Three OKC finalists named for 2025 James Beard Awards

Three chefs and restaurants from the Oklahoma City area were named finalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards, one of the highest honors in the restaurant industry. 

Nonesuch, in OKC, is a finalist for Outstanding Restaurant, which recognizes consistent excellence in food, service, atmosphere and operations. The restaurant has earned national attention for its small-scale tasting menus focused on local ingredients and has built a reputation as a destination for thoughtful, seasonal dining. 

Two local chefs were named finalists for Best Chef: Southwest, which includes Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada. Olivier Bouzerand, of Fait Maison in Edmond, and Zack Walters, of Sedalia’s in OKC, were recognized for their culinary skill and leadership. Bouzerand is known for French cuisine in a fine dining setting, while Walters brings a modern approach to local ingredients and regional traditions. 

This year’s James Beard Award nominations continue Oklahoma City’s growing streak of national culinary recognition. Recent honors—including Chef Andrew Black’s 2023 Best Chef: Southwest win, Florence Jones’ America’s Classics award and multiple semifinalist nods for Chef Jeff Chanchaleune—have spotlighted the city’s depth of talent. 

The latest nominations highlight the diversity and creativity across the OKC food scene, where chefs blend innovation with local ingredients and cultural roots. Together, these accolades mark a turning point, drawing national attention and investment while positioning Oklahoma as a rising culinary destination. 

For the full list of finalists, visit James Beard Awards 2025: Restaurant and Chef Finalists - Eater.