Food & Drink
Seattle Restaurants Capture 16 James Beard Award Semifinalist Nods
Winners will be announced in June
By Rob Smith January 22, 2025
The Seattle area’s critically acclaimed food scene is once again receiving national recognition, this time from the James Beard Awards. Sixteen individuals and restaurants are on the prestigious 2025 semifinalist list. The restaurants represent numerous different cuisines, reflecting the city’s diverse fusion of cultures.
Finalists will be announced April 2. Winners will be named June 16.
Here’s the list:
Outstanding Restaurateur
Quynh Pham and Yenvy Pham, Phở Bắc Súp Shop, Phởcific Standard Time, and The Boat, Seattle.
Best New Restaurant
Atoma, Seattle. The year-old restaurant won several national awards last year.
FamilyFriend, Seattle.
Outstanding Bakery
Saint Bread, Seattle. Co-owner Yasuaki Saito is one of Seattle magazine’s Most Influential People of 2025. The New York Times also listed Saint Bread as one of the best bakeries in the United States.
Outstanding Hospitality
Archipelago, Seattle.
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
Ltd Edition Sushi, Seattle. Owner Keiji Tsukasaki was named one of Seattle magazine’s Most Influential for 2025, and The New York Times recognized the restaurant as one of the country’s 50 best.
Outstanding Bar
Roquette, Seattle.
Best New Bar
Sophon, Seattle.
Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service
Linda Milagros Violago, Canlis, Seattle. Violago is the first woman in Canlis’ 70-year history to become its sommelier.
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
Anu Apte, Rob Roy, Seattle.
Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific (Alaska; Hawaii; Oregon; Washington).
Janet Becerra, Pancita, Seattle.
Jay Blackinton, Houlme, Orcas Island.
Logan Cox, Homer, Seattle.
Aisha Ibrahim, Canlis, Seattle.
Ajay Panicker, Kathakali, An Indian Eatery, Kirkland.
Jun Takai, Takai by Kashiba, Bellevue.
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