Charlotte’s dining scene landed back in the national spotlight after the James Beard Foundation just named chef Robin Anthony a 2026 semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast.
Chef Anthony is the lead chef at Omakase by Prime Fish in Charlotte.
The recognition arrives as Charlotte tries to break through after a strong 2025 showing. Last year, several Charlotte-area names made the semifinalist list, but the city still came away without a win.
Other 2026 James Beard semifinalists in the Carolinas include:
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North Carolina
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Best Chef: Southeast: Matt Dawes (The Bull and Beggar, Asheville), Steven Devereaux Greene (Herons at The Umstead, Cary), Cheetie Kumar (Ajja, Raleigh), Taylor Montgomery (Montgomery Sky Farm, Leicester)
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Outstanding Chef: Dean Neff (Seabird, Wilmington)
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Outstanding Restaurateur: Meherwan and Molly Irani (Chai Pani Restaurant Group, Asheville)
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Best New Restaurant: Peregrine (Raleigh)
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South Carolina
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Best Chef: Southeast: Joe Cash (Scoundrel, Greenville), Colin Marcelli (Renzo, Charleston), Bintou N’Daw (Bintü Atelier, Charleston), Heidi Vukov (Hook & Barrel, Myrtle Beach)
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Outstanding Restaurant: Chubby Fish (Charleston)
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Emerging Chef: Hector Garate (Palmira Barbecue, Charleston)
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Best New Restaurant: Merci (Charleston)
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Outstanding Bakery: Weltons Tiny Bakeshop (Charleston)
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Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: Stems and Skins (Charleston)
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Outstanding Bar: Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar (Charleston)
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Next, the foundation will announce nominees on Tuesday, March 31. It will reveal winners at the awards ceremony on Monday, June 15, 2026, in Chicago.
