Introduction to the James Beard Awards
The James Beard Awards, widely recognized as the Oscars of the gastronomic sect in the United States, celebrate the nation’s most outstanding culinary talent. This year, the nonprofit foundation recognized more than 100 restaurants and food makers as finalists across 25 categories. Each winner was presented with a certificate and medallion engraved with the image of James Beard, the lauded American chef, cookbook author, television personality, and teacher for whom the awards are named.
Jon Yao of Kato Wins Best Chef: California
Jon Yao of Kato in Los Angeles was named Best Chef: California on Monday, June 16 at the James Beard Awards in Chicago. Yao, noted for his contemporary Taiwanese cuisine seen through a California lens, was the evening’s sole Los Angeles winner. Kato also holds one Michelin star.
Yao competed alongside Daniel Castillo of Heritage Barbecue in San Juan Capistrano, Tara Monsod of San Diego’s Animae, Richard Lee of Saison in San Francisco, and Kosuke Tada of Mijoté in San Francisco.
Acceptance Speech and Call to Action
During his acceptance speech, Yao said, “At our restaurant, we tell stories of immigrants, diaspora, endurance, and perseverance.” He added, “L.A. is a city built by the toil of the immigrant community, and right now those same communities are being ripped apart.” Yao, a San Gabriel Valley native, went on to ask chefs in the audience to use their voice and platform to speak out, adding, “We all deserve the freedom to pursue our dreams, to determine our own futures, and be treated with equal dignity and respect.”
Other Los Angeles County Nominees
Other Los Angeles County nominees were Tobin Shea of Redbird for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service, and Arturo Enciso and Ana Salatino’s Gusto Bread in Long Beach for Outstanding Bakery. However, Jinju Patisserie in Portland, Oregon won over Gusto Bread in Long Beach, and Ignacio Jimenez of Superbueno in New York upset Tobin Shea of Redbird in Downtown LA.
Full List of James Beard Awards 2025 Winners
The full list of James Beard Awards 2025 winners includes:
- Emerging Chef: Phila Lorn, Mawn, Philadelphia, PA
- Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: Cat Cox, Country Bird Bakery, Tulsa OK
- Outstanding Bakery: Jinju Patisserie, Portland, OR
- Best New Bar: Identidad Cocktail Bar, San Juan, PR
- Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service: Arjav Ezekiel, Birdie’s, Austin, TX
- Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service: Ignacio Jimenez, Superbueno, New York, NY
- Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: Charleston, Baltimore, MD
- Outstanding Bar: Kumiko, Chicago, IL
- Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic: Carlos Delgado, Causa and Amazonia, Washington, D.C.
- Best Chef, New York State: Vijay Kumar, Semma, New York, NY
- Best Chef, South: Nando Chang, Itamae AO, Miami, FL
- Best Chef, Northwest-Pacific: Timothy Wastell, Antica Terra, Amity, OR
- Best Chef, Northeast: Brian Lewis, The Cottage, Westport, CT
- Best Chef, Midwest: Karyn Tomlinson, Myriel, St. Paul, MN
- Best Chef, California: Jon Yao, Kato, Los Angeles
- Best Chef, Mountain: Salvador Alamilla, Amano, Caldwell, ID
- Best Chef, Southwest: Yotaka Martin, Lom Wong, Phoenix, AZ
- Best Chef, Southeast: Jake Howell, Peninsula, Nashville, TN
- Best Chef, Great Lakes: Noah Sandoval, Oriole, Chicago, IL
- Best Chef, Texas: Thomas Bille, Belly of the Beast, Spring, TX
- Outstanding Hospitality: Atomix, New York, NY
- Best New Restaurant: Bûcheron, Minneapolis, MN
- Outstanding Restauranteur: Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr, Frenchette, Le Veau d’Or, and Le Rock, New York, NY
- Outstanding Restaurant: Frasca Food and Wine, Boulder, CO
- Outstanding Chef: Jungsik Yim, Jungsik, New York, NY
- 2025 James Beard Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award: Toni Tipton-Martin
- 2025 James Beard Foundation Humanitarian of the Year: Chad Houser
Evaluation Process
A body of judges in the culinary industry evaluates nominees based on their skills in the kitchen or behind the bar, including behavioral ethics and employee treatment. The James Beard Foundation has presented these awards annually since 1991, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion
The James Beard Awards serve as a celebration of culinary excellence and a reminder of the impact that food can have on communities. Jon Yao’s win is not only a testament to his culinary skills but also a reflection of the stories and values that his restaurant represents. As the culinary world continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize and celebrate the achievements of chefs and restaurants that make a positive impact on their communities.
FAQs
- What are the James Beard Awards?
The James Beard Awards are annual awards that recognize excellence in the culinary industry, including chefs, restaurants, and food professionals. - Who won the Best Chef: California award?
Jon Yao of Kato in Los Angeles won the Best Chef: California award. - What is the evaluation process for the James Beard Awards?
A body of judges in the culinary industry evaluates nominees based on their skills in the kitchen or behind the bar, including behavioral ethics and employee treatment. - How often are the James Beard Awards presented?
The James Beard Awards are presented annually, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. - What is the significance of the James Beard Awards?
The James Beard Awards serve as a celebration of culinary excellence and a reminder of the impact that food can have on communities.
