Support Us Button Widget
Food

Dig into Austin’s 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists

Several 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 several 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.

More from ATXtoday
ATX_W Block of Red River_No Text.jpg
City
Red River Cultural District unveils five-year strategic enhancement plan
The Soundtrack to the Future plan outlines improvements to the venue facades, curb appeal, and safety features.
April 16, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
Downtown Austin from the east, featuring train tracks running through a busy street, lined with trees and vegetation in the foreground. Modern high-rise buildings with glass and steel facades dominate the skyline, interspersed with older, low-rise structures. Cars navigate the streets below, and traffic lights and street signs add to the busy, bustling atmosphere. Clear skies with light clouds above the city.
Culture
If Downtown is Austin’s living room, what does that make the rest of town?
Mayor Kirk Watson calls Downtown “Austin’s living room,” so we’re speculating on what that means for the rest of the city.
April 15, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A vibrant mural with the text "Greetings from 78666 San Marcos" featuring illustrations of a yellow rose, a historic city hall, and other local landmarks integrated into the zip code. The mural is painted on a red wall with a small sign on the bottom right indicating sponsorship.
Play
Get in — we’re going to San Marcos, Texas
The Mermaid Capital of Texas, home to Texas State University, and riverside town is a great place to take a day trip — we’ve got all the spots to hit when you visit.
April 14, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
One person handing a bag of food to another person on the porch of a home
Play
40+ volunteer opportunities in Austin
This list of volunteer opportunities in Austin, TX includes everything from building homes for people in need to fostering shelter animals.
April 8, 2026
 · 
STAFF
A spaceman kite floating facing down in front of a sky filled with dozens of other kites.
Events
A brief history of Austin’s ABC Kite Fest
The ABC Kite Fest — originally called the Kite Tournament — has been an Austin staple for almost a century, providing free fun for kids and adults alike.
April 7, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A singer and guitarist in a cowboy hat sings into a microphone with a bassist and drummer in the background.
City
Red River Cultural District announces $529 million inaugural economic impact report
The home to some of Austin’s most iconic venues, the district has generated $2.3 billion in impact in five years.
April 6, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_CapMetroFools
Culture
April Fools’ pranks in Austin that we almost fell for
We’ve got some jokers in the Capital City, and these pranks from local businesses almost had us fooled.
April 1, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A bottle of Desert Door sotol on the rocky ground next to a golden easter egg and a spiky plant.
Events
Try This: Adult Easter egg hunts in Austin
Who says the kids should have all the fun? Here are four Easter egg hunts where everybunny 21 and up can relive the nostalgia.
March 31, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
Thousands of people gathered at Zilker Park, flying kites, in front of the Austin Skyline.
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Austin
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
March 30, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_ParamountSXSW.JPG
City
ATXtoday’s takeaways from SXSW 2026
The momentous 40th anniversary of the festival brought hundreds of celebrities, dozens of premieres, thousands of steps, and some key messages to ATX in 2026.
March 26, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi