International Special Awards 2026
The 2026 awards recognize chefs, restaurants, and regions who are making waves in the industry through excellent cooking, innovation, sustainability, authenticity, and more.
Culinary Impact Award
A chef whose inspiring career is marked by bold reinvention and continuous growth with a lasting influence on the global gastronomic scene.
Innovation Award
A chef, restaurateur, or organization that reinvents itself by creating new development opportunities.
Game Changer Award
A personality who is strongly committed to imposing more innovative, inclusive, sustainable or educational values in the kitchen or in the sector.
New Destination Champion
A city, region, or country, in full gastronomic boom, soon to be a must for gourmets.
International selection1
Local selection – France1
Classic Excellence Award
A chef whose experience and renewed influence continue to shape contemporary gastronomy.
Talent of the Year Award
Most promising chefs of the year.
Pastry Talent of the Year Award
Most promising pastry chefs in a restaurant.
International selection1
Local selection – France1
Community Spirit Award
Project led by a chef, restaurateur or organization that supports their community or a cause.
Sommelier & Service Award
A professional who elevates the art of hospitality, reinventing the service and wine experience.
Artisan & Authenticity Award
Restaurants and chefs promoting the culinary heritage of a region or country through technique, creativity, and sourcing.
International selection1
Local selection – France1
Ethical & Sustainability Award
A chef, restaurateur or group who has implemented ethical, sustainable and supportive practices that have had an impact within their establishment or in their community.
International selection1
Local selection – France1
Show-to-Table Award
Establishments blending performance with fine dining, crafting unique social experiences where theater complements gastronomy.
Opening of the Year Award
Restaurants that have successfully opened and deserve to be commended.
Discovery Gem Award
Restaurants that deserve to be discovered for their unique culinary experience and the interpretation of their terroir.
International selection5
Local selection – France5
- L’Art de Vivre, Château L’HospitaletLaurent CHABERT · Narbonne, France
- Benjamin Schmitt RestaurantBenjamin SCHMITT · Paris, France
- Le ValucienFranco BOWANEE & Karina LAVAL · Château de Vault-de-Lugny, Yonne, France
- La Table de La ButteNicolas CONRAUX · Plouider, France
- OmbelluleTabata & Ludovic MEY · Lyon, France
