PHOENIX — The list of 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists for the James Beard Awards features 15 restaurants and chefs from Arizona!
“For 35 years, the James Beard Awards have stood as a testament to American food culture and its exceptional talent. What began as a celebration of culinary achievement has evolved into a platform leading chefs and the broader culinary industry towards a new standard of excellence,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO, James Beard Foundation, in a news release sent to ABC15. “As we mark this milestone, we are committed to our vision of a vibrant independent restaurant industry that stands as a cornerstone of American culture, community and economy, and drives towards a better food system.”
Restaurants and chefs from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Bisbee, Tucson, and the Gila River Indian Community put Arizona on the map… or in this occasion, on the list.
“This year brings renewed energy to the Restaurant and Chef Awards, as we shine a spotlight on the exciting talent shaping American food culture as well as beverage, which is a focus for us,” said Dawn Padmore, Vice President of Awards, James Beard Foundation, in the news release sent to ABC15.
2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards has added three new categories that include Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.
Here's who was selected from Arizona to be the 2025 James Beard semifinalists:
Emerging Chef presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water
- Lawrence "LT" Smith, Chilte, Phoenix, AZ
Best New Restaurant
- Santo Arcadia, Phoenix, AZ
Outstanding Bakery
- Patisserie Jacqui, Bisbee, AZ
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
- Antonia Kane, Course, Scottsdale, AZ
- Crystal Kass, Valentine, Phoenix, AZ
Outstanding Hospitality presented by American Airlines
- Kai, Gila River Indian Community, AZ
Outstanding Bar
- Little Rituals, Phoenix, AZ
Best New Bar
- Kid Sister, Phoenix, AZ
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
- Jax Donahue, Carry On, Phoenix, AZ
Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, OK)
- Jose Contreras, Amelia's Mexican Kitchen, Tucson, AZ
- Donald Hawk, Valentine, Phoenix, AZ
- Stephen Jones, The Larder & The Delta, Phoenix, AZ
- Bernie Kantak, Beginners Luck, Scottsdale, AZ
- Yotaka Martin, Lom Wong, Phoenix, AZ
- Cory Oppold, COURSE, Scottsdale, AZ
