The finalists for the James Beard Foundation Awards were announced, with 4 Houston restaurants and chefs recognized.

The James Beard Foundation announces 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award nominees, recognizing two Houston-area chefs and two restaurants.

Houston has had a strong showing among the finalists for this year’s James Beard Awards. The city’s chefs and restaurants scored two nominations in nationwide categories as well as two of the five nominations for Best Chef: Texas.

See which of the 13 local semifinalists have moved on to the final round of the 2025 James Beard Awards, often called the "Oscars of the food world."

We’ve reached the final category in the 2025 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards. These are the nominees for Chef of the Year. This year’s nominees are an accomplished group. They hold Michelin stars and received Bib Gourmand designations.

The Union is moving on to the final stage of the 2025 James Beard Foundation Awards, Best New Restaurant Competition

Just over a dozen Texas nominees were named James Beard Awards finalists this year. See who remains eligible for an award.

Ema HTX, which is composed of two chefs and a coffee roaster, brings quality food, pastries,, and coffee to Houston Heights. Owners Stephanie Velasquez, Nicolas Vera and Marlén Mendoza. The cafe is known for its pan dulce, tacos, and coffee.