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JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION® ANNOUNCES 2025 RESTAURANT AND CHEF AWARD SEMIFINALISTS

The James Beard Foundation® has unveiled the semifinalists for its 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards, presented by Capital One. Widely regarded as one of the nation’s most prestigious accolades, the James Beard Awards® celebrate outstanding achievements in the culinary and food media industries, while also promoting a culture where everyone can thrive.

This year marks a significant milestone—the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Awards. The 2025 ceremony will honor the Awards’ transformative impact on recognizing culinary excellence and shaping American food culture, reaffirming the Foundation’s dedication to supporting and advancing the industry for generations to come.

Congratulations to the semifinalists from Washington, D.C.

The 2025 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists are:

Outstanding Restaurateur:

  • Scott Drewno and Danny Lee, The Fried Rice Collective (Anju, Chiko, and I Egg You), Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Chef presented by Hilton:

  • Amy Brandwein, Centrolina, Washington, D.C. 

Emerging Chef presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water: 

  • Paolo Dungca, Hiraya, Washington, D.C.

Best New Restaurant: 

  • Mita, Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker:

  • Susan Bae, Moon Rabbit, Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Hospitality presented by American Airlines:

  • Tail Up Goat, Washington, D.C.

NEW Best New Bar: 

  • Bar Cana, Washington, D.C.

NEW Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service:

  • Andra "AJ" Johnson, Serenata, Washington, D.C.

Best Chefs presented by Capital One (by region):

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA) 

  • Matt Adler, Cucina Morini, Washington, D.C.
  • Henji Cheung, Queen's English, Washington, D.C. 
  • Matt Conroy and Isabel Coss, Pascual, Washington, D.C.
  • Carlos Delgado, Causa and Amazonia, Washington, D.C.
  • Ruben Garcia, Casa Teresa, Washington, D.C.
  • Fernando Gonzalez, 2Fifty Barbeque, Riverdale, MD and Washington, DC
  • Cagla Onal Urel, Green Almond Pantry, Washington, D.C.

Jurisdiction:

Washington DC