James Beard Finalist: Anjin

Anjin, a Japanese-style pub at 1708 Oak Street in Kansas City, is a 2026 James Beard Award finalist for Best New Restaurant. (jamesbeard.org) The James Beard Foundation announced this year’s restaurant and chef nominees on March 31, 2026, and the Best New Restaurant winner will be named June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. (jamesbeard.org) Anjin opened in July 2025 near 17th and Oak, in the Crossroads area by the old Kansas City Star building. Owners Nick Goellner and Leslie Newsam Goellner told KCUR they built the restaurant to introduce Midwest diners to more of Japanese cuisine. (kcur.org) The restaurant is modeled on an izakaya, the casual Japanese pubs where small plates and drinks are served together. Anjin’s menu lists rotating yakitori, seasonal specials, sake, shochu and Japanese beer. (kcur.org) (anjinkc.com) The nomination puts a young Kansas City restaurant into one of the James Beard Foundation’s national categories, which recognize restaurant, bar and hospitality work across the United States. The foundation says the awards also weigh equity, community, sustainability and workplace culture. (jamesbeard.org 1) (jamesbeard.org 2) Kansas City had already appeared on the James Beard list in January, when Anjin was named a semifinalist alongside other metro-area restaurants and bars. The March 31 finalist list narrowed that field. (jamesbeard.org) (startlandnews.com) KCUR reported that the Goellners want the restaurant to push diners toward more “adventurous” choices rather than the most familiar Japanese dishes. That approach fits a menu built around skewers, smaller plates and items that change with the season. (kcur.org) (anjinkc.com) For now, the next date that matters is June 15 in Chicago. Until then, Anjin carries one of the highest-profile restaurant nominations in the country less than a year after opening. (jamesbeard.org) (kcur.org)