Asheville continues to make waves in the culinary world, with local chefs and restaurants earning prestigious recognition as semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards. Known for its vibrant food scene, Asheville proudly celebrates the following honorees:
William Dissen, chef-owner of The Market Place, is nominated for Outstanding Chef, a testament to his dedication to sustainability and farm-to-table excellence in Appalachian cuisine. The owner and head chef at The Market Place – Asheville’s original farm-to-table restaurant, and a downtown fixture since 1979 – has placed a sign in his dining room that reads “Support Local Farms” and lists the names of farms that have produce or protein featured on his menu. “When I was in culinary school, I had an instructor tell me, to be the best chef, you have to use the best ingredients,” said Dissen, who was nominated for a James Beard Award for a second straight year. “I think for him, that translated to using ingredients like foie gras and truffles and caviar, but for me, that translated to this Appalachian know-how, ingenuity and freshness.”
The Market Place - Silver Iocovozzi of Neng Jr.'s was selected as a semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast, showcasing the region's diverse culinary talent. Iocovozzi is celebrated for their innovative take on Filipino-American cuisine. Iocovozzi's intimate 18-seat restaurant in the heart of West Asheville finds its center between his Filipino roots and Southern cuisine. Offerings like lumpia or kinilaw (a raw seafood dish) often grace the menu and can be paired with more traditional Southern fare like slow-cooked Brunswick stew. "Appalachian food has influenced my cooking, just because I like to pick from where I am," he said. "I've been here long enough to know its rich history affects the way that I live. I love to base my menu around what's available from the farmer." In 2024, two years after opening Neng Jr's, Iocovozzi was named Food & Wine's Best New Chef.
- Ashleigh Shanti of Good Hot Fish was also selected as a semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast. Shanti’s focus on heritage-driven seafood dishes continues to redefine Southern food traditions.
- Leo's House of Thirst, a cozy wine bar in West Asheville, earned an Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program nomination for its exceptional curation of natural wines, craft beers, and inventive cocktails.
These nominations highlight the creativity and passion fueling Asheville’s food and beverage scene. Make sure to explore these celebrated establishments and taste what makes Asheville a culinary destination to remember! The nominees moving to the next round of the competition will be announced on April 2. The Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony will be hosted live in Chicago on June 16.
