Rhode Island Restaurants Shine in 2025 Wine Spectator and James Beard Awards

Rhode Island Restaurants Shine in 2025 Wine Spectator and James Beard Awards

Rhode Island has emerged as a focal point for culinary excellence in 2025, with 17 local restaurants being recognized in the prestigious Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards, and notable wins at the James Beard Awards. These accolades highlight Rhode Island’s commitment to exceptional dining experiences and fine wine selections.

Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards

Wine Spectator released its annual Restaurant Awards this year, honoring 3,811 restaurants worldwide for their outstanding wine service. Among these, Rhode Island boasts 17 establishments that stand out for their impressive wine lists. The awards, initiated in 1981, remain the only ones dedicated solely to restaurant wine service, evaluating the quality and diversity of wine selections offered by dining establishments.

This year’s awards are divided into three categories: the Award of Excellence, which recognizes 2,001 winners; the Best of Award of Excellence, awarded to 1,411 restaurants; and the prestigious Grand Award, bestowed on just 93 dining destinations. Each level signifies the commitment to superior wine offerings and enhances the restaurant’s identity as shown by the carefully curated wine lists.

Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher of Wine Spectator, emphasized that a thoughtful wine list is a reflection of a restaurant’s vision and character. The awards issue, set to be released on July 15, 2025, will also pay tribute to the late Grand Award-winning chef Charlie Trotter, while also discussing the revival of classic dishes that are gaining popularity in modern restaurants.

James Beard Awards Highlights

In addition to the Wine Spectator accolades, Rhode Island experienced a significant recognition at the James Beard Awards. Sky Haneul Kim, chef at the Gift Horse in Providence, was named Best Chef: Northeast. This victory marks Kim’s first win after previously being a semifinalist for Best Emerging Chef in the last year, showcasing a rapid ascent in the culinary world.

Further highlights from the James Beard Awards included nominations for several other Rhode Island establishments and chefs. Oberlin was nominated for Outstanding Restaurant, while Derek Wagner from Nicks on Broadway received a nomination as Best Chef: Northeast. Wagner expressed pride in his achievements after several years of being recognized as a semifinalist without progressing to the final cut.

Emerging Chef nominee Nikhil Naiker from Nimki represented New England’s tropical cuisine and received his first nomination for a restaurant that has been operating for under a year, indicating a promising future for novel culinary experiences in the region.

Historical Context and Impact

Since the inception of the James Beard Awards in 1990, Rhode Island has celebrated a total of seven winners, with Kim becoming the third individual from the state to earn the title of Best Chef: Northeast. These recognitions not only elevate the profiles of the winners, but they also contribute to Rhode Island’s growing reputation as a culinary destination, attracting food enthusiasts and tourists alike.

The recent accolades from both Wine Spectator and the James Beard Awards underscore Rhode Island’s vibrant dining scene. As local restaurants continue to innovate and excel in providing exceptional wine service and culinary experiences, the state’s culinary landscape is expected to continue flourishing in the years to come.