The James Beard Foundation has unveiled its 2025 list of semifinalists for its prestigious annual food awards, featuring a mix of renowned culinary names and rising stars. From established icons like Le Veau d’Or to fresh contenders like Corima, the lineup celebrates excellence across the culinary world. This year’s nominees represent the best in gastronomy, beverage innovation, and hospitality, offering a glimpse into the evolving trends shaping the industry.
In the Outstanding Restaurateur category, notable nods include Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr for revitalizing Le Veau d’Or in Manhattan and Simon Kim of Gracious Hospitality Management, which includes COTE and COQODAQ. The Outstanding Chef category features acclaimed talents like Gabriel Kreuther of Gabriel Kreuther and Jungsik Yim of Jungsik.
Don Angie, the beloved Italian-American restaurant in the West Village, and Williamsburg’s The Four Horsemen earned recognition in the Outstanding Restaurant category. For the Emerging Chef spotlight, Danny Garcia of Time and Tide and Daniel Garwood of Acru stood out for their innovative contributions to modern dining.
Atomix, a Korean fine-dining gem, and Melba’s in Harlem were recognized for Outstanding Hospitality, while Hawksmoor, a British steakhouse, and Waxlight Bar à Vin in Buffalo were honored in the Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages category. Leyenda, a Latin American cocktail bar currently relocating, also made the list for Outstanding Bar.
Among the Best New Restaurant contenders are Café Carmellini by Andrew Carmellini, Corima, and Penny, all delivering diverse culinary experiences in New York City. In the Outstanding Bakery category, Brooklyn’s Fan Fan Doughnuts and Carissa’s the Bakery in Easthampton shined, while Camari Mick of Raf’s in Nolita received a nomination for Outstanding Pastry Chef.
New York’s culinary scene is well-represented in the Best Chef: New York State category, with names like Fariyal Abdullahi (Hav & Mar), Nasim Alikhani (Sofreh), and Kwame Onwuachi (Tatiana) earning spots. Meanwhile, in the Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic category, New Jersey chefs Dan Richer (Razza) and David Viana (Lita) were recognized for their regional excellence.
Simon Kim, a semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurateur, reflected on his nomination:
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team at Gracious Hospitality Management. It’s an honor to be included among such distinguished peers.”
A spokesperson for the James Beard Foundation stated:
“The 2025 semifinalists highlight the remarkable talent and innovation shaping the culinary arts today, from seasoned chefs to emerging voices redefining the industry.”
The announcement paints a vivid picture of culinary diversity. From the nostalgic revival of Le Veau d’Or to the bold, contemporary flavors at Corima, each nominee reflects a unique story and approach to dining. Many semifinalists have successfully merged cultural authenticity with modern dining trends, emphasizing local sourcing, sustainability, and inventive techniques.
