13 FL Restaurants, Chefs Named 2025 James Beard Semifinalists

FLORIDA — Thirteen Florida restaurants and chefs were named 2025 James Beard semifinalists, the organization announced Wednesday.

2025 is the 35th anniversary of the prestigious culinary awards, sometimes known 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.

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

• Related: 10 Restaurants Added To FL Michelin Guide

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.

In Florida, the following restaurants and chefs were named semifinalists this year:

• Outstanding Restaurateur: Sue Chin and Jason Chin, Good Salt Restaurant Group (Seito Sushi, Reyes Mezcaleria, The Osprey, and others), Orlando
• Outstanding Restaurant presented by Acqua Panna Natural Spring Water: Ghee Indian Kitchen, Miami
• Emerging Chef presented by S. Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water: Kayla Pfeiffer, Bicyclette Cookshop, Naples
• Best New Restaurant: Ômo by Jônt, Winter Park
• Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: Yohann Le Bescond, Ocala,
• Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: Macchialina, Miami
• Outstanding Bar: Café La Trova, Miami
• Best New Bar, Vice Versa, Miami
• Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service: Allegra Angelo, Vinya Table, Miami

Multiple Florida chefs were also nominated in the Best Chef: South category:

• Nikhil Abuvala, Roux 30a, Santa Rosa Beach
• Nando Chang, Itamae AO, Miami
• Lordfer Lalicon, Kaya, Orlando
• Sean "Sonny" Nguyen, Domu, Orlando

Nominees will be announced on April 2, and winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.