Chez Noir named as one of 10 nominees for the James Beard Best New Restaurant award.

Chez Noir is one step closer to national recognition on par with—perhaps more impressive than—the Michelin Star presented to the Carmel restaurant in 2023.

Jonny and Monique Black’s standout kitchen is now one of 10 nominees for the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant. Chez Noir was named one of 30 semifinalists by the organization in January.

The winner will be announced on June 10 at a ceremony in Chicago.

Chez Noir is the only California restaurant remaining on the list, which includes Bar Bacetto (Waitsburg, Washington), Barbs-B-Q (in the barbecue heaven of Lockhart, Texas), Comfort Kitchen (Dorchester, Massachusetts), Dakar NOLA (New Orleans), Hayward (McMinnville, Oregon), Kaya (Orlando, Florida), Kisser (Nashville), Oro by Nixta (Minneapolis) and Shan (Boseman, Montana).