13 Houston restaurants score James Beard Award semifinalist nominations

HOUSTON, Texas -- Houston is well-represented on the list of semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards. Overall, Houston received seven nominations in national categories and six nominations for Best Chef: Texas.

The video above is from a 2019 report.

The national nominees are:

Outstanding Restaurateur: Itai Ben Eli and Itamar Levy, Sof Hospitality Group (Hamsa, Badolina Bakery, Doris Metropolitan, and Okto)
Outstanding Restaurateur: Sara Stayer and Martin Stayer, Nobie's, Toasted Coconut, and 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 nominees:

Ope Amosu, ChòpnBlk
Thomas Bille, Belly of the Beast (Spring)
Emmanuel Chavez, Tatemó
Evelyn Garcia, Jn
Beatriz Martines, Xalisko (The Woodlands)
David Skinner, Ishtia (Kemah)

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