The Greater Philadelphia area has 15 chefs and restaurants who were named 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists, writes Emma Dooling for the Philadelphia

Philadelphia's thriving restaurant scene is well-represented on the list of semifinalists for the James Beard Awards.

More than a dozen Philadelphia restaurants, bars and chefs are James Beard Awards semifinalists for 2025. Why it matters: The Beards are like the Oscars for the American hospitality industry, and even making the semis is a big deal.