In June, the James Beard Awards will honor the best of the best in the culinary arts and hospitality. To be nominated is a feat in itself.
“The James Beard Awards celebrate outstanding achievement and exceptional culinary talent, as well as all those doing incredible work on behalf of our communities and wider food system. This year’s nominees, winners, and honorees are inspiring examples of that,” said James Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach upon the announcement of this year's nominees.
Among the lineup, Los Angeles made a strong showing in true L.A. fashion. You’ll find everything from a two Michelin-starred restaurant to a market stand. See below for all the L.A. nominees.
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Website/ 3455 Overland Ave 90034
Niki Nakayama of the two Michelin-starred, Japanese restaurant is nominated for Outstanding Chef. Among one of the toughest reservations in town, n/naka is carried by Nakayama’s commitment to crafting a meal that will engage your attention.
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Website/ Various
Greg Dulan is nominated for Outstanding Restaurateur. Promising to show what “handmade” truly means, a plate from Dulan’s warms the belly and soul. You make the right decision no matter what when opting between the fried chicken, oxtails and smothered pork chops.
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Website/ 624 S La Brea Ave 90036
Margarita Manzke is nominated for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. A multi-year nominee, Manzke elevates the pastry selection at the French-inspired République through her own specialized techniques and flavors. Just go in and order a seasonally vibrant pie or tart or delectable croissant.
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Website/ 1360 Allison Ave 90026
The Echo Park sake bar is nominated for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverage Program. Either after dinner at sister restaurant Tsubakila or paired with “drinking snacks” like buta shumai or a chicken katsu sando, head to OTOTO to delight in an unbeatable lineup of sake.
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Website/ 3655 S Grand Ave 90007
Chef Gilberto Cetina Jr. is among the nominees for Best Chef: California. A seafood counter and raw bar, Holbox serves up modern Mexican mariscos for a casual market-like experience.
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Website/ 1320 E 7th St 90021
Chef Brandon Hayato Go is among the nominees for Best Chef: California. His personal expression of modern Japanese cuisine is the focus of the intimate, omakase-style fine dining experience at Hayato.
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Website/ 14704 Ventura Blvd 91403
Chef Justin Pichetrungsi is among the nominees for Best Chef: California. He helms an establishment best known for a renowned 14-course outdoor omakase Thursday through Saturday, but it also offers a regular dinner menu Wednesday through Sunday and has Tacos Tuesdays. The restaurant’s best advice is to come as soon as you can. “Anajak is one big f****** party,” it says on the website.
See all the full list of nominees here.
See also: All The New Springtime Food And Cocktail Offerings At Your Favorite L.A. Restaurants
Photography by: Photo by Eliesa Johnson for the James Beard Foundation
