ABOUT
The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards return to celebrate Fort Worth’s top restaurant and bar talent for 2026. Our mission is to shine a spotlight on the people and places that make Fort Worth a world-class culinary destination.
Join us April 30 at Social Space 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 April 30 as we toast the Tastemakers.
This is a sell-out event — get your tickets now!
CultureMap Tastemaker Awards
April 30, 2026
GA 7 pm | VIP 6 pm
Social Space
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.
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
Visit →For sponsorship opportunities, email sales@culturemap.com
BENEFICIARY
The Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation
The Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation champions and cultivates the region's hospitality community. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization raises funds for culinary scholarships, emergency relief for food and beverage workers, chef stipends and their annual CRAFT Student Conference. To date, the Foundation has raised more than $610,000 to support the local food and beverage community.