Upper West Side Chefs Earn James Beard Award Semifinalist Honors

A prestigious culinary recognition, the James Beard Award, has announced its 2026 semifinalists, spotlighting two talented chefs from the Upper West Side of New York City. The winners of these awards will be revealed on March 31, with the ceremony scheduled for June 15 in Chicago.

Upper West Side Chefs Recognized

The chefs honored this year are Christophe Bellanca and Kwame Onwuachi. Their achievements underscore the vibrant culinary scene on the Upper West Side.

Christophe Bellanca of Essential by Christophe

Christophe Bellanca, chef of Essential by Christophe, has been named a semifinalist in the “Best Chef: New York State” category. Located at 103 West 77th Street, this French restaurant opened in 2022 and has quickly earned acclaim.

• Michelin star holder for two consecutive years
• Located in a townhouse that previously housed the acclaimed Dovetail restaurant
• Former head chef at renowned establishments like Le Cirque and L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon

Originally from Ardeche, France, Bellanca brings a wealth of experience and culinary excellence to his dishes at Essential by Christophe.

Kwame Onwuachi of Tatiana

Kwame Onwuachi has earned semifinalist honors in the “Outstanding Chef” category for his exceptional work at Tatiana, located at 10 Lincoln Center Plaza. Onwuachi’s culinary journey has garnered significant recognition.

• Alum of the popular show “Top Chef”
• Former executive chef in Washington D.C. and New York City
• Tatiana recognized as the best restaurant in NYC by The New York Times in 2023 and 2024
• Ranked 10th in 2025 by The New York Times

In 2019, Onwuachi was honored as the James Beard “Rising Star Chef” of the year, further establishing his reputation in the culinary world.

Upcoming Recognition

With the awards ceremony approaching, both chefs will likely attract attention for their culinary innovations and contributions to New York’s dining scene. Filmogaz.com will closely follow both chefs’ progress as they vie for victory in their respective categories.