James Beard Award semifinalists are out. You don't have to go far to try these restaurants.

Ashley Schuler, The Herald News
Updated ·3 min read

When it comes to dining destinations, the region has plenty of noteworthy and award-winning gems to choose from.

On Wednesday, the James Beard Foundation announced the semifinalists for its 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards, considered among the nation’s most prestigious honors in the restaurant industry.

And while you may not find any SouthCoast spots on this year's list, you won't have to travel far to get a taste of some culinary standouts.

The long list of 2024 semifinalists in a range of categories include over a dozen from across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Beet Roses are chef Pete Carvelli's signature dish at Foglia. They take two days to make. They feature thinly sliced and rolled beets cooked in fresh beet juice and are paired with pickled red onion, beet-pistachio crumble and vegan feta.
Beet Roses are chef Pete Carvelli's signature dish at Foglia. They take two days to make. They feature thinly sliced and rolled beets cooked in fresh beet juice and are paired with pickled red onion, beet-pistachio crumble and vegan feta.

These Ocean State and Bay State eateries are serving up something special, nabbing nominations for Outstanding Restaurant, Best Chef Northeast, Emerging Chef, Best New Restaurant and more.

And good news for all our local foodies — many are just a short drive away.

James Beard Award Best Chef semifinalists

Among the familiar restaurants highlighted was Foglia, a "chef-driven and award-winning" plant-based spot in downtown Bristol, R.I., as well as Bywater, a Warren eatery featuring a raw bar and "coastal New England interpretation of Old World flavors," Newport Vineyards in Middletown, R.I., and Gift Horse, a fun and playful full-service raw bar and restaurant in Providence that made Esquire magazine's list of best new restaurants in the U.S. this past fall. Hats off to these popular places, who received James Beard nods for their culinary skills and memorable fare.

Bywater is one of many restaurants on Water Street in Warren that have lovely outdoor space.
Bywater is one of many restaurants on Water Street in Warren that have lovely outdoor space.

Vegan fare: Two plant-based restaurants offer comfort food and much more for vegans and skeptics

According to the nonprofit, these James Beard Foundation awards celebrate those who are "creating exceptional food, food media content, and better food systems, while demonstrating a commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive."

What are the James Beard Awards?

Established in 1990, the Restaurant and Chef Awards is one of five separate recognition programs of the James Beard Awards, and span everything from fine-dining establishments to casual gems, emerging talents and more.

"We are thrilled for the return of the James Beard Awards—recognizing the outstandingly talented leaders making their mark on American food,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. “As we’ve heard time and again from honorees, receiving this recognition has the potential to be truly transformative—and so, the Awards remain a vital platform for supporting and elevating the independent restaurant industry as a whole."

According to the Foundation, finalists will be announced April 3 and winners will be revealed at a gala ceremony in Chicago on June 10.

Here is a closer look at some Rhode Island and Massachusetts semifinalists. For the full list click here, 2024 James Beard Awards Restaurant and Chef Semifinalists:

Outstanding Restaurant

• Bywater, Warren, R.I.

Best Chef: Northeast

• Peter Carvelli, Foglia, Bristol, R.I.

• Tracy Chang, Pagu, Cambridge

• John daSilva, Chickadee, Boston

• Conor Dennehy, Tallula, Cambridge

• Subat Dilmurat, Jahunger, Providence

• Patricia Estorino, Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge

• Cecelia Lizotte, Suya Joint, Boston

• Laurence Louie, Rubato, Quincy

• Maria Meza, Dolores, Providence

• Rachel Miller, Nightshade Noodle Bar, Lynn

• Andy Teixeira, Newport Vineyards, Middletown, R.I.

• Basil Yu, Yagi Noodles, Newport, R.I.

Emerging Chef

• Sky Haneul Kim, Gift Horse, Providence

Best New Restaurant 

• Tuxpan Taqueria, Central Falls, R.I.

Outstanding Hospitality 

• Giusto, Newport, R.I.

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

• Rebel Rebel in Somerville

• haley.henry wine bar in Boston

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Mass and RI restaurants are semifinalists for James Beard Awards