2025 James Beard Award Winners to Book for Your Next Date Night

When you’re planning a date night to remember, the newly announced 2025 James Beard Award winners offer a roadmap to a fabulous evening- from elegant venues to experiential, story-driven cuisine. These standout restaurants and chefs deliver refined ambiance, impeccable service, and unforgettable flavors- perfect for dressing up and making memories.

Here are eight picks that combine creativity and culinary excellence:

1. Maty’s – Miami, FL Chef Valerie Chang’s modern Peruvian eatery balances tradition and precision in a bright, tropical-chic setting. With dishes like duck arroz con choclo and scallop tiradito, paired with an artfully curated natural wine list, Maty’s strikes the perfect chord between elegance and warmth.

2. Kisser – Nashville, TN Sleek and understated, this Japanese-inspired gem serves gastronomic precision in every bite- from pristine sashimi to umami-rich tamago sandos. The minimalist interior and thoughtful service create a serene dining experience that feels both intimate and luxuriously refined.

3. Kann – Portland, OR Chef Gregory Gourdet’s Haitian fine-dining destination is as bold as it is beautiful. Wood-fired dishes layered with spices, vibrant plating, and a design-forward dining room make this a standout option for couples who want depth, heritage, and ceremony in their meal.

4. Owamni – Minneapolis, MN Sean Sherman’s Indigenous fine-dining experience strips away colonial ingredients to highlight bison, corn, wild herbs, and berries. Owamni is not just a meal- it’s storytelling that feels rich, intimate, and deeply luxurious.

5. Langbaan – Portland, OR Hidden behind a Thai street‑food counter, this tasting‑menu oasis offers high-end Thai cooking with flawless presentation. Seasonal ingredients, wine pairings, and immersive service blend for a refined yet approachable evening.

6. Neng Jr.’s – Asheville, NC A chef’s-table Filipino experience in a ten-seat setting, Neng Jr.’s feels like a high-design dinner party. Inventive dishes and personalized hospitality make this intimate spot feel exclusive—and unforgettable.

7. Dakar NOLA – New Orleans, LA Chef Serigne Mbaye’s West African tasting menu brings Senegalese flavors to the luxe restaurant world. Elegant courses, deep cultural resonance, and thoughtful hospitality make this a refined, sensory escape.

8. Barbs‑B‑Q – Lockhart, TX Yes, barbecue. An all-female pitmaster team elevates Texas tradition with exceptional brisket, house-made sides, and refined plating in a space that’s both casual and carefully curated.

These are just a few starting points for your foodie journey- here's the full list of this year's winners...

Full List of Major 2025 James Beard Restaurant & Chef Award Winners 

• Outstanding Restaurateur: Lee Hanson & Riad Nasr (Frenchette, Le Veau d’Or, Le Rock – New York, NY)

• Outstanding Chef: Jungsik Yim (Jungsik – New York, NY)

• Outstanding Restaurant: Frasca Food & Wine (Boulder, CO)

• Emerging Chef: Phila Lorn (Mawn – Philadelphia, PA)

• Best New Restaurant: Bûcheron (Minneapolis, MN)

• Outstanding Bakery: JinJu Patisserie (Portland, OR)

• Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: Cat Cox (Country Bird Bakery – Tulsa, OK)

• Outstanding Hospitality: Atomix (New York, NY)

• Outstanding Wine & Other Beverages Program: Charleston (Baltimore, MD)

• Outstanding Bar: Kumiko (Chicago, IL)

• Best New Bar: Identidad Cocktail Bar (San Juan, PR)

• Outstanding Beverage Service: Arjav Ezekiel (Birdie’s – Austin, TX)

• Outstanding Cocktail Service: Ignacio “Nacho” Jimenez (Superbueno – New York, NY)

• Best Chef, Region Awards:

  • California: Jon Yao (Kato – Los Angeles, CA)

  • Great Lakes: Noah Sandoval (Oriole – Chicago, IL)

  • Mid‑Atlantic: Carlos Delgado (Causa and Amazonia – Washington, D.C.)

  • Midwest: Karyn Tomlinson (Myriel – St. Paul, MN)

  • Mountain: Salvador Alamilla (Amano – Caldwell, ID)

  • New York State: Vijay Kumar (Semma – New York, NY)

  • Northeast: Sky Haneul Kim (Gift Horse – Providence, RI)

  • Northwest & Pacific: Timothy Wastell (Antica Terra – Amity, OR)

  • South: Nando Chang (Itamae AO – Miami, FL)

  • Southeast: Jake Howell (Peninsula – Nashville, TN)

  • Southwest: Yotaka Martin (Lom Wong – Phoenix, AZ)

  • Texas: Thomas Bille (Belly of the Beast – Spring, TX)

    
    

Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or simply craving a world-class meal, these James Beard honorees offer a combination story and dining excellence that will make your next date night - or meal- unforgettable.

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