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Dig into Austin’s 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists

Six local chefs and restaurants are in the running for a James Beard Award nomination.

January 22, 2025 • 
Morgan O’Neal
A plate of food with chicken on a banana leaf, a green herby sauce and vegetables.

Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph’s modern Caribbean cuisine also earned him a “Best Chef” nomination in the 2024 James Beard Awards.

Photo by @alexeatsndrinks

We hope you’re hungry. The 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists for the James Beard Awards are here — and six Austin chefs + restaurants made the cut.

From a celebrity pastry chef to a new Laotian American restaurant, let’s dig into the local people and places that are up for one of the culinary world’s highest honors.

Local semifinalists

A close-up photo of pasta on a white plate, sprinkled with green leaves and lemon zest.

Birdie’s has also earned nods from the Global Tastemakers Awards.

Photo by @mksrn

A spread of Texas-style barbecue and sides arranged on a table. At the center is a platter piled high with a variety of smoked meats, including brisket, sausage, pulled pork, and ribs, served with pickles, bread, and sauces. Surrounding the main platter are plates of colorful sides, such as coleslaw, chips and dip, vegetables, and potato salad.

MICHELIN called LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue’s banana pudding tiramisu a “clever hybrid.”

Photo by Jessica Attie

What’s next?

Nominees will be named on Wednesday, April 2. Winners will be announced on Monday, June 16 at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards in Chicago.

Can’t get enough? Check out our historical list of James Beard nominees and winners in ATX.

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