This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
SoCal snags 19 James Beard nominations, led by repeat contenders and rising stars
Afro-Caribbean shrimp dumplings in coconut bisque with coconut rice at Si! Mon in Venice. Chef José Olmedo Carles Rojas is a first-time James Beard nominee in the emerging chef category.
(
Gab Chabrán
/
LAist
)
Topline:
This year’s James Beard semifinalists were announced today, with SoCal making a strong showing in what many consider the Oscars of the food world.
Among the standouts:
Outstanding bakery: Gusto Bread (Long Beach), a three-time nominee
Emerging chef: Fátima Juárez of Komal (Mercado La Paloma) and José Olmedo Carles Rojas of Si! Mon (Venice)
Outstanding chef: Niki Nakayama from n/naka (Palms) and Gilberto Cetina from Holbox (Mercado La Paloma)
Outstanding restaurant: Antico Nuovo (Larchmont)
Sponsored message
Best new restaurant: Ki (Little Tokyo) and RVR (Venice)
Best Chef: California
- Dave Beran, Seline (Santa Monica)
- Brian Dunsmoor, Dunsmoor (Glassell Park)
- Sarah Hymanson and Sara Kramer, Kismet (Los Feliz)
- Andrew Muñoz and Michelle Muñoz, Moo's Craft Barbecue (Lincoln Heights)
- Charles Namba, Camélia (Arts District)
- Kwang Uh, Baroo (DTLA)
Why it matters: The James Beard Awards are widely considered the Oscars of the food world, and nominations can significantly boost a restaurant's profile and business. Southern California's strong showing — particularly in the best chef: California category with six nominees — reflects the region's evolving culinary landscape, extending beyond fine dining to include craft molinos, barbecue joints and neighborhood bakeries.
What's next: The finalists will be chosen March 31, and the ultimate winners will be announced at a ceremony in Chicago on June 15.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
