James Beard nod: Anjin

Anjin, a 20-seat Japanese-style pub in Kansas City’s Crossroads, is one of 10 finalists for the 2026 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant. (jamesbeard.org) The James Beard Foundation announced the finalists on March 31, 2026, after naming semifinalists on January 21. Winners are scheduled to be announced June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. (jamesbeard.org) (usatoday.com) (abcnews.com) Anjin opened in July 2025 at 1708 Oak Street, near 17th and Oak by the former Kansas City Star building. Chef-owner Nick Goellner and sommelier Leslie Newsam Goellner built the restaurant around the model of a Japanese izakaya, a casual place for drinks and small plates. (kcur.org) (anjinkc.com) (kbia.org) Its menu centers on rotating yakitori, udon, seasonal specials, sake, shochu and Japanese beer. Reservation pages and local coverage describe the room as intimate, with about 20 seats. (anjinkc.com) (exploretock.com) (kansascitymag.com) In Kansas City, the nomination has also been framed as a test of how far local diners will follow restaurants beyond the city’s barbecue comfort zone. On KCUR’s “Up To Date,” Goellner said he wants guests to be “adventurous” enough to try unfamiliar cuts, skewers and preparations. (kcur.org) That pitch lands in a city where barbecue still dominates the national image, even as newer Crossroads restaurants have pushed toward tasting menus, wine bars and more specialized cuisines. KCUR called Anjin Kansas City’s lone James Beard finalist this year. (kcur.org) (kansascitymag.com) The Beard recognition also came fast. By late March, Anjin had moved from a July 2025 opening to a national finalist slot in less than nine months. (kcur.org) (kmbc.com) For Kansas City, the next marker is June 15 in Chicago. For Anjin, the nomination has already turned a tiny Oak Street dining room into one of the country’s most closely watched new restaurants. (abcnews.com) (kcur.org)