NEW YORK CITY — The culinary scene in New York City is shining brightly as the James Beard Foundation announced its nominees for the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards on April 2, 2025. This year marks a significant milestone, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the awards, which are widely regarded as the Oscars of the culinary world.
With awards presented in 25 categories, the foundation has expanded its focus to include cocktail and beverage service, reflecting the evolving landscape of dining experiences. Among the prominent nominees from New York City are Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr, who are nominated for Outstanding Restaurateur for their acclaimed establishments, Frenchette, Le Veau d'Or, and Le Rock.
Chef Jungsik Yim, the mastermind behind the Tribeca restaurant Jungsik, which recently earned its third Michelin star, is nominated for Outstanding Chef. This recognition highlights his exceptional culinary skills and innovative approach to Korean cuisine.
In the Best New Restaurant category, Penny, located in the East Village and launched by the Claud team in March 2025, has made the cut, while Atomix in NoMad is recognized for Outstanding Hospitality. This nod emphasizes the restaurant's commitment to providing an unparalleled dining experience.
The James Beard Awards also spotlight exceptional talent beyond New York City. Filipino American chef Tara Monsod has been nominated for Best Chef: California, marking her second consecutive year as a finalist. Monsod, who serves as the executive chef at Animae in San Diego, has garnered acclaim for her innovative take on Asian diasporic cuisine, particularly through dishes that incorporate Filipino flavors.
Other nominees for Best Chef: California include Daniel Castillo of Heritage Barbecue, Jon Yao of Kato, Richard Lee of Saison, and Kosuke Tada of Mijoté, all showcasing the rich culinary diversity of the state.
In addition to the chef categories, Gusto Bread in Long Beach is nominated for Outstanding Bakery, competing against Atelier Ortega in Wyoming, JinJu Patisserie in Oregon, Starship Bagel in Texas, and Super Secret Ice Cream in New Hampshire. The Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service category sees Tobin Shea of Redbird in Los Angeles nominated, while Strong Water in Anaheim is recognized for its outstanding wine and other beverages program.
The James Beard Awards, first established in 1991, honor culinary excellence across a broad spectrum, from high-end dining to beloved local eateries. The winners will be revealed on June 16, 2025, during a gala ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
As the culinary community gears up for this prestigious event, the nominations reflect the hard work and creativity of chefs and restaurateurs who continue to push the boundaries of the culinary arts. This year's awards promise to celebrate not only the established stars of the industry but also emerging talents who are redefining what it means to dine out.
In addition to the restaurant awards, the James Beard Foundation will also present its Impact Awards, recognizing individuals making significant contributions to the culinary landscape. The 2025 honorees include U.S. Representative Angie Craig, CEO Brandon Edwin Chrostowski of EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute, and Anthony Edwards Jr., CEO and Co-Founder of EatOkra.
Furthermore, the 2024 Humanitarian of the Year Award will be given to Chad Houser, founder and CEO of Café Momentum, a nonprofit restaurant dedicated to providing opportunities for justice-involved youth. The Lifetime Achievement Award will honor esteemed culinary journalist and activist Toni Tipton-Martin.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming awards ceremony, the culinary world watches closely to see which chefs and restaurants will take home the coveted honors, further solidifying their places in the rich tapestry of American gastronomy.
