Lauriers of Gastronomy 2026: The Finalists Unveiled

When the names of the finalists for the Lauriers de la gastronomie québécoise are announced, it feels a bit like the industry’s back-to-school moment. We scan the list, compare, react. And this year, the 8th edition makes a strong impression, with more than 100 finalists across 17 categories, unveiled on March 23 before some 250 professionals gathered at Lightspeed’s headquarters in Montréal.

What stands out first is the geographic breadth of the selection. From the Îles-de-la-Madeleine to Chibougamau, via Kamouraska and the Eastern Townships, the Lauriers continue to shine a spotlight far beyond the metropolis. That’s one of the gala’s strengths: a reminder that Québec’s gastronomy is not limited to the Plateau or Saint-Denis Street—even if the latter will host the ceremony this year, as the gala moves to the Quartier latin for the occasion.

In the Restaurant of the Year category, the race promises to be tight. Montréal favourites (that we love!) like Beba, Foxy, Moccione, Bar St-Denis and Sabayon compete alongside Auberge Saint-Mathieu (Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc), Kebec Club Privé (Québec City), and La Cuisine (Chicoutimi). A special mention goes to Microbrasserie Le Presbytère in Saint-Stanislas-de-Champlain, whose chef Isabelle Dupuis is also a finalist for Chef of the Year—a double nomination that speaks volumes about the energy in the regions.

The Chef of the Year category features a compelling mix of established names and rising talent: Alexandre Vachon (Hatley, Manoir Hovey), Catherine Couvet Desrosiers (Panacée), Myriam Pelletier (Rose Ross), and Samy Benabed (L’Auberge Saint-Mathieu). In the Revelation category, keep an eye on William Sirois (Le Mousso) and Victoria Savoie (Asteur).

A quick aside that’s close to our hearts: our founder Élise Tastet is among the finalists for the Culinary Culture Outreach Award, alongside Colombe St-Pierre, Normand Laprise, Tommy Dion (Cuisinomane), and the duo behind On est dans le jus. A recognition that honors us and highlights the growing importance of independent media within Québec’s food ecosystem.

The jury is chaired by François-Emmanuel Nicol, chef-owner of Tanière3, a two-Michelin-star restaurant and 2024 Restaurant of the Year. He is joined by a panel that brings together figures from tourism, restaurateurs, and communicators—including Allison Van Rassel and Pasquale Vari.

Another noteworthy update for the 2026 edition: Danny St Pierre will host the gala, set to take place at Salle Pierre-Mercure before continuing with a festive after-party at Cabaret Saint-Denis.

The Lauriers model remains unique in Québec: awards are decided equally by a jury of experts and by votes from the Brigade, a network of more than 8,000 industry professionals. The general public, for its part, can vote for Culinary Personality of the Year—a category where Ricardo, Martin Picard, Normand Laprise, and Sœur Angèle compete for popular support.

Once again, the Lauriers evening promises to be one of the standout events of Montréal’s spring food calendar.

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Ariel Tarr