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A warm, inviting dining room at Mawn with guests seated at small wooden tables, enjoying their meals. Drawings of chickens on brown paper are displayed in frames on the walls. A warm, inviting dining room at Mawn with guests seated at small wooden tables, enjoying their meals. Drawings of chickens on brown paper are displayed in frames on the walls.
Uwishunu Feature Published on April 3, 2025

2025 James Beard Awards: Philly Lands Four Restaurant & Chef Nominees

Four Philly nominees, one delicious awards season ...

Mawn Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia
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Once again, Philly’s culinary scene is cooking up some serious recognition.

On Wednesday, Philly snagged four nominations across three categories for the prestigious 2025 James Beard Awards, recognized as the nation’s premier culinary honor.

The four Philadelphia nominees are:

Phila Lorn of Mawn

Marking a big achievement, Phila Lorn of Mawn earned a spot on the Emerging Chef nominee list.

The noodle house chef caught the Beard’s attention with his innovative Cambodian menu that draws inspiration from other Southeast Asian cuisines, creating something truly original.

A close-up shot of a bowl of Cambodian noodle soup, featuring thin rice noodles, slices of beef and herbs. A hand holding chopsticks lifts a piece of the beef and noodles from the bowl. A close-up shot of a bowl of Cambodian noodle soup, featuring thin rice noodles, slices of beef and herbs. A hand holding chopsticks lifts a piece of the beef and noodles from the bowl.

Mawn   — Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia

The Lovers Bar at Friday Saturday Sunday

Fresh off their 2023 James Beard Award win for Outstanding Restaurant, Friday Saturday Sunday is back in the spotlight — this time for Outstanding Bar.

Known for its exceptional cocktails and intimate atmosphere, The Lovers Bar pours creativity into every glass.

Two people seated at a bar face one another and toast their cocktails. Two people seated at a bar face one another and toast their cocktails.

The Lovers Bar at Friday Saturday Sunday   — Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia

Jesse Ito of Royal Sushi & Izakaya

Chef Jesse Ito of Royal Sushi & Izakaya is no stranger to the Beards. After making it to the finals for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic in 2024, he returns as a nominee.

The James Beard Foundation continues to be impressed with his signature omakase experience, earning him another shot at the gold.

Chef Jesse Ito prepares sushi while wearing a white chef shirt at his restaurant Royal Sushi and Izakaya in Philadelphia. Chef Jesse Ito prepares sushi while wearing a white chef shirt at his restaurant Royal Sushi and Izakaya in Philadelphia.

Jesse Ito   — Photo courtesy Royal Sushi & Izakaya

Amanda Shulman of Her Place Supper Club

Amanda Shulman of Her Place Supper Club also joins the lineup, giving Philly chefs two of the five coveted spots on this year’s Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic nominee list.

Known for her wildly popular dinner-party-style restaurant, where she serves playful French and Italian dishes with a twist of Jewish influences.

Chef Amanda Shulman leans over a plate of food at Her Place Supper Club in Philadelphia Chef Amanda Shulman leans over a plate of food at Her Place Supper Club in Philadelphia

Amanda Shulman   — Photo courtesy 1st Look

What’s Next

Selected from a strong pool of semifinalists, which included 14 talented local chefs and restaurants, these four Philly nominees will give the competition a serious run for their money.

Stay tuned for the winners, announced on Monday, June 16, 2025, at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony in Chicago.

Find the complete list of the 2025 nominees here.

In the meantime, dive into Visit Philly’s guide to James Beard Foundation-honored restaurants in Philadelphia from 2019 to 2024 for more top-tier dining experiences.

 

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