Cordelia Chef Vinnie Cimino Named a James Beard Award Semifinalist

The chef behind Cleveland’s best new restaurant received a major nod from the James Beard Awards. By Annie Nickoloff

Vinnie Cimino, the chef behind Cordelia on East Fourth Street in Downtown Cleveland, has been named a James Beard award semifinalist — a major nod from one of the highest honors in the culinary world.

Cimino was named a semifinalist in the “Best Chef: Great Lakes” category, which encompasses the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.

"Beyond excited and grateful, and to be honest still completely in shock. Huge congratulations to our Cordelia Family and so proud to be among so many great Midwest chefs, so much Ohio representation," Cimino said in a statement following the announcement. "I am so honored to represent Cleveland!"

Last year, we here at Cleveland Magazine named Cordelia the best new restaurant in Cleveland — and it’s continued to earn fans in the region. The restaurant’s “Midwest Nice” approach features dishes like a burger box ($22), corned lamb ($35), cabbage and cold noodles ($14) and even upscale jojos ($9).

“We make the food that we like to cook for us and for our family and friends,” Cimino told us. “We’re just sharing it with a bigger audience now.” 

Stay tuned to see if Cimino will win the big award: Winners will be announced on June 10 at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony.

See the full list of semifinalists here.

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