Stella Awards 2026: Best Food and Beverage

Whether it’s a sit-down banquet for hundreds, an intimate meal in a celebrity chef-helmed restaurant or even a fun-filled cooking teambuilding challenge, these hotels cater to the most discerning of palates with creative experiences to savor long after the meetings end.

NORTHEAST

Photo Credit: Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel

Gold: Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel

Through a combination of culinary creativity, locally inspired offerings and a strong focus on service, the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel consistently meets the challenges of satisfying the palates of guests and planners. At the heart of the program is a commitment to authentic, locally rooted cuisine. Menus are curated to reflect the flavors and traditions of the Mid-Atlantic, incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients, from seafood specialties to comfort fare, and partnerships with regional purveyors whenever possible. 

The hotel’s signature dining outlets create memorable culinary moments that extend beyond the plate. Apropoe’s provides a vibrant social atmosphere paired with refined American cuisine, where guests can enjoy expertly crafted menus alongside stunning harbor views. The culinary team works closely with planners to design customized menus that align with event themes, dietary preferences and cultural considerations. The hotel has a total of 754 guest rooms and 58,837 square feet of meeting space.

Silver: Resorts Casino Hotel

On the Atlantic City Boardwalk, the 942-room Resorts Casino Hotel offers a number of dining options. Among them, Capriccio is an award-winning Italian restaurant offering old-world dishes and ocean views. Dougherty's Steakhouse & Raw Bar is a classic steakhouse rooted in local seafood traditions, and Eastward serves authentic Asian cuisine, wok-fried dishes and noodle soups. Other options include Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville for Island-inspired food, burgers and signature frozen drinks, and the Landshark Bar & Grill, a year-round beach bar and restaurant located right on the sand side of the Boardwalk.

Bronze: The Lodge at Spruce Peak

Dining at the 312-room Lodge at Spruce Peak brings Vermont’s seasonal ingredients and mountain culture directly into the guest experience via a lively collection of eateries. For example, Tipsy Trout blends premium regional seafood with a Vermont-inspired approach, serving coastal-inspired entrées, shareable plates and artisan cocktails with sweeping views of Mt. Mansfield. The casual Pico Taco serves hand-pressed corn tortillas, Yucatán-style pork, breakfast burritos, tacos and more, all made with fresh local ingredients. Alpine Hall serves hearty breakfast and terrace lunches and locally sourced dinners. 


SOUTHEAST

Photo Credit: The Tennessean Hotel

Gold: The Tennessean Hotel

The luxury boutique 82-room Tennessean Hotel in Knoxville features locally sourced Southern fare, a signature whiskey selection and a cozy, living-room style lounge on the second floor overlooking World's Fair Park and the Sunsphere. Among the onsite dining outlets, the Drawing Room Restaurant & Bar offers a seasonal farm-to-table menu with small plates, charcuterie, local artisanal cheeses and elevated comfort dishes. 

The hotel’s afternoon tea service is a specialized Southern take on traditional British high tea. Menu selections include fine teas, clotted cream, house-made jams, scones, savory finger sandwiches and delicate desserts. The Appalachian-inspired Maker Exchange & Tavern, directly connected to the property, provides an on-site coffee/smoothie shop serving casual bites and local drinks. Nearby is the 500,000-square-foot Knoxville Convention Center along with the city’s own array of restaurants and bars.

Silver: The Equestrian Hotel

At the 248-room Equestrian Hotel, located within the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Fla., dining is an integral part of the broader luxury experience, offering culinary concepts that blend refined European hospitality with the warmth and authenticity of Florida horse country. Stirrups, the hotel’s signature steakhouse, features premium cuts of beef, fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients and refined service. Emma’s Patisserie brings the charm of a traditional French café with pastries, macarons and desserts. Beyond its signature venues, the property serves up globally inspired pub food and casual café experiences

Bronze: Aloft/Element Tampa Midtown Dual Complex

At Sal Y Mar, located atop the twin branded Aloft/Element Tampa Midtown in Florida, the food and beverage program blends bold cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, entertainment and community in a way that is uniquely Tampa. Inspired by Latin and Mediterranean flavors, the rooftop restaurant serves shareable plates and visually stunning cocktails, often during events such as Cinco de Mayo celebrations, Sun & Sips pool parties, live DJ weekends and holiday-themed experiences, all helping to create one of Midtown Tampa’s premier social hubs. The properties share a combined total of 228 guest rooms and 3,764 square feet of total event and meeting space.


