The James Beard Foundation (Website) announced its 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists (View List) for the James Beard Awards.

Established in 1990, the awards “celebrate excellence across all types of dining experiences”, from fine dining to casual eateries.

This year’s ceremony will “commemorate the transformative role” the Awards have played in “recognizing culinary excellence” and “shaping the evolution of American food culture”.

There were only two semifinalists this year in New Jersey — “nominees” will be named in April – Dan Richer from Razza in Jersey City (Website) and David Viana from Lita in Aberdeen (Website).

Winners for 2025 will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.