18 VA, DC Restaurants, Chefs Named 2025 James Beard Semifinalists

VIRGINIA — Eighteen D.C. and Virginia restaurants and chef teams 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 Virginia and D.C., the following restaurants and chefs were named semifinalists this year:

• Outstanding Restaurateur: Scott Drewno and Danny Lee, The Fried Rice Collective (Anju, Chiko, and I Egg You), Washington, D.C.
• Outstanding Chef: Amy Brandwein, Centrolina, Washington, D.C.
• Outstanding Restaurant: The Dabney, Washington, D.C.
• Emerging Chef: Paolo Dungca, Hiraya, Washington, D.C.
• Best New Restaurant: Maude & the Bear, Staunton, VA
• Best New Restaurant: Mita, Washington, D.C.
• Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: Susan Bae, Moon Rabbit, Washington, D.C.
• Outstanding Hospitality: Tail Up Goat, Washington, D.C.
• Best New Bar: Bar Cana, Washington, D.C.
• Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service: Andra "AJ" Johnson, Serenata, Washington, D.C.
• Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic: Matt Adler, Cucina Morini, Washington, D.C.
• Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic: Henji Cheung, Queen's English, Washington, D.C.
• Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic: Matt Conroy and Isabel Coss, Pascual, Washington, D.C.
• Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic: Carlos Delgado, Causa and Amazonia, Washington, D.C.
• Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic: Ruben Garcia, Casa Teresa, Washington, D.C.
• Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic: Fernando Gonzalez, 2Fifty Barbeque, Riverdale, MD and Washington, DC
• Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic: Cagla Onal Urel, Green Almond Pantry, Washington, D.C.
• Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic: Jarad Slipp, Tremolo, Middleburg, VA

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.