15 Philly Restaurants, Chefs Named James Beard Award Semifinalists

PHILADELPHIA — Restaurants and chefs in Philadelphia are well represented in the semifinalists announced Wednesday for the prestigious 2023 James Beard Awards, sometimes referred to as the Oscars of the culinary arts industry.

Here are 2023 James Beard Award nominees from Philadelphia:

Outstanding Restaurateur

• Ellen Yin, High Street Hospitality Group (Fork, a.kitchen + bar, High Street Philly, and others)

Outstanding Restaurant

• Friday Saturday Sunday

Emerging Chef

• Amanda Shulman, Her Place Supper Club

Best New Restaurant

• Heavy Metal Sausage Co.

Outstanding Bakery

• Denise's Delicacies
• Mighty Bread Co.

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

• Emily Riddell, Machine Shop

Outstanding Hospitality

• Vernick Food & Drink

Outstanding Wine or Other Beverages Program

• Monk's Cafe

Outstanding Bar

• Le Caveau

Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic

• Andrew Henshaw, Laser Wolf
• Jesse Ito, Royal Sushi
• Dionicio Jiménez, Cantina La Martina
• Thanh Nguyen, Gabriella's Vietnam
• Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon, Kalaya

Named for the late chef, cookbook author and food presenter James Beard, the awards “recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive,” the James Beard Foundation said Wednesday in a news release.

The semifinalists are recognized across 23 categories, including a new award for outstanding bakery.

Award nominees will be announced March 29, and the winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 5 at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.