Baltimore's Charleston Restaurant wins 2025 James Beard Award

Charleston, a nationally recognized Baltimore restaurant, is raising a glass to victory after taking home a James Beard Award – and the entire city is joining in the celebration. 

The fine-dining staple in Harbor East took home one of the highest honors in the culinary world: A James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program.

Charleston's wine director reacts

After years of being named as a finalist, this marks the first time the restaurant has won the coveted award, and the moment isn't lost on those behind the scenes. 

"We were overcome with joy…but the best part was hearing what was happening back home," said Lindsay Willey, Charleston's wine director. "Guests were coming in, buying champagne, celebrating with us – it was amazing." 

For Willey, a Baltimore native, the win is more than a personal triumph. It's a reflection of the city's often overlooked hospitality scene and a spotlight on decades of dedication behind the wine cellar's success. 

"It's a culmination of many years and many hands building that cellar," Willey said. "We're just incredibly happy to bring some good news home with us from Chicago." 

Charleston's award-winning wine cellar 

Charleston's cellar includes wines that have been aging on-site for more than a decade – a rare offering made possible by co-owners Tony Foreman and Chef Cindy Wolf, who began developing the collection when the restaurant opened over 25 years ago. 

"There are wines that have been there for over a decade…it's not just about having a big list – it's about having one that's been nurtured and thoughtfully curated over time," Willey said. 

Foreman, who oversees multiple restaurants across the region, said the award not only affirms their work but also casts a new light on Baltimore's potential. 

"It's nice that the U.S. is thinking…hmm, there is really something beautiful going on there, there is a lot of magic in the city," he said. 

Willey believes the honor will bring new attention to Baltimore's dining scene – which often sits in the shadow of larger cities like Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. 

"I want people to feel excited – something to be proud of," Willey said. "Charleston was the cornerstone of Harbor East's development, a part of the city that's really thriving." 

As for what's next, Willey said the win is just the beginning. 

"Even though the wine program is 25-plus years old, it's by no means finished growing," she said. "We'll keep pouring into the work and let the wine, the food and the experience speak for itself." 

The menu at Charleston is rooted in a mix of French and Southern cuisine, attracting both local and international restaurant-goers.

Grammy-award-winning singer Katy Perry enjoyed a meal at the restaurant when she stopped through in September of 2020.

What is the James Beard Award? 

The James Beard Award recognizes "exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive," per the James Beard Award website.

The program was established in 1991 and includes restaurant and chef awards, media awards, and achievement awards.