The James Beard Foundation is known for its respected and prestigious industry awards. For over 30 years, the foundation has advocated for and championed American culinary cuisine. Now, their 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards list of semifinalists has just been announced.
It’s no secret that we are home to some of the best restaurants and top chefs, so it should come as no surprise that many Los Angeles talents have made the list.
Here are the semifinalists (based in Los Angeles) for the 2024 James Beard Awards
Outstanding Chef
Rashida Holmes of Bridgetown Roti, a Caribbean American food pop-up founded by Holmes.
📍Location: Bridgetown Roti’s first brick-and-mortar is set to open sometime this year. Until then, you can follow their pop-up schedule and updates on Instagram.
Emerging Chef
Danielle Duran-Zecca and Alessandro Zecca of Amiga Amore. This wife and husband duo teamed up to open Amiga Amore, which combines Mexican and Italian flavors.
📍Location: 5668 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Best New Restaurant
Barra Santos, a Portuguese eatery found in Cypress Park run by Mike Santos, and cuisine by Melissa Lopez.
📍Location: 1215 Cypress Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90065
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
Nicole Rucker of Fat + Flour. This homemade pie shop has two locations in L.A. — and has been called one of the best places to get pie in the city.
📍Locations:
- 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
- 11739 Washington Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90066
Outstanding Hospitality
Luv2eat Thai Bistro where Chef Fern and Chef Pla serve up Traditional Thai dishes that taste like home.
📍Location: 6660 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Best Chef in California
The chefs listed below are based in Los Angeles:
- Diego Argoti of Poltergeist
- Location: 1391 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
- Alex Garcia and Elvia Huerta of Evil Cooks
- Location: Find their pop-up locations here.
- Jihee Kim of Perilla
- Location: 1027 Alpine St BLDG E, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Alfonso “Poncho” Martinez of Poncho’s Tlayudas
- Location: 4318 Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90037
- Lord Maynard Llera of Kuya Lord
- Location: 5003 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
- Alisa Reynolds of My 2 Cents
- Location: 5583 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
You can find the full list of semifinalists on the James Beard Foundation website here.
The final nominees will be announced on April 3, 2024. Winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony that will take place on June 10, 2024, in Chicago.