RALEIGH, NC — Several Triangle-area restaurants have once again been recognized among the nation’s best, securing semifinalist spots in the prestigious 2025 James Beard Awards. Known as the “Oscars of the food world,” the awards honor culinary excellence across the United States, celebrating chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality professionals for their outstanding contributions to the industry.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Awards, and the Triangle’s vibrant food scene continues to make a strong impression. Among the notable contenders is Chef Scott Crawford of Crawford & Son, a staple in Raleigh’s historic Oakwood neighborhood. Crawford, a well-known figure in the local dining landscape, was a finalist for the Outstanding Hospitality category in 2024 and has returned for another shot at the coveted award.
Durham’s culinary scene is also well-represented with the return of Chef Ricky Moore of Saltbox Seafood Joint. Moore, who won the Best Chef: Southeast award in 2022, is once again in the running, reaffirming his reputation for delivering exceptional coastal-inspired cuisine rooted in North Carolina tradition.
Adding a fresh face to the mix is Bar Beej, a Bollywood-themed bar that opened in June 2024 within Cheeni, a well-known Indian-inspired eatery owned by Chef Preeti Waas in Durham. Waas, who was a semifinalist for Best Chef in 2023 when Cheeni was based in Raleigh, continues to push boundaries with her innovative and culturally rich offerings.
Meanwhile, Figulina, a pasta-focused restaurant that debuted in March 2024 in Raleigh’s bustling Warehouse District on Harrington Street, is making waves in its first year of operation. The restaurant has gained recognition not only from the James Beard Foundation but also from popular food review platforms such as Yelp and Eater Carolinas, which have praised its authentic approach to Italian cuisine and its commitment to quality ingredients.
A Legacy of Culinary Excellence
The James Beard Awards, established in 1990, honor chefs and restaurants that exemplify excellence in their craft and demonstrate a commitment to the community and sustainable food practices. Semifinalists are selected through a rigorous process that includes input from food critics, industry professionals, and previous award recipients. The awards span multiple categories, including Best Chef, Outstanding Restaurant, and Emerging Chef, among others.
With the Triangle’s reputation as a culinary hotspot growing each year, local businesses are increasingly gaining national attention. Durham and Raleigh, in particular, have cultivated a thriving dining culture that blends traditional Southern flavors with global influences, making the region a key player in the national food scene.
Looking Ahead
Finalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards will be announced in the coming months, with winners honored at a ceremony later this year. Food enthusiasts eager to support their local favorites can find the complete list of semifinalists on the James Beard Foundation’s website.
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