Inside Capitol Hill's beloved Melrose Market, a culinary star has been quietly rising. Ahmed Suliman, the chef and owner of Cafe Suliman, has earned recognition as a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist in the Emerging Chef category—a testament to his exceptional North African cuisine that has captivated Seattle diners.
Cafe Suliman occupies a unique space in Seattle's food scene. By day, it operates as a lowkey, Wi-Fi-friendly cafe where students and remote workers tap away at laptops between sips of coffee. But the food tells a different story—one of heritage, precision, and flavors rarely found in the Pacific Northwest.
Suliman's menu centers on North African dishes that reflect his cultural background while embracing the quality ingredients available in the region. His lamb dishes have become particularly renowned, featuring tender meat prepared with traditional spices and techniques passed down through generations. The hummus, silky and deeply flavored, has converted countless diners who thought they knew what the Mediterranean staple could be.
What makes Cafe Suliman special extends beyond the plates. The space inside Melrose Market creates an intimate atmosphere where Suliman can interact directly with guests, explaining dishes and sharing the stories behind family recipes. It's casual dining elevated by genuine passion and extraordinary skill.
The James Beard nomination recognizes what Capitol Hill residents have discovered over the past few years: Cafe Suliman offers something truly special. The 'emerging chef' designation highlights Suliman's trajectory—a talent on the rise who is reshaping how Seattle thinks about North African cuisine.
For Suliman, the recognition represents more than personal achievement. It's an opportunity to share his culinary heritage with a broader audience and demonstrate that North African cuisine deserves a prominent place in America's food conversation.
'Food is how I connect with my roots and share my culture,' Suliman has said. 'Every dish is an invitation to experience something beautiful.'