2 chefs named James Beard Award finalists in Washington state. See which ones
Washington state is home to two of the best chefs in the nation, according to the James Beard Awards.
Considered the “pinnacle of culinary recognition” in the United States, the James Beard Awards recognize restaurants and chefs who “embody exceptional talent and leadership,” organizers said.
The James Beard Foundation announced its list of finalists on Tuesday, March 31.
Two Seattle chefs made the cut.
The winners will be revealed at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony in June at the Lyric Opera of Chicago,
Here’s who:
What do the James Beard Awards honor?
Widely considered the “Oscars of the culinary world,” the James Beard Awards recognize new and outstanding chefs, bars and restaurants, as well as bakeries, beverage professionals, pastry chefs and restaurateurs.
Chefs are also recognized by region.
The Northwest and Pacific region highlights chefs in Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington state.
Which chefs were recognized in Washington state?
In the Northwest and Pacific region, the James Beard Awards named two Best Chef finalists based in Seattle: Atoma head chef Johnny Courtney and Surrell head chef Aaron Tekulve.
Courtney told McClatchy Media that he’s “incredibly honored” to be named as a finalist.
“It’s an accomplishment I’ve been working toward my entire career, and I’m hopeful to bring home a win for Seattle,” Courtney wrote in an email.
“I’m also so proud of our Seattle and Washington state hospitality community for having 15 semifinalists this year — what an achievement,” he added. “It really speaks to how vibrant and talented our restaurant community is.”
Tekulve also expressed his pride and thanks.
“It is truly humbling to receive this level of recognition,” Tekulve told McClatchy Media via email. “I am still in shock by this news, and I feel so incredibly fortunate.”
What’s on the menu at Seattle restaurant Atoma?
“Creativity and community come together” at Atoma, 1411 North 45th St. in Seattle.
Tucked inside a 100-year-old Craftsman house, the restaurant offers a “dining experience that feels both thoughtful and a little nostalgic, while staying rooted in the bounty of the Pacific Northwest,” Atoma said on its website.
Atoma’s menu offerings black cod, honey delicata squash and Weathervane scallops.
The restaurant has an average Yelp rating of 4.5 stars out of five, with reviewers praising its intimate dining room, knowledgeable staff and “sensational” food.”
Yelp reviewer Green A. of Seattle called it “the most mind-blowing dining experience in Seattle.”
What is Seattle restaurant Surrell known for?
Surrell, 2319 East Madison St. in Seattle, focuses on “showcasing seasonal modern Pacific Northwest cuisine and Washington wine,” the restaurant said on its website.
The restaurant’s tasting menus change with the seasons depending on which produce is available.
Ingredients featured in springtime offerings include rhubarb, asparagus, fennel and morel mushroom.
Surell has an average rating of 4.4 stars on Yelp.
“Everything from the food and ambience to the amazing staff was excellent,” Yelp reviewer Mimi N. of Seattle wrote in a five-star review.
This story was originally published April 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM with the headline "2 chefs named James Beard Award finalists in Washington state. See which ones."