East Hollywood Restaurant, Chef Named James Beard Semifinalists

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Two East Hollywood restaurants are celebrating recognition by the James Beard Foundation.

One Santa Monica restaurant was named among the 2025 James Beard semifinalists on Wednesday.

Bridgetown Roti on Vermont Avenue is a 2025 semifinalist for Best New Restaurant, appearing on a list of 30 other establishments nationwide.

And Evan Algorri, the chef at Melrose Hill's Ètra, is among 20 semifinalists for Best Chef: California.

The organization will further narrow down the semifinalists lists on April 2, when nominees are announced, before winners are announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 16.

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This year is the 35th anniversary of the prestigious culinary awards — often referred to as the "Oscars of food" — that recognize eateries and chefs who create exceptional food, food media content, and better food systems, the organization said. Awards also recognize a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.

In celebration of 2025 as an anniversary year, Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists are recognized across 25 categories, with an expanded focus on beverages. There are three new categories: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.

Other categories include outstanding restaurateur, outstanding chef, outstanding restaurant, emerging chef, best new restaurant, outstanding bakery, outstanding pastry chef or baker, outstanding hospitality, outstanding wine and other beverages program, outstanding bar and best chef.

A full list of California semifinalists is available here.