Once again, Charleston’s food scene is making waves on a national level. The 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists have been announced, and we’ve got eight local nominees to shout about.
With such wonderful food + drinks on offer, it can be daunting to first look at these establishments’ menus. We’re here to make sure you get your order right the first time.
At Palmira Barbecue, modern twists on classic eats are owner and pitmaster Hector Garate’s specialty — nominated in the Emerging Chef category. Make sure to check the daily specials, but the Tripleta Sandwich is a thing of beauty. Don’t sleep on a side order of Puerto Rican beans.
For Best New Restaurant, Pitt Street bistro Merci made the list. The best way to enjoy it? Keep your eyes peeled for a five-course tasting event. Psst — there’s one on Valentine’s Day.
Chubby Fish recently made a list of the top 50 restaurants in the US. | Photo by Chubby Fish
Chubby Fish is nominated in the Outstanding Restaurant category. While its menu of Lowcountry seafood specialties is constantly changing, we recommend the caviar sandwich followed byblowfish tails, if they’re available.
Keeping it simple and cooking with love is what got Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop an Outstanding Bakery nomination. Head to the King Street spot and take your pick of whatever pastries people haven’t snatched up yet. Alternatively, get a party pastry to entertain a crowd, because sweet treats are best enjoyed together.
Two locals were nominated for Best Chef in the Southeast. Bintou N’Daw, head chef at Bintü Atelier, was nominated for her African-inspired cuisine. We recommend going on Wednesdays and Thursdays for her signature egusi — a smoked red pepper stew originating from West Africa, cooked with red shrimp.
The other nominee is Colin Marcelli, executive chef at beloved pizza spot Renzo. The Fiona Apple is a true gem, made with ricotta, sweet gorgonzola, apples, rosemary, sage, and speck.
Apple on pizza? Trust us here. | Photo by Renzo Wood-Fired Pizza
In the Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages category, Park Circle’s Stems and Skins is among the nominees. We recommend a twist on the trending Girl Dinner — get a Caesar salad, whipped ricotta, and a wine that tickles your fancy.
Graft Wine Shop is nominated for Outstanding Bar, and has a small list of cheeses and meats to go alongside its stellar collection of wines. You can’t go wrong with some Pecorino Toscano alongside an order of spiced mackerel pate.
Do you think the James Beard Award missed any Holy City gems? Write to us with your recommendations so we can show some love to those who missed out.
