Philadelphia, PA - Philadelphia's dynamic culinary scene has received significant national recognition, with multiple chefs and establishments earning coveted finalist spots for the prestigious 2025 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards. Announced on Wednesday, April 2nd, the list of finalists marks a strong showing for Philadelphia, highlighting the city's diverse talent and innovative dining experiences, especially after being largely overlooked in the previous year's nominations.
Celebrating Philly's Culinary Talent
This year's James Beard Award finalists from Philadelphia represent a range of categories and culinary styles:
- Emerging Chef: Phila Lorn of Mawn, known for his innovative Cambodian-inspired cuisine in South Philadelphia, is a finalist in the national Emerging Chef category, recognizing rising stars in the industry.
- Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic: Two Philadelphia chefs are vying for this regional honor:
- Jesse Ito of Royal Sushi & Izakaya, acclaimed for his exquisite sushi and Japanese small plates in Queen Village, earns his second consecutive nomination in this category.
- Amanda Shulman of Her Place Supper Club, whose intimate and highly sought-after Rittenhouse dining experience has garnered widespread praise, joins Ito as a finalist.
- Outstanding Bar: The Lovers Bar at Friday Saturday Sunday, the acclaimed bar program within the celebrated Rittenhouse restaurant, is nominated for the national Outstanding Bar award, recognized for its exceptional cocktails and atmosphere.
A Stronger Showing Than Last Year
This impressive slate of finalists marks a significant turnaround from 2024, when Philadelphia secured only one finalist spot (Jesse Ito, also for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic). The multiple nominations across different categories in 2025 underscore the depth and vibrancy of Philadelphia's current culinary landscape.
What's Next: The Awards Ceremony
The winners of the 2025 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards will be announced on Monday, June 16th, during the foundation's annual awards ceremony in Chicago. All eyes in the Philadelphia food world will be on the results, hoping to bring home multiple medals.
The 2025 James Beard Award finalist announcement is a major accolade for Philadelphia's dining scene. The nominations for Phila Lorn, Jesse Ito, Amanda Shulman, and The Lovers Bar at Friday Saturday Sunday highlight the city's diverse culinary talent, innovative concepts, and commitment to excellence. As the city awaits the final results in June, these nominations solidify Philadelphia's position as a must-visit destination for food lovers.
