2025 Dallas James Beard Finalists Announced

The 2025 James Beard Award finalists have been announced.

Each year, the James Beard Foundation has an open call for restaurants for its prestigious culinary awards. A committee reviews and decides on semifinalists, which were announced in January. Winners from this round of finalists will be revealed on June 16.

Dallas is currently in a 31-year dry spell when it comes to local chefs winning. The last Dallas award went to Dean Fearing in 1994. We've had more than 100 semifinalists since then, but none of them have taken home the prize.

But, in a way, Dallas has already won with the announcement that Chad Houser has won the Humanitarian of the Year Award. Beyond that, we have some strong contenders for a winner. We're feeling good!

Humanitarian of the Year

Chad Houser

Wow. We can't clap loud enough for this. Through his downtown Dallas restaurant Cafe Momentum, Chad Houser has taken on one of the most complicated and difficult issues every city faces and has dedicated his life and work to making a difference in young adults' lives through a proven and sustainable method. The James Beard Foundation notes Houser's mission to "transform young lives by equipping teens aged 15-19 with life skills, education, and employment opportunities at an award-winning restaurant and culinary training facility." Houser's 10-year-old nonprofit has opened restaurants beyond Dallas in Atlanta and Pittsburgh, with another opening in Denver next year. The mission is to have 10 locations by 2035.

Emerging Chef

RJ Yoakum at Georgie

After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in New York, Yoakum trained at the esteemed French Laundry in Napa Valley and Angler in San Francisco, along with stops in Chicago, France, Italy and London. Now he's made a home in Dallas and we're all better for it. He's energized the restaurant scene, bringing panache and swank to Georgie on Knox-Henderson.

Best New Restaurant

Mabo

This Preston Center kappo-style yakitori is helmed by Tokyo native Masayuki "Masa" Otaka, who spent almost three decades at Teppo. Here, bird is the word; think of it as a chicken omakase. Every part of the fowl is grilled over binchotan coals. There are two seatings a night at the eight-seat chef's table, five nights a week. Dinner runs about $200 for a 12-course meal, not including tax, tip or drinks.

Best New Bar

Bar Colette

The small cocktail den, Bar Colette in the West Village, is a finalist for Best New Bar. Ruben Rolon, the Michelin-recognized bar director, is driving an ever-evolving, meticulously curated cocktail program in a chic and elegant space. Signature cocktails include the Parfait, with lavender-infused Grey Goose, Oloroso and spiced red wine with pears and yogurt.

Best Chef Texas

Regino Rojas of Purepecha

This was Rojas' sixth time as a semifinalist, and the culinary scene in Dallas just got a little brighter with this announcement that he is a finalist. Rojas ushered in a new wave of appreciation for tacos and the vast and beautiful culture behind them. If you haven't been to his chef's tasting room, Purepecha, now is a great time to get those reservations.

Outstanding Bakery

Starship Bagel

Oren Salomon is on a bagel mission. The Brooklyn-born Polish Jew has clearly mastered the craft of bagels in just a few short years. He opened his first store in Lewisville in 2021 and has swept up awards, including several at Bagel Fest in New York, such as best bagel (2023), schmear of the year (2024) and best bagel runner-up (2024).