At a Glance
- 13 Philadelphia-area restaurants, bars, and chefs named 2026 semi-finalists.
- Nominees span Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware.
- Finalists announced March 31 2026; winners revealed in June.
Why it matters: The James Beard Award is one of the most respected culinary honors in the United States, and this year’s list shines a national spotlight on the region’s chefs and eateries.
The 2026 James Beard Award semi-finalist list is here, and many Philadelphia-area restaurants, bars, and chefs have earned a place on the prestigious roster. The James Beard Foundation released its list of semi-finalists for this year’s award, highlighting the culinary talent that thrives in the city and its surrounding areas.
The 2026 James Beard Award Semi-Finalists
The 2026 semi-finalists include 13 restaurants, bars, and chefs from Philadelphia, New Jersey, and the suburbs. Below is a breakdown of the nominees and their respective categories.
| Category | Nominee | Restaurant / Venue | City, State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Chef | Ian Graye | Pietramala | Philadelphia, Pa |
| Best Chef | Jesse Ito | Royal Sushi & Izakaya | Philadelphia, Pa |
| Best Chef | Randy Rucker | Little Water | Philadelphia, Pa |
| Best Chef | Amanda Shulman | Her Place Supper Club | Philadelphia, Pa |
| Best Chef | Omar Tate & Cybille St. Aude-Tate | Honeysuckle | Philadelphia, Pa |
| Best Chef | Russ Cowan | Radin’s Delicatessen | Cherry Hill, NJ |
| Best Chef | David Viana | Judy and Harry’s | Asbury Park, NJ |
| Best Chef | Nathan Flaim | Luca | Lancaster, Pa |
| Best Chef | Dwain Kalup | La Fia | Wilmington, Del |
Notable Nominations
Other notable nominations include:
- Greg Vernick of Vernick Philadelphia for Outstanding Restaurateur.
- Kalaya in Philadelphia for Outstanding Restaurant, presented by Acqua Panna Natural Spring Water.
Award Timeline
The James Beard Foundation follows a structured timeline for each award cycle:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Semi-finalist announcement | This year |
| Finalist announcement | March 31 2026 |
| Winners announcement | June |
The final list of nominees will be announced on March 31 2026, and the winners will be revealed in June.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 semi-finalist list showcases the breadth of culinary excellence across Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware.
- The award categories span best chef, outstanding restaurateur, and outstanding restaurant, reflecting both individual and collective achievements.
- Local chefs and venues are poised for national recognition, with the final winners to be announced in June.
For the full list of semi-finalists, click the link provided by the James Beard Foundation.
