The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards have returned after a two-year hiatus with the 2022 semifinalist list, which features 13 chefs and restaurants from the D.C. area across eight categories, ranging from “Best Chef – Midatlantic” to “Outstanding Wine Program.”

The foundation, one of the leading organizations that recognizes excellence in the restaurant industry — often called the “Oscars of American restaurants” — undertook a controversial audit and “overhaul” of its awards selection processes over the last two years. The reckoning was spurred by the pandemic, but also because of issues around equity and bias. The New York Times reported that the 2020 list of awardees featured no Black chefs across all 23 categories, and that there were concerns about nominees who’d been accused of abuse and mistreatment. In a Wednesday press release, the James Beard Foundation said it’s “continuing the work to remove bias” and “increase transparency and accessibility” in its awards.

In the past, the region has seen as many as 21 semifinalists and four winners. This year’s semifinalist list features some familiar names, including Korean restaurant Anju, Michelin-starred Rooster & Owl, and well-known Virginia chef Peter Chang. It also highlights some newcomers like Matt Hill, chef of Arlington breakfast spot Ruthie’s All-Day, and Shaw’s new, hyperlocal veggie spot Oyster Oyster. The “Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic” category is stacked with six local semifinalists — including Peter Prime, who recently confirmed his departure from H Street Caribbean restaurant Cane.

Finalists will be revealed on March 16, and the winners will be celebrated in a ceremony on June 13 in Chicago.

Outstanding Restaurateur:

• Ashok Bajaj, Knightsbridge Restaurant Group (Rasika, Bindaas, Annabelle, and others)

Outstanding Chef :

• Peter Chang

Outstanding Restaurant:

• Métier

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic:

• Angel Barreto, Anju
• Amy Brandwein, Centrolina
• Matt Hill, Ruthie’s All-Day
• Peter Prime, Cane
• Michael Rafidi, Albi
• Yuan Tang, Rooster & Owl

Emerging Chef:

• Angel Barreto, Anju

Best New Restaurant:

• Oyster Oyster

Outstanding Pastry Chef:

• Anne Specker, Kinship

Outstanding Wine Program:

• Maydan

Outstanding Bar Program:

• barmini by José Andrés

This post has been updated to include Métier, which was named as a semifinalist for “Outstanding Restaurant.”