The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards return to celebrate Dallas' top restaurant and bar talent for 2025. Our mission is to shine a spotlight on the people and places that make Dallas a world-class dining destination.Join us May 1 at Astoria for our signature tasting event and awards ceremony. We’ll celebrate all of the nominees and unveil the winners, and you’ll enjoy an evening full of chef-prepared bites and specialty drinks.Get to know all of the nominees in our editorial series, and then join us May 1 as we toast the Tastemakers.CultureMap Tastemaker Awards
May 1, 2025
GA 7 pm | VIP 6 pm
Astoria Event Venue


NOMINEES

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Cafe Momentum
El Carlos Elegante
Mirador
Mister Charles
Rye
Starship Bagel
Stillwell's
Tatsu
Written By the Seasons
Zavala's Barbecue
CHEF OF THE YEAR
Jeff Bekevac, Goodwin's
Michelle Carpenter, Restaurant Beatrice
Gabriel DeLeon, Mi Dia From Scratch
Mansour Gorji, Gorji
Jeffery Hobbs, Slow Bone
Victor Hugo, Bucket & Rope
Habip Kargin, Selda
Dennis Kelly & Melody Bishop, Written by the Seasons
Minji Kim, JOA Grill
Masayuki Otaka, Mabo
RISING STAR CHEF OF THE YEAR
Parker Cantera, Resident Taqueria
Ricardo Viesca Gutierrez, Sheraton Dallas
Mario Hernandez, Nuri
Cristina Lara, El Carlos Elegante
Rhonda McCullar, Uchiba
Roman Murphy, Perch Bistro
Jonathan Myrick, Cane Rosso
Anais Paniagua and Iris Rojas, Doña Maria
Fernando Ramirez, Thirsty Lion
Jake Yoon, Naminohana
PASTRY CHEF OF THE YEAR
Meriel Bautista, Cafe Momentum
Matt Bresnan, Bresnan Bread and Pastry
Chelsea Gannon, Ruby Baking Co.
Macarena Gomez, LA 57
Bryan Motta, Breadhaus
Dyan Ng, Le Passage
Leen Kim Nunn, Omni Frisco
Sara Saginaw, Swirled Peace
Ryan Stipp, PGA Frisco
Golda Sumpon, Ollio Patisserie
NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Cafe Madrid
Cedar & Vine
Dee's Table Burgers & More
Loro
Mayor's House By Selda
Miss Pasta
The Porch
San Martin Bakery
Wabi House
Wagamama
BAR OF THE YEAR
Bar Sardine
Catbird
Clifton Club
Colombian Country Club
Ginger's
Milo Butterfingers
Patrick Kennedy's Irish Pub
Scarlet Lounge
Saint Valentine
Valle Lounge
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
Be Home Soon
Bucket & Rope
Catch
Claremont Bar & Grill
Elephant Indian Bar & Grill
Even Coast
Feng Shui
Goldie's
Goodwin's
Jack & Harry's
Kati Roll
La Rue Doughnuts
Mabo
Nikki Greek Bistro
Nuri
Seager & Sons
BEST EATERTAINMENT
Chicken N Pickle
Eataly
Happiest Hour
Kanpai Coffee & Beer Garden
Katy Trail Icehouse
Komodo
Punch Bowl Social
Scout
Suburban Yacht Club
Truckyard
BEST COFFEE SHOP
Arwa Coffee
Common Good
Civil Pour
Hola Coffee
Kanpai Coffee & Beer Garden
Killer Joe
Merit Coffee
Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters
Well Grounded Coffee
White Rhino


PARTICIPANTS

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Coming Soon


Teresa Gubbins
Editor | CultureMap Dallas, CultureMap Fort Worth

Noah Hester
Chef and Co-Owner | Hamm's Meat Market
2024 Chef of the Year Winner

Will Salisbury
2024 Rising Star Chef of the Year Winner

Tida Pichakron
Owner and Pastry Chef | Haute Sweets Patisserie, LLC.
2024 Pastry Chef of the Year Winner

Sean Smith
Owner | Whiskeys Dallas, Koffeteria
2024 Bar of the Year Winner

Chas Martin
Managing Partner | Duro Hospitality, Sister
2024 Wine Program Winner

Mike McRae
Owner | McRae's American Bistro
2024 Best New Restaurant Winner

Jimmy Contreras
Owner | Taco Y Vino, LadyLove Lounge and Sounds
2024 Best Patio Winner

Courtney Stensland
Owner | Stens In the City

Seerel Meadows
Dallas Discovered

Lily KT Smith
Co-Founder and Co-CEO | 101Media

JUDGES

To Be Announced
More Details Soon

To Be Announced
More Details Soon

To Be Announced
More Details Soon

To Be Announced
More Details Soon


PARTNERS

The Yuengling Company

The Yuengling Company
Yuengling has persevered for six generations, spanning over 196 years, and has been continuously family-owned and operated since 1829. The Yuengling family remains committed to producing the highest-quality portfolio of beers for customers to enjoy. They vow to honor and respect the traditions that have kept the company strong and independent for nearly two centuries. Whether you are raising a glass of Yuengling for the first time or have been a lifelong fan, thank you for supporting “the Oldest Brewery in America.”

