These Pennsylvania chefs and restaurants are 2026 James Beard Award finalists

Four out the five finalists in the Best Chefs, Mid-Atlantic category are from Pennsylvania. The finalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards were announced Tuesday, and Pennsylvania landed nominees in five categories, including four of the five nominees in the Best Chefs, Mid-Atlantic category. Here’s a rundown of the Pennsylvania finalists: Outstanding Restaurant Kalaya —…

Patrick Berkery

April 1, 2026

A full table of Southern Thai cuisine beckons at Philly restaurant Kalaya. (Daniel Knoll/Visit Philadelphia)

Four out the five finalists in the Best Chefs, Mid-Atlantic category are from Pennsylvania.

The finalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards were announced Tuesday, and Pennsylvania landed nominees in five categories, including four of the five nominees in the Best Chefs, Mid-Atlantic category.

Here’s a rundown of the Pennsylvania finalists:

Outstanding Restaurant

Kalaya — Philadelphia

Best New Restaurant

Emmett — Philadelphia

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

Justine MacNeil, Fiore — Philadelphia

Outstanding Bar

The Lovers Bar at Friday Saturday Sunday — Philadelphia

Best Chefs (Mid-Atlantic)

Nathan Flaim, Luca — Lancaster

Jesse Ito, Royal Sushi & Izakaya — Philadelphia, PA

Amanda Shulman, Her Place Supper Club — Philadelphia, PA

Omar Tate and Cybille St. Aude-Tate, Honeysuckle — Philadelphia, PA

Established in 1990 and first awarded in 1991, the James Beard Awards recognize exceptional talent and achievement 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.

Winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 15 in Chicago.

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