Creativity, ambition, presentation, philosophy and, of course, delicious food and drinks win an individual the designation of a StarChefs Rising Star.
National restaurant industry magazine StarChefs has announced its 2026 Las Vegas Rising Stars Award winners. To celebrate the new class, StarChefs will host the Las Vegas Rising Stars Restaurant Week from Wednesday, May 6, through Wednesday, May 20. The two-week promotion highlights Rising Stars Award winners and gives diners the opportunity to experience their signature dishes and beverages.
The 2026 class includes 19 F&B professionals recognized not only for their exceptional food and drinks, but also for their ability to lead, inspire and support the Las Vegas community and national restaurant industry at large. The Rising Stars Award winners are designated by the StarChefs editorial team based on in-person tastings and interviews.
In each market, the editorial team tastes with and interviews more than 100 chefs, pastry chefs, bartenders, sommeliers, restaurateurs and artisans, ultimately selecting a group of professionals who best represent the future of American hospitality. Although the awards are given out locally, winners are evaluated according to a set of national standards.
Creativity, ambition, presentation, philosophy and, of course, delicious food and drinks win an individual the designation of a StarChefs Rising Star. The 2026 Las Vegas Rising Stars will be the 96th class of Rising Stars Award winners and the third class from Las Vegas. For the complete list of the Rising Stars alumni, click here.
2026 STARCHEFS LAS VEGAS RISING STARS AWARD WINNERS
CHEFS
Scott Arn and Ramtin Yashar of Golden Boy Market & Deli
The Beef: Roast Beef, Marinated Onions, Fried Potato Sticks, Au Poivre Aïoli, White Cheddar, Baguette
Dylan Jobsz of Esther’s Kitchen
Turmeric-Spiced Malloreddus, Sri Lankan Goat Curry, Yogurt, Mint
Aaron Lee of Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner
Country Fried Chicken, Pork Sausage Gravy, Chorizo Gravy, Poached Eggs, Griddled Garlic Potatoes
Daniela Romero of Bazaar Mar by José Andrés
Ibérico Carpaccio, Scottish Langoustines, Crustacean Mayonnaise, Black Sesame Seed Praline, Chives, Caviar
Jackson Stamper of Ada’s (pictured in the main photo)
Taleggio Tart, Cherry Gelée, Cherry Sauce, Parmesan Crust, Flaky Salt, Sorrel
PASTRY CHEF Presented by TCHO Chocolate
Jackie Mai of Don’s Prime at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Elvis Pie: Salted Peanuts, Bananas, Chantilly Cream, Bourbon Caramel, Peanut Shortbread, Peanut Butter Ice Cream, Candied Bacon
BAKER
Andrea McLean of Popnpies
TCHO Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pie: TCHO Chocolate Ganache, Peanut Butter Mousse, Salted Peanuts, Oreo Crust
GAME CHANGER Presented by S.Pellegrino
Recognizes an industry professional whose leadership is boldly advancing the restaurant industry through boundary-pushing cuisine, an innovative dining format or a revolutionary business idea
Sarah Thompson of Casa Playa at Wynn Las Vegas
Maitake Mushrooms, Charred Cabbage, Mole Blanco, Toasted Pine Nuts, Habanero Oil, Shaved Black Truffle, Corn Tortillas
RESTAURATEUR
Recognizes a restaurateur who is shaping their city’s hospitality scene through their restaurant concepts
DJ Flores of Nivel Hospitality Group
Lamb Taco: Spiced Ground American Lamb Shoulder, Cucumber Pico de Gallo, Morita Salsa, Tahini Crema, Cilantro, Heirloom Corn Tortilla (at Milpa)
COMMUNITY Presented by Resy
Recognizes industry professionals who have deep roots to their local community, dedicate their space and time to charity work and/or community outreach and act as a catalyst for getting other members of the hospitality community involved in local or national events and initiatives
Alex White, Cameron White and Dani White of Yukon Pizza
The Stewart: Sausage, Pepperoni, Marinara Sauce, Ricotta, Parmesan, Garlic Oil, Oregano, Chile Flakes, Basil, Corto Olive Oil
CONCEPT
Jerad Howard of Vesta Coffee Roasters
Churro Cruffin, Almonds, Cinnamon, Toffee Caramel, Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Pastry Cream
BREWER
Megan Hanley of Abel Baker Brewing
El Pato Loco, Mexican Lager, 4.5% ABV
BARTENDERS Presented by Campari Academy
Joe Arakawa of EDO Hospitality
Ball So Hard: Scotch Whisky, Korean Miso Water, Green Apple Cordial, Supasawa, Lemon
Kat Calma of The Dustland Bar
Ranchero: Tequila Blanco, Grapefruit Soda, Whipped Grapefruit, Lime Juice, Agave, Saline, Salted Grapefruit
SOMMELIERS
Joshua Dunson of Ocean Prime Las Vegas at 63 CityCenter
Pinot Nero, Vie di Romans, Friuli Isonzo, Italy, 2021
Cristie Norman of Delilah at Wynn Las Vegas
Sauvignon Blanc, Due Del Monte, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, 2021
MENTOR Presented by Vitamix Commercial
Recognize an individual who is supportive of young cooks in their region and instrumental in aiding their careers in and out of the kitchen. This award is voted on by the 2026 Class of Las Vegas Rising Stars through an anonymous ballot.
Jolene Mannina of Fortune Events
RESTAURANT WEEK BONUS STOPS
EXPLORE LAS VEGAS
Michael Rubinstein of Sartiano’s Italian Steakhouse at Wynn Las Vegas
Squash Tortellini, Honeynut Squash, Taleggio Fonduta, Sage, Saba, Amaretti Crumble
STARCHEFS SUPPORTS
In each market, StarChefs partners with a local restaurant to help support the community. For every Daifuku sold at Moignet during the Las Vegas Rising Stars Restaurant Week, StarChefs will donate $3 to The Just One Project. The Just One Project increases access to food, resources and services to build a stronger, healthier and more connected community.
Yuka Takamizawa of Moignet
Daifuku: Mochi, Whipped Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Cream, White Bean Paste, Fresh Strawberries
ART OF PRESENTATION CONTEST
In partnership with Steelite International, the award winners will have the opportunity to win Steelite’s Art of Presentation Award. This digital contest showcases the creativity and art of plating. The winner will receive $5,000 toward Steelite products of their choice. Link will be live shortly on StarChefs.com.
LAS VEGAS RISING STARS SUPPORTERS
Symrise, Steelite International, Vitamix Commercial, S.Pellegrino, Corto Olive Co., Resy, TCHO Chocolate, Niman Ranch, Nespresso Professional, Nielsen-Massey, American Lamb Board, Campari Academy, Jade Range, Vulcan, Seafood Scotland, Shun Cutlery, King Arthur Baking Co., Tripleseat, Westholme, Wynn Las Vegas, CHS Communications & Marketing, The Just One Project
ABOUT STARCHEFS
StarChefs is a sounding board, a voice and a trusted resource for the food and beverage industry. For more than 30 years, StarChefs has moved the industry forward with the sole mission to catalyze industry professionals’ success by giving them the tools, resources and support they need to overcome industry challenges.
StarChefs’ content is driven by hundreds of in-person tastings and interviews each year with the country’s top chefs, pastry chefs, bartenders, sommeliers and artisans. Through its national Rising Stars Awards program and print magazine, StarChefs recognizes up-and-coming F&B talent and delivers recipes, trends, intel, beverage knowledge, new techniques and inspiration to professionals across the country.
For more information, visit StarChefs.com and follow @StarChefs on Instagram, Facebook and X.
