Apr 2, 2025 - Food and Drink

These 3 Philly chefs and a bar are James Beard Award finalists

Isaac Avilucea

Chef Jesse Ito speaks during the AAPI Culinary Conference at L7 Chicago. — Chef Jesse Ito made the James Beard Awards finalists list. Photo: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for The Asian American Foundation

The James Beard Foundation announced its finalists for the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards, including four from Philly.

Why it matters: The Beards are like the Oscars for the American hospitality industry, and even if you don't win, making the final cut is a big deal.

Zoom in: Philly chefs and establishments are scattered across the list, which is whittled down from more than a dozen semifinalists.

Phila Lorn of Mawn is competing with four other finalists for Emerging Chef.
Two Philly chefs are finalists for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic: Jesse Ito of Royal Sushi & Izakaya and Amanda Shulman of Her Place Supper Club.
And The Lovers Bar at Friday Saturday Sunday is vying for Outstanding Bar.

What's new: Three new categories center around cocktails and other beverages: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.

Philly's Kampar Kongsi made the semifinalists for Best New Bar, but didn't join the finalists.

What's next: Winners will be announced at the James Beard Awards ceremony on June 16 in Chicago.

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These 3 Philly chefs and a bar are James Beard Award finalists

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