Numerous SC restaurants up for prestigious James Beard Awards. Check them out
Eleven South Carolina restaurants and chefs are in the running for some of the top honors in the culinary world.
The prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards announced the 2026 semi-finalists on Wednesday, and a host of Palmetto State chefs and restaurants made the list. Finalists for the awards will be announced at the end of March, and winners will be unveiled in a June ceremony at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.
“For four decades, the Foundation has recognized culinary excellence while championing the independent chefs and restaurants that are vital to our communities, economy, and culture,” James Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach said in a news release. “It is an honor to celebrate the 2026 semifinalists, whose work reflects the incredible dynamism, talent, and achievement defining our industry today.”
There were 11 semi-finalists from South Carolina, and the Charleston area was particularly well-represented, tallying nine of those nods. The full roster of S.C. semi-finalists is listed below.
* Outstanding restaurant — Chubby Fish, Charleston.
* Emerging Chef — Hector Garate, Palmira Barbecue, Charleston.
* Best New Restaurant — Merci, Charleston.
* Outstanding Bakery — Weltons Tiny Bakeshop, Charleston.
* Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program — Stems and Skins, Charleston.
* Outstanding Bar — Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar, Charleston.
* Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service — Andrea Ciavardini-Royko, Jianna, Greenville.
* Best Chef - Southeast — Joe Cash, Scoundrel, Greenville; Colin Marcelli, Renzo, Charleston; Bintou N’Daw, Bintü Atelier, Charleston; Heidi Vukov, Hook & Barrel, Myrtle Beach.
This story was originally published January 21, 2026 at 12:13 PM.
