The race is on: the Lauriers de la gastronomie québécoise unveiled their finalists for the 2026 edition earlier this week.
Each year, these awards, which span 17 categories, from Restaurant of the Year to Mixologist of the Year, among many others, shine a spotlight on the talents shaping Québec's culinary scene, from farm to table. This first selection, made up of just over a hundred finalists, already offers a strong glimpse into what's driving the industry right now: creativity, strong identities, and exciting new spots to discover.
In Montréal, several names stand out, including Isaël Dagenais and Olivier Dupras (Isle de Garde), Catherine Couvet Desrosiers (Restaurant Panacée), Jacques Barneto (Projet Pilote), Aurélien Kerzerho (Pâtisserie Mélilot), Tommy Dion (Cuisinomane), Sabayon, Bar St-Denis, as well as Hugo Duchesne (Hoogan et Beaufort and Annette bar-à-vin).
Winners are selected by both a panel of experts and members of the industry itself, making the results a true reflection of the field. And beyond Montréal, finalists from across the province are a reminder of just how much talent Québec has to offer, from one region to another.
The winners will be announced on May 4 in Montréal during the annual gala. In the meantime, it's the perfect opportunity to keep an eye on these names - and to go discover their restaurants.
For those who want to experience the evening firsthand, tickets are available for the May 4 gala at Théâtre Pierre-Mercure and Cabaret St-Denis
