12 MA Restaurants, Chefs Named 2025 James Beard Semifinalists

MASSACHUSETTS — 12 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.

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

Outstanding Restauranteur: Douglass Williams, MIDA, Boston

Outstanding Chef: Cassie Piuma, Sarma, Somerville

Best New Restaurant: LUNE, Dennis Port. Somaek, Boston

Best New Bar: Equal Measure, Boston

Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service: Oscar Simoza, The Wig Shop, Boston

Best Chef in the Northeast: John Dasilva, Chickadee, Boston. Connor Dennehy, Tallula, Cambridge. Kwasi Kwaa, Comfort Kitchen, Boston. Rachel Miller, Nightshade Noodle Bar, Lynn. Erin Miller, Urban Hearth, Cambridge. Michael Serpa, Select Oyster, Boston.

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.