Kato’s Jon Yao Wins The James Beard Award For Best Chef In California — It’s The Only L.A. Winner In 2025

The Los Angeles culinary scene is famous for its incredible diversity, perfectly reflecting the city’s cosmopolitan identity. Over the years, L.A. has steadily emerged as a major international food hub, standing shoulder to shoulder with giants like New York, Paris, and Tokyo. One of the most exciting recent developments is that the best chef in California now calls Los Angeles home, a true sign of the city’s [growing influence](https://secretlosangeles.com/michelin-star-restaurants-los-angeles/) in the global gastronomy world. During the most recent James Beard Awards ceremony, Jon Yao, executive chef and co-founder of Kato, was honored with the Best Chef in California award. This prestigious prize recognizes chefs who set high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities, while also making significant efforts to foster a sustainable work culture in their regions. After winning, Yao said in an interview, that *“the restaurant and the food we serve are really a medium for storytelling. I believe it represents many immigrant stories in our area, and there are many more restaurants like ours. We’re proud to be part of that fabric.”* Jon Yao opened Kato in 2016 in a small West L.A. strip mall, crafting a menu inspired by his Taiwanese heritage and upbringing in the San Gabriel Valley. In 2022, he relocated the restaurant to the former M. Georgina space at Row DTLA in the [ Arts District.](https://secretlosangeles.com/arts-district-los-angeles/) There, Yao offers a sophisticated, ever-changing 12-course tasting menu priced at $325. Kato received its first Michelin star in 2022 and has since garnered multiple accolades, including being named a “one to watch” by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2024. Source: https://secretlosangeles.com/katos-jon-yao-best-chef-james-beard-award/