher-turned-publican to life, blending British pub classics with Pacific Northwest sensibilities. Signature dishes like the lamb neck korma pie and expertly dry-aged beef have quickly earned this Ballard spot a loyal following.

In the Outstanding Restaurateur category, sisters Quynh-Vy and Yenvy Pham have gotten the nod for their stewardship of pho’ restaurant Pho’ Bă’c (three locations), cocktail bar Pho’cific Standard Time, and chicken rice shop The Boat in 2023, 2024, and 2025. On the sipping side of things, Anu Apte’s Rob Roy was recognized in the Outstanding Bar Program category. Old-fashioneds with hand-carved ice and a saffron sandalwood sour created by Apte based on memories of India are served in a dark, intimate space in Belltown.

Christina Wood, a nominee for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker, elevates the craft at Temple Pastries in the Central District with inventive, technically precise creations. Standouts like her sumac-roasted strawberry cheesecake croissant and chocolate rye croissant exemplify her commitment to layered flavors and artistry. Self-taught baker Pamela Vuong—nominated for Outstanding Baker in 2022—makes hand-filled brioche doughnuts and other treats at The Flour Box in Hillman City. Flavors rotate, but think buttery curd filling infused with fresh lemon and lime juice, topped with brown butter cookie, as just one example. No one would blame you for ordering every flavor—for compare-and-contrast research purposes, of course.