Established in 1990 with the first awards given in 1991, the James Beard Awards® are often called the Oscars of the food world. Recognitions connsist of the Restaurant and Chef Awards, Media Awards for Book, Broadcast Media and Journalism and the Achievement Awards for Impact, Lifetime Achievement and Humanitarian of the year. The following lists the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards. For a complete list and more information visit James Beard Awards.
Called the Oscars of the food world, the James Beard recognize the best chefs, restaurateurs, beverage professionals, and more working around the country right now.
The winners are named June 16 at a ceremony usually held at the Lyric Opera House of Chicago.
The List:
Restaurateur who builds community, demonstrates creativity in entrepreneurship, and integrity in restaurant operations.
• Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski, The Anchovy Bar, State Bird Provisions, and The Progress, San Francisco, CA
• Sue Chin and Jason Chin, Good Salt Restaurant Group (Seito Sushi, Reyes Mezcaleria, The Osprey, and others), Orlando, FL
• Scott Drewno and Danny Lee, The Fried Rice Collective (Anju, Chiko, and I Egg You), Washington, D.C.
• Allison Gibson and Cara Tobin, Honey Road and Gray Jay, Burlington, VT
• Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr, Frenchette, Le Veau d’Or, and Le Rock, New York, NY
Outstanding Chef
A chef who sets high culinary standards and is a positive example for other food professionals.
• Lisa Becklund, FarmBar, Tulsa, OK
• Gabriel Kreuther, Gabriel Kreuther, New York, NY
• Josh Niernberg, Bin 707 Foodbar, Grand Junction, CO
• Cassie Piuma, Sarma, Somerville, MA
• Jungsik Yim, Jungsik, New York, NY
Outstanding Restaurant
A restaurant that demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations.
• Coquine, Portland, OR
• Frasca Food and Wine, Boulder, CO
• Galit, Chicago, IL
• nonesuch, Oklahoma City, OK
• Oberlin, Providence, RI
Emerging Chef
A chef who displays exceptional talent, character, and leadership ability, and who is likely to make a significant impact in years to come.
• Kaitlin Guerin, Lagniappe Bakehouse, New Orleans, LA
• Phila Lorn, Mawn, Philadelphia, PA
• Nikhil Naiker, NIMKI, Providence, RI
• Jane Sacro Chatham, Vicia, St. Louis, MO
• RJ Yoakum, Georgie, Dallas, TX
Best New Restaurant
A restaurant opened between October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024, that already demonstrates excellence in cuisine, seems likely to make a significant impact in years to come, and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations. Those establishments that have opened after September 30, 2024, can be considered for the 2026 Awards.
• Alma Fonda Fina, Denver, CO
• Atoma, Seattle, WA
• Bûcheron, Minneapolis, MN
• Ema, Houston, TX
• Fet-Fisk, Pittsburgh, PA
• Mābo, Dallas, TX
• Mita, Washington, D.C.
• Ômo by Jônt, Winter Park, FL
• Penny, New York, NY
• The Union, Helena, MT
Outstanding Bakery
A baker of breads, pastries, or desserts that demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations.
• Atelier Ortega, Jackson Hole, WY
• Gusto Bread, Long Beach, CA
• JinJu Patisserie, Portland, OR
• Starship Bagel, Lewisville, TX
• Super Secret Ice Cream, Bethlehem, NH
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
A pastry chef or baker who makes desserts, pastries, or breads. Candidate demonstrates exceptional skills and can be affiliated with any food business and does not need a brick-and mortar presence.
• Susan Bae, Moon Rabbit, Washington, D.C.
• Cat Cox, Country Bird Bakery, Tulsa, OK
• April Franqueza, The Dining Room at High Hampton, Cashiers, NC
• Crystal Kass, Valentine, Phoenix, AZ
• Carolyn Nugent and Alen Ramos, Poulette Bakeshop, Parker, CO
