15 Philadelphia-Area Restaurants, Chefs Named 2026 James Beard Semifinalists

PHILADELPHIA — Fifteen Philadelphia-area restaurants and chefs were named 2026 James Beard semifinalists, the organization announced Wednesday.

A vanguard of culinary honors in the United States since 1990, the Awards have been a definitive source for culinary excellence for more than 35 years.

Sometimes known as the “Oscars of food,” the awards recognize eateries and chefs who create exceptional food, food media content, and better food systems, the James Beard Foundation said. Awards also recognize a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.

The semifinalists announced on Wednesday are across 14 categories. The best chef semifinalists are in a dozen regions.

In the Philly area, the following restaurants and chefs were named semifinalists this year:

Outstanding Restaurateur

• Greg Vernick, Vernick Philadelphia (Vernick Food & Drink, Vernick Fish, and Vernick Coffee Bar), Philadelphia

Outstanding Restaurant

• Kalaya, Philadelphia

Emerging Chef

• Frankie Ramirez, Amá, Philadelphia

Best New Restaurant

• Emmett, Philadelphia

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

• Justine MacNeil, Fiore, Philadelphia

Outstanding Bar

• Lovers Bar at Friday Saturday Sunday, Philadelphia

Best New Bar

• Almanac, Philadelphia

Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service

• Dan Suro-Cipolloni and David Suro-Piñera, Tequilas and La Jefa, Philadelphia

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA)

• Russ Cowan, Radin's Delicatessen, Cherry Hill, New Jersey
• Nathan Flaim, Luca, Lancaster
• Ian Graye, Pietramala, Philadelphia
• Jesse Ito, Royal Sushi & Izakaya, Philadelphia
• Randy Rucker, Little Water, Philadelphia
• Amanda Shulman, Her Place Supper Club, Philadelphia
• Omar Tate and Cybille St. Aude-Tate, Honeysuckle, Philadelphia

Receiving a James Beard Award can be transformational for restaurants and chefs. Recognition of any kind — whether as a semifinalist, nominee, or winner — can lead to significant visibility, new opportunities, and positive economic impact that helps sustain these vital businesses. In 2025, 96 percent of surveyed semifinalists reported a positive impact on their business and communities following their recognition, the organization said in a news release.

Nominees will be announced on March 31, and winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.