The 2026 James Beard Award Semifinalists have been announced and GoProvidence partners are well represented this year in categories ranging from Outstanding Restaurant to Best Chef New England. With Providence Restaurant Weeks kicking off on Sunday and the Providence Culinary Collective food and wine festival in March, you'll have plenty of opportunities to see for yourself what makes these restaurants and bars so special.

Oberlin, Outstanding Restaurant

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OberlinWith handmade pasta, local veggies and plenty of Rhode Island seafood, it's no surprise that Oberlin has been recognized in the Outstanding Restaurant category. Stop in for the Lobster Panzanella or the Lasagna Al Forno any day, or visit during Providence Restaurant Weeks for their $55 three-course meal. Choose from options like Kohlrabi Caesar Salad, Wood-Roasted Fluke and Coffee Granita. For a more elevated dining experience, don't miss Oberlin's wine pairing dinner during the Providence Culinary Collective. Details are being finalized, so be sure to sign up for the PCC newsletter for up-to-the-minute information.

Jesse Hedberg, Club Frills, Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service

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Jesse Hedberg, Club Frills

No matter what your drink of choice is, you're sure to find something fabulous at Club Frills. From the Mango Sticky Punch and the Corn on the Cobbler to an Ice Cold Shooter of apple absinthe, the drink menu is something you've got to see for yourself. Make a meal of it and order the Caviar Corn Dog or the Frilly "Cheesesteak." If you like a traditional martini, you'll love the Providence Restaurant Weeks special, the Dirty Double. Grab a Dirty Martini and a Dirty Martini Burger, featuring olives, onion and American cheese, for just $25. And be sure to stay tuned for details about a Providence Culinary Collective Champagne Brunch.

Derek Wagner, Nicks on Broadway, Best Chef Northeast

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Nick's on Broadway Winemaker DinnerThe seasonally inspired menu at Nicks on Broadway is the perfect excuse to visit often. Best of all, you can get brunch almost every day of the week! Order from the extensive menu (we recommend the Cassoulet or the Butternut Squash Risotto) or plan ahead and request the Chef's Tasting Menu, curated especially for you. Be sure to check the pantry for take-home items like soup, pickles, sauce and more. Not only is Nicks on Broadway offering specials during Providence Restaurant Weeks, but chef Derek Wagner will also be curating the Vintner's Dinner presented by Wine X on March 28 as part of the Providence Culinary Collective. Six courses will be paired with elegant French wines in the sophisticated atmosphere of the Reserve on Dorrance. This event will sell out, so get your tickets today!

Kevin O'Donnell, Giusto, Best Chef Northeast

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Giusto means "just right" in Italian, and it's the perfect description for the restaurant's location at Providence's favorite food hall, Track 15. Whether you're in the mood for a Chicken Parm Sandwich, a traditional dinner of Spaghetti & Meatballs or a seasonal dish like Squash Gnocchi, we're pretty sure it will be "just right." But don't take our word for it. Their Providence Restaurant Weeks special offers a choice of three types of pasta plus a slice of Cranberry Cheesecake for $25. And with several Providence Culinary Collective events happening at Track 15 this year, you'll have plenty of opportunity to check them out.

Congratulations are in order to our PVD neighbors Loma, nominated for Best New Bar, and Claudine, nominated for Best New Restaurant this year. Best of luck to all the semifinalists!