Overview of the James Beard Awards

The James Beard Awards, regarded as the Oscars of the culinary world, were established in 1990, with inaugural awards given in 1991. These prestigious accolades recognize excellence in American food and beverage. Winners receive a certificate and a medallion featuring the James Beard Awards insignia.

Exciting Nominations for 2025

Recently, nominations for the 2025 James Beard Awards were unveiled, shining a light on several talented chefs and restaurants from California. Categories include Outstanding Restaurateur, Best Chef, and Outstanding Hospitality, among others. The winners will be announced at a ceremony scheduled for June 16 at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.

California Nominees

Outstanding Restaurateur

Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski from Atomic Workshop, which encompasses The Anchovy Bar, State Bird Provisions, and The Progress, in San Francisco, are nominated.

Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service

Jacob Brown from Lazy Bear, San Francisco.

Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service

Tobin Shea from Redbird, Los Angeles.

Best Chef: California

• Daniel Castillo, Heritage Barbecue, San Juan Capistrano
• Richard Lee, Saison, San Francisco
• Tara Monsod, ANIMAE, San Diego
• Kosuke Tada, Mijoté, San Francisco
• Jon Yao, Kato, Los Angeles

This year, the Lifetime Achievement Award will honor Toni Tipton-Martin, celebrated for her contributions as an author, culinary journalist, and activist.

Food & Wine’s 2025 Global Tastemakers List

Food & Wine has also released its 2025 Global Tastemakers list, featuring California cities prominently in the rankings for food and drink:

Top 10 U.S. Cities for Food and Drink

1. New York
2. Chicago
3. Los Angeles
4. Austin, Texas
5. New Orleans
6. Charleston, S.C.
7. Miami
8. San Francisco
9. Houston
10. Philadelphia

Notable mentions include the Thai restaurant Holy Basil in Los Angeles, recognized for its innovative dishes, and the renowned sourdough available at Tartine in San Francisco.

Recognition of Top U.S. Restaurants

Top 15 U.S. Restaurants

1. Burdell, Oakland
2. Canlis, Seattle
3. The Musket Room, New York City
4. Lowland, Charleston, S.C.
5. Emeril’s, New Orleans
6. Mr. Tuna, Portland, Maine
7. Yangban, Los Angeles
8. My Loup, Philadelphia
9. Myriel, Saint Paul, Minn.
10. Stissing House, Pine Plains, New York
11. Nancy’s Hustle, Houston
12. Penny, New York City
13. Sunny’s, Miami
14. Virtue, Chicago
15. Oyster Oyster, Washington, D.C.

Burdell’s chef, Geoff Davis, was praised for reinterpreting California soul food, while Yangban was highlighted for its modern Korean-American cuisine.

California’s Pastry Scene

Top 10 U.S. Cities for Pastry

1. New York City
2. Chicago
3. Los Angeles
4. San Francisco
5. New Orleans
6. Boston
7. Miami
8. Houston
9. Las Vegas
10. Detroit

Los Angeles ranks third, celebrated for its culinary diversity and seasonal ingredients, while San Francisco is honored for its artisanal bread and pastries.

Top U.S. Bars

Among the top bars in the country, two gems from Los Angeles and one from San Francisco stand out:

1. Cure, New Orleans
2. Bar Flores, Los Angeles
3. Kumiko, Chicago
4. Esters Fair Prospect, Wailuku, Hawaii
5. Sip & Guzzle, New York City
6. Midnight Cowboy, Austin
7. Mirate, Los Angeles
8. Trick Dog, San Francisco
9. Happy Accidents, Albuquerque, New Mexico
10. Law Bird, Columbus, Ohio

Bar Flores is celebrated as a premier spot for daytime drinking, while Mirate shines for its focus on agave spirits.