Aria Restaurant's exquisite dining experience, a finalist for the James Beard Award.
Atlanta’s culinary scene is buzzing with excitement as Aria, a fine dining restaurant in Buckhead, has been named a finalist for the 2025 James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality. Despite other notable chefs not receiving nominations, Aria’s emphasis on exceptional dining experience shines through. Owner Gerry Klaskala’s recent retirement adds a poignant touch to this achievement. The awards ceremony will take place in Chicago on June 16, 2025, celebrating culinary excellence.
The culinary scene in Atlanta has a reason to celebrate as the prestigious James Beard Foundation has announced its finalists for the much-coveted 2025 awards. Among the nominees, one name stands out: Aria, a fine dining establishment nestled in the upscale neighborhood of Buckhead.
While many notable chefs and restaurateurs from Atlanta may not have received the same recognition this year, Aria shines as a finalist for the Outstanding Hospitality award. This accolade highlights the restaurant’s exceptional commitment to not just great food, but to a complete dining experience that wows guests.
Adding a poignant note to this achievement, Gerry Klaskala, the chef and owner of Aria, recently announced his retirement after an impressive 55-year career in the culinary industry. Klaskala has always emphasized that the core of Aria’s hospitality lies in the collective efforts of the entire team, from the front-of-house staff to kitchen members, who work in harmony to create a welcoming atmosphere.
The team at Aria is trained to go beyond traditional service, encouraging them to personalize their interactions with guests, tailoring experiences to suit individual preferences. This attention to detail is a key pillar of Aria’s operations, actively contributing to its recognition by the James Beard Foundation.
This year’s awards also brought recognition to other community-driven efforts. Chad Houser, associated with Café Momentum—which operates in both Atlanta and Dallas—was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year. Although five Georgia chefs made the semifinal list for the Best Chef – Southeast category, none advanced to the final selection, which featured chefs from outside the state.
The excitement isn’t over yet, as the winners of the James Beard Awards will be celebrated in a ceremony in Chicago on June 16, 2025. This event marks a continued tradition of honoring culinary excellence, which dates back to 1990.
Aria, which first opened in 2000, has established itself as a staple in fine dining and is frequently listed among the “best restaurants” in the region. The Outstanding Hospitality award specifically recognizes restaurants that offer a combination of superb food, agreeable atmosphere, and top-notch service, all of which Aria embodies.
In addition to the James Beard Awards, the culinary landscape in Atlanta is set to welcome the 2025 Michelin Guide, which will include metro Atlanta and the neighboring southern states. This expansion promises to bring even more attention and recognition to the region’s vibrant food scene.
Atlanta Shines at the James Beard Awards 2025
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