Apply now for S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2026-27
It’s time to cook your way to glory!
S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2026-27 Applications are now open. The global search for the next generation of culinary visionaries has officially returned. Applications are now open for the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2026-27, marking the seventh edition of the world's most prestigious talent search for young culinary professionals.
Following the immense success of the 2024-25 circuit, this competition continues to serve as a premier global stage for young chefs to demonstrate their technical skill, artistic creativity, and unique culinary philosophy.
Participants also have the opportunity to compete for three additional awards alongside the main prize:
The S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award, voted for by the Sustainable Restaurant Association which runs the Food Made Good program, which is awarded to the young chef whose signature dish best represents the principle that food is at its best when it’s the result of socially responsible practices;
The Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award, voted for by the Competition mentors, which is given to the young chef who best highlights both the traditional culinary practices of their region and their own personal modern vision, providing a connection between the past and the future;
The Fine Dining Lovers Award, voted for by the Fine Dining Lovers Insiders. The evaluation pool is made up of journalists and industry experts from the Fine Dining Lovers inner network. As true insiders, they can identify the qualities in each candidate's dish that will inspire a broader mainstream audience.They will assess the dish’s effectiveness in terms of representing the chef's personal belief.
What’s more, all participants automatically become members of the inspiring global community that is the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, with all of the fantastic personal and career development opportunities it offers. If you think you’ve got what it takes to win, that you can cook with the very best and triumph, check out the full regulations and start your application now!
