Los Angeles Shines at 2025 James Beard Awards with Multiple Nominations

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Chefs present their signature dishes at the James Beard Awards gala.

News Summary

Los Angeles is celebrating significant recognition at the 2025 James Beard Awards, with six finalists from the city across various culinary categories. Notable nominees include Jon Yao of Kato for Best Chef: California and Tobin Shea of Redbird for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service. The gala ceremony will take place on June 16, 2025, in Chicago, highlighting the competitive culinary landscape. The awards also honor media talent, with three Los Angeles Times journalists receiving nominations. This year’s awards emphasize inclusivity and diversity in the culinary scene, further elevating Los Angeles as a food destination.

Los Angeles is set to shine at the 2025 James Beard Awards, as the prestigious organization has announced six finalists from the city in various award categories. Known as the “Oscars of food,” the James Beard Awards celebrate the best chefs, restaurants, and food media across the country.

Among the finalists, Jon Yao of Kato has been nominated for Best Chef: California, showcasing his innovative culinary style that has garnered significant acclaim in the local dining scene. Additionally, Tobin Shea of Redbird has been recognized for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship behind his cocktail creations. Long Beach’s Gusto Bread is also in the spotlight, nominated for Outstanding Bakery, further solidifying its reputation for exceptional baked goods.

The winners of these prestigious awards will be honored at a gala ceremony scheduled for June 16, 2025, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. This year, the finalists were selected from an original pool of 16 semifinalists, demonstrating the competitive nature of the culinary landscape. Notably, only three nominees from Los Angeles County progressed to the final round, emphasizing the challenge of standing out among talented peers.

In addition to the culinary talent, three journalists from the Los Angeles Times received nominations in the media category. Bill Addison was nominated for his work in Dining and Travel, specifically for his guide to San Francisco. Jenn Harris earned a nomination for Craig Claiborne Distinguished Criticism, while Danielle Dorsey was recognized for her recipe on Black Thanksgiving traditions in Home Cooking.

Alongside Los Angeles, neighboring Orange County also made its mark with nominations. Strong Water in Anaheim received a nomination for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, and Daniel Castillo of Heritage Barbecue was also recognized in the Best Chef: California category.

The James Beard Awards have a long history of recognizing exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, marking their 35th edition this year. In a push for inclusivity and representation, the Foundation has made concerted efforts to ensure diversity among nominees and within the awards process itself. This commitment is reflected in the variety of nominees and the introduction of three new bar-focused categories, showcasing the evolving nature of the food and beverage landscape.

The previous winner of Best Chef: California was Lord Maynard Llera of Kuya Lord, illustrating the high level of competition and caliber of culinary talent in the region. Many of this year’s finalists, particularly Kato, have achieved critical acclaim, including a Michelin star and placement in the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants, underscoring their impact on both local and international dining experiences.

The announcement of the finalists highlights the impressive culinary scene in Los Angeles, with other notable semifinalists including chef and restaurant names such as Kwang Uh and the duo of Alex and Elvia Garcia, along with Evan Algorri, among others. This showcases the rich tapestry of culinary artistry present in the city, further enhancing its reputation as a gastronomic destination.