Introduction to the James Beard Awards
The wait is finally over, and the James Beard Award finalist list has been announced. This prestigious recognition, often referred to as the "Oscars of food," acknowledges the best of the best in the culinary community across the United States. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Awards, which were first established in 1990 to honor America’s first "foodie," James Beard. Beard rose to fame through his cookbooks, his role as the host of the country’s first food program, and the establishment of the James Beard Cooking School.
Houston’s James Beard Finalists
Houston has made a significant impact on the finalist list, with four nominees: Tatemó, Belly in the Beast, Ema, and March. Ema, a nominee for Best New Restaurant, opened its brick-and-mortar location in the Heights last year after gaining popularity as a pop-up at Urban Harvest Market. The restaurant’s vast pastry and coffee program, along with its savory menu, has garnered love from Houstonians and recognition from the James Beard Foundation.
Goodnight Hospitality’s March is a finalist for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program. The restaurant, which changes its tasting menu twice a year, previously earned a Michelin star in November. Emmanuel Chavez of Tatemó, which also holds a Michelin star for its Mexican heirloom corn–focused tasting menu, is a finalist for Best Chef: Texas. He is joined by Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast in Spring, who offers an excellent Mexican food experience.
Past Houston Winners and Nominees
In previous years, several Houstonians have been recognized for their work by the James Beard Awards. In 2024, Emmanuel Chavez of Tatemó advanced to the nominee round for Best Chef: Texas but ultimately fell short of an award. The previous year, chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter, the owner of Thai restaurant Street to Kitchen, became the first Houston-based chef to win the newly created Best Chef: Texas category.
Alba Huerta of Julep made headlines in 2022 with her historic win for Outstanding Bar Program, Houston’s first award in the national category. Beloved Houstonians Hugo Ortega and Chris Shepherd have both taken home the Best Chef: Southwest award in past years.
The Road to the James Beard Awards
The 2025 semifinalist list generated buzz in January when seven Houston restaurants were announced in national categories, and six chefs were nominated for Best Chef: Texas. Notable mentions who did not advance include Suu Khin of Burmalicious for Emerging Chef and Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu of Jun for Best Chef: Texas.
James Beard Finalists in Houston and Texas
Houston Finalists
- Best New Restaurant: Ema
- Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: March
- Best Chef: Texas: Emmanuel Chavez, Tatemó
- Best Chef: Texas: Thomas Bille, Belly of the Beast (Spring)
Texas Finalists
- Emerging Chef: RJ Yoakum, Georgie (Dallas)
- Best New Bar: Bar Colette (Dallas)
- Best New Restaurant: Mābo (Dallas)
- Outstanding Bakery: Starship Bagel (Lewisville)
- Outstanding Hospitality: Mixtli (San Antonio)
- Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service: Arjav Ezekiel, Birdie’s (Austin)
- Best Chef: Texas: Michael Anthony Serva, Bordo (Marfa)
- Best Chef: Texas: Regino Rojas, Purépecha (Dallas)
- Best Chef: Texas: Emil Oliva, Leche de Tigre (San Antonio)
Conclusion
The anticipation for the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award winners is almost over, with the announcement set for June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. As Houston celebrates its nominees, it’s a time to reflect on how far the city’s chefs and restaurants have come. With a rich culinary scene that continues to grow and impress, Houston is sure to remain a significant player in the national food scene. Here’s to hoping for more wins and continued recognition of the city’s vibrant food culture.
