Texas receives 39 semifinalist nominations for 2025 James Beard Awards. See the full list

The James Beard Foundation, a national nonprofit organization that celebrates American food culture, honored several establishments and professionals throughout Texas. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Awards, in which a total of 39 names were recognized as semifinalists from the Lone Star State.

“Considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors, the James Beard Awards® recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to equity, sustainability, and creating a culture where all can thrive,” the foundation’s website says.

Houston claimed the most semifinalists with 10, followed by Austin and San Antonio with six each. Dallas and El Paso also bring in a few names.

Here are all the James Beard Award semifinalists in Texas.

Outstanding restaurateur

• Itai Ben Eli and Itamar Levy, Sof Hospitality Group (Hamsa, Badolina Bakery, and Doris Metropolitan), Houston, TX
• Sara Stayer and Martin Stayer, Nobie’s, The Toasted Coconut, and Nonno’s Family Pizza Tavern, Houston, TX

Outstanding chef

Outstanding restaurant

Emerging chef

Best new restaurant

Outstanding bakery

Outstanding pastry chef or baker

Outstanding hospitality

Outstanding wine and other beverages

Outstanding bar

Best new bar

Outstanding professional in beverage service

Best chef: Texas

• Ope Amosu, ChòpnBlọk, Houston, TX
• Takéhiro Asazu and Masazumi Saio, Uroko, Austin, TX
• Thomas Bille, Belly of the Beast, Spring, TX
• Emmanuel Chavez, Tatemó, Houston, TX
• Leo Davila, Stixs & Stone, San Antonio, TX
• Evelyn Garcia, Jūn, Houston, TX
• Alexandra Gates, Cochineal, Marfa, TX
• Fasicka Hicks and Patrick Hicks, Smoke’N Ash BBQ, Arlington, TX
• Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin, Best Quality Daughter, San Antonio, TX
• Grey Hwang, Shiro Japanese Bistro, San Antonio, TX
• Evan LeRoy, LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue, Austin, TX

• Beatriz Martines, Xalisko, The Woodlands, TX
• Emil Oliva, Leche de Tigre, San Antonio, TX
• Anais Paniagua and Iris Rojas, Doña Maria, Irving, TX
• John Ramos and Jonathan Reyes, Chika, San Antonio, TX
• Regino Rojas, Purépecha, Dallas, TX
• Alex Sarmiento and Brenda Sarmiento, El Pastor Es Mi Señor, San Antonio, TX
• Michael Anthony Serva, Bordo, Marfa, TX
• David Skinner, Ishtia, Kemah, TX
• Eugenio Uribe, Le Rêve, Brownsville, TX