Calling all food lovers, chefs, and hospitality workers: The 2025 James Beard Award winners have been announced.

The event, which is often referred to as the “Oscars of Food,” took place in Chicago on June 16, and this year, Houston made its comeback. Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast took home Best Chef: Texas. His restaurant serves up fine-dining Mexican cuisine in the northern suburb of Spring.

"I'm awestruck," he says. "I feel great. I feel that the past 20 years of working in the kitchen have culminated into this, where I'm able to receive accolades." 

He was up against four other chefs in his category, including Emmanuel Chavez of Tatemó—which also now has a Michelin star for its Mexican heirloom corn–focused tasting menu. Last year, Chavez was the only Houston chef to make the finalist round for Best Chef: Texas, but fell short of an award.

Bille says he didn't expect this win, but he hopes it will help open doors for more opportunities and different concepts he has in mind. 

Belly of the Beast first opened five weeks before the pandemic hit. Although it survived the chaos, Bille chose to close the restaurant's doors in July 2021. He went on to lead the kitchen at former restaurant Chivos in the Heights, but ultimately left to revive his beloved concept. And in November 2023 he officially relaunched Belly of the Beast with help from his wife. 

"My wife and I poured our life savings and credit into this restaurant with no financial backers," he says. "To be able to do this on a national scale, it's amazing." 

Belly of the Beast also received a Bib Gourmand during Michelin's award ceremony for its Texas guide last year. The Bibs recognizes restaurants "that serve good food at moderate prices." 

The winners of the James Beard Awards are considered to be the best of the best when it comes to the country’s culinary community. This year is also particularly special because it marks the awards’ 35th anniversary. They’re in honor of James Beard, America’s first “foodie.” He first rose to fame after the success of his cookbooks, his stint as the host for the country’s first food program, and for his work to establish the James Beard Cooking School.

In years prior, several Houstonians have risen to the ranks as James Beard Award winners. In 2023, chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter, the owner of Thai restaurant Street to Kitchen, made history as the first Houston-based chef to win the newly created category Best Chef: Texas. Before 2020, our Lone Star State was lumped in with Best Chef: Southwest. Hugo Ortega and Chris Shepherd have both taken home awards in the former category. Alba Huerta of Julep also had a historic win in 2022 for the category of Outstanding Bar Program, which was the first time Houston won a national category.

Congratulations to all the winners this year, and shoutout to our fellow Texan Arjav Ezekiel of Birdie's in Austin, who took home the award for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service. Although some of our local favorite places fell short of a win, we’re still proud of all the 2025 finalists, and we’re already looking forward to next year.

Editor’s note: Some SagaCity Media staff members served as James Beard Award judges and committee members.