
Minnesota Dominates James Beard Awards with 11 Restaurant Nominations
The James Beard Foundation just dropped its list of 2025 semifinalists, and let’s just say Minnesota is stealing the spotlight with a whopping 11 nominations!! Six of those come from national categories, putting Minnesota on the radar in a big way.
Even more impressive? Five local chefs snagged spots in the Best Chef: Midwest category - more than any other state eligible in the region. It’s a huge win and a testament to the incredible talent here in the North Star State.
For those unfamiliar, the James Beard Awards are basically the Oscars of the food world. Being nominated isn’t just a nice little ego boost, it’s a massive career milestone that that cements a restaurant or chef as one of the absolute best in the biz!
Here are this year's Minnesota semifinalists:
Outstanding Restaurant: Spoon and Stable in Minneapolis
Outstanding Hospitality: Mucci's Italian in St. Paul

Outstanding Chef: Ann Ahmed for Khâluna in Minneapolis
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: Bar Brava in Minneapolis
Best New Restaurant: Vinai in Minneapolis
Best New Restaurant: Bûcheron in Minneapolis
Also See: This Minnesota Restaurant is Now The Best Must-Try Spot
Five chefs have been recognized in the Best Chef: Midwest category, which was won last year by Christina Nguyen of Minneapolis' Hai Hai. This year's nominees include:
Shigeyuki Furukawa for Kado no Mise
Abraham Gessesse for Hyacinth
Mateo Mackbee for Krewe
Diane Moua for Diane's Place
Karyn Tomlinson for Myriel
The competition gets even tighter this April when the finalists are revealed, with winners set to be crowned on June 9 in Chicago. Will Minnesota bring home some gold? With this level of talent, we’re feeling pretty confident.
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Gallery Credit: Carly Ross
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