Craig LaBan, a restaurant critic, has won the prestigious James Beard journalism award for his contributions to culinary coverage.

Craig LaBan, esteemed restaurant critic for The Philadelphia Inquirer, has been honored with the prestigious James Beard Foundation’s Craig Claiborne Distinguished Criticism Award. This accolade recognizes his exceptional evaluations of Philadelphia’s vibrant dining landscape, encompassing a diverse array of establishments from well-established food carts to exclusive eateries.

Gabriel Escobar, editor and senior vice president of The Philadelphia Inquirer, expressed that this national award underscores LaBan’s standing among the elite food critics of contemporary journalism. LaBan’s nomination stems from notable reviews of various culinary destinations, including the Octopus Cart, a food cart serving the public at 20th and Market Streets for over 30 years; Loch Bar, a new seafood restaurant on Broad Street featuring a signature crab cake; and Honeysuckle Provisions, which offered an avant-garde dinner tasting menu in February 2024 highlighted by innovative dishes such as jellied kombucha cubes presented on a thorn branch.

This recognition marks LaBan’s second James Beard criticism award, with his first victory occurring in the Newspaper Restaurant Review or Critique category in 2000. Despite not attending the awards ceremony in Chicago, LaBan viewed the event remotely from Bolo in Center City, describing the experience of winning as both surreal and gratifying, particularly as it marked a significant milestone in his career after 25 years since his initial recognition.

The James Beard Foundation’s media award category encompasses entries across various forms of journalism, including published works and broadcast media. In LaBan’s category, he was up against other distinguished critics, including Jenn Harris of the Los Angeles Times and Ted Genoways, who collaborates with esteemed publications such as the New York Times and the Washington Post.

LaBan articulates that the Claiborne award aims to honor “discerning criticism or commentary that contributes to the larger discourse on food, drink, and related topics.” With a profound sense of pride, LaBan declared his commitment to highlighting Philadelphia’s dynamic restaurant scene and the exciting culinary developments within the city over the past quarter century. His advocacy for the inspection and inclusion of immigrant contributions to the culinary world further illustrates his dedication to understanding and celebrating the evolving food culture in Philadelphia.

Having been nominated for a James Beard award seven times, LaBan is not only an award-winning critic but also a significant voice in the food media landscape. His insights provide an essential commentary on the city’s gastronomic transformations, reinforcing his cherished rapport with local readers and the vibrant community that thrives on culinary exploration.