SEATTLE, Wash. — Washington snagged 16 semifinalist spots for the 2025 James Beard Awards.
The James Beard Awards are some of the nation’s most prestigious, recognizing professionals, restaurants and bars across the food service industry.
There were 13 semifinalists recognized in Seattle, an increase from last year’s 10 semifinalists. One was also recognized on Orcas Island this year, as well one in Bellevue and one in Kirkland.
Seattle sits just behind Los Angeles, which snagged 14. San Francisco scored 16.
“It’s great to be honored amongst your peers in an industry that is all about overcoming challenges on a daily basis,” said Yasuaki Saito, the owner of Saint Bread, a bakery and restaurant near the University of Washington.
Saint Bread scored a semifinalist spot in the “Outstanding Bakery” category.
“Most of those people on the list I know personally,” Saito said. “We’re just so happy for one another when this sort of thing happens for our city.”
It’s a first-time honor for the nearly four-year-old bakery. It’s also a first-time nod to Atoma, a restaurant that opened late 2023 in Wallingford.
“It’s been kind of the biggest dream of the restaurant,” said Sarah Courtney, Atoma’s Operations Director & Co-Owner. “I think that’s what we’ve been driving for all year, is a nomination for James Beard. What an honor.”
You can find the full list of local semifinalists below:
Outstanding Restaurateur:
- Quynh Pham and Yenvy Pham, Phở Bắc Súp Shop, Phởcific Standard Time, and The Boat, Seattle, WA
Best New Restaurant:
- Atoma, Seattle, WA
- FamilyFriend, Seattle, WA
Outstanding Bakery:
- Saint Bread, Seattle, WA
Outstanding Hospitality:
- Archipelago, Seattle, WA
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program:
- Ltd Edition Sushi, Seattle, WA
Outstanding Bar:
- Roquette, Seattle, WA
Best New Bar:
- Sophon, Seattle, WA
Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service:
- Linda Milagros Violago, Canlis, Seattle, WA
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service:
- Anu Apte, Rob Roy, Seattle, WA
Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA):
- Janet Becerra, Pancita, Seattle, WA
- Jay Blackinton, Houlme, Orcas Island, WA
- Logan Cox, Homer, Seattle, WA
- Aisha Ibrahim, Canlis, Seattle, WA
- Ajay Panicker, Kathakali, An Indian Eatery, Kirkland, WA
- Jun Takai, Takai by Kashiba, Bellevue, WA
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