San Antonio is well represented on the list of semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards. Overall, San Antonio received one nomination in a national category and six nominations for Best Chef: Texas.
One San Antonio restaurant received recognition in the national categories. Mixtli is nominated for Outstanding Hospitality. It is the only Texas restaurant in the category, and it's up against 19 other nominees.
Most of San Antontio's representation is the Best Chef: Texas category:
- Leo Davila, Stixs & Stone
- Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin, Best Quality Daughter
- Grey Hwang, Shiro Japanese Bistro
- Emil Oliva, Leche de Tigre
- John Ramos and Jonathan Reyes, Chika
- Alex Sarmiento and Brenda Sarmiento, El Pastor Es Mi Señor
Considered the Oscars of the food world, the awards recognize excellence by chefs and other culinary professionals in a wide range of categories ranging from Outstanding Chef to Best New Restaurant. The James Beard Foundation added three new categories this year to recognize the beverage side of hospitality: Best New Bar. Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.
The awards also include media categories that will be announced on May 7. Recipients of the coveted America’s Classic award will be announced on February 26.
“Excellence in food remains at the core of these awards; winning entries will also align with the Awards mission statement and the values of the James Beard Foundation. Candidates should also be making efforts to create a sustainable work culture, while contributing positively to their broader community,” the organization’s website states.
Elsewhere in Texas, Houston boasts 13 nominees, Dallas has eight, and Austin received six.
Finalists will be announced on April 2. The Foundation will reveal its winners at an awards ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
