2025 James Beard Awards Celebrate Culinary Excellence Across the U.S.

The James Beard Foundation held its prestigious annual awards ceremony on Monday evening in Chicago, where chefs, restaurateurs, bakers, and bartenders from across the nation received top honors from co-hosts Andrew Zimmern and Nyesha Arrington.

Reflecting the rising prominence of cocktail and bar culture, this year introduced three new award categories: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.

Restaurants based in New York City captured half of the six major national awards, including Outstanding Chef awarded to Jungsik Yim of Jungsik; Outstanding Hospitality granted to Atomix; and Outstanding Restaurateur presented to Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr, recognized for their work with Frenchette, Le Rock, and Le Veau d’Or.

Now in its 35th year, the black-tie gala has evolved from a single Monday-night event—timed to accommodate chefs’ schedules during restaurant closures—to an extended weekend featuring panels and pop-up events. Additionally, food media professionals such as writers, directors, podcasters, and influencers received their accolades at a separate ceremony held on Saturday.

Following a two-year hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, the awards resumed with a renewed focus. The foundation has shifted its evaluation criteria beyond traditional measures like food quality, service, and ambiance, to emphasize the roles of chefs and restaurants as employers, community leaders, and advocates for equity, considering issues of race, gender, privilege, and workers’ rights.