James Beard Award: Montana Dining Lands In The National Spotlight

When you think of the best-awarded restaurants in the country, most people probably go straight to major cities like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, or Miami. For those that don't know better... Montana is not usually the first place people mention in that conversation.

That way of thinking is changing.

Anyone who lives in Montana knows we are not lacking when it comes to excellent food. From small towns to growing cities, there are standout restaurants scattered across the state. For years, it has felt like Montana’s dining scene has quietly impressed without getting the national attention it deserves. That is shifting in a big way.

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A recent announcement has put Big Sky Country in the national culinary spotlight. Here are the Montana semifinalist, by category, for the 2026 James Beard Awards.

Outstanding Restaurateur

Brett Evje and Michael Ochsner, PLONK Bozeman, J.W. Heist Steakhouse, and PLONK Missoula, Missoula, Bozeman, MT

Outstanding Restaurant presented by Acqua Panna® Natural Spring Water

Blackbird Kitchen, Bozeman, MT

Outstanding Bakery

Wild Crumb, Bozeman, MT

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

One Legged Magpie, Red Lodge, MT

Best Chef: Mountain (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY)

Brandon Dearden, Ember, Hamilton, MT
Brandon Cunningham, Pangea, Missoula, MT
Earl James Reynolds, Herb and Omni, Whitefish, MT
Jarrett Wrisley, Shan, Bozeman, MT

The James Beard Awards are widely considered among the highest honors in the culinary world. Each year, industry leaders, chefs, and restaurateurs are recognized for excellence, leadership, and impact. The foundation behind the awards has been around for decades. To sum it up, it’s kinda a big deal.

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The semifinalists for the 2026 awards were announced yesterday, January 21. If you want to see the full list of semifinalists, you can check it out HERE. Congratulations to all, but we are cheering for our Montanans as the finale approaches.

5 Businesses Montanans Wishes Would Come Back

As most know, Bozeman, Montana is a growing town/city. The population has almost doubled in the last few years, housing prices have skyrocketed, and businesses have either strived or suffered.

The one thing that Bozeman residents all say, is they miss the "old Bozeman". What they mean is they miss the small-town feel, the minimal traffic, and the affordable living. Along with those, there are a few businesses Bozemanites really wish would return.

Here are the Top 5 Businesses Montanans Miss.

Gallery Credit: Megan Shaul, Derek Wolf

Montana's Five Favorite Fast Food Restaurants

Fast food has become a part of our lives. Whether you're in a hurry, or just love the taste of a slice of pizza or a burger and fries, these are the 5 most popular fast-food restaurants in Montana.

Gallery Credit: Derek Wolf

5 Of Montana's Best Road Trips

For those looking to hit the highway, Montana has over 70 thousand miles of open road and many of those roads lead to some of the most beautiful places in the world. If you love a good road trip and want to spend time with family or friends, here are 5 of the best Montana road trips.

Gallery Credit: Derek Wolf

Categories: Article, Bozeman News