and the nominees are...
6 Austin restaurants score James Beard Award semifinalist nominations
The 2025 James Beard Awards are here, and Austin is invited to the party — even if it got fewer nominees than other major Texas cities. Overall, Austin received four nominations in national categories and two nominations for Best Chef: Texas.
The national nominees are:
- Outstanding Chef:Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Canje, Austin, TX
- Best New Restaurant: Lao’d Bar, Austin, TX
- Outstanding Bar: Techo Mezcaleria & Agave Bar
- Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service: Arjav Ezekiel, Birdie's
Best Chef: Texas nominees:
- Takéhiro Asazu and Masazumi Saio, Uroko
- Evan LeRoy, LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue
Considered the Oscars of the food world, the awards recognize excellence by chefs and other culinary professionals in a wide range of categories ranging from Outstanding Chef to Best New Restaurant. The James Beard Foundation added three new categories this year to recognize the beverage side of hospitality: Best New Bar. Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.
The awards also include media categories that will be announced on May 7. Recipients of the coveted America’s Classic award will be announced on February 26.
“Excellence in food remains at the core of these awards; winning entries will also align with the Awards mission statement and the values of the James Beard Foundation. Candidates should also be making efforts to create a sustainable work culture, while contributing positively to their broader community,” the organization’s website states.
Elsewhere in Texas, Houston boasts 13 nominees, Dallas has eight, and San Antonio received seven.
Finalists will be announced on April 2. The Foundation will reveal its winners at an awards ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.