South Florida’s Nominees For James Beard Awards in 2024

As Valerie Chang’s first solo act, Maty’s arguably became Miami’s most talked-about restaurant of the year — for good reason. While you can certainly expect some of the expertly executed Nikkei-style ceviches and tiraditos the Chang Gang was known for at Itamae, Maty’s expands on the family’s culinary traditions with deeply comforting, yet finessed Peruvian plates that are rooted in the recipes Val’s grandmother taught her — you can taste the love and tradition that’s layered into every dish.

Chef Henry Moso is in full domain of Kabooki Sushi’s marble bar. Here, the Laos-born chef puts a brilliant spin on sushi and the omakase genre, resulting in outstanding creations like foie gras nigiri with shallot jam and unagi foam, along more purist offerings, like an impeccable bluefin tasting.

• Kaya: Best New Restaurant
• Jennifer Berdin and Mark Berdin, Kadence: Best Chef, South
• Clay Conley, Buccan: Best Chef, South
• Tristen Epps, Ocean Social: Best Chef, South
• Jesus Brazon and Manuel Brazon, Caracas Bakery: Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker