James Beard Awards

James Beard Award Restaurants

Q: What does it mean when a restaurant is a James Beard Award Finalist?

The restaurant or chef was narrowed down from the semifinalist list to the final round of nominees for that category, ahead of the winner announcement.

Q: What does it mean when a restaurant is a James Beard Award Semifinalist?

The restaurant or chef made the first round of recognition — a longlist announced ahead of the finalists and winners for each award category.

PrePlate tracks 14 restaurants carrying a James Beard Award distinction: 14 semifinalists. Coverage spans 2024–2026.

James Beard Award Stages, Explained

Winner

The restaurant or chef took home the award in that category and year — the highest recognition the James Beard Foundation gives.

Finalist

Narrowed down from the semifinalist list to the final round of nominees for that category, ahead of the winner announcement.

Semifinalist

The first round of recognition — a longlist announced ahead of the finalists and winners for each award category.

Filters

Category American Bar/Tavern Buffet Cafe/Bakery Casual Dining Fast Casual Fine Dining Quick Service Unknown

Status Closed Coming Soon Now Open Status Unconfirmed Temporarily Closed

Michelin 2 Michelin Stars 1 Michelin Star Michelin Bib Gourmand Michelin Selected

James Beard Semifinalist

James Beard Year 2026 2025 2024

Price $ $$ $$$ $$$$

PALM BEACH Casual Dining $$$

BUCCAN

BUCCAN PALM BEACH in Palm Beach serves Chef Clay Conley’s contemporary American cooking with a menu that invites sharing and exploration. Diners can expect a polished casual-dining experience built around crudos, small…

ORLANDO Fine Dining $$$$

KADENCE

Kadence in Orlando is a refined Japanese omakase destination that centers the meal on precision, seasonality, and close-up dining. The experience is intimate and focused, with the kind of attentive service and carefully…

James Beard Award Restaurants

James Beard Award Stages, Explained

BUCCAN

KADENCE

Get fresh picks every week.