These are the James Beard Foundation’s NY chef and restaurant finalists for 2025

And just like that, we are one step closer to awards season.

The James Beard Foundation just released its 2025 James Beard Awards list of nominees for top chefs and restaurants across the country, following a much talked-about 2025 semifinalist announcement in January. Recognizing “exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system,” the final awards will be given out during a June 16 ceremony at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago.

Below, find the list of NYC finalists:

Outstanding Restaurateur

• Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr, Frenchette, Le Rock and Le Veau d’Or
• Simon Kim, Gracious Hospitality Management (COTE, Undercote and COQODAQ)

Outstanding Chef

• Gabriel Kreuther, Gabriel Kreuther
• Jungsik Yim, Jungsik

Best New Restaurant 

• Penny

Outstanding Hospitality

• Atomix 

Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service

• Cassandra Felix, Daniel

Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service

• Ignacio Jimenez, Superbueno

Best Chef: New York State

• Nasim Alikhani, Sofreh

• Ryan Fernandez, Southern Junction Barbecue, Buffalo, NY

• Eiji Ichimura, Sushi Ichimura

• Atsushi Kono, Kono

• Vijay Kumar, Semma

Find the full list of nominees on the James Beard Foundation’s website.