Best Chef: California, presented by James Beard Foundation
Award category reintroduced in 2020, although no JBF awards presented in 2020 or 2021.  From 2007-2012 California was included in Best Chef: Pacific (CA and HI); and from 2013-2019 in Best Chef: West (CA, HI and NV).
James Beard Foundation
Name Year
Lord Maynard Llera 2024
Justin Pichetrungsi 2023
Brandon Jew 2022
Suzanne Goin 2006
Lee Hefter 2005
Charles Phan 2004
Hiro Sone 2003
Michael Mina 2002
Nancy Oakes 2001
Judy Rodgers 2000
Paul Bertolli 1999
Julian Serrano 1998
Hubert Keller 1997
Thomas Keller 1996
Gary Danko 1995
Joyce Goldstein 1994
Bradley Ogden * 1993
Jeremiah Tower * 1993
Michel Richard 1992
Joachim Splichal 1991
* shared award