Central Florida's culinary scene is once again in the spotlight, with six local chefs and restaurants receiving nods in this year's James Beard Award nominations.
The 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists were announced Wednesday morning and six Central Florida chefs restaurants, and restaurateurs have been included in this year's list.
Nominees will be announced on Wednesday, April 2, and winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
2025 is the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Awards. Considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors, the James Beard Awards recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to equity, sustainability, and creating a culture where all can thrive. The Restaurant and Chef Awards—established in 1990, with the first Awards given in 1991—celebrate excellence across all types of dining experiences, from fine dining to casual establishments, and are one of several recognition programs of the Awards.
The 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists are recognized across 25 categories. with six Central Florida chefs, restaurants and restaurateurs earning nods in four categories.
Check out the Central Florida 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists below.
Sue Chin and Jason Chin of Good Salt Restaurant Group in Orlando (Seito Sushi, Reyes Mezcaleria, The Osprey, and others), have been recognized in the category of Outstanding Restaurateur.
For Best Chef: South, (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR), two local chefs have made the list. Chef Lordfer Lalicon of Kaya and Chef Sonny Nguyen of Domu.
Kayy are delighted with the nod to their chef, "Our very own Lordfer Lalicon is a Semifinalist for James Beard Fountdation Best Chef: South!! Thank you to the James Beard Foundation Awards Committee, our unbeatable team, farmers and purveyors, and of course our beautiful community for growing and pushing with us every day! Kaya natin!"
In the Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker category, Yohann Le Bescond, Executive Pastry Chef at The World Equestrian Centerin Ocala has been recognized.
Yohann commented, "It’s an incredible honor to be selected as a semifinalist by the James Beard Foundation as Outstanding Baker/Pastry Chef.This recognition validates the dedication and passion my team and I have poured into the pastry program at the World Exuestrian Center. I’m deeply grateful to the Roberts Family, World Equestrian Center leadership and my hardworking team for their contribution and unwavering support as we continue this exciting journey of growth and excellence together."
Finally, in the Best New Restaurant category, Ômo by Jônt in Winter Park has received a nod.
The restaurant commented on social media, "We’re honored to be nominated for Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation! To be recognized alongside so many talented friends and inspiring restaurants is truly inspiring. This achievement is a reflection of the passion and dedication of our incredible team. Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way, we are deeply grateful!"
Congratulations to all semifinalists, mominees will be announced on Wednesday, April 2, and winners will be announced on Monday, June 16, 2025.
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