One sure-fire way to know that awards season is beginning up is the list of nominations that begin to flood media pipelines. Thursday morning it was the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealing their nominees for ‘Oscars’ in 2026. Wednesday morning however, we got our look at potential nominees for 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards.

The James Beard Awards are widely regarded as America’s highest culinary honor. 20 Semi-finalists have been named in each category.

Leading the way in this region is Charleston’s Chubby Fish. They received a semi-finalist nod in ‘Outstanding Restaurant’ category with competition ranging from New York to Los Angeles and anywhere in between. We’ve been telling you about this place for a few years now. It is exceptional.

Hector Garate of Charleston’s Palmira BBQ received a nomination in the ‘Emerging Chef’ category. Palmeria has been getting rave reviews at their West Ashley spot in a strip mall ever since they opened just shy of 2 years ago. It should be on any BBQ lovers short list in this area.

Charleston’s Merci is a semi-finalist in the Best New Restaurant category, while Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop was named in the Outstanding Bakery category.

Stems and Skins in North Charleston was recognized in the Outstanding Wine Program category, while Graft Wine Shop and Wine Bar was named in the Outstanding Bar category.

Two Charleston Chefs were named in the Outstanding Chef, Southeast Category. They are Renzo’s Colin Marcelli and Bintou N’Daw of Bintü Atelier. Also in this category is Tom Schafer of Augusta’s Abel Brown.

Notably absent from consideration this year is Savannah. Savannah has been recognized several times over the years by the Beard Foundation, including last year’s inclusion of Common Thread and Lone Wolf Lounge.

Of course, those are the only places in this general region that has been nominated as a semi-finalist. There were many others ranging from Atlanta and Greenville and Charlotte all the way down to St. Augustine, Florida where Lotus Noodle Bar’s Barry Honan was nominated in the Best Chef Category.

Five finalists will be announced in May. 2026 winners will be revealed in June in Chicago.

To see the full list of semi-finalists, click here.

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