Food & Wine has unveiled its 2025 class of Best New Chefs, the magazine’s annual list recognizing rising culinary talent across the United States. Now in its 37th year, the program has spotlighted industry leaders from Daniel Boulud to David Chang, and this year’s group reflects a broad range of voices, cuisines, and regions. The initiative is sponsored by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water.
This year’s honorees are:
- Mariela Camacho, Comadre Panadería, Austin, TX – Known for heritage-driven baking and a community-minded approach, Camacho is the first woman from Austin to be named a Best New Chef.
- Vinnie Cimino, Cordelia, Cleveland, OH – A Midwestern chef redefining regional flavors with a playful fine-dining edge.
- Aretah Ettarh, Gramercy Tavern, New York, NY – Rising star in one of New York’s most iconic dining rooms, balancing tradition with innovation.
- Kelly Jacques, Ayu Bakehouse, New Orleans, LA – Celebrated for deeply flavored pastries that honor New Orleans’ multicultural foodways.
- Steve Joo, Joodooboo, Oakland, CA – Bringing artisanal Korean tofu and seasonal California produce to national attention.
- Telly Justice, HAGS, New York, NY – A former punk musician turned chef, Justice runs one of the country’s most inclusive and adventurous tasting menus.
- Phila Lorn, Mawn, Philadelphia, PA – Elevating Cambodian flavors through personal storytelling and modern technique.
- Yotaka Martin, Lom Wong, Phoenix, AZ – A champion of regional Thai traditions, celebrated for cooking rarely seen recipes with precision and heart.
- Colby Rasavong, Bad Idea, Nashville, TN – Fusing Lao roots with a contemporary Southern sensibility in one of the city’s buzziest dining rooms.
- Jordan Rubin, Mr. Tuna, Portland, ME – A sushi chef who began as a food-truck operator and now helms a beloved brick-and-mortar.
Together, the group reflects a dining landscape where cultural identity, heritage cooking, and creative community-building are front and center.