MIDWEST

Photo Credit: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

Gold: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

In Wisconsin, some of Lake Geneva’s most celebrated dining experiences can be enjoyed at the 358-room Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, with a collection of restaurants and lounges designed for every taste and occasion. The Geneva ChopHouse showcases premium cuts of beef, fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails and mocktails, and an extensive wine list in a sophisticated setting overlooking the resort grounds. The Ristorante Brissago offers the flavors of Northern Italy via authentic Italian cuisine crafted with ingredients flown in regularly from Italy, alongside locally sourced seasonal produce. 

Among other choices: At the resort’s Grand Café, guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner menus inspired by Wisconsin’s agricultural heritage, with many ingredients sourced from nearby farms and producers. A more casual atmosphere can be found at the Links Bar & Grill, offering classic American fare and views of the resort’s championship golf courses. And at Wee-Nip, the resort’s new short golf course, guests can enjoy casual fare at a new outdoor spot, The 12th Hole. 

Silver: Lincolnshire Marriott Resort

The lakeside Three Embers Restaurant represents the culinary heart of the 390-room Lincolnshire Marriott Resort on Chicago’s North Shore, offering a dining experience that feels both rooted in the Midwest and inspired by the broader traditions of the Old World. The menu centers on locally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients while at the same time incorporating influences from across Southern Europe. Guests can take advantage of a dedicated dinner and theater package that allows them to enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal at Three Embers, followed by a live performance at the Marriott Theatre. 

Bronze: Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

Overlooking its city’s namesake river, the 339-room Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago features Terrace 16, a rooftop restaurant and lounge that serves New American fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner complemented by an expansive outdoor terrace and views of the river and city skyline. Rebar is a luxurious indoor lounge and bar offering handcrafted cocktails and small plates paired with views of downtown. The Trump Café is a casual spot offering fresh coffee, brews and a light selection of grab-and-go food and drinks.


SOUTHWEST

Photo Credit: JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

Gold: JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

Across eight distinguished dining outlets, the 1,002-room JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa presents a culinary symphony of tastes for guests. Choices include 18 Oaks, a luxurious steakhouse that utilizes local produce and premium beef to deliver an authentic taste of Texas. Cibolo Moon invites guests to savor creative Mexican cuisine, ice-cold margaritas and an extensive tequila selection. FIAMME Pizzeria offers a selection of Neapolitan pizza and Italian-inspired cuisine. 

There’s more. High Velocity is the resort’s vibrant sports bar featuring a 120-foot-long video wall, where sports enthusiasts can cheer for their favorite teams while indulging in American cuisine. The signature bar Crooked Branch presents specialty craft cocktails, fine whiskeys and shareable plates, while the Replenish Spa Bistro within Lantana Spa offers a wellness-focused menu of cold-pressed juices, salads and other organic offerings.

Silver: JW Marriott Houston Downtown

A dynamic food and beverage experience is to be had at the 328-room W Marriott Houston Downtown, where thoughtful sourcing, creativity and top-flight service come together to reflect the spirit of Houston’s diverse culinary scene. The team here partners with a hydroponic garden to source herbs and garnishes, and the beverage program features botanical cocktails made with fresh herbs and seasonal ingredients. Restaurant-wise, the hotel’s Main Kitchen delivers a polished yet inviting dining experience, while The Perch rooftop adds a vibrant, social energy with city views. Banquets showcase the culinary team’s versatility, offering customized menus that elevate meetings and events.

Bronze: The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa

Famous for its stunning Sonoran Desert setting in the Santa Catalina Mountain foothills, the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in Tucson delivers a noteworthy food and beverage program anchored by La Luz Restaurant and the Casa 71 Tequila Lounge, both led by executive chef Devin Pinto, along with a special program designed for meeting and event planners and attendees. The 487-room property also has 110,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space a 27-hold Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and five distinct pools plus a 177-foot waterslide.


