11 San Antonio chefs named semifinalists for 2025 James Beard Awards

Multiple San Antonio chefs and restaurants landed on the 2025 semifinalist list for the James Beard Awards, one of the nation’s most prestigious culinary contests.

Chefs Emil Oliva (Leche de Tigre), Leo Davila (Stixs & Stone), Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin (Best Quality Daughter), Grey Hwang (Shiro Japanese Bistro, Yozora), John Ramos and Jonathan Reyes (Chika) and Alex Sarmiento and Brenda Sarmiento (El Pastor Es Mi Señor) all received nominations for Best Chef: Texas. 

Meanwhile, Tavel Bristol-Joseph (Nicosi, Canje, Emmer & Rye and more) along with David Kirkland and Ernest Servantes (Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin) were recognized with semifinalist nominations in the Outstanding Chef category.

Mixtli, San Antonio’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, also earned a nomination in Outstanding Hospitality. The Mexican fine-dining bastion has been recognized multiple times by the James Beard Award Foundation over the years. 

The foundation will announce award finalists Tuesday, April 2. The awards ceremony will take place Monday, June 16, at the Lyric Opera in Chicago. 

This year, the James Beard Award Foundation announced three additional award categories: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service. San Antonio wasn’t recognized with a nomination in any of those categories, however.

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This article appears in Jan 22 – Feb 4, 2025.