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Philly’s food scene continues to rack up national accolades.
In November, several local restaurants snagged their first Michelin Stars. Then in January, the James Beard Foundation announced 12 semifinalists from Philly as contenders for what is essentially the food world’s Oscars.
Now, the list of finalists for 2026 James Beard Awards has dropped and 7 of that dozen have made it to the final round:
- For Outstanding Restaurant, Kalaya is a finalist. Chef Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon won the Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic award in 2023 and the popular Thai spot in Kensington earned a Michelin recommendation last year.
- For Best New Restaurant, Emmett is up for the nod, opened just over a year ago in Kensington by chef Evan Snyder.
- In the Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic category, Jesse Ito of Royal Sushi & Izakaya, Amanda Shulman of Her Place Supper Club, and Omar Tate and Cybille St. Aude-Tate of West Philly’s Honeysuckle are among the competitors for the title.
- For Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker, Fiore’s Justine MacNeil leads the Italian bakery and cafe’s pastry program – also located in Kensington, after a move from Queen Village in 2023.
- For Outstanding Bar, Friday Saturday Sunday’s Lovers Bar in Rittenhouse.
Local favorites who will hopefully get another chance next year include Best New Bar semifinalist Almanac in Old City, Emerging Chef semifinalist Frankie Ramirez from Amá, Outstanding Restaurateur semifinalist Greg Vernick, and Best Chef: Mid Atlantic semifinalists Ian Graye of Pietramala and Randy Rucker of Little Water.
Stay tuned for who triumphs as winners on June 15.
