2025 James Beard Award Semifinalists in Arizona

Every year, I eagerly await the announcement of the James Beard Award semifinalists.

For those unfamiliar, the James Beard Awards® presented by Capital One are among the most prestigious honors in the culinary world. These awards recognize excellence across a wide range of dining experiences—from fine dining to casual establishments—and celebrates everyone from bakers and bartenders to restaurateurs and chefs.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the awards, which was established in 1990 to honor restaurants and chefs. Over the years, the program has grown to include 25 categories, with three exciting additions in 2025: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.

But what makes the announcement even more exhilarating is the fact that Arizona boasts 15 semifinalists for 2025! Below is the full list of Arizona restaurants and chefs recognized in the 2025 James Beard Awards® and a description of each relevant category.

2025 James Beard Award Semifinalists: Arizona Restaurants and Chefs

Emerging Chef presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water:

A chef who displays exceptional talent, character, and leadership ability, and who is likely to make a significant impact in years to come.

• Lawrence “LT” Smith, Chilte, Phoenix

Best New Restaurant:

A restaurant opened between October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024, that already demonstrates excellence in cuisine, seems likely to make a significant impact in years to come, and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations. Those establishments that have opened after September 30, 2024, can be considered for the 2026 Awards.

• Santo Arcadia, Phoenix

Outstanding Bakery:

A baker of breads, pastries, or desserts that demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations.

• Patisserie Jacqui, Bisbee

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker:

A pastry chef or baker who makes desserts, pastries, or breads. Candidate demonstrates exceptional skills and can be affiliated with any food business and does not need a brick-and mortar presence.

• Antonia Kane, COURSE, Scottsdale
• Crystal Kass, Valentine, Phoenix

Outstanding Hospitality:

A restaurant, bar, or other food and drinking establishment that fosters a sense of hospitality among its customers and staff that serves as a beacon for the community and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations.

• Kai, Gila River Indian Community

Outstanding Bar

A wine bar, beer bar, cocktail bar, coffee bar, or any other business whose primary offering is beverage and that demonstrates consistent excellence in curating a selection or in the preparation of drinks, along with outstanding atmosphere, hospitality, and operations.

• Little Rituals, Phoenix

Best New Bar (New):

A wine bar, beer bar, cocktail bar, coffee bar, or any other business whose primary offering is beverage, opened between October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024, that already demonstrates excellence in beverages, seems likely to make a significant impact in years to come, and demonstrates consistent excellence in the preparation of drinks, sourcing, service, hospitality, atmosphere, and operations. Those establishments that have opened after September 30, 2024, can be considered for the 2026 Awards.

• Kid Sister, Phoenix

Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service (New):

A service professional who creates and serves cocktails or other offerings such as low- and non-alcoholic beverages. Candidate has set high standards; demonstrates creativity and consistency in excellence, innovation, hospitality; is making efforts to create a sustainable work culture; and has served as an exceptional example or mentor for other beverage professionals.

• Jax Donahue, Carry On, Phoenix

Best Chefs presented by Capital One (Southwest):

Chefs who set high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities and who are making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions.

• Jose Contreras, Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen, Tucson
• Donald Hawk, Valentine, Phoenix
• Stephen Jones, The Larder & The Delta, Phoenix
• Bernie Kantak, Beginners Luck, Scottsdale
• Yotaka Martin, Lom Wong, Phoenix
• Cory Oppold, COURSE, Scottsdale

While yesterday marked the announcement of the semifinalists, finalists will be revealed on Wednesday, April 2. Winners will take the stage at the 35th James Beard Awards® on Monday, June 16, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Congratulations to all semifinalists– you’ve made Arizona proud!