The 2025 James Beard Awards, often called the “Oscars of the food world,” once again shined a spotlight on California’s dynamic restaurant scene. This year, Los Angeles took center stage, with chef Jon Yao of Kato earning the prestigious title of Best Chef: California, marking a significant moment for both the city and the state’s culinary reputation.

Jon Yao and Kato: A Defining Win for Los Angeles

Jon Yao’s victory is both a personal milestone and a reflection of the evolving culinary landscape in California. Kato, which began as a humble strip-mall restaurant in West Los Angeles in 2016, has transformed into a fine-dining destination in the city’s Arts District. Yao’s 12-course tasting menu, deeply influenced by his Taiwanese heritage and the multicultural fabric of Los Angeles, has garnered critical acclaim, including a Michelin star and a spot atop the L.A. Times 101 List for two consecutive years.

Yao’s win is especially notable as he was Los Angeles’s sole James Beard Award recipient this year, following a trend where the city has consistently produced the Best Chef: California for three years running. In previous years, the honor went to Lord Maynard Llera of Kuya Lord (2024) and Justin Pichetrungsi of Anajak Thai (2023).

Who Were the California Finalists?

The competition for Best Chef: California was fierce, featuring a diverse group of culinary talents from across the state:

Daniel Castillo, Heritage Barbecue, San Juan Capistrano

Richard Lee, Saison, San Francisco

Tara Monsod, Animae and Le Coq, San Diego

Kosuke Tada, Mijoté, San Francisco

While Bay Area chefs like Richard Lee and Kosuke Tada made the shortlist, they ultimately left the ceremony empty-handed, marking the third consecutive year the region was shut out of the awards. San Diego’s Tara Monsod was also a finalist for the second year in a row, recognized for her innovative approach to Filipino and Asian-fusion cuisine at Animae and Le Coq.

California’s Broader Impact at the Awards

Though Jon Yao was the only California chef to take home a major award, the state’s influence was felt throughout the nominations. Other finalists from Southern California included Gusto Bread in Long Beach (Outstanding Bakery) and Strong Water in Anaheim (Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program). However, these honors went to out-of-state establishments this year.

A Night of Reflection and Advocacy

This year’s ceremony, held at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, was also marked by a strong focus on immigrant contributions to the restaurant industry. Yao, in his acceptance speech, highlighted the stories of immigrants and the resilience of diaspora communities, underscoring how their experiences shape California’s—and America’s—culinary identity.

“We tell stories—stories of immigrants, diaspora, endurance and perseverance.”
— Jon Yao, Kato

Looking Ahead

The 2025 James Beard Awards reaffirmed Los Angeles’s status as a culinary powerhouse and spotlighted Jon Yao’s role as a leader in modern Californian cuisine. As the only California winner in a year of intense national competition, Yao’s achievement is both a celebration of his personal journey and a testament to the diversity and innovation that continue to define the state’s food scene.

Stay tuned as California’s chefs and restaurateurs continue to push boundaries, inspire new trends, and represent the vibrant tapestry of flavors that make the Golden State a global culinary destination.

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