Miller Union in Atlanta, Georgia

Eat at These James Beard Award-nominated and Winning Restaurants

The James Beard Foundation, the standard-bearer for most things culinary, selects outstanding chefs and restaurants around the country to award them for their excellence. Georgia has been proud to have many restaurants and chefs receive James Beard Awards over the years.

What does that mean? For starters, it means that you can plan your next vacation around some stellar food and drink! With winners and nominees from Atlanta to Savannah in categories like America's Classics, Best Chef, Best New Restaurant, Outstanding Bar Program, and Outstanding Wine Program, you can't go wrong.

Look below and decide which restaurants you plan to dine in, cocktails you plan to sip, and chefs you'd love to meet.

James Beard Award Winners and Nominees in Georgia

Category: Outstanding Chef

A chef who sets high culinary standards and has served as a positive example for other food professionals. Eligible candidates must have been working as a chef for three or more consecutive years.

Chef Mashama Bailey in Savannah, Georgia

Winner:

Mashama Bailey, The Grey, Savannah (2022)

Category: America’s Classics

Given to locally owned restaurants that have timeless appeal and are beloved regionally for quality food that reflects the character of its community. The establishment must have been in existence for at least 10 years.

The Busy Bee Cafe in Atlanta, Georgia

Winners:

The Busy Bee Café, Atlanta (2022)
Weaver D's, Athens (2007)
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room, Savannah (2000)

Category: Best Chef: Southeast

Chefs who have set new or consistent standards of excellence in their respective regions. Eligible candidates may be from any kind of dining establishment and must have been working as a chef for at least five years with the three most recent years spent in the region.

The Grey in Savannah, Georgia

Winners:

Mashama Bailey, The Grey, Savannah (2019)
Steven Satterfield, Miller Union, Atlanta (2017)
Hugh Acheson, Five & Ten, Athens (2012)
Linton Hopkins, Atlanta restaurants - Holeman & Finch Public House, Hop’s Chicken, H&F Burger, the buttery atl (2012)
Anne Quatrano & Clifford Harrison, Bacchanalia, Atlanta (2003)

Nominees:

Ronald Hsu and Aaron Phillips, Lazy Betty, Atlanta (2023)
Terry Koval, The Deer and the Dove, Decatur (2023)
Jiyeon Lee and Cody Taylor, Heirloom Market BBQ, Atlanta (2023)
Sahar Siddiqi, Chai Pani, Decatur (2023)
Deborah VanTrece, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, Atlanta (2023)
Kevin Gillespie, Gunshow, Atlanta (2016)
Ryan Smith, Staplehouse, Atlanta (2017, 2019). Now, Staplehouse Market

Category: Outstanding Restaurateur

A restaurateur who uses their establishment(s) as a vehicle for building community, demonstrates creativity in entrepreneurship, integrity in restaurant operations, and is making efforts to create a sustainable work culture. Eligible candidates must have been in the restaurant business for at least five years and they must not have been nominated for a James Beard Foundation chef award in the past three years

Hugh Acheson

Nominee:

Kevin Gillespie, Gunshow in Atlanta and Revival in Decatur (2022)
Hugh Acheson, Five & Ten, Athens (2019)

Category: Outstanding Pastry Chef

A pastry chef or a chef who makes desserts, pastries, or breads served as part of a meal. Candidate demonstrates exceptional skills and can be affiliated with any food business and does not need a brick-and-mortar presence. Eligible candidates must have been working as a pastry chef or chef who makes desserts for the past three years.

Nominee:

Claudia Martinez, Miller Union, Atlanta (2022)

Category: Outstanding Restaurant Presented by Acqua Panna® Natural Spring Water

A restaurant that demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, while contributing positively to its broader community.

Nominee:

The Grey, Savannah (2023)

Category: Outstanding Bakery

New in 2023, this category recognizes a baker of breads, pastries, or desserts that demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations while contributing positively to its broader community

Nominee:

Buena Gente Cuban Bakery, Decatur (2023)
Unforgettable Bakery & Cafe, Savannah (2023)

Category: Outstanding Hospitality Presented by American Airlines

A restaurant, bar or other food and drinking establishment that fosters a sense of hospitality among its customers and staff that serves as a beacon for the community and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations while contributing positively to its broader community.

Nominee:

Ticonderoga Club, Atlanta (2023)
Ticonderoga Club, Atlanta (2022)

Category: Outstanding Service

A restaurant in operation five or more years that demonstrates high standards of hospitality and service.

Elizabeth on 37th in Savannah, Georgia

Nominee:

Elizabeth on 37th, Savannah (2000)

Category: Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

Expanded in 2023 from Outstanding Wine Program to include other beverages, this award is presented to a restaurant that demonstrates exceptional care and skill in the pairing of wine and other beverages with food while contributing positively to its broader community. This includes the selection, preparation, and serving of wine, cocktails, spirits, coffee, tea, beer or any other beverage with outstanding hospitality and service that helps inform and enhance a customer’s appreciation of the beverage(s). Ethical sourcing and positive contributions to the broader community will also be considered.

Miller Union in Atlanta, Georgia

Nominee:

Lyla Lila, Atlanta (2023)
Miller Union, Atlanta (2017, 2019, 2020)

Category: Best New Restaurant

A restaurant opened in the calendar year before the award will be given that already displays excellence in food, beverage and service, and that is likely to make a significant impact in years to come.