San Antonio’s culinary scene is sizzling with excitement over seven local restaurants being named semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards.
Known as the “Oscars of the food world,” the James Beard Awards recognize excellence in American cuisine from fine dining to casual establishments.
The 2025 semifinalists are recognized across 25 categories, including outstanding restaurateur, outstanding chef, emerging chef, outstanding bakery, best new restaurant, and best chef in Texas.
San Antonio’s 2025 James Beard Awards semifinalists include Michelin-star recipient Mixtli in the outstanding hospitality category, which was the only Texas-based restaurant that made the cut.
And in the best chef in Texas category: Leo Davila of Stixs and Stone; Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin of Best Quality Daughter; Grey Hwang of Shiro Japanese Bistro; Emil Oliva of Leche de Tigre, John Ramos and Jonathan Reyes of Chika; and Alex Sarmiento and Brenda Sarmiento of El Pastor Es Mi Señor.
Nearby Seguin also received a semifinalist designation in the outstanding chef category for David Kirkland and Ernest Servantes of Burnt Bean Co.
This year, in honor of the awards’ 35th anniversary, the James Beard Foundation has introduced three new categories focusing on beverages — best new bar, outstanding professional in beverage service, and outstanding professional in cocktail service.
While no San Antonio bars made the cuts in these new categories, the Techo Mezcaleria and Agave Bar in Austin, and the Apothecary in Dallas, are semifinalists for outstanding bar, while Dallas’ Bar Colette is the only Texas drinkery that made it into the best new bar category.
The nominees for the Restaurant and Chef Awards will be announced on April 2. The 2025 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony will take place on Monday, June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
While San Antonio has received around 40 nominations for the James Beard Awards over the years, no local restaurant or chef has yet cinched an award.
