2026 Award Categories

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Standout Signature Dish

The nominees in this category are dishes that have become synonymous with the restaurant, and are often the dishes that customers rave about and come back for. These dishes are the chefs’ creative expression and showcase their culinary skills. These dishes are not only delicious but also visually stunning, and are often a reflection of the restaurant’s concept, culture, and identity.

Best Bread

This award honors the bakers and purveyors crafting breads that are nothing short of extraordinary. From crusty artisan loaves and buttery brioche to hearty sourdoughs and soft rolls, these breads elevate every meal they touch—whether featured in local restaurants or enjoyed fresh by consumers at farmers markets and bakeries. With skill, creativity, and dedication to quality ingredients, the nominees for Best Bread show why Arizona is home to some of the most flavorful and memorable baked goods around.

Arizona Grown Purveyors

This award honors the incredible purveyors who are the backbone of Arizona’s vibrant food community. From farm-fresh meats and dairy to artisan breads and locally distilled spirits, these producers provide the quality ingredients that fuel Arizona’s culinary excellence. Whether supplying directly to restaurants or connecting with consumers at farmers markets and local events, they embody the spirit of Arizona—rooted in craftsmanship, sustainability, and a passion for local flavor. These purveyors don’t just provide ingredients—they help shape the tastes and experiences that make our state’s food scene truly exceptional.

Most Creative Handcrafted Cocktail Program

This category recognizes the establishments that are pushing the boundaries of mixology and making their mark on the local cocktail scene. The nominees in this category showcase their bartenders’ creativity, technical skills, and use of unique ingredients and techniques to create truly memorable cocktails. These cocktails are not only delicious but also visually stunning, and often reflect the establishment’s concept, culture, and identity.

Favorite Local Craft Beer

This category honors the best craft beers produced by local breweries in Arizona. The winner of this category is a beer that not only has excellent taste but also provides an outstanding and enjoyable drinking experience, showcasing the richness and diversity of the local craft beer scene in Arizona.

Example: Mr. Pineapple (Beer Name), San Tan Brewery (Brewery Name)

• Must have been offered prior to Jan 1, 2023

EXPERIENCES

Top Happy Hour Spot

This award celebrates the spots that know how to turn any hour into a happy one. From perfectly crafted cocktails and ice-cold beers to delicious bites at unbeatable prices, these venues create the ultimate after-work or weekend unwind. With a lively atmosphere, friendly service, and a vibe that keeps guests coming back, the nominees for Best Happy Hour know how to make every sip, bite, and deal memorable.

Outstanding Bar/Nightlife Experience

Honors the best bars and nightclubs in Arizona that provide an exceptional and memorable experience for their patrons. These establishments are known for their vibrant atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and innovative drinks and entertainment.

This category also highlights the bars and nightclubs that offer a unique concept, theme, or atmosphere, as well as those that are known for their live music, DJs or other forms of entertainment. These establishments are not only a place to get a drink but also a destination for a night out and a great social experience.

Best Place to Watch a Game

Best Place to Watch a Gam

This award goes to the ultimate spot for sports fans—the place where the energy is high, the screens are big, and the food and drinks hit just right. Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team with friends or catching a playoff game with a full house, these venues know how to create the perfect game-day atmosphere. From cold beers and crave-worthy bites to top-notch service and team spirit, these spots make every match, game, and championship feel like a win.

Exceptional Fine Dining Culinary Experience

This award honors restaurants that deliver consistently outstanding dining from start to finish. Nominees are recognized for the perfect balance of high-quality food, attentive and knowledgeable staff, inviting atmosphere, exceptional service, and a menu that is both varied and creative. These establishments excel at providing a complete dining experience that keeps guests coming back, making every meal memorable without needing a special event or theatrical twist.

Immersive Culinary Experience

This award celebrates restaurants that go above and beyond to create a dining experience that engages all the senses. From inventive menus and artful presentation to unique atmospheres and interactive elements, these establishments turn a meal into a true culinary adventure. Whether it’s a multi-course tasting, a chef’s table experience, or a concept that transports you to another world, the nominees for this award redefine what it means to dine out in Arizona.

