Wildweed in Cincinnati receives the 'One to Watch' award

As part of the “North America’s 50 Best Restaurants” awards, Wildweed restaurant in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been awarded the “One To Watch Award 2026”. This accolade recognises an up-and-coming restaurant that is establishing itself as a future trailblazer on the North American dining scene through its distinctive vision and culinary excellence. The award was announced in the run-up to the official ceremony, which will take place on 28 May in New Orleans.

Wildweed was opened in 2024 by chef and owner David Jackman and his wife Lydia Jackman, marking the evolution of a concept that began in 2018 as a series of 225 pop-up events across the USA. Now a permanent restaurant with a fixed location, Wildweed offers a distinctive reflection of the Midwest – deeply influenced by the time, place and local community. Jackman’s menu places regional cuisine at the centre, based on ingredients sourced from the farms he supports and the forests he explores himself; there is a particular focus on foraged wild ingredients and the homemade pasta that originally helped Wildweed gain recognition.

The restaurant offers its guests two distinct experiences: an à la carte menu in the dining room, which captivates with its bold, seasonal flavours, and an intimate tasting experience at the ‘Chef’s Counter’ – a counter with just twelve seats – which focuses on a carefully selected range of key ingredients. The menu changes with the seasons and includes dishes such as ‘Doppio Ravioli’ with Koginut squash, ‘Tortelli’ with striped chicken and ‘Anolini’ with chestnut filling. The desserts also follow this seasonal principle and showcase local flavours – for example, in the form of a “Pawpaw Semifreddo Sandwich” with brown butter and seed biscuits.

Wildweed takes a narrative approach to gastronomy, with each menu shaped by the chefs’ perspective and creativity. At the “Chef’s Counter”, guests are personally welcomed by the team and guided through a multi-course tasting comprising a series of carefully composed dishes. Accompanying drink recommendations are firmly integrated into the overall experience and tailored to enhance the flavour of each individual course and harmoniously round it off. The bar programme also reflects the seasonality of the cuisine, with a focus on local wines and artfully crafted cocktails. Rachael Hogg, Senior Content Editor for ‘North America’s 50 Best Restaurants’, says: ‘Wildweed embodies the originality and creative vision that are shaping the future of gastronomy in North America. By defining itself as ‘fun dining’, it combines refined techniques with an expressive, personal approach to cooking – underpinned by handmade pasta and storytelling deeply rooted in the Midwest. This distinctive perspective makes it a worthy recipient of this year’s ‘One To Watch Award’.”

Head chef and owner David Jackman explains: “We are deeply honoured to receive the ‘One To Watch Award’ and to continue shining a spotlight on the region we call home. This award is only possible thanks to the incredible people both inside and outside the restaurant who help us shape the identity and narrative of our cuisine. We thank our community for inspiring us tirelessly.”

The ‘One To Watch Award’ is the third and final individual award to be announced in the run-up to the ‘North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026’ awards ceremony; it follows the ‘Champions of Change Award’ and the ‘Art of Hospitality Award’, thus completing the series of pre-announced honours ahead of the celebrations in New Orleans.