The James Beard Awards are a coveted culinary title that many compete for, but only a handful are awarded each year. From restaurateurs to regional chefs, rising stars, and outstanding bars, James Beard recognizes and honors some of the best in the industry. This year, 10 New Orleans-based chefs (or duos) and restaurants were named semifinalists of the renowned award, and on April 3, three went on to be named finalists. Winners will be announced and celebrated during the awards ceremony in Chicago on June 10.

James Beard Award Finalists

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Dakar NOLA

OUTSTANDING BAR

Jewel of the South

Best Chef: South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR)

Arvinder Vilkhu

Saffron

James Beard Award Semifinalists - 2024

While the following restaurants and chefs didn't move on to the finalist round, they were still recognized as standouts in their industry and are absolutely worth checking out on your next visit to New Orleans. 

OUTSTANDING RESTAURANTEUR 

Robert LeBlanc

LeBlanc + Smith - Sylvain, The Chloe, The Will & The Way, et al.

Itai Ben Eli and Itamar Levy

Sof Hospitality Group - Doris Metropolitan 

OUTSTANDING HOSPITALITY PRESENTED BY AMERICAN AIRLINES

Arnaud's

Best Chef: South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR)

Chef Melissa Araujo 

Alma

Amarys Herndon and Jordan Herndon

Palm&Pine

Sophina Uong

Mister Mao

Marlon "Chicken" Williams 

Chicken's Kitchen (Gretna, LA)