4 RI Restaurants, Chefs Nominated For 2025 James Beard Awards

PROVIDENCE, RI — The culinary scene in Rhode Island is well-represented in the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards nominees announced Wednesday by the James Beard Foundation.

2025 is an important milestone for the James Beard Foundation: It’s the 35th anniversary of the awards, considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors. Awards will be presented in 25 categories this year, with an expanded focus on cocktail and beverage service.

Rhode Island nominees are:

Outstanding Restaurant

• Oberlin, Providence.

Emerging Chef

• Nikhil Naiker, NIMKI, Providence.

Best Chef (Northeast)

• Sky Haneul Kim, Gift Horse, Providence
• Derek Wagner, Nicks on Broadway, Providence.

The James Beard Awards, first presented in 1991, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries and are often regarded as the “Oscars of culinary arts.” They recognize a range of experiences, from fine-dining restaurants to casual gems, in 22 categories.

Winners will be announced Monday, June 16, in a ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

See Also: This RI Eatery Named Among 'Restaurants Of The Year'

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