Harlem Sweeps James Beard Awards Semifinals List

HARLEM, NY — One of the food world's top awards is saying "yes chef" to Harlem.

In an impressive showing, four chefs and restaurants in Harlem are in the running for the prestigious award, the James Beard Foundation announced Wednesday.

31 New York City restaurants in total were named, meaning that Harlem alone is home to over 10 percent of this year's semi-finalists.

"We are thrilled for the return of the James Beard Awards—recognizing the outstandingly talented leaders making their mark on American food,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation, in a statement. “As we’ve heard time and again from honorees, receiving this recognition has the potential to be truly transformative—and so, the Awards remain a vital platform for supporting and elevating the independent restaurant industry as a whole."

The nominees span the current New York City's culinary scene, from esteemed institutions to up-and-coming chefs.

From here, the foundation will winnow the list to nominees, which will be announced April 3. Winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 10.

Here's the spots and chefs representing Harlem on this year's semifinalists list:

Outstanding Bakery

• Make My Cake

Outstanding Hospitality presented by American Airlines

• Melba's Restaurant

Best Chef: New York State

• Charles Gabriel, Charles Pan-Fried Chicken
• JJ Johnson, FieldTrip

The James Beard Foundation awards, sometimes known as the “Oscars of food,” are among the nation’s most prestigious culinary honors — and New York City consistently lands chefs and restaurants in the ranks.

Just last year, Atomix chef Junghyun Park took the James Beard award for best chef. Seven New York City restaurants and chefs were finalists for James Beard nods in 2023, including Amanda Cohen of Dirty Candy and Nasim Alikhani of Brooklyn's Sofreh.

The James Beard Foundation recognizes eateries and chefs who create exceptional food, food media content, and better food systems, the organization said. They also demonstrate a commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.

The awards were established in 1990 and first awarded in 1991 — and this year marks the third since the organization made sweeping changes following a 2021 audit to address longstanding bias.