
ABOUT
The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards return to celebrate Dallas’ top restaurant and bar talent for 2026. Our mission is to shine a spotlight on the people and places that make Dallas a world-class culinary destination.
Join us May 7 at Astoria Event Venue for our signature tasting event and awards ceremony. We’ll celebrate all of the nominees and unveil this year’s winners, and you’ll enjoy chef-prepared bites and specialty drinks all night.
Get to know the nominees in our special editorial series, then join us May 7 as we toast the Tastemakers.
This is a sell-out event — get your tickets now!
CultureMap Tastemaker Awards
May 7, 2026
GA 7 pm | VIP 6 pm
Astoria Event Venue

NOMINEES
Meet the exceptional culinary talent nominated in this year's awards.
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
CHEF OF THE YEAR
BAR OF THE YEAR
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
RISING STAR CHEF OF THE YEAR
DESSERT PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
COFFEE SHOP OF THE YEAR
BEST SANDWICH

JUDGES
Meet our distinguished panel of culinary experts and past Tastemakers winners.













PARTNERS
The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards program is brought to you by the following partners.

Everything is bigger and better in Texas, and H-E-B has long set the standard. Since 1905, the San Antonio-based grocer has built a loyal following by combining high-quality products, thoughtful sourcing, and a deep commitment to the communities it serves. From championing Texas makers to showing up in meaningful ways during times of need, H-E-B has earned its place as more than a grocery store, but a true cultural cornerstone across the state. That spirit is now taking root across Dallas-Fort Worth, where H-E-B has quickly become one of the most anticipated and talked-about arrivals in the local food scene. With approximately 9-10 locations open across North Texas in communities like Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Mansfield, and Fort Worth, and more on the way, the brand is steadily expanding its footprint. As a sponsor of the CultureMap Tastemakers Awards, H-E-B’s presence feels especially fitting, celebrating the people, places, and flavors that define what makes this region such a dynamic place to dine.
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Maker's Mark was built on doing things differently –– by hand, by heart, and by a standard that hasn't changed since day one. Since 1953, Maker's Mark has made a series of unconventional decisions to become the icon it is today. From burning the original recipe to harnessing the power of regenerative agriculture, the brand’s unique commitment to making a better bourbon and a better world is the story they want to tell globally. Going to unreasonable lengths –– in life, and in bourbon –– is what separates the good from the remarkable.
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NXT LVL EVENT is an experiential marketing and immersive event company that transforms ordinary gatherings into unforgettable brand moments. It specializes in interactive photo, video, and AI-powered activations that blend technology, creativity, and human connection, helping brands engage guests in meaningful, shareable ways. From corporate events to large-scale brand activations, NXT LVL EVENT creates experiences where stories come to life and brands become experience
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Founded in 2015, Seedlip is the pioneer of non-alcoholic spirits. Combining centuries-old techniques with modern innovations, Seedlip redefines the drinking experience by solving the dilemma of what to drink when you’re not drinking. Inspired by nature, Spice 94, Grove 42, Garden 108, and Notas de Agave deliver a vast range of flavors. These sophisticated, non-alcoholic spirits contain no sugar or calories and make the perfect base for cocktails.
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Shutto is a premium 12-passenger shuttle service designed to make short city-to-city trips safer, more comfortable, and more productive for modern travelers. It connects major Texas cities with reliable daily routes and private charter options, offering Wi-Fi, snacks, and a smooth ride so passengers can work, relax, or simply enjoy the journey. Shutto also provides convenient airport pick-up and drop-off service in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. The goal is to turn travel time into useful time, eliminating the stress of driving, airport lines, or crowded buses. Whether commuting, visiting friends, traveling with family, or planning a day trip, Shutto is a smart, flexible, and family-friendly option for trips under four hours.
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Proudly made in Texas, Ritual Zero Proof is America’s No. 1 non-alcoholic spirit brand. Crafted for cocktails, Ritual Agave Spirit, Whiskey, Gin, Rum, and Aperitif Alternatives have the nose, taste, and bite of liquor – without the alcohol or calories. Founded by best friends, born on a cutting board, and perfected across hundreds of iterations with the help of master distillers and award-winning mixologists, Ritual was created because we love a good cocktail, with or without alcohol.
Visit →For sponsorship opportunities, email sales@culturemap.com

BENEFICIARY

Southern Smoke Foundation
Founded in 2015 by James Beard award-winning chef Chris Shepherd, Southern Smoke Foundation supports members of the food and beverage (F+B) industry in crisis nationwide through emergency relief funding and access to mental health services. To date, Southern Smoke Foundation has provided more than $10.4M in grants to food and beverage workers in need. Through its mental health program, the nonprofit provides no-cost mental health counseling to F+B workers and their children in California, Louisiana, Illinois, New York, and Texas, and offers financial assistance to those seeking mental health care outside of the current service states.




































