Mixtli, Bristol-Joseph lead San Antonio semifinalists for 2026 James Beard Awards

By: Ken Rodriguez | From: San Antonio Report

For the third time in five years, the James Beard Foundation has named Southtown’s Mixtli a semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant.

Mixtli, a progressive Mexican culinaria, leads a list of seven San Antonio restaurants and chefs that were named James Beard semifinalists on Wednesday.

Known as the Oscars of the food industry, the James Beard Awards “recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts.”

“It’s a wonderful feeling,” said Mixtli chef and co-founder Diego Galicia, whose Michelin-starred eatery earned James Beard nominations in 2022 and 2024. “We’re the only Texas restaurant (recognized) in that category.”

San Antonio earned two other nominations in national categories:

Tavel Bristol-Joseph of Nicosi Dessert Bar earned a semifinalist nod for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. In October, Nicosi earned a Michelin star.
Anacacho Coffee & Cantina was named a semifinalist for Best New Restaurant. Led by chef Leo Davila, Anacacho opened at the St. Anthony Hotel in April.

“I’m super shocked,” said Davila, who earned a James Beard nod for Best Chef: Texas in 2025. “When I logged on to look at the list, I was looking for my friends to root for them. I was scrolling over Best New Restaurants, saw San Antonio, then had to scroll back. It’s cool.”

In Seguin, pitmasters David Kirkland and Ernest Servantes of Burnt Bean Co. were named semifinalists for Outstanding Chef.

San Antonio produced three semifinalists In the regional category for Best Chef: Texas.

Sue Kim of The Magpie, a Korean-inspired spot on East Houston.
Francisco Estrada and Lizzeth Martinez of Naco Mexican on Grayson.
Emil Oliva of Leche de Tigre, a Peruvian hotspot.

Oliva was named a Best Chef: Texas finalist in 2025. A self-taught chef, he launched his Peruvian cevicheria in Southtown less than two years ago.

“To be recognized again reflects the growth and consistency of what we are building and staying true to who we are and where we come from and the community we serve,” Oliva said via text from an airplane in Peru. “We are excited to continue to tell stories through Peruvian food that is shaped by Texas.”

San Antonio produced six semifinalists for Best Chef: Texas in 2025, the most of any city in the state, but failed to win an award. Mixli was a finalist for Outstanding Hospitality last year but did not win.

No one from San Antonio has won a Beard since the James Beard Foundation began recognizing culinary achievement 35 years ago.

Galicia hopes to break through in 2026.

“It’s awesome to be nominated again,” he said. “And we’re happy for our friends from Leche de Tigre and The Magpie and others to be nominated. It’s really cool. As a city, we truly deserve it.”

Mixtli, Bristol-Joseph lead San Antonio semifinalists for 2026 James Beard Awards

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