MeeshMeesh earns 2025 James Beard SemiFinalist nod for Best Chef: Southeast
MeeshMeesh Mediterranean, Louisville, Kentucky’s Levantine-focused restaurant in Nulu, has been named a 2025 James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast. This recognition highlights the restaurant’s dedication to the rich culinary traditions of Palestine, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and beyond. For Chef Noam Bilitzer, the nomination is a meaningful acknowledgment of the stories and flavors he brings to the table. The James Beard Foundation’s nod underscores what locals have known since MeeshMeesh opened: this is a place where food is both deeply personal and universally appealing.
For Chef Noam, this honor is a culmination of a journey that began in his family’s kitchen and led him through years of exploring global cuisines. After working in various high caliber along the eastern half of the States, he felt a pull to return to the flavors of his heritage. Being named among the Southeast’s best chefs is a humbling achievement and a testament to the timeless appeal of Levantine cuisine.
Earlier this year, MeeshMeesh earned another significant accolade: the #3 spot on Yelp’s 2024 Best New Restaurants in America list. This recognition highlighted the restaurant’s ability to create dishes that resonate with a wide audience. From za’atar fries with garlic confit to smoked lamb hummus topped with pomegranate molasses and confit pine nuts, the menu is a celebration of bold, shareable flavors. These honors reflect the restaurant’s commitment to quality, stellar hospitality, and exciting chef driven Levantine cuisine that celebrates the origins of the ingredients and dishes served to our guests.
At its core, MeeshMeesh is a place where food brings people together; breaking bread over lively conversation and even livelier libations. The warm, inviting space encourages guests to share dishes and enjoy each other’s company. The menu, inspired by the flavors of the Levant, is both refined and approachable, offering something for everyone. Whether it’s the vibrant spices, the fresh herbs, the thoughtful wine and cocktail pairings, or the warm welcome when you arrive; every detail is designed to create a memorable dining experience. MeeshMeesh aims to be more than a restaurant—it celebrates community, connections, and the enduring power of damn good food.