With awards season in full swing, Houston-area chefs and restaurants are celebrating a whopping 13 nominations named among this year’s semi-finalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards. Houston led the gamut of nominations in Texas, with Dallas and San Antonio each earning eight and Austin earning six.
The James Beard Foundation recognizes leaders in the culinary and food media industries from around the country across 25 categories. This year, in honor of the Awards’ milestone 35th anniversary, three new categories, including Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service, were incorporated.
Houston’s semifinalists are as follows:
Outstanding Restaurateur
Itai Ben Eli and Itamar Levy — Sof Hospitality Group, Houston
Martin and Sara Stayer — Nobie’s, Toasted Coconut, and Nonno’s, Houston
Emerging Chef
Suu Khin — Burmalicious, Houston
Best New Restaurant
Ema, Houston
Outstanding Bakery
Koffeteria, Houston
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
March, Houston
Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service
Andres Blanco — Le Jardinier, Houston
Best Chef: Texas
Ope Amosu — ChòpnBlọk, Houston
Thomas Bille — Belly of the Beast, Spring
Emmanuel Chavez — Tatemó, Houston
Evelyn Garcia — Jūn, Houston
Beatriz Martines — Xalisko, The Woodlands
David Skinner — Ishtia, Kemah
The full list of semifinalists can be found at jamesbeard.org. Finalists will be named on Wednesday, April 2 with the official awards ceremony to be held at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on Monday, June 16.
