2026 Eater Awards Launch New National Dish Category
The 2026 Eater Awards, presented by Capital One, have introduced a national category, recognizing standout dishes from hundreds of reviewed restaurants.
The 2026 Eater Awards have recognized dishes across the U.S. in a new national category. Editorial director Missy Frederick stated that editors ate in hundreds of restaurants to select the award-winning dishes.
All Well's $145 tasting menu features puffed grain toast
All Well in Chicago, opened by Larry Feldmeier and Noah Sandoval, offers a five-course tasting menu for $145. A featured dish is the puffed grain toast, served with nutty buckwheat butter sweetened with honey. It accompanies a pasta with triple-cream Délice de Bourgogne and chicken brodo.
Roast chicken trend dominates 2026 dining
The roast chicken trend, called the Great Chickening, has become a cultural hallmark in 2026. Henrietta in Los Angeles serves its version as handheld pieces with a scorched lemon half and a chicory-heavy Caesar panzanella. The dish references Zuni Cafe and uses bread from the local Clark Street Bakery. Sqirl and Pasjoli also offer variations in Los Angeles.
Regional specialties highlight local ingredients
Restaurants are showing hyper-local ingredients. Junior in Nashville offers a cantaloupe and verjus terrine, featuring melon from a local farmer suspended in verjus gelatin and dressed with turmeric oil. Rosy in Cleveland serves seasonal pickled walleye cheeks for $17. Sourced from Kate’s Fish in the West Side Market, the dish has been on the menu since February 2026 and is offered about every three weeks for four-day windows.
Neighborhood restaurants expand dining options
Distinct neighborhood concepts are defining dining scenes in various cities. The following restaurants offer specific regional cuisines and service styles.
| Restaurant | Location | Cuisine Style | Key Service Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oren | 89 Shacklewell Lane, Dalston, E8 2EB | Israeli-inspired charcoal-grilled sharing plates | Reservations for groups up to six; open Tue-Sun with brunch & evening service |
| Hoppers | 49 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4SG | Sri Lankan-inspired (hoppers, dosas, kothus, roasts) | Not specified in brief |
| Kiln | 58 Brewer Street, Soho, W1F 9TL | Thai-inspired open-fire cooking | Walk-in only, first come first served |
| The Barbary | 16 Neal's Yard, Covent Garden, WC2H 9DP | Live-fire cooking, counter dining | Accepts reservations for up to four; welcomes walk-ins |
| Maison François | 34 Duke Street, St James's, SW1Y 6DF | French brasserie | Main restaurant accepts reservations released two months ahead; Frank's section is walk-in |
Oren is noted as a destination requiring a separate journey from West End shopping. Elsewhere, Dougla Kitchen in Oklahoma City, led by chef Andrew Black, serves island curry crab and callaloo dip with taro chips and Red Stripe drinks. Black Friday in 2026 falls on November 27. The Great Chickening continues with roast chicken variations at Henrietta, Sqirl, and Pasjoli in Los Angeles.
