2 NJ Restaurants, Chefs Named 2025 James Beard Semifinalists

NEW JERSEY — Two Garden State 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 New Jersey, two chefs were named semifinalists this year in the Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic Region category:

• Dan Richer, Razza, Jersey City, NJ
• David Viana, Lita, Aberdeen, NJ

Lita, a modern Iberian restaurant, was also a semifinalist last year in the James Beard Awards' "Best New Restaurant" category, while Razza has made several "best of" lists for pizzerias.

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.