Chef Allen Walski of Clemmy’s in Waretown has been named 2026 Chef of the Year by the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association (NJRHA). It’s the first time Walski has taken home the award.
The winner was announced Nov. 5 at the NJRHA Awards Ceremony after weeks of public voting. Seven other chefs were finalists: Clif Crooks (Viv & Jules, Hoboken); Aishiling Stevens (Grand Tavern, Neptune); Dennis Foy (Le Floret, Lambertville); Joseph Sergentakis (Revel Hall, Burlington); Nick DeRosa (Black Sheep, Garwood); Conor Browne (Lula, Ridgewood); and Sam Stymest (Sam’s Table, Montclair).
Clemmy’s specializes in New American cuisine, defined by the local bounty. The cozy BYOB, complete with a dining counter that peeks into the kitchen, changes its menu with the seasons, always paying extra mind to what’s good in the area. That means local seafood, NJ-grown produce, and more. On Mondays, Clemmy’s serves fried chicken, a noticeable break from its usual menu that’s become a staple among locals.
Still, despite the dialed-in food coming out of the kitchen, the restaurant remains casual and inviting. It’s versatile, perfect for date night or a laid-back weeknight dinner. And Walski is the mastermind behind it.
We named Clemmy’s one of New Jersey’s 30 best restaurants in 2025. You can read that list here. Stay tuned: our 2026 list is in the works.
The NJRHA
Since 1947, the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association has supported, educated, and advocated for the state’s hospitality industry, offering members vendor partnerships, free ServSafe training, and a voice with policymakers. Its educational foundation funds scholarships and runs ProStart, a two-year culinary and management program for high school students.
Each year, the NJRHA hosts an awards ceremony celebrating leaders in the New Jersey restaurant industry. See the full list of winners on the NJRHA’s website.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
