Culinary Excellence Awards
For over a decade, the Culinary Excellence Awards has been the night when Nevada's restaurant industry stops, gathers, and honors its own. An evening of cocktails, dinner, silent auction, and the presentation of awards recognizing the operators, chefs, and contributors who raise the standard for all of us.
Past ceremonies have been held at Canyon Gate Country Club, the Stirling Club, and other premier Nevada venues. The evening is photographed professionally and attended by 300+ industry leaders from across the state.
Awards of Distinction
Winners are selected by a committee of industry peers. Nominations are accepted from NvRA members and the public.
Restaurateur of the Year
Outstanding restaurant owner or operator who exemplifies leadership, business excellence, and community involvement.
Chef of the Year
A chef who demonstrates culinary excellence, innovation, and dedication to the craft in a Nevada restaurant.
Hospitality Champion
Recognizes a restaurant that delivers exceptional guest experience and sets the standard for hospitality in Nevada.
Rising Star of the Year
An emerging talent in Nevada's restaurant industry making an outsized impact early in their career.
Vendor of the Year
A supplier, distributor, or service provider who goes above and beyond in supporting Nevada's restaurant community.
Legacy Restaurant of the Year
Honoring a Nevada restaurant with a lasting legacy of excellence, community impact, and contributions to the state's culinary identity.
2025 Culinary Excellence Award Winners
Presented December 3, 2025 at Canyon Gate Country Club, Las Vegas. Photography by Christopher Fleherty. Photo booth by Glam Cam.
Rising Star of the Year
Petite Boheme
Restaurateur of the Year
Barry's Downtown Prime
Chef of the Year
Eleazar Villanueva
Hospitality Champion
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse
Vendor of the Year
Greco & Sons
Legacy Restaurant of the Year
Ferraro's Ristorante
Nominate
Know someone who deserves recognition? NvRA accepts nominations from members and the public.
2. Include the nominee's name, business, and category
3. A selection committee of industry peers reviews all nominations
4. Finalists are notified and winners announced at the ceremony
Sponsor the Awards
The Culinary Excellence Awards is the highest-visibility sponsorship opportunity in Nevada's restaurant industry. Your brand in front of 300+ operators, chefs, and industry leaders for an entire evening.
Sponsorship Options →Past Ceremonies
The Culinary Excellence Awards has been held annually since 2008, honoring Nevada's finest at venues including the Ritz-Carlton, M Resort, Las Vegas Convention Center, and Canyon Gate Country Club.
2025 Gala Photos
Join NvRA to Attend Member-Exclusive Events
NvRA members receive priority access and discounted tickets to all NvRA events, including the Annual Restaurant Awards.
Join the NvRA →