The James Beard Foundation announced the winners of the 2023 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards presented by Capital One, honoring excellence across the culinary industry, from fine dining to casual gems in our communities, while also supporting and encouraging a more sustainable industry.
The foundation announced the winners on June 5 during a live ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago cohosted by Eric Adjepong, chef, author, and host of “Alex vs. America;” Esther Choi, chef and owner of mŏkbar and ms.yoo; Gail Simmons, author, producer, and “Top Chef” judge; and Andrew Zimmern, James Beard Award winner, TV personality,chef, writer, and social justice advocate. Approximately 1,500 guests were in attendance.
Additional presenters included Mashama Bailey, James Beard Award–winning chef and restaurateur, The Grey; ChrisBianco, James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur, Pizzeria Bianco; Monti Carlo, TV personality, food writer, and host of the Food Network’s “Help My Yelp;” Sarah Grueneberg, James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur, Monteverde; Tahiirah Habibi, sommelier, founder of The Hue Society, and James Beard Awards Committee member; Carla Hall, cookbook author, chef, and TV personality; Tanya Holland, chef, author, James Beard Foundation trustee, andAwards Committee Chair; and Erick Williams, James Beard Award-winning chef, and restaurateur, Virtue Restaurant;among others.
“Congratulations to the exceptional winners of this year’s Restaurant and Chef Awards—whose incredible achievements and dedication to culinary excellence have left an indelible mark on our industry,” says Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. “As we celebrate, it’s important to acknowledge the significantwork that these accomplished restaurants and chefs have done to push American food culture forward—using their immense creativity, passion, and talent to create extraordinary experiences on behalf of others. Thanks to them, our food future is bright, indeed.”
“As we celebrate the second year of the new awards process, we were thrilled to witness the remarkable talent showcasedby our 2023 nominees and winners, who represent the true diversity of gifted chefs and outstanding restaurants that exist across the industry,” says Holland. “I am deeply appreciative to the committee members for their thoughtful deliberations that were instrumental in recognizing and honoring some of the brightest and most innovative minds in our industry.”
“On behalf of the committee, we are excited for all of this year’s Restaurant and Chef Award winners,” says Adrian Miller, Restaurant and Chef Awards Committee chair, and Allecia Vermillion, Restaurant and Chef Awards Committee vice-chair. “We are thrilled to celebrate excellence exemplified by the quality and diverse restaurants and chefs whoplay a pivotal role in shaping our country’s vibrant culinary landscape.”
“As a chef, it is a privilege and an honor to cohost this year’s Restaurant and Chef Awards,” says Adjepong.
“Congratulations to this year’s winners. Your work makes us proud to be a part of our country’s independent restaurant industry,” concluded Zimmern.
2023 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award Winners
The James Beard Awards, considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive. Established in 1990, with the first ceremony taking place in 1991, the Restaurant and Chef Awards is one of five separate recognition programs for the awards.
The 2023 Restaurant and Chef Award Winners are:
Outstanding Chef
- Rob Rubba, Oyster Oyster, Washington, D.C.
Outstanding Restaurant Presented by Acqua Panna Natural Spring Water
- Friday Saturday Sunday, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Best New Restaurant Presented by BentoBox
- Kann, Portland, Oregon
Outstanding Restaurateur
- Ellen Yin, High Street Hospitality Group (Fork, kitchen + bar, High Street, and others), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Emerging Chef Presented by S.Pellegrino Sparkling Mineral Water
- Damarr Brown, Virtue, Chicago, Illinois
Outstanding Bakery Presented by Guinness
- Yoli Tortilleria, Kansas City, Missouri
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
- Margarita Manzke, République, Los Angeles, California
Outstanding Hospitality Presented by American Airlines
- The Quarry, Monson, Maine
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
- OTOTO, Los Angeles, California
Outstanding Bar Presented by Hilton
- Bar Leather Apron, Honolulu, Hawaii
Best Chefs Presented by Capital One (by region)
Best Chef: California
- Justin Pichetrungsi, Anajak Thai, Sherman Oaks, California
Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH)
- Tim Flores and Genie Kwon, Kasama, Chicago, Illinois
Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (DC, DE, M, NJ, PA, VA)
- Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon, Kalaya, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Best Chef: Midwest (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI)
- Itaru Nagano and Andrew Kroeger, Fairchild, Madison, Wisconsin
Best Chef: Mountain (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY)
- Kris Komori, KIN, Boise, Idaho
Best Chef: New York State
- Junghyun Park, Atomix, New York, New York
Best Chef: Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT)
- Sherry Pocknett, Sly Fox Den Too, Charlestown, Rhode Island
Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA)
- Vince Nguyen, Berlu, Portland, Oregon
Best Chef: South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR)
- Natalia Vallejo, Cocina al Fondo, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV)
- Terry Koval, The Deer and the Dove, Decatur, Georgi
Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, OK)
- Andrew Black, Grey Sweater, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Best Chef: Texas
- Benchawan Jabthong Painter, Street to Kitchen, Houston, Texas
