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The James Beard Foundation has just announced its 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award nominees—alongside this year’s Impact, Lifetime Achievement, and Humanitarian of the Year honorees—officially kicking off awards season in the hospitality world. Now in its 35th year, the James Beard Awards continue to set the gold standard for culinary excellence nationwide. This year, the Foundation evolves with the times, introducing three exciting new categories: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.

DMV talent is shining bright among this year’s nominees:

Outstanding Restaurateur
    •    Scott Drewno and Danny Lee, The Fried Rice Collective (Anju, Chiko, I Egg You), Washington, D.C.

Best New Restaurant
    •    Mita, Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
    •    Susan Bae, Moon Rabbit, Washington, D.C.

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA)
    •    Henji Cheung, Queen’s English, Washington, D.C.
    •    Carlos Delgado, Causa and Amazonia, Washington, D.C.

Winners will be revealed Monday, June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Tickets for the 35th anniversary celebration are available now—don’t miss this historic night for the culinary community.

See the full list of finalists and who else across the country made the cut. .jamesbeard.org