Houston's James Beard Award semifinalists
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Interior dining room of Le Jardinier. Photo by Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
The James Beard Awards on Wednesday announced their 2025 semifinalists with 13 Houston-area chefs and restaurants in the running.
Why it matters: The Beards are the country's top hospitality awards, and just making the semifinals is a significant achievement. Houston's culinary talent snagged spots in some of the most talked-about categories.
Zoom in: Here are the nominees in the national categories:
Outstanding Restaurateur: Itai Ben Eli and Itamar Levy, Sof Hospitality Group (Hamsa, Badolina Bakery, and Doris Metropolitan)
- Sara Stayer and Martin Stayer (Nobie's, Toasted Coconut, and Nonno's)
Emerging Chef: Suu Khin, Burmalicious
Best New Restaurant: Ema
Outstanding Bakery: Koffeteria
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: March
Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service: Andres Blanco, Le Jardinier
Plus: Several locals made the list of the best chefs in 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)
Flashback: Houston had 11 semifinalists last year, but came away with no wins. This year, several names return, including Ema, Koffeteria, Tatemó and Jūn.
- In 2023, Houston had 10 semifinalists, with Street to Kitchen's chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter winning Best Chef in Texas.
Between the lines: Many of the recognized chefs and restaurants also appeared on Texas' inaugural Michelin Guide released last fall.
Zoom out: Elsewhere in Texas, Austin snagged six nominations; San Antonio had seven; and the DFW area received eight.
What's next: Finalists will be announced on April 12, and winners will be celebrated at a Chicago ceremony on June 16.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to show there were six Austin chefs and restaurants in the semifinals (not five)