The culinary scene on the Classic Coast has carved a new path, a testament of passion and dedication, one of love and labor, and it’s been recognized. Newport and Bristol County are now home to five James Beard Foundation semi-finalists. Established in 1990, the James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Awards recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.

Made of dedicated hospitality professionals, passionate chefs, and an unwavering love of food, meet this group of Classic Coast culinary pioneers who now don the coveted title of James Beard Foundation semi-finalist.


James Beard Semi Finalists

A round of applause is in order for these nominees.  

Bywater (Warren)

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CATEGORY: OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT

Established in 2015, by Kate Dickinson, this downtown Warren restaurant is the epitome of coastal cuisine done right. Natural wines and local seafood adorn the menu created by Chef Luke Mersfelder. While currently on a brief winter break, keep on the lookout for upcoming availability and pop ups, and in the meantime we’ll be daydreaming of al fresco dining on their crushed shell patio under the sun.

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Bywater

 

Foglia (Bristol)

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CATEGORY: BEST CHEF, NORTHEAST

This plant-based restaurant is tucked into the quaint and historic downtown of Bristol, RI. Their Chef Peter Carvelli has created a vegan menu that will tempt any carnivore, and let’s not forget about dessert. Their highschool Pastry Chef Piper McAloon is making headlines, as one of the youngest vegan self-taught Pastry Chefs. The intimate restaurant is perfect for savoring the fresh and creative cuisine, glass of wine in hand.

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Giusto (Newport)

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CATEGORY: OUTSTANDING HOSPITALITY

Chef and owner Kevin O’Donnell has created a mecca of reimagined Italian cuisine meets coastal New England scenery right in the heart of downtown Newport. The menu will swoon you, however it’s the infectious smile and energy of Kevin that has built a foundation of unmatched hospitality. In a business of hustle and bustle both back of house and front, the team at Giusto make it look effortless and that ease transfers into a truly enjoyable experience. Grab a seat and take in the harbor views from this waterfront gem.

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Giusto Newport

 

Newport Vineyards (Middletown)

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CATEGORY: BEST CHEF, NORTHEAST

Over 100 acres of farmland and over 60 of vineyards are at the core of Chef Andy Teixiera’s culinary philosophy. Being an agricultural destination, when Andy entered Newport Vineyards, that was the premise for his food - farm focused, local and made from scratch. Unwavering, that credo has only grown, literally. Now with a several acre garden and full greenhouses on property, Newport Vineyards takes home grown to a whole new level. Their culinary team spans two dining outlets, a full catering program, and a complete in-house bakery, every item on their menus is made with local ingredients, often picked that day on the farm, 100% from scratch, and always with love.

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Newport Vineyards

 

Yagi Noodles (Newport)

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CATEGORY: BEST CHEF, NORTHEAST

Tucked in downtown Newport, Yagi Noodles is home to Chef Basil Yu. A first generation Chinese American, Basil has cooked for luxury properties such as White Barn Inn and Vanderbilt Hotel, across the country and more, but it wasn’t until 2019 when his passion for noodles brought him to Singapore and Japan to study ramen making. After starting as a pop up restaurant, Yagi Noodles opened their permanent location in 2022, on Long Wharf Mall, a shopping district that often has seasonal live music and entertainment. Indoor or seasonal outdoor seating with Newport at your fingertips, enjoy the passion made dishes created by Basil. And don't forget to peek into the ‘noodle room’ where the magic of their in-house noodles are made.

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