The James Beard Foundation on Wednesday announced the semifinalists for their 2026 Restaurant and Chef Award categories and, once again, Charleston was well represented.
Nominees will be announced on Tuesday, March 31, and winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Here's a look at the nominees from the Holy City:
Outstanding Restaurant
- Chubby Fish
Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY,< NC, SC, TN, WV)
- Bintou N'Daw, Bintü Atelier
- Colin Marcelli, Renzo
Emerging Chef
- Hector Garate, Palmira Barbecue
Best New Restaurant
- Merci
Outstanding Bakery
- Weltons Tiny Bakeshop
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
- Stems and Skins
Outstanding Bar
- Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar
You can view the entire list of semi-finalists here.