Boston Based James Beard Nominees

by Eliza Sullivan

Photography courtesy of BeardFoundation on Instagram

Each year, the James Beard Foundation gives out their annual awards to honor the best in culinary across a variety of areas, broken down both geographically and by discipline. The foundation was founded in the mid-1980s, following James Beard’s death in 1985. Beard was an icon of American cooking, hosting the first food television program and supporting the early efforts of local eating.

This year, Boston’s culinary community has earned twelve James Beard Award nominations. With plenty of familiar names, and some new ones, these restaurants, bars, bakeries, and chefs offer some of the best Boston has to offer.

The nominees span from high-end locales like Grill 23 & Bar to more accessible spots like Mei Mei, plus plenty in between. Use this list to plan your next celebratory dinner, reunion lunch, or maybe to find the best spot to take your parents next time they’re in town.

Best New Restaurant

Les Sablons, 2 Bennett St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Outstanding Baker

Maura Kilpatrick, Sofra Bakery and Café, 1 Belmont St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Outstanding Chef

Joanne Chang, Flour Bakery + Cafe, Seven locations across Boston and Cambridge

Outstanding Pastry Chef

Renae Connolly, Benedetto, 1 Bennett St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Outstanding Restaurant

O Ya, 9 East St, Boston, MA 02111

Outstanding Restaurateur

Garrett Harker, Boston (Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks, Island Creek Oyster Bar, Row 34, and others) AND Ken Oringer, Boston (Uni, Little Donkey, Toro, and others)

Outstanding Service

Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks, 528 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215

Outstanding Wine Program

Grill 23 & Bar, 161 Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02116 AND Taberna de Haro, 999 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02446

Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional

JC Tetreault and Esther Tetreault, Trillium Brewing Company, 369 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

Rising Chef of the Year

Irene Li, Mei Mei, 506 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215 AND Juan Pedrosa, Yvonne’s, 2 Winter Pl, Boston, MA 02108

Best Chef (Northeast)

Karen Akunowicz, Myers + Chang, 1145 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118 AND Tiffani Faison, Tiger Mama, 1363 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215 AND Tony Messina, Uni, 370A Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215