Chef Ope Amosu opened ChopNBlock in October 2024 and is already being recognized by the James Beard Awards. Credit: Photo by StuffBenEats

On Wednesday Texas restaurants and chefs were named to the 2025 James Beard semifinalists list.

This year, which is the 35th anniversary of the original awards, categories have been expanded to include Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Bar Service and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.

Awards are made by the James Beard Foundation, a non-profit named for bigger-than-life culinary pioneer, chef and cookbook author James Beard, who passed away in 1985 at the age of 81.

Finalists names will be released April 2. The 2025 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony will be held at Lyric Opera of Chicago on June 16 where the winners will be announced.

Here are the Greater Houston area JBA semifinalists for 2025:

Outstanding Restaurater:

Itai Ben Ali and Itamar Levy of Sof Hospitality Group (Doris Metropolitan, Hamsa, Badolina Bakery)

Sara Stayer and Martin Stayer (Nobie’s, Toasted Coconut, Nonno’s)

Emerging Chef:

Suu Khin (Burmalicious)

Best New Restaurant:

Ema

Outstanding Bakery:

Koffeteria

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program:

March

Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service:

Andres Blanco (Le Jardinier)

Best Chef Texas:

Chef David Skinner’s Kemah restaurant, Ishtia, is inspired by his Native American heritage. Credit: Photo by Jia Media

Ope Amosu (ChopnBlok)

Thomas Bille (Belly of the Beast)

Emmanuel Chavez (Tatemo)

Evelyn Garcia (Jun)

Beatriz Martines (Xalisko)

David Skinner (Ishtia)

Lorretta Ruggiero is a Houston Press freelance writer based in Cypress, Texas. She loves entertaining her family and friends with her food and sparkling wit. She is married to Classic Rock Bob and they...