Jan 22, 2025 - Food and Drink

Here are Philadelphia's James Beard Award semifinalists for 2025

Mike D'Onofrio

Animated illustration of salt and pepper shakers posing on a red carpet as cameras flash. — Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios

More than a dozen Philadelphia restaurants, bars and chefs are James Beard Awards semifinalists for 2025.

Why it matters: The Beards are like the Oscars for the American hospitality industry, and even making the semis is a big deal.

Zoom in: Locals are in the mix for some of the top categories, including favorites like Kalaya for Outstanding Restaurant and up-and-comers like Provenance (Outstanding Pastry Chef).

Four Philly chefs are in the running for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic.

Philly's semifinalists:

Outstanding Chef: Greg Vernick of Vernick Fish
Outstanding Restaurant: Kalaya
Emerging Chef: Phila Lorn of Mawn
Outstanding Bakery: Machine Shop
Outstanding Pastry Chef: Abigail Dahan of Provenance
Outstanding Hospitality: Little Fish
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: Càphê Roasters
Outstanding Bar: The Lovers Bar at Friday Saturday Sunday
Best New Bar: Kampar Kongsi
Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic: Juan Carlos Aparicio of El Chingon, Yun Fuentes of Bolo, Jesse Ito of Royal Sushi & Izakaya and Amanda Shulman of Her Place Supper Club

What's next: Nominees are revealed April 2.

The James Beard Awards ceremony is June 16 in Chicago.

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Here are Philadelphia's James Beard Award semifinalists for 2025

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