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NEWS: Minnesota Represents at James Beard Awards for Restaurants and Chefs

A promotional image for the James Beard Awards.

The semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards celebrating American restaurants and chefs were announced yesterday. These national awards recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive. 11 of the semifinalists hailed from Minnesota, including five semi-finalists for Best Chef in the Midwest region, and two for Best New Restaurant (nationally).

The finalists will be announced in April, with the final list of awardees will be announced June 16, 2025.

Best Chef: Midwest (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI)

  • Shigeyuki Furukawa, Kado no Mise, Minneapolis, MN
  • Abraham Gessesse, Hyacinth, St. Paul, MN
  • Mateo Mackbee, Krewe, Saint Joseph, MN
  • Diane Moua, Diane’s Place, Minneapolis, MN
  • Karyn Tomlinson, Myriel, St. Paul, MN

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.

Note: Establishments that have opened after September 30, 2024, can be considered for the 2026 Awards.

  • Bûcheron, Minneapolis, MN
  • Vinai, Minneapolis, MN

Outstanding Chef (presented by Hilton): A chef who sets high culinary standards and has served as a positive example for other food professionals.

  • Ann Ahmed, Khâluna, Minneapolis, MN

Outstanding Restaurant (presented by Acqua Panna® Natural Spring Water): A restaurant that

demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations.

  • Spoon and Stable, Minneapolis, MN

Outstanding Hospitality (presented by American Airlines): 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.

  • Mucci’s, Saint Paul, MN

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: A restaurant that demonstrates exceptional care and skill in the pairing of wine and other beverages with food. This includes the selection, preparation, and serving of wine, cocktails, spirits, coffee, tea, beer, or any other beverage with outstanding hospitality and service that helps inform and enhance a customer’s appreciation of the beverage(s). Ethical sourcing will also be considered.

  • Bar Brava, Minneapolis, MN
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