These L.A. Restaurants Are Now Officially James Beard Award Winners

Over and over, Los Angeles’ dining scene continues to prove its excellence.

On June 5 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the James Beard Foundation held a ceremony to announce its 2023 restaurant and chef award winners. Eric Adjepong, chef, author and host of Alex vs America; Esther Choi, chef and owner of Mŏkbar and Ms. Yoo and author and Top Chef judge Gail Simmons hosted the evening.

Commemorating excellence across the culinary industry— from fine dining establishments to neighborhood gems— the James Beard Awards is known as one of the country’s most prestigious honors in the culinary arts, hospitality, media and larger food industry.

“As we celebrate, it's important to acknowledge the significant work that these accomplished restaurants and chefs have done to push American food culture forward—using their immense creativity, passion and talent to create extraordinary experiences on behalf of others,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. “Thanks to them, our food future is bright, indeed.”

Back in April, seven Los Angeles restaurants were among the lineup of James Beard Award nominees. The esteemed eateries included N/naka, Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen, République, OTOTO, Holbox, Hayato and Anajak Thai.

And last night three walked away as winners. Those awarded included République’s Margarita Manzke for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker; OTOTO for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program and Justin Pichetrungsi of Anajak Thai for Best Chef: California.

See the full list below.

2023 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award Winners

Outstanding Chef: Rob Rubba, Oyster Oyster, Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Restaurant Presented by Acqua Panna® Natural Spring Water: Friday Saturday Sunday, Philadelphia, PA

Best New Restaurant Presented by BentoBox: Kann, Portland, OR

Outstanding Restaurateur: Ellen Yin, High Street Hospitality Group (Fork, a.kitchen + bar, High Street, and others), Philadelphia, PA

Emerging Chef Presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Mineral Water: Damarr Brown, Virtue, Chicago, IL

Outstanding Bakery Presented by Guinness: Yoli Tortilleria, Kansas City, MO

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: Margarita Manzke, République, Los Angeles, CA

Outstanding Hospitality Presented by American Airlines: The Quarry, Monson, ME

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: OTOTO, Los Angeles, CA

Outstanding Bar Presented by Hilton: Bar Leather Apron, Honolulu, HI

Best Chefs Presented by Capital One (by region)

Best Chef: California: Justin Pichetrungsi, Anajak Thai, Sherman Oaks, CA

Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH): Tim Flores and Genie Kwon, Kasama, Chicago, IL

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA): Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon, Kalaya, Philadelphia, PA

Best Chef: Midwest (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI): Itaru Nagano and Andrew Kroeger, Fairchild, Madison, WI

Best Chef: Mountain (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY): Kris Komori, KIN, Boise, ID

Best Chef: New York State: Junghyun Park, Atomix, New York, NY

Best Chef: Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT): Sherry Pocknett, Sly Fox Den Too, Charlestown, RI

Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA): Vince Nguyen, Berlu, Portland, OR

Best Chef: South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR): Natalia Vallejo, Cocina al Fondo, San Juan, PR

Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV): Terry Koval, The Deer and the Dove, Decatur, GA

Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, OK): Andrew Black, Grey Sweater, Oklahoma City, OK

Best Chef: Texas: Benchawan Jabthong Painter, Street to Kitchen, Houston, TX

See also: Every Michelin-Star Restaurant In Los Angeles