The 27 best new restaurants in the US

The semifinalists for the James Beard Foundation restaurant and chef awards have been announced.

With more than 20,000 entries this year, the 27 semifinalists in the "Best New Restaurant" category are truly some of the country's best. Those named to this category opened in the calendar year before and display excellence in food, beverage, and service. The panel of judges expects these restaurants to "make a significant impact in years to come."

From creative Asian fusion cuisine in California to wood-fired pizzas in Mississippi, this list has it all.