Congrats to the newly minted batch of James Beard Award winners! The Foundation announced the winners of its 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards on Monday, June 16th at a star-studded ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago and Chef Sky Haneul Kim of Gift Horse in Providence, Rhode Island was named Best Chef: Northeast, earning one of the culinary world’s most prestigious honors for their bold, boundary-pushing cooking and leadership in the kitchen.

The category, which includes chefs from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, recognizes outstanding culinary skill, innovation, and a commitment to fostering a sustainable and equitable restaurant culture. Kim’s win celebrates her talent but also the growing national spotlight on Rhode Island’s vibrant food scene.

Now in its 35th year, the James Beard Awards continue to honor excellence in food and hospitality across the country, from legendary restaurants and emerging chefs to innovative beverage programs and iconic community institutions. This year’s live ceremony was co-hosted by chef Nyesha Arrington and award-winning TV personality Andrew Zimmern, and attended by more than 1,500 industry insiders and luminaries.

Other major winners of the night included Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, CO for Outstanding Restaurant, Jungsik Yim of New York’s Jungsik for Outstanding Chef, and Bûcheron in Minneapolis, MN for Best New Restaurant. Closer to home, Boston’s Sullivan’s Castle Island was recognized as one of this year’s America’s Classics, an award that honors beloved, family-owned institutions with deep roots in their local communities.

For the full list of 2025 James Beard Award winners and more on the ceremony, visit the Foundation’s website.

You may also be interested in