CHICAGO – Oregon’s vibrant culinary landscape received significant national recognition this week as several of its chefs, bakeries, and restaurants were honored at the 2025 James Beard Awards. Widely regarded as the most prestigious accolades in the North American food industry, the awards celebrated their 35th anniversary this year during a ceremony held in Chicago on June 16, 2025.
The state saw two of its nominees ultimately receive the coveted medallions, signaling a growing prominence for Oregon’s gastronomic scene on the national stage. Six establishments and individuals from Portland and Amity had been named finalists prior to the announcement.
Honoring Oregon’s Award Recipients
Among the night’s celebrated winners was JinJu Patisserie located in Portland, which was awarded the distinguished title of Outstanding Bakery. This award recognizes a baker or bakery that makes baked goods, including breads, pastries, and desserts, that consistently achieve excellence and have a positive impact on their community. JinJu Patisserie’s win highlights the exceptional quality and creativity emerging from Portland’s flourishing baking community.
Further affirming Oregon’s culinary prowess, Timothy Wastell of Antica Terra in Amity received the award for Best Chef in the Northwest and Pacific region. This category honors chefs who set national culinary standards and whose restaurants have a significant impact on their community. Wastell’s recognition underscores the high level of talent and innovation found not only in Oregon’s urban centers but also in its surrounding areas, such as the acclaimed wine region where Antica Terra is located.
Recipients of James Beard Awards are presented with both a certificate and a medallion, symbolizing their achievement and standing within the culinary world.
Recognizing Distinguished Finalists
While only two took home awards, the presence of multiple finalists from Oregon speaks volumes about the state’s depth of culinary excellence. Several other notable establishments and chefs from Portland and Ashland were recognized for their outstanding work, earning finalist spots in highly competitive categories.
Portland’s Coquine was a finalist for Outstanding Restaurant, a national award recognizing a restaurant that uses its taut menu and its ethos to set high culinary standards and that has had a significant impact on the broader national dining scene. Their nomination placed them among the nation’s elite dining destinations.
Scotch Lodge, also in Portland, was named a finalist for Outstanding Bar. This award is given to a bar that provides a high-quality beverage program and has a significant impact on its community, and that demonstrates excellence in curating a distinctive drinking experience. Their nomination underscored Portland’s reputation as a leader in innovative beverage programs.
The Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific region category was particularly strong for Oregon, with two additional chefs named as finalists alongside eventual winner Timothy Wastell. Joshua Dorcak of MÄS in Ashland and Ryan Roadhouse of Nodoguro in Portland were both contenders for this regional honor. Their nominations highlight the diverse and compelling culinary approaches thriving across different parts of the state, from Southern Oregon to the heart of Portland.
Being named a finalist for a James Beard Award is a significant honor in itself, reflecting years of dedication, innovation, and impact within the industry and their respective communities.
The Enduring Significance of the James Beard Awards
The James Beard Foundation Awards program, now in its 35th year, continues to be a benchmark for excellence in the food and beverage world. The awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their work, as well as for their commitment to the Foundation’s mission to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s food culture, and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability.
This year’s ceremony in Chicago marked a milestone anniversary, reflecting the awards’ long history and evolving role in the industry. The program has adapted over time, introducing new categories to reflect contemporary trends and expertise within the vast culinary landscape. This year saw the introduction of new categories including Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service, further broadening the scope of recognized talent.
Oregon’s strong performance at the 2025 awards, securing two wins and multiple finalist spots, reinforces its standing as a dynamic and influential force in the national culinary dialogue. The accolades received by establishments in Portland and Amity, alongside recognition for finalists in Ashland and Portland, collectively celebrate the state’s rich food culture and the dedicated professionals who shape it, promising continued innovation and excellence for diners in the region and beyond.
