Providence Restaurant Nominated for James Beard Award

Oberlin restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere and unique Italian dishes.

News Summary

Oberlin, a restaurant in Providence co-owned by Benjamin Sukle and Bethany Caliaro, has been nominated for the Outstanding Restaurant award at the 2025 James Beard Foundation Awards. This honor marks their first recognition at this prestigious event, highlighting the city’s culinary excellence. With a focus on high-quality modern Italian cuisine, Oberlin is among a select group of restaurants honored in the competition. Other notable nominations reflect Providence’s vibrant culinary scene, elevating the city as a rising destination for dining.

Providence Celebrates Culinary Excellence with James Beard Foundation Award Nominations

Providence, RI – The culinary scene in Providence is gaining national acclaim as the Oberlin restaurant, co-owned by Benjamin Sukle and Bethany Caliaro, has been nominated for the Outstanding Restaurant award at the 2025 James Beard Foundation Awards. This nomination marks the first recognition for both Sukle and Caliaro at this prestigious event, often likened to the “Oscars” of the restaurant industry. The awards ceremony is set to take place on June 16, 2025, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, celebrating its 35th anniversary.

Oberlin recently relocated to a more expansive space at 266 Westminster St. in late 2023, a move that has facilitated its evolution into a high-quality modern Italian cuisine establishment. The restaurant’s menu features unique dishes, including house-made pasta and seasonal fish, all crafted from fresh, local ingredients. With its polished interior and expanded offerings, Oberlin maintains an inviting atmosphere focused on accessible fine dining experiences.

The restaurant stands out for its creativity, showcasing playful brunch items and unique flavor combinations. Sukle emphasizes customer engagement by regularly interacting with guests about the dishes served, further enhancing the dining experience.

Other Notable Nominations in Providence’s Culinary Scene

Alongside Sukle and Caliaro, Providence’s culinary elite is represented by Derek Wagner of Nicks on Broadway, nominated for the Best Chef: Northeast category for the fifth time. This nomination underscores Wagner’s long-standing prominence in the local culinary landscape. The category also includes nominees Avery Buck, Brian Lewis, and Erin Miller.

This year marks a significant achievement for Sky Haneul Kim, who has received her first nomination for Best Chef: Northeast, recognized for her work at the sister restaurant Gift Horse. Additionally, Nikhil Naiker is nominated for the Emerging Chef award for his contributions at NIMKI within The Courtland Club, also a first-time nominee.

Competitive Landscape

Oberlin faces tough competition in the Outstanding Restaurant category, with finalists including Coquine, Frasca Food and Wine, Galit, and Nonesuch. The array of talent within the city and from across the region showcases Providence’s burgeoning reputation as a vibrant culinary destination.

A Strong Community Presence

Sukle and Caliaro bring extensive experience in the culinary industry, with Sukle previously being named a James Beard finalist for Best Chef: Northeast twice and nominated as a Rising Star chef in 2012. Their commitment to community involvement is reflected in the restaurant’s approach and ethos, which prioritizes local engagement and the utilization of regional ingredients.

The recent nominations have heightened Oberlin’s visibility, contributing to a broader recognition for Providence as a dynamic and evolving culinary hub. As the local restaurant scene thrives, the accolades from the James Beard Foundation continue to elevate the talent and innovation present in the region.

As the date for the awards approaches, the culinary community in Providence eagerly anticipates the celebration, highlighting the hard work and dedication of its many talented chefs and restaurateurs.