The 12th Annual Foodist Awards presented by A-Z Air Duct takes place on Monday, Feb. 23 at Warehouse215 in Phoenix. In advance of this extravagant evening of celebration, the Arizona Restaurant Association has announced the 2026 Foodist Awards finalists.

“The Foodist Awards serves as our official awards program, recognizing the best of the best including restaurants, bars, companies and individuals who demonstrate exceptional business acumen, leadership and creativity while shaping Arizona’s culinary landscape,” said Steve Chucri, Arizona Restaurant Association president and CEO. “We look forward to honoring the finalists with a celebration worthy of these talented and hardworking individuals. We’d also like to recognize our presenting sponsor, A-Z Air Duct, for its generous support this year.”

The nominations for the 2026 Foodist Awards included six new categories: Best Bread, Top Happy Hour Spot, Best Place to Watch a Game, Immersive Culinary Experience, Favorite Neighborhood Hangout, and Hotel Restaurant Hot Spot. The Foodist Awards finalists were determined by public votes and contributions from this year’s Foodist Awards panelists.
The Food Pioneer category serves as the Foodist Awards’ “lifetime achievement award.” This peer-voted award honors a lifetime of outstanding culinary excellence that continues to educate, inspire, entertain and foster a deeper understanding of the culinary culture in Arizona. The 2026 Food Pioneer is Chef Gio Osso, and will he be formally awarded at the ceremony on Monday, Feb. 23.

For more about the Foodist Awards and to purchase tickets, visit https://foodistawards.com/. For more about the Arizona Restaurant Association, visit https://azrestaurant.org/.