What Philly’s Two Big James Beard Wins Mean for Our Food Scene

Philadelphia celebrated two major wins at the 2025 James Beard Awards, held in Chicago, underscoring the city’s growing influence in the national food scene. Jesse Ito of Royal Sushi and Izakaya secured the Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic award, ending a nine-year streak of nominations without a win since opening his restaurant in 2017. The award covers a broad region including Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C., and came after strong competition from local chefs like Amanda Shulman of Her Place Supper Club and Omar Tate and Cybille St. Aude-Tate of Honeysuckle. Kalaya, led by chef Nok Suntaranon, won the Outstanding Restaurant category, placing Philly among the nation’s top restaurants. This marks the third time in six years that a Philadelphia restaurant has won this award, following Zahav in 2019 and Friday Saturday Sunday in 2023. Kalaya’s victory follows a string of accolades, including a spot on the 50 Best North America list and Michelin Recommended status, solidifying its reputation for deeply personal and flavorful cuisine. The wins mark a turning point for Philly’s food scene, which has seen increasing recognition in recent years. Ito’s persistence and Kalaya’s rapid ascent reflect the city’s ability to produce world-class dining experiences. Both chefs have been consistently nominated or recognized by industry leaders, with Kalaya previously winning Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic in 2023. The James Beard Foundation’s decision to honor these restaurants highlights their technical skill and creative vision. Ito’s Japanese-inspired izakaya and Kalaya’s Thai-inspired menu represent the diversity and innovation of Philadelphia’s culinary offerings. These awards not only validate the hard work of local chefs but also signal to the broader food world that Philly is a destination for exceptional dining.