Ritual Zero Proof

Ritual Zero Proof
Proudly made in Texas, Ritual Zero Proof is America’s No. 1 non-alcoholic spirit brand. Crafted for cocktails, Ritual Tequila, Whiskey, Gin, Rum, and Aperitif Alternatives have the nose, taste, and bite of liquor – without the alcohol or calories. Founded by best friends, born on a cutting board, and perfected across hundreds of iterations with the help of master distillers and award-winning mixologists, Ritual was created because we love a good cocktail, with or without alcohol.

Seedlip

Seedlip
Founded in 2015, Seedlip is the pioneer of non-alcoholic spirits. Combining centuries-old techniques with modern innovations, Seedlip redefines the drinking experience by solving the dilemma of what to drink when you’re not drinking. Inspired by nature, Spice 94, Grove 42, Garden 108, and Notas de Agave deliver a vast range of flavors. These sophisticated, non-alcoholic spirits contain no sugar or calories and make the perfect base for cocktails.

Brioche Gourmet

Brioche Gourmet
It’s golden, it’s soft, and it’s delicious. It’s brioche, a slightly sweet French Brioche that’s used for everything from gourmet burger buns to the most indulgent French toast.
But brioche is far more than a pastry or bread — it’s an uncompromising savoir faire, a commitment to exceptional quality, and the authentic French recipes that have been passed down for four generations. It’s also the unexplainable joy in each heavenly bite! See all the delicious Brioche Gourmet products here.

PicMe Events
PicMe Events is passionate about creating picture-perfect experiences. They work closely with clients to create immersive, exciting, and simply outstanding events and experiences. From surprises to show-stoppers, intimate gatherings to mass brand activations, they can do it all. Using the world’s best photo booth technology, they deliver immersive and engaging events that will leave your guests wanting more. Their No. 1 priority is making sure that their clients are able to walk away from their event satisfied and with memories they can treasure for years to come.

Still Austin Whiskey Co.

Still Austin Whiskey Co.
Still Austin Whiskey Co.is a grain-to-glass distillery started in 2015 and located in the heart of Austin. It places a strong emphasis on sustainability with a focus on cutting carbon emissions through local sourcing, increasing the biodiversity of the region through heritage grains, returning spent grains to local ranchers to feed their animals, and operating a distillery that is designed for energy efficiency and water conservation. It only uses 100% Texas-grown corn, rye, and malted barley in its whiskey products sourced from local Texas farmers. Flagship products include “The Musician” Straight Bourbon and Cask Strength Bourbon, “The Naturalist” American Gin, and “The Artist” Straight Rye. You can find more information about Still Austin Whiskey Co. by visiting its website at Still Austin Whiskey Co. - Grain to Glass Distillery in Austin, Texas or by following them on social media.

Whataburger

Whataburger
Whataburger serves up goodness 24/7. Its original recipes are made to order, just like you like it, and they pride themselves on extraordinary hospitality and meaningful connections in their communities. That’s what’s led fans to Whataburger since Harmon Dobson served his first customer in 1950. Headquartered in San Antonio, they’ve stayed close to their roots while building sales of more than $3 billion annually across a 15-state footprint and over 1,000 restaurants. Even with its exceptional menu, they know that people make the difference at Whataburger. That’s why they were among QSR Magazine's Best Brands to Work For in 2023 and consistently win culture excellence awards, including Top Workplaces 2023. Hungry for a great meal? Download the app on ios or android to order ahead. Shop Whataburger-branded merchandise and selected sauces, including their famous Fancy and Spicy Ketchup, at WhataStore.com and find Whataburger original-recipe products in grocery stores.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, email [email protected]


BENEFICIARY

Harvest Project Food Rescue
The Harvest Project Food Rescue is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit that was started to fight food insecurity and food waste in the city of Dallas. It is supported and run by volunteers, and with the help of community partners, the organization is able to distribute free fresh produce baskets to hundreds of families a week.
In 2014, the Harvest Project Food Rescue was born from the need to meet food insecurity in many low-income parts of Dallas. In partnership with South Coast Produce Inc., founders Danae Gutierrez and Luis Carrillo started redirecting imperfect produce that would not be bought by grocery stores to undeserved and food insecure communities.The focus of the food distribution program is to make produce accessible to all families with no requirements or charge.The Harvest Project helps communities decolonize their diet to live a healthier life and promote a sustainable food system. The organization is dedicated to spearheading city policy and state laws to achieve food justice for all communities.

Harvest Food Rescue