A Boston restaurant is among the final contenders for a James Beard Award this year.
Comfort Kitchen in Dorchester was named a finalist for “Best New Restaurant” in 2024, according to a press release from the James Beard Foundation on Wednesday, April 3.
The awards honor restaurants and chefs across the country who showcase a “dedication to excellence — both on and beyond the plate,” CEO of the James Beard Foundation Clare Reichenbach said in press release.
“Congratulations to all of our esteemed honorees and nominees on this remarkable achievement,” Reichenbach continued. “Thank you for all you are doing to set a better standard for our industry and broader food system.”
The “Best Restaurant” category recognizes restaurants that demonstrate “excellence in cuisine, seems likely to make a significant impact in years to come, and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, while contributing positively to its broader community,” the foundation said.
All new restaurants opened between Oct. 2022 and Sept. 30, 2023. Comfort Kitchen opened in Dorchester’s Upham’s Corner in January 2023, according to the restaurant’s website.
Comfort Kitchen’s food “celebrates the flavors and ingredients of the African Diaspora — global comfort food — connected from Asia to the Americas,” the website continued. Popular dishes include Jerk Jackfruit Sliders, Yassa Chicken, Za’atar Brown Butter Trout and more, according to Yelp.
In addition to the “Best New Restaurant” category, Massachusetts was also recognized in the “Best Chef (Northeast)” category. Chef Conor Dennehy, known for his restaurant Talulla in Cambridge, is a finalist in that category. You can find a full list of finalists here.