RESTAURANTS

Favorite Neighborhood Hangout

This award celebrates the spots that feel like home—the places where regulars are greeted by name, newcomers are welcomed like friends, and good food and great company are always on the menu. Whether it’s your go-to for happy hour, a cozy weekend brunch, or catching a game with friends, these local favorites are the heartbeat of their communities. They’re more than just restaurants or bars—they’re gathering places where memories are made and connections are shared, embodying the true spirit of neighborhood hospitality in Arizona.

Phenomenal Fast Casual Concept

This award celebrates restaurants that have mastered the art of fast casual dining. Nominees deliver flavorful, high-quality meals with speed and convenience, all while creating a unique and memorable dining experience. From clever concepts and inventive menus to efficient service in often limited spaces, these establishments prove that quick dining can still be extraordinary.

Hotel Restaurant Hot Spot

This award recognizes the hotel restaurants that go above and beyond the expected, offering dining experiences that stand proudly on their own. These destinations aren’t just for travelers—they’ve become local favorites, drawing in guests from both near and far with their exceptional food, inviting atmosphere, and top-tier service. Whether it’s a chic rooftop lounge, a cozy lobby bistro, or a fine-dining gem, these restaurants prove that some of Arizona’s best meals are served right inside our hotels.

Uniquely Arizona

We are searching statewide for the restaurants that embrace the local food culture, ingredients, and flavors and are dedicated to preserving the state’s culinary heritage. The nominees in this category showcase their creativity, use of locally sourced ingredients and dedication to honoring Arizona’s rich culinary traditions.

Emerging Restaurant of the Year

Honors new and up-and-coming restaurants in Arizona that have made a significant impact on the local dining scene. This category recognizes restaurants that have opened in 2025 and have quickly established themselves as top contenders in the industry.

PEOPLE

Team Member of the Year

All of our industry team members deserve applause, but this category will help tell the stories of a few who are anchors of the industry. The category recognizes a team member who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, hard work, and commitment to providing an outstanding dining experience for the customers.

Considerations include:
• Serves as a model employee and team player
• Displays outstanding service, knowledge, and excellent work ethic
• Contributes to a positive work environment
• Must include the name, restaurant name, AND reason for nomination to be a valid nomination
• Must have been employed at location prior to March 1 2025

Manager of the Year

Every year The Foodist Awards honor a few finalists and one winner as the Manager of the Year. The nominees for this award is are individuals who manage and lead the restaurant’s day-to-day operations and is responsible for ensuring that the restaurant runs smoothly, effectively and efficiently. They lead by example and foster an atmosphere of growth and learning for fellow team members, creating a culture of excellence that is reflected in the restaurant’s performance, and in the satisfaction of the customers.

Considerations include:
• Displays outstanding service, knowledge, and excellent work ethic
• Demonstrates positive qualities as a leader
• Serves as an ambassador of the restaurant’s vision, mission, and definition of success
• Facilitates positive work environment and prioritizes professional workplace culture
• Must include the name, restaurant name, AND reason for nomination to be a valid nomination
• Must have been employed at location prior to March 1 2025

Top Mixologist | Bartender

This category recognizes a bartender or mixologist’s ability to mix and serve drinks with precision, passion and creativity while providing excellent customer service. They have demonstrated exceptional skills, dedication, and commitment to providing an outstanding drinking experience for customers.

Considerations include:
• Innovation in drink creations
• Personable, hospitable and generous spirit
• Demonstrates beverage knowledge, technical and practical skills
• Must work regularly behind a bar – at least 2 shifts a week or more
• Must include the name and restaurant name to be a valid nomination
• Must have been employed at location prior to March 1 2025

Top Chef

Pays tribute to outstanding culinary excellence, breaking new ground with an innovative menu while enhancing the dining experience. This individual has made a significant impact on the culinary scene in Arizona but still continues to improve and develop their skills, and to make a positive impact on the restaurant and the community.

Considerations include:
• Exemplary culinary talent
• Innovative menu creation
• Contributes to and facilitates a positive work environment
• Prioritizes a professional culture
• Must include the name and restaurant name to be a valid nomination

Food Pioneer

Lifetime Achievement 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. Voted on by peers

Considerations include:

Exemplary culinary talent
Innovative menu creation
Contributes to and facilitates a positive work environment
Prioritizes a professional culture