Tampa Chef Bryce Bonsack Named James Beard Award Semifinalist for 2026

Bryce Bonsack snagged a semifinalist spot in the Best Chef category for the 2026 James Beard Awards. He earned it for his work at Rocca in Tampa. The James Beard Foundation released the semifinalist names Wednesday, which marks a win for Tampa Bay's food scene.

The James Beard Foundation's Restaurant and Chef Awards kicked off in 1990. They honor chefs and restaurants across 25 categories in different regions. Restaurants submit applications, then judges — who mostly stay anonymous — taste the food before casting votes. Nominees get evaluated on their food and on a code of ethics that includes how they handle employees.

Born & Bread Bakehouse in Lakeland also landed on the semifinalists list in the Outstanding Bakery category. This puts two Tampa Bay area spots in the running for what many call the Oscars of the food world.

Rocca serves Italian food with handmade pasta as the star of the menu. The Michelin Star restaurant offers select meats and fish alongside starters. A tableside hand-pulled mozzarella cart? They've got that too. The place also features an extensive Italian wine list.

"Chef Bryce honors traditional recipes learned in Italy, while infusing modern techniques honed working in cutting-edge kitchens in New York," the website states, per WTSP. "The coming together of the two results in flavors that are rustic, yet refined, simple, yet beautiful and approachable by nature."

Born & Bread Bakehouse specializes in slow dough — both naturally leavened breads and viennoiserie, according to its social media page. The Lakeland-based shop whips up items from Boston Cream Cruffins to Honey Butter Cuban Croissants. Pastries, bread, brunch, and beverage options round out the menu.

Nominees will be announced Tuesday, March 31. Winners get revealed Monday, June 15, at a ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.