James Beard Awards names 13 Texas finalists

James Beard Awards names 13 Texas finalists for 2025

BY Christine Sanchez Texas

PUBLISHED 10:06 AM CT Apr. 03, 2025 PUBLISHED 10:06 AM CDT Apr. 03, 2025

The James Beard Awards has narrowed down its list of the nation’s best restaurants and chefs for 2025. Here are the Texas finalists for one of the most sought-after achievements in the service industry.

Emerging Chef

RJ Yoakum, executive chef of Georgie in Dallas, is the sole Texas finalist in the Emerging Chef category.

Best New Restaurant

Representing the state as Best New Restaurant finalists are Ema in Houston and Mābo in Dallas. Ema specializes in quality food, pastries and coffee inspired by Mexico and Latin America, while Mābo is a Japanese omakase restaurant that focuses on yakitori tastings using high quality meat and vegetables.

Outstanding Bakery

New York-style bagels are on the menu at Starship Bagel, the sole Texas finalist in the Outstanding Bakery category.

Outstanding Hospitality

Mixtli in San Antonio claimed a finalist position from the foundation for its standout hospitality.

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

Offering Mediterranean fare, March was recognized as a finalist in the Outstanding Wine and Other Beverage Program category. The Houston restaurant boasts a formidable wine and spirits list that spans over 50 pages.

Best New Bar

From classic to tiny to signature, Bar Collette in Dallas offers imaginative cocktails and small bites that earned it a finalist position for Best New Bar.

Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service

Arjav Ezekiel is the beverage director and co-owner of Birdie’s in Austin, which offers New American fare. Ezekiel has been recognized for his beverage program in the past in Food and Wine Magazine, Bon Appetit, Wine Enthusiast and more.