2026 LAS VEGAS RISING STARS AWARDS
Las Vegas is a place of awe. From glamorous casinos to electric concerts and shows, it is a city to see and feel. But behind those, at times, superficial and stereotypical depictions, is a deeply committed hospitality community that keeps the whole thing running. During our time on the ground, we were welcomed by passionate individuals showcasing uncompromising quality and creativity in their food and beverage programs.
It was our first time back in Las Vegas since 2008, and—to no surprise—things have certainly changed. The Strip has transformed. A scene defined by fine-dining restaurants and celebrity chefs made way for playful concepts and international cuisines which in turn made way for cocktail bars and exciting new chef-driven menus. At the same time, a massive hospitality community has expanded off-Strip, with independent restaurants finding success and recognition in neighborhoods like the Arts District, Downtown Las Vegas, and Chinatown.
Las Vegas is still a young city, which means there is plenty of room to grow, especially as it adds more professional sports teams and new entertainment venues like The Sphere to its portfolio. But it is also a place to build a career and find a community. For locals who were born and raised in the city to transplants and visitors choosing to stay, Las Vegas is a place to call home. It is full of clear-eyed and adaptable chefs, pastry chefs, bartenders, sommeliers, bakers, and restaurateurs eager to forge strong bonds, create welcoming spaces, and fight for the national attention they deserve.
RISING STARS AWARD WINNERS
These 20 professionals are recognized not only for their exceptional food and drinks, but also for their ability to lead, inspire, and support their local community. For more information about our Rising Stars selection process, please visit the Rising Stars Awards Program page.
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CHEF
Scott Arn and Ramtin Yashar
Golden Boy Market & Deli -
CHEF
Dylan Jobsz
Esther's Kitchen -
CHEF
Aaron Lee
Winnie & Ethel's Downtown Diner -
CHEF
Daniela Romero
Bazaar Mar by José Andrés -
CHEF
Jackson Stamper
Ada’s -
GAME CHANGER
Presented by S.Pellegrino®
Sarah Thompson
Casa Playa at Wynn Las Vegas -
PASTRY CHEF
Presented by TCHO Chocolate
Jackie Mai
Don's Prime at Fontainebleau Las Vegas -
BAKER
Presented by King Arthur Baking Co.
Andrea McLean
Popnpies -
CONCEPT
Jerad Howard
Vesta Coffee Roasters -
RESTAURATEUR
DJ Flores
Nivel Hospitality Group -
COMMUNITY
Presented by Resy
Cameron White, Dani White, and Alex White
Yukon Pizza -
BARTENDER
Presented by Campari Academy
Joe Arakawa
EDO Hospitality -
BARTENDER
Presented by Campari Academy
Kat Calma
The Dustland Bar -
SOMMELIER
Joshua Dunson
Ocean Prime Las Vegas at 63 CityCenter -
SOMMELIER
Cristie Norman
Delilah at Wynn Las Vegas -
MENTOR
Presented by Vitamix Commercial
Jolene Mannina
Fortune Events
STARCHEFS SUPPORTS
StarChefs is proud to partner with Pastry Chef Yuka Takamizawa of Moignet during the Las Vegas Rising Stars Restaurant Week from May 6 to 20. For every Strawberry Daifuku sold at Moignet during the Restaurant Week, StarChefs will donate $3 to The Just One Project.
The Just One Project is a nonprofit dedicated to creating lasting change across Southern Nevada by expanding access to food, resources, and essential support services. The organization provides fresh groceries to those who need it most alongside critical assistance including housing support, workforce development, and youth programs—all under one roof. This integrated approach strengthens the region's safety net while helping individuals and families build stability and move toward long-term independence. For more information, visit thejustoneproject.org and follow @thejustoneprojectlv on Instagram.
RISING STARS RESTAURANT WEEK
To celebrate the Award winners, StarChefs will host the Rising Stars Restaurant Week from Wednesday, May 6 hrough Wednesday, May 20. For two weeks only, experience the signature dishes and beverages that wowed the StarChefs editorial team.
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ABLE BAKER BREWING
El Pato Loco, Mexican Lager, 4.5% ABV
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ADA'S
Taleggio Tart, Cherry Gelée, Cherry Sauce, Parmesan Crust, Flaky Salt, Sorrel
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ANIMA BY EDO
Ball So Hard: Scotch Whisky, Korean Miso Water, Green Apple Cordial, Supasawa, Lemon
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BAZAAR MAR BY JOSÉ ANDRÉS
Ibérico Carpaccio, Scottish Langoustines, Crustacean Mayonnaise, Black Sesame Seed Praline, Chives, Caviar
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CASA PLAYA AT WYNN LAS VEGAS
Maitake Mushrooms, Charred Cabbage, Mole Blanco, Toasted Pine Nuts, Habanero Oil, Shaved Black Truffle, Corn Tortillas
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DELILAH AT WYNN LAS VEGAS
Sauvignon Blanc, Due Del Monte, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, 2021
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DON'S PRIME AT FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS
Elvis Pie: Salted Peanuts, Bananas, Chantilly Cream, Bourbon Caramel, Peanut Shortbread, Peanut Butter Ice Cream, Candied Bacon
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ESTHER'S KITCHEN
Turmeric-Spiced Malloreddus, Sri Lankan Goat Curry, Yogurt, Mint
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GOLDEN BOY MARKET + DELI
The Beef: Roast Beef, Marinated Onions, Fried Potato Sticks, Au Poivre Aïoli, White Cheddar, Baguette
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MILPA
Lamb Taco: Spiced Ground American Lamb Shoulder, Cucumber Pico de Gallo, Morita Salsa, Tahini Crema, Cilantro, Heirloom Corn Tortilla
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MOIGNET
Daifuku: Mochi, Whipped Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Cream, White Bean Paste, Fresh Strawberries
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OCEAN PRIME LAS VEGAS AT 63 CITYCENTER
Pinot Nero, Vie di Romans, Friuli Isonzo, Italy, 2021
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POPNPIES AT ANTIDOTE
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pie: Chocolate Ganache, Peanut Butter Mousse, Salted Peanuts, Oreo Crust
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SARTIANO'S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE AT WYNN LAS VEGAS
Squash Tortellini, Honeynut Squash, Taleggio Fonduta, Sage, Saba, Amaretti Cookie Crumble
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THE DUSTLAND BAR
Ranchero: Tequila Blanco, Grapefruit Soda, Whipped Grapefruit, Lime Juice, Agave, Saline, Salted Grapefruit
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VESTA COFFEE ROASTERS
Churro Cruffin, Almonds, Cinnamon, Toffee Caramel, Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Pastry Cream
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WINNIE AND ETHEL'S DOWNTOWN DINER
Country Fried Chicken, Pork Sausage Gravy, Chorizo Gravy, Poached Eggs, Griddled Garlic Potatoes
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YUKON PIZZA
The Stewart: Sausage, Pepperoni, Marinara Sauce, Ricotta, Parmesan, Garlic Oil, Oregano, Chile Flakes, Basil
ART OF PRESENTATION CONTEST
In partnership with Steelite International, the Art of Presentation contest highlights the artistry behind plating and gives one of the Rising Stars Award winners the opportunity to win $5,000 towards Steelite products of their choice. Check out the Rising Stars’ dishes here and vote for your favorite plating presentation. Voting ends Monday, May 4th at 10am ET.
