Each winter, food lovers eagerly await the announcement of the James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists. This year, the prestigious semifinalist list was unveiled in anticipation of the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Awards, which will be held on June 16, 2025, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The James Beard Foundation, established in 1990, is recognized as one of the highest honors in the culinary world, celebrating culinary innovators and exceptional establishments from coast to coast.
The 2025 awards are set to highlight talent in 25 categories, with notable new additions including three beverage-focused awards: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service. Among this year’s nominees, Texas stands out with 44 semifinalist spots, a testament to the state’s growing culinary scene. North Texas is proudly represented with 10 semifinalists, who bring a diverse array of concepts, cuisines, and styles to the table.
While Dallas did not secure a James Beard Award in 2024, and Fort Worth was left out once again this year, the North Texas food scene remains resilient and forward-thinking. With these 10 semifinalists in the running, there's a renewed hope that 2025 could mark a turning point for the region’s recognition.
The North Texas James Beard Semifinalists
1. Bar Colette – Best New Bar
Bar Colette, located in the heart of West Village, is another semifinalist in the newly established Best New Bar category. The bar, part of the Namo restaurant group led by brothers Brandon and Henry Cohanim, has quickly become a favorite among Dallas’ cocktail aficionados. What sets Bar Colette apart is its fusion of Japanese-inspired flavors with classic cocktail techniques. The addition of a sushi menu crafted by Namo Executive Chef Kazuhito Mabuchi adds an exciting layer of flavor and sophistication to the experience.
Bar Colette’s bar director, Ruben Rolon, has garnered attention for his imaginative cocktail creations, such as the much-talked-about Eau De Ranch, which combines unexpected ingredients into a surprisingly delightful drink. Bar Colette represents the modern evolution of Dallas’ cocktail culture, blending cutting-edge bartending techniques with an elegant, understated ambiance.
2. Mābo – Best New Restaurant
Mābo, the yakitori omakase restaurant in Preston Center, has made waves in the Dallas dining scene since its opening in 2024. Nominee for Best New Restaurant, Mābo is the brainchild of Masayuki Otaka, the former owner of Teppo, a beloved Dallas restaurant that closed in 2022. With its focus on yakitori (grilled skewered meats) and an omakase-style dining experience, Mābo offers a fresh and immersive culinary adventure. Guests are treated to a multi-course tasting menu that showcases the art of grilling, with each dish highlighting the flavors of expertly sourced ingredients and impeccable technique.
As one of only three Texas restaurants to be named a semifinalist in this category, Mābo is quickly becoming a standout in the local dining scene, known for its dedication to quality and authenticity. Otaka’s unique vision for Mābo continues to capture the imagination of food lovers across the city.
3. Apothecary – Outstanding Bar
Apothecary, the innovative cocktail bar on Lower Greenville, has earned a semifinalist spot in the Outstanding Bar category. A sister restaurant to the popular Rye, Apothecary is known for its adventurous approach to mixology. Led by bar director Ben McPherson, Apothecary’s menu features a range of creative cocktails, from the playful to the refined. Guests can enjoy drinks garnished with whimsical touches, such as white chocolate-covered crickets, or indulge in more traditional offerings, all expertly crafted.
The bar’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of cocktail culture has earned it a reputation as one of the top bars in Dallas. Whether you’re enjoying a classic cocktail or trying something more experimental, Apothecary’s approach to beverages elevates the Dallas drinking scene and sets a high bar for innovation.
4. Starship Bagel – Outstanding Bakery
While Dallas is known for its fine dining, the city is also home to some incredible casual spots, and Starship Bagel is one of them. Based in Lewisville, with locations across North Texas, Starship Bagel is a local favorite that has earned a spot as a semifinalist in the Outstanding Bakery category. Known for its high-quality bagels and creative spreads, Starship Bagel has quickly gained a loyal following. The Millennial Falcon, a bagel topped with honey almond schmear, is one of the most popular items on the menu.
What sets Starship Bagel apart from other bagel spots is its commitment to crafting the perfect bagel, with a chewy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. With locations throughout North Texas, Starship Bagel brings an authentic, New York-style bagel experience to the region, and this James Beard recognition further solidifies its place in the local culinary scene.
5. RJ Yoakum – Emerging Chef presented by S.Pellegrino®
A rising star in Dallas’ culinary scene, RJ Yoakum’s nomination as a semifinalist in the Emerging Chef category is well-earned. Yoakum, who took over as Executive Head Chef at Georgie on Knox Street in the summer of 2023, has introduced a menu that combines creativity, precision, and culinary artistry. Before his time at Georgie, Yoakum honed his craft at the world-renowned Michelin-starred French Laundry in Napa Valley, where he worked under the guidance of Chef Thomas Keller. His refined techniques and dedication to the craft are evident in his dishes, which feature bold flavor combinations and a meticulous attention to detail.
Georgie has also received recognition this year from Michelin, which further underscores the impact Yoakum is having on Dallas’ fine dining landscape. As a semifinalist for Emerging Chef, Yoakum represents the next wave of culinary talent that is shaping Dallas into a culinary destination.
6. Best Chef: Texas Semifinalists
This year’s Best Chef: Texas category includes some of the most talented chefs in the state, and North Texas is well-represented.
Regino Rojas, Dallas, Texas
- Regino Rojas, chef-owner of Purépecha in Dallas, has been recognized for his commitment to showcasing the flavors of Michoacán, Mexico. Known for his inventive dishes and dedication to using local ingredients, Rojas has become a prominent figure in Dallas’ culinary community.
- Fasicka Hicks and Patrick Hicks, the husband-and-wife duo behind Smoke’N Ash BBQ in Arlington, have earned their place as semifinalists. Their barbecue, which draws inspiration from both Texas and the Hicks’ Southern roots, is gaining national attention for its exceptional flavor and quality.
- Anais Paniagua and Iris Rojas, the duo behind Doña Maria in Irving, have created a vibrant restaurant that brings the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine to the forefront. Known for their unique take on traditional dishes, Paniagua and Rojas are reshaping the culinary landscape of North Texas.
Looking Ahead to the Nominees
As the semifinalists are celebrated for their contributions to North Texas’ culinary scene, we eagerly await the official James Beard Award nominees, which will be announced on April 2, 2025. These chefs and restaurants have already proven their worth with this incredible recognition, and the upcoming nominees will no doubt continue to raise the bar for the region.
Stay tuned to see which of these North Texas culinary trailblazers will earn a spot as a finalist and, ultimately, take home a James Beard Award. Until then, let’s continue supporting our local food scene and celebrating the amazing talent that makes North Texas a dynamic and exciting place to dine.
