The 2026 Chefs of the Year
Each of the chefs featured in our new national Chef of the Year category made news in a major way. But their most recent projects are just one part of their story. This year we celebrate five chefs who are making an impact both on the city where they cook and on the larger culinary […]
In the culinary world of 2026, five chefs have made a significant impact. Laura Ozyilmaz, hailing from San Francisco, California, has been making waves with her innovative take on Eastern Mediterranean cuisine at Dalida. Her recent venture, Maria Isabel, further showcases her heritage and personal history through a menu steeped in Mexican matriarchy and indigenous ingredients.
Carlos Delgado, a Lima native, has taken the D.C. culinary scene by storm with his Peruvian-inspired tasting rooms, Causa and Maru San. His meticulous sourcing and culinary skills have garnered critical acclaim, and his ambitious projects, like the elaborate tasting menu at Maru San, have created a buzz among food enthusiasts. Amir Hajimaleki, an Iranian-born, Texas-raised chef, has finally been able to express his culinary vision through Roya, his most personal restaurant in Texas.
The restaurant's intricate design and diverse menu, inspired by Persian cuisine, offer a unique tribute to his personal history and the region's rich culinary traditions.
Written by urgent.news from Eater's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
