02-04-2025
Here are the 2025 James Beard Award finalists for Miami
A Miami chef and bar were named James Beard Award finalists Wednesday for the foundation's 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards.
Why it matters: The Beards are like the Oscars of the bar and restaurant world, and even if you don't win, making the final cut is a big achievement.
This year, Miami earned six semifinalist nominations.
What's new: Three new categories center around cocktails and other beverages: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.
Our finalists: ViceVersa, a downtown Italian Aperitivo bar from the team behind the now-closed Jaguar Sun, is a finalist for Best New Bar.
Flashback: Last year, Chang's sister, Valerie Chang of Maty's, another Midtown favorite, won in the same category.
