JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION® ANNOUNCES
2025 RESTAURANT AND CHEF AWARD SEMIFINALISTS
The James Beard Foundation® announced today its 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists for the James Beard Awards® presented by Capital One. The full list of 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists can be found on the James Beard Foundation website.
The James Beard Awards®, considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors, recognize
exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to
creating a culture where all can thrive. 2025 marks an incredible milestone: the 35th anniversary of the
James Beard Awards. This year’s ceremony will commemorate the transformative role the Awards have played in recognizing culinary excellence and shaping the evolution of American food culture, while
reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to leading and supporting the industry for years to come.
“For 35 years, the James Beard Awards have stood as a testament to American food culture and its
exceptional talent. What began as a celebration of culinary achievement has evolved into a platform
leading chefs and the broader culinary industry towards a new standard of excellence,” said Clare
Reichenbach, CEO, James Beard Foundation. “As we mark this milestone, we are committed to our
vision of a vibrant independent restaurant industry that stands as a cornerstone of American culture,
community and economy; and drives towards a better food system.”
The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards—established in 1990, with the first Awards given in
1991—celebrate excellence across all types of dining experiences, from fine dining to casual establishments, and are one of several recognition programs of the Awards. In celebration of the Awards’
pivotal anniversary, as well as in recognition of the ever-evolving independent restaurant landscape, the
2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards have expanded with a focus on beverages, introducing three new
categories: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional
in Cocktail Service.
“This year brings renewed energy to the Restaurant and Chef Awards, as we shine a spotlight on the
exciting talent shaping American food culture as well as beverage, which is a focus for us,” said Dawn
Padmore, Vice President of Awards, James Beard Foundation. “We are also grateful to the
committees and judges—with a special thanks to our Awards Committee Chair and James Beard
Foundation Board of Trustee Chef Elizabeth Falkner—whose invaluable contributions make the Awards
possible.”
The James Beard Awards continue to impact the careers and lives of many. Recognition at any stage of
the Awards process can lead to significant visibility and in some cases, short and long-term economic
impact for businesses. In the past two years, 66% of semifinalists reported a significant increase in covers
after the announcement. This is especially crucial at a time when independent restaurants continue to operate on razor-thin margins.
Congrats Chicago Semifinalists
Outstanding Restauranteur
- Brian Jupiter and Aaron Torricelli, Pioneer Tavern Group (Frontier and Ina Mae Tavern)
Outstanding Chef presented by Hilton
- Lee Wolen, Boka
Outstanding Restaurant presented by Acqua Panna Natural Spring Water
- Galit
Emerging Chef presented by S. Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water
- Jacob Potashnick, Feld
Best New Restaurant
- Carino
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
- Leigh Omilinsky, Daisies
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
- Elske
Outstanding Bar
- Kumiko
NEW Best New Bar
- Bisous
- Truce
NEW Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service
- Thomas kakalios, Asador Bastian
NEW Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
- Christopher Marty, Best Intentions
Best Chefs presented by Capital One
Best Chefs: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH)
- Marcos Ascencio, Mariscos San Pedro
- Thai Dang, Haisous
- Diana Davila, Mi Tocaya Antojeria
- Bo Fowler, BiXi Beer
- Joe Frillman, Daisies
- Chris Jung and Erling Wu-Bower, Maxwells Trading
- Lamar Moore, ETC
- Noah Sandoval, Oriole
- Sujan Sarkar, Indienne
- Zeeshan Shah and Yoshi Yamada, Superkhana International
The 2025 James Beard Awards ceremony will be held in the city of Chicago on the following dates:
Saturday, June 14th 2025: Media Awards at Colombia College Chicago Student Center
Sunday, June 15th 2025: Impact Awards at The Dalcy
Monday, June 16th 2025: Restaurant and Chef Awards at the Lyric Opera of Chicago
