The annual event, which is often described as the Oscars competition for the culinary world, was a somewhat less exhilarating showcase for New York than it had been in the past. The only local winners among the top awards were Dominique Ansel, who was named outstanding pastry chef, and Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery, named the outstanding wine, beer or spirits professional. NoMad was cited for its bar program, and Sirio Maccioni, who has long presided at Le Cirque and recently celebrated his 82nd birthday, won a lifetime achievement award. He was introduced by former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, who disregarded the dress code of black tie and wore white tie and tails. Among the people Mr.Maccioni thanked was the late William Zeckendorf, who was his first landlord.

April Bloomfield was named best chef in New York for her work at the Spotted Pig.

Nationwide, the best new restaurant was Pêche Seafood Grill in New Orleans, trumping a field that included Betony, Carbone and Estela in New York and Coqueta in San Francisco. The contest for rising star chef ended in a tie: Jimmy Bannos Jr. of the Purple Pig in Chicago and Blaine Wetzel of the Willows Inn on Lummi Island, in Washington. The Barn at Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tenn., won for outstanding wine program. Cookbook of the year went to “Historic Heston” by the British chef Heston Blumenthal.

The winners are chosen by a committee of volunteer judges, all food journalists.

The full list of winners can be found on the James Beard Foundation website.