Key points
Food & Wine’s 2026 Best New Chefs awards celebration will take place September 14–15 in New York City, bringing together the new class, alumni, and industry leaders for two days of mentorship, industry conversations, and alumni programming.
For the first time in the Best New Chefs program’s 38-year history, diners can attend the celebration through 50 tickets available on Resy as part of Food & Wine’s partnership with American Express.
The celebration at Major Food Group’s ZZ’s Club will feature signature dishes from the group’s restaurants, culinary experiences from Best New Chef alumni, premium wines from Jackson Family Wines, and craft cocktails featuring Weller Bourbon.
Food & Wine’s 2026 class of Best New Chefs is almost here, and we’re ready to celebrate. This year, we’re inviting you to join us for the festivities — with a very special host leading the evening.
From September 14 to 15, we’ll be gathering our Best New Chefs for two days of mentorship, industry conversations, alumni programming, and our signature Awards Ceremony in New York City.
Approximately 350 guests will gather for the celebration, including the 2026 class, alumni, industry leaders, media, partners, and friends. And for the first time in the franchise’s 38-year history, as part of our partnership with American Express, Resy is offering 50 consumer tickets to the evening’s awards, giving diners the opportunity to attend one of Food & Wine’s most anticipated events.
Daniel Boulud, a member of the inaugural 1988 class of F&W Best New Chefs, addresses the crowd.
Credit: Food & Wine / Galdones Photography
For the first time in 38 years, 50 diners can purchase tickets to the awards through Resy.
Credit: Food & Wine / Shannon Sturgis
The 2026 Best New Chefs celebration takes place September 14–15 in New York City.
Credit: Food & Wine / Shannon Sturgis
“One of the best parts of what we do at Food & Wine is introducing readers to extraordinary chefs before the rest of the world discovers them,” said Hunter Lewis, editor-in-chief of Food & Wine. “The Best New Chefs awards celebration brings that to life, and we’re excited to welcome diners to this experience for the first time.”
Related: Every Food & Wine Best New Chef Ever, Since 1988
Guests who want to join in the fun can come straight to the party at Major Food Group’s ZZ’s Club in Manhattan’s Hudson Yards — a private members’ club typically closed to the public. Founded by Jeff Zalaznick alongside 2012 Food & Wine Best New Chefs Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi, Major Food Group is behind New York City destinations including Torrisi, Carbone, The Grill, and more than 20 other hospitality concepts around the world. Beyond the chance to mingle, guests can look forward to signature dishes from the group’s acclaimed restaurants.
Best New Chef alumni will serve one-of-a-kind culinary experiences throughout the evening.
Credit: Food & Wine / Shannon Sturgis
About 350 chefs, alumni, industry leaders, and guests will gather for the celebration.
Credit: Food & Wine / Galdones Photography
The celebration will feature signature dishes from Major Food Group restaurants.
Credit: Food & Wine / Shannon Sturgis
The evening will also feature one-of-a-kind culinary experiences from Best New Chef alumni, including 2023 Best New Chef Eunji Lee of Lysée, who will be serving desserts in a dedicated American Express/Resy Lounge, along with 2019 Best New Chef Kwame Onwuachi, 2002 Best New Chef Michael Anthony, and 2025 Best New Chef Aretah Ettarh. Guests can also enjoy bites from 2022 Best New Chef Calvin Eng and 1988 Best New Chef Rick Bayless, paired with premium wines from Jackson Family Wines and craft cocktails featuring Weller Bourbon.
Actor Joel McHale will serve as the evening’s emcee, sharing stories from his role on The Bear and his longtime appreciation for the restaurant industry. He’ll also present the 2026 class with their awards alongside Lewis.
Ready to join us? Get your tickets on Resy. Priced at $395 per person (plus tax), each ticket includes full access to the evening’s culinary experiences and fun. (Ps. Terms Apply. Must be 21+ to drink alcohol. Please drink responsibly.)
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