PHILADELPHIA, PA – A significant honor has come to Philadelphia's culinary scene as Chef Phila Lorn of the acclaimed restaurant Mawn was named the winner of the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes. The announcement was made at a sold-out live ceremony at the Lyric Opera Chicago on Monday, June 16, 2025.
The Emerging Chef Award, presented by S. Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, is a national honor that recognizes "a chef who displays exceptional talent, character, and leadership ability and who is likely to make a significant impact in years to come." Chef Lorn's win places him and his Philadelphia restaurant, Mawn, firmly in the national spotlight, distinguishing him among a competitive field of rising culinary stars from across the country.
The James Beard Awards are considered among the nation's most prestigious honors, often referred to as the "Oscars of the food world." They recognize exceptional talent and a demonstrated commitment to community, sustainability, and a culture that fosters growth and allows all to thrive.
"Tonight, we toast this year's exceptional Restaurant and Chef Award winners," said Dawn Padmore, VP of Awards for the James Beard Foundation. "We're also proud to welcome our first winners in the new beverage categories and celebrate their invaluable contributions to our industry."
Chef Lorn was the sole winner from Philadelphia in the national categories announced at the ceremony. While other Philadelphia chefs were recognized as semifinalists earlier in the year, including Yun Fuentes of BOLO, who was named to the Foundation's TasteTwenty cohort, Lorn's victory brings one of the top national awards home to the City of Brotherly Love, celebrating the innovative spirit and diverse talent that define Philadelphia's food scene.
