Philly-area restaurants, chefs named semi-finalists for 2026 James Beard Awards
The James Beard Foundation released its list of semi-finalists for this year’s prestigious award.
For 2026, 13 restaurants, bars and chefs made the list from Philadelphia, New Jersey and the suburbs.
In the running for best chef include:
- Ian Graye of Pietramala in Philadelphia, Pa.
- Jesse Ito of Royal Sushi & Izakaya in Philadelphia, Pa.
- Randy Rucker of Little Water in Philadelphia, Pa.
- Amanda Shulman of Her Place Supper Club in Philadelphia, Pa.
- Omar Tate and Cybille St. Aude-Tate of Honeysuckle in Philadelphia, Pa.
- Russ Cowan of Radin’s Delicatessen in Cherry Hill, NJ
- David Viana of Judy and Harry’s in Asbury Park, NJ
- Nathan Flaim of Luca in Lancaster, Pa.
- Dwain Kalup of La Fia in Wilmington, Del.
Other notable nominations include Greg Vernick of Vernick Philadelphia for Outstanding Restaurateur and Kalaya in Philadelphia for Outstanding Restaurant presented by Acqua Panna Natural Spring Water.
Previous James Beard Awards in the Philly region
Finalists will be announced on March 31, 2026, with the announcement of the winners coming in June.
For the full list of semi-finalists, click here.