FAR WEST

Photo Credit: The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Gold: The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

With over 25 years of trusted expertise, the world-class culinary team at the Venetian Las Vegas delivers tailored food and beverage solutions that align with individual and group needs. When it comes to feeding attendees, flexible menus are crafted to address dietary requirements, and every standard menu features robust vegan and vegetarian options (fully 85 percent of standard menus are gluten-free). 

This massive property has 4,049 luxury suites (more than 7,100 when combined with rooms in its sister property, the Palazzo at the Venetian Resort). On-site are more than 40 diverse restaurants, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining by celebrity chefs. Some notable entries include the Yardbird Table & Bar, known for Southern comfort food; the Delmonico Steakhouse, a jewel in the toque of star chef Emeril Lagasse; Estiatorio Milos, a renowned high-end Greek seafood restaurant; and Mott 32, serving modern Chinese fine dining.

Silver: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s Southport

A 347-room lakefront destination, the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s Southport has a culinary program rooted in regional flavor, delivering a banquet experience that reflects both the character of Seattle and the creativity of its culinary team. Head banquet chef Brittany Martin approaches banquet service with a restaurant-minded philosophy, ensuring large-scale event dining maintains the same attention to flavor, presentation and technique as fine dining. Guests experience regional favorites such as Ivar’s clam chowder, Beecher’s macaroni and cheese, and fresh Pike Place Market seafood, complemented by globally influenced offerings reflecting Seattle’s diverse culinary landscape.

Bronze: San Diego Marriott Del Mar

Planners and attendees at the 284-room San Diego Marriott Del Mar enjoy an F&B program marked by creative menus, dietary flexibility and thoughtfully crafted breaks. For groups meeting among 24,332 square feet of total event space, flexible, chef-driven menus come with clearly labeled dietary options (gluten free, dairy free, vegan, etc.). Morning and afternoon breaks feature seasonal fruits, pastries and savory bites; banquet and plated options transition seamlessly from boardroom to ballroom with consistent quality. The onsite Artery Restaurant features seasonal produce, responsibly sourced seafood, premium meats and more. 


INTERNATIONAL AND U.S. TERRITORIES

Photo Credit: Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

Gold: Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

In one of South Asia’s jewel destinations, the 178-room Hard Rock Hotel Maldives offers a highly diverse on-property dining profile spanning 13 restaurants and bars and a wide spectrum of culinary styles. Sessions, the all-day dining restaurant, champions locally sourced ingredients and open-kitchen cooking, while the oceanfront Elephant and the Butterfly delivers Pan-Latin cuisine with live music six nights a week. 

Guests also have access to seven additional restaurant and bar outlets at The Marina, including the Hard Rock Cafe Maldives, a venue that seats up to 190 guests and hosts nightly live music. For meetings and incentive groups, the hotel provides the 3,500-square-foot Event Hall at Crossroads and The Marquee, both with fully catered spaces for corporate retreats, gala dinners and celebrations of any scale. Custom menus are drawn from the resort's full F&B portfolio, and private beach dining is available. 

Silver: Hilton Barbados Resort

In Bridgetown, Saint Michael, the 242-room Hilton Barbados Resort is set on a peninsula overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Group dining features menus flexible enough to accommodate customized functions and dietary preferences, while veteran culinary and banquet teams ensure seamless execution from welcome receptions through closing celebrations. Multiple onsite venues include the Lighthouse Terrace, with indoor and outdoor tables overlooking the beach, and The Grille, providing a refined “uniquely Bajan” experience featuring steaks, seafood, wine and handcrafted cocktails. The resort has a total of over 10,000 square feet of event and meeting space. 

Bronze: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel

Through continued investment in culinary leadership, locally inspired cuisine and innovative group programming, the 317-room Condado Vanderbilt Hotel delivers a food and beverage experience that is both memorable and uniquely Puerto Rican. At the center of things is the acclaimed 1919 Restaurant elevating fine dining through seasonally driven menus that celebrate local ingredients while incorporating contemporary global techniques. Other onsite venues include STK Steakhouse and Tacos & Tequila. For meetings and incentive groups, the culinary team creates highly customized experiences designed to complement each program's objectives.