NYC News

NYC Chefs Win 2025 James Beard Awards
June 17, 2025, 5:40.26 pm ET

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Photo: Lee Hanson (Left Center) and Riad Nasr (Right Center) © 2025 Galdones Photography/JBF

New York City’s culinary community made a standout showing at the 2025 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards, with multiple prestigious honors recognizing the city’s top talent. Among this year’s winners, Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr took home Outstanding Restaurateur for their work at Frenchette, Le Veau d'Or, and Le Rock—celebrated for building community through excellence in hospitality and entrepreneurship. Also taking center stage was Chef Jungsik Yim of Jungsik, who was honored as Outstanding Chef, a category that recognizes leadership and culinary distinction at the highest level.


Jungsik Yim (Center), Jungsik, 2025 James Beard Award Winner for Outstanding Chef with Executive Chef Daiek Kim (Right) and guest (left) © 2025 Galdones Photography/JBF

Semma’s Chef Vijay Kumar earned the title of Best Chef: New York State, a recognition of his refined and expressive Southern Indian cooking that has helped define the city’s fine dining scene. Atomix, known for its immersive Korean tasting menu, was named Outstanding Hospitality, reflecting its commitment to warmth, precision, and guest experience. Rounding out the NYC wins, Ignacio “Nacho” Jimenez of Superbueno earned the inaugural award for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service, spotlighting his creativity and leadership behind the bar.


Photo: Vijay Kumar, Semma, James Beard Award Winner for Best Chef: New York State © 2025 Galdones Photography/JBF

From Korean fine dining to bold Indian flavors and standout cocktails, New York City’s 2025 Beard winners reflect the diversity, depth, and continued innovation of its restaurant scene. As the James Beard Foundation marks its 35th year, these honorees demonstrate that NYC remains a driving force in shaping American culinary excellence.


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