Cleveland Well Represented in the 2025 James Beard Awards List of Semifinalists

Douglas Katz has been named a semi-finalist for a James Beard Award in the Outstanding Restaurateur category. Credit: Tiffany Joy Photography

This morning, the James Beard Foundation announced its list of semifinalists for the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards. The so-called “long list” includes both national and regional categories, both of which include Cleveland chefs.

In the Outstanding Restaurateur category — a nation-wide grouping — Douglas Katz of Edgewater Hospitality (Amba, Zhug, Kiln) has been selected as a semi-finalist. Katz was previously nominated in the Best Chef Great Lakes category.

Reached for comment in India, Katz said, “I am so lucky to have had a career in the field that I love and have worked in since I was a teenager. To be recognized is so special, but to enjoy my work and to get to work in a community like Cleveland is the truest joy. My team makes me look good every day and it’s really them and all of their hard work that made this possible.”

In the Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker category — another national grouping –Alexandra La Valle of Larder has been selected as a semi-finalist. She also was previously nominated in the Best Chef Great Lakes category.

And in the Best Chef Great Lakes category, which includes IL, IN, MI, and OH, both Vinnie Cimino of Cordelia and Jeremy Umansky of Larder made the list.

Cimino, in response to learning the news, said, “So excited to be nominated this year and to have so much Cleveland representation. So grateful for my Cordelia team and stoked for Doug, Jeremy, and Allie! Big Cleveland year, let’s go!!!”

Also understandably elated, Umansky responded with, “We’re in shock! Just look at what Cleveland is showing the nation when it comes to deliciousness! We’re beyond grateful to be recognized by our peers and community! We work hard every day to be our personal best and this type of validation is just overwhelming.”

The list of finalists will be announced on April 2nd, and the winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Check out the complete list of semifinalists here.

Cleveland has not had a Beard winner in the chef/restaurant categories since Jonathon Sawyer in 2015. Jeremy Umansky previously won in the media category in 2022 for “Koji Alchemy: Rediscovering the Magic of Mold-Based Fermentation,” which he co-authored with Rick Shih.

Subscribe to Cleveland Scene newsletters.