Chef David Viana Photo: Courtesy of ET Schindler
Two New Jersey chefs were named today as semifinalists for the prestigious James Beard Award for best chef: David Viana, of Judy & Harry’s in Asbury Park, and Russ Cowan, who owns Radin’s Delicatessen in Cherry Hill.
New Jersey Monthly recently included Judy & Harry’s, owned by Viana and his partner Neilly Robinson, on its Best New Restaurants list in the February issue.
“It means everything to me that we were able to make Judy & Harry’s as iconic as the names it honors,” Viana told New Jersey Monthly. (The restaurant, Judy’s, and its companion bar, Harry’s, are named for Robinson’s parents, who inspired the menu.)
“I’m deeply grateful for this recognition,” Viana continued. “It’s the highlight of my career to have such a prestigious organization acknowledge the work and dedication of so many talented people. Judy & Harry’s exists because of our team, our community, and Asbury Park itself, which is undeniably a happier—and very well-fed—place because of it.”
Viana and Robinson combine traditional Jewish dishes with favorite Italian classics for a unique fine-dining experience in a beautiful spot in the St. Laurent hotel. The location was formerly home to their Heirloom at the St. Laurent, which was rebranded last year with a “whimsical, international flair.” They offer dishes such as matzo ball soup and roast chicken Savoy (Viana’s spin on the Belmont Tavern classic, a favorite of Frankie Valli).
Photo: Courtesy of Judy & Harry’s/Michael Persico
Viana, a Top Chef alum whose restaurants have frequently appeared on NJM’s 40 Best Restaurants list, also co-owns Heirloom Kitchen in Old Bridge and Lita in Aberdeen, as well as La Otra, the cocktail bar inside Lita, which was named one of NJM‘s favorite bars last year and one of Esquire magazine’s best bars in America the year prior.
Viana and his partner Neilly Robinson were previously named semifinalists for best new restaurant by the James Beard Foundation. Viana was also nominated for best chef in 2025 and in 2018.
Radin’s Deli in Cherry Hill is an old-fashioned Jewish deli known for its large portions and bakery counter. Owner Russ Cowan learned the ins and outs of running delis from his family, the Radins, who opened their first restaurant in New York in 1905. Cowan, who previously owned the Famous 4th Street Deli in Philadelphia, opened Radin’s in February 2024.
Photo: Courtesy of Radin’s Delicatessen/Russ Cowan
Last year, Dan Richer of Jersey City’s Razza was also nominated for best chef in the Mid-Atlantic region; his restaurant also made NJM‘s Best Restaurants list.
The James Beard nominations for best chef in the Mid-Atlantic region include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland and Washington, D.C.
Restaurant and chef nominees will be announced on Tuesday, March 31, with winners celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 15 in Chicago.
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Plus: A beloved Beach Haven seafood staple has shuttered, and a Toms River offshoot of Jon Bon Jovi’s JBJ Soul Kitchen will close at the end of the month.
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