Both of San Antonio’s 2025 James Beard Award finalists leave empty handed

For the 24th year in a row, the James Beard Awards bypassed San Antonio restaurants and chefs, even though two local dining luminaries were among this year’s list of finalists for what’s viewed as the Oscars of the food world.

Lauded Mexican restaurant Mixtli — already a multiple-time Beard nominee — was one of five restaurants in contention for Outstanding Hospitality in the 35th Annual James Beard Awards, held Monday night in Chicago. Meanwhile, Emil Oliva of Southtown’s Leche de Tigre Cebicheria Peruana was one of five culinary pros vying for Best Chef: Texas.

Despite this year’s near misses, the teams at Leche de Tigre and Mixtli aren’t backing down. Indeed, the leadership behind both restaurants said they’re more driven than ever to pursue the gold and keep SA’s culinary scene in the national spotlight.

“It’s hard to put into words how meaningful this journey has been. Being a finalist for a James Beard Award is something I’ll carry with me forever,” Oliva told the Current.

Oliva’s 2025 nomination for Best Chef: Texas catapulted Leche de Tigre, which specializes and fresh and flavorful Peruvian cuisine, further into view following a string of notable accolades, including recognition from Texas Monthly and the Texas Michelin Guide.

Mixtli is known for a modern Mexican fine-dining experience, and the restaurant features rotating multi-course menus that change every three months, inspired by seasonal ingredients and historical traditions. The 2025 nomination marked Mixtli’s fourth time being recognized by the James Beard Awards — and its fourth time falling short of a final win.

Having told the Current to “bet on San Antonio” at the inaugural Texas Michelin Guide Ceremony in 2024, Mixtli chef and co-owner Diego Galicia said Monday night that he and his team remain steadfast and optimistic, even if this wasn’t their year to bag a Beard.

This year, San Antonio had a bevy of semifinalists in the Beard Awards’ Best Chef: Texas category: newcomers Leo Davila (Stixs & Stone, Anacacho), Grey Hwang (Shiro Japanese Bistro), John Ramos and Jonathan Reyes (Chika) and Alex Sarmiento and Brenda Sarmiento of El Pastor Es Mi Senor all landed their first nominations.

Best Quality Daughter’s chef Jennifer Dobbertin also nabbed her second consecutive nomination in the Best Chef: Texas category. She was previously nominated for Best Emerging Chef in 2023.

Oliva of Leche de Tigre said he remains inspired by San Antonio’s appreciation of his restaurant and his craft. 

“The love and support from our community and our team has meant everything,” he added. “Peruvian food — and what we’re doing in San Antonio — is special, and I’m excited to keep pushing it forward.” 

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This article appears in Jun 12-25, 2025.