“`html
Jon Yao of Kato Wins Best Chef: California at 2025 James Beard Awards
Table of Contents
Los Angeles chef Jon Yao, celebrated for his innovative Taiwanese cuisine at Kato, was awarded Best Chef: California at the prestigious James Beard Awards held in Chicago on Monday, June 16. The James Beard Awards are widely considered the Oscars of the food world, recognizing the nation’s most extraordinary culinary talent.
Yao’s Impact and acceptance Speech
Yao’s win marked a important moment for Los Angeles, as he was the city’s sole winner that evening. Kato, his acclaimed restaurant, also boasts a Michelin star, further solidifying its place in the culinary landscape. Yao’s cuisine is known for its contemporary Taiwanese flavors seen through a California lens.
During his acceptance speech, Yao emphasized the importance of storytelling through food. “at our restaurant, we tell stories of immigrants, diaspora, endurance and perseverance,” Yao stated. He also highlighted the contributions of the immigrant community to Los Angeles and urged fellow chefs to use their platforms to advocate for these communities, emphasizing the need for equal dignity and respect.
Did You Know? The James Beard Foundation recognized over 100 restaurants and food makers as finalists across 25 categories in 2025.
Other Nominees and Winners
While Yao took home the best Chef: California title, other Los Angeles County nominees included Tobin Shea of Redbird for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service, and Arturo Enciso and Ana Salatino’s gusto Bread in Long Beach for Outstanding Bakery. However, Ignacio Jimenez of Superbueno in New York ultimately won Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service, and Jinju Patisserie in Portland, Oregon, won Outstanding Bakery.
Other notable winners at the 2025 James Beard Awards included Phila Lorn of Mawn in Philadelphia for Emerging Chef and Jungsik Yim of Jungsik in New York for Outstanding Chef. The James Beard Foundation also honored Toni Tipton-Martin with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Chad Houser as the Humanitarian of the Year.