Washingtonians can rejoice knowing they live in a great city for foodies! Fourteen D.C. chefs and restaurants have been named semifinalists for the 2023 James Beard Awards.
Established in 1990 with the first awards distributed in 1991, the James Beard Foundation “celebrates and supports the people behind America’s food culture, while pushing for new standards in the restaurant industry to create a future where all have the opportunity to thrive,” according to the foundation.
The semifinalists were named Wednesday, January 25, and the official nominees will be announced on Wednesday, March 29. The foundation will go on to celebrate the winners on Monday, June 5, during the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
The D.C. semifinalists named by the foundation are:
Outstanding Chef
- Rob Rubba of Oyster Oyster.
Outstanding Restaurant
- RIS.
Emerging Chef
- Elias Taddesse of Mélange.
Best New Restaurant
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
Outstanding Bar
Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic
- David Deshaies of L’Ardente.
- Enrique Limardo of Seven Reasons.
- Peter Prime of Bammy’s.
- Michael Rafidi of Albi.
- Ryan Ratino of Bresca.
- Omar Rodriguez of Oyamel Cocina Mexicana.
- Kevin Tien of Moon Rabbit.
For the full list of James Beard Award semifinalists, please visit jamesbeard.org.