January 22, 2025
Food & Drink, Feature, Food & Drink, Featured, Fitness, Guides,
The James Beard Foundation has unveiled its 2025 semifinalists—and 10 chefs, bars, restaurants and hospitality professionals in the Atlanta area have officially made the cut. Award nominations are set to be announced on Wednesday, April 2, and winners will be revealed at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Awards, which are regarded among the country’s most prestigious distinctions for talent in the culinary and food media industries. The awards also celebrate each honoree’s dedication to equity, sustainability and cultivating a thriving community for all.
To celebrate this milestone, the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards have broadened to encompass three new beverage-centered categories, including Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.
The 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists are listed below.
Best Chef Southeast
Rod Lassiter & Parnass Savang, Talat Market
Bruce Logue, BoccaLupo
Brian So, Spring, Marietta
Fu Li Zhang, LanZhou Ramen, Doraville
Outstanding Restaurant
Kimball House, Decatur
Best New Restaurant
Casa Balam, Decatur
Best New Bar
Marietta Proper, Marietta
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
Kursten Berry, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
Lucian Books and Wine, Buckhead
Outstanding Hospitality
See also: 10 of the Best Bars in Atlanta
Photography by: Photo by Valeria Boltneva/Pexels