The James Beard Awards are a coveted culinary title that many compete for, but only a handful are awarded each year. From restaurateurs to regional chefs, rising stars, and outstanding bars, James Beard recognizes and honors some of the best in the industry. This year, 13 New Orleans-based chefs (or duos) and restaurants were named semifinalists of the renowned award. Finalists will be named on April 2 and award winners will be named during a gala event in Chicago on June 16. Learn more about the nominees below. 

2025 James Beard Award Semifinalists

 

OUTSTANDING RESTAURANTEUR

Mason Hereford

Turkey & the Wolf, Molly's Rise & Shine, Hungry Eyes, Hot Stuff

 

OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT

GW Fins

 

Cornmeal Muffins - Lagniappe Bakehouse
Randy Schmidt, Courtesy of Lagniappe Bakehouse
Lagniappe Bakehouse

EMERGING CHEF

Kaitlin Guerin

Lagniappe Bakehouse

 

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Porgy's Seafood Market

 

Compère Lapin
Paul Broussard
Compère Lapin

OUTSTANDING BAKERY

Bellegarde Bakery

 

OUTSTANDING HOSPITALITY

Compère Lapin

 

Pluck Wine Bar
Randy Schmidt, Courtesy of Pluck Wine Bar
Pluck Wine Bar

OUTSTANDING WINE AND OTHER BEVERAGES PROGRAM

Pluck Wine Bar

 

OUTSTANDING BAR

Chandelier Bar

 

Alma
1
Interior - Acamaya Denny Culbert, Courtesy of Acamaya
2
Key Lime Pie - Peche
3
Saffron Nola
4

(1) Alma, (2) Acamaya, (3) Pêche, (4) Saffron

OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL IN COCKTAIL SERVICE

Abigail Gullo

Loa Bar

 

BEST CHEF: SOUTH

Melissa Araujo

Alma Cafe

 

Ana Castro

Acamaya

 

Nicole Cabrera Mills

Pêche Seafood Grill

 

Arvinder Vilkhu and Ashwin Vilkhu

​Saffron NOLA

 

New Orleans 2025 James Beard Semifinalists

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New Orleans 2025 James Beard Semifinalists