Curated List

2023 James Beard Semifinalists

Classic Concierge
1 year ago
The 2023 James Beard semifinalists have been announced, and there are some serious foodies on this list. We pulled 10 Black-owned restaurants from the list to highlight here, in honor of Black History Month and our love of food.
Dept. of Culture
327 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216, USA
3 recs
39 wishlists
This Bed-Stuy Nigerian restaurant just earned a James Beard Foundation semifinalist nod for best new restaurant. The tasting menu restaurant with a concise menu that showcases elevated Nigerian dishes with thoughtful presentations.
kann
548 SE Ash St, Portland, OR 97214, USA
22 recs
102 wishlists
A modern Haitian restaurant in Portland, OR, kann just earned a James Beard Foundation semifinalist nod for best new restaurant. The elegant, homey spot is helmed by Top Chef contestant Gregory Gourdet and features inventive gluten-free dishes cooked over an open fire.
Nolia Kitchen
1405 Clay St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
5 recs
49 wishlists
This elevated southern restaurant in Cincinnati, OH, just earned a James Beard Foundation semifinalist nod for best new restaurant. The cheerful space, helmed by chef and owner Jeffery Harris, serves dishes inspired by the NOLA’s Ninth Ward.
Sambou's African Kitchen
1625 E County Line Rd Suite 150, Jackson, MS 39211, USA
2 recs
15 wishlists
An African restaurant in Jackson, MS, that just earned a James Beard Foundation semifinalist nod for best new restaurant. The family-run spot is welcoming and delicious, with homestyle cooking.
Denise's Delicacies
2916 N 22nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19132, USA
1 rec
33 wishlists
This family-owned bakery in Philadelphia just earned a James Beard Foundation semifinalist nod for outstanding bakery. The small space serves handmade desserts and occasion cakes, started by self-taught baker Denise Gause.
Good Cakes and Bakes
19363 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48221, USA
2 recs
25 wishlists
A bright, convivial Detroit bakery that just earned a James Beard Foundation semifinalist nod for outstanding bakery. Go for the breakfast pastries and handmade desserts, yum.
La Pâtisserie Chouquette
1626 Tower Grove Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
6 recs
39 wishlists
A French-inspired pastry shop in St. Louis that just earned a James Beard Foundation semifinalist nod for outstanding bakery. Helmed by pastry chef Simone Faure, this spot is known for its decadent cakes, afternoon tea and celeb clientele.
Melba's Restaurant
300 W 114th St, New York, NY 10026, USA
6 recs
38 wishlists
A Southern restaurant in NYC that just earned a James Beard Foundation semifinalist nod for outstanding hospitality, with yummy comfort food. The unassuming setting has a loyal following and is helmed by female restaurateur Melba Wilson.
The Quarry
15 Tenney Hill Rd, Monson, ME 04464, USA
1 rec
17 wishlists
A fine dining American restaurant in Maine that just earned a James Beard Foundation semifinalist nod for outstanding hospitality, helmed by chef-owner Marilou Ranta. Expect creative presentations, locally sourced veggies and superb steak.
Friday Saturday Sunday
261 S 21st St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
19 recs
179 wishlists
Helmed by Chef Chad Williams, this elegant American restaurant in Philadelphia was just nominated for a James Beard outstanding restaurant award. The neighborhood eatery has a bar on the first floor and dining room on the second.