James Beard semifinalists include 8 Oklahoma nominations

Several Oklahoma chefs and institutions are semifinalists for one of the most prestigious awards in the culinary arts.

The James Beard Awards recognize people and restaurants that have contributed to American food culture. Eight of the semifinalist nods this year come from Oklahoma:

• Outstanding Restaurateur: Rachel Cope, 84 Hospitality (Elisabetta, Gorō Ramen and Burger Punk), Oklahoma City
• Outstanding Restaurant: Nonesuch, Oklahoma City
• Outstanding Restaurant: FarmBar, Tulsa
• Best New Bar: Later Bye, Oklahoma City
• Best Chef: Southwest: Jeff Chanchaleune, Bar Sen, Oklahoma City
• Best Chef: Southwest: Brian Momanyi and Stayce Momanyi, Plus254, Oklahoma City
• Best Chef: Southwest: Zack Walters, Sedalia's, Oklahoma City
• Best Chef: Southwest: Veronica Zelada, Café Kacao, Oklahoma City
  

A few of the nominees are repeats. Nonesuch — known for its tasting menus — advanced to finalist status in the outstanding restaurant category last year, as did Zack Walters for the best chef award in the southwest region. FarmBar chef and co-owner Lisa Becklund, who specializes in agricultural cuisine, was selected as a finalist in the outstanding chef category in 2025, as well.

The final nominees will be announced this spring, with the winners receiving their awards in June. The full list of semifinalists is available on the James Beard website.