September 7, 2025

Ômo by Jônt Achieves James Beard Award Finalist Status

News Summary

Ômo by Jônt, a restaurant in Orlando owned by Chef Ryan Ratino, has been named a finalist for the prestigious James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant. This recognition highlights Orlando’s evolving culinary scene, with a ceremony set for June 2025. Ratino’s innovative cooking and commitment to sourcing local produce play a crucial role in his nomination, showcasing the region’s potential in the culinary arts. This honor comes alongside recognition for the Good Salt Restaurant Group, reinforcing Orlando’s reputation as a hub for exceptional dining.

Orlando, Florida – Ômo by Jônt, an acclaimed restaurant owned by Chef Ryan Ratino, has achieved a significant milestone by being named a finalist for the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant for the year 2025. This recognition marks a historic moment for Orlando’s dining scene, as it seeks to secure a prestigious award that no local establishment has ever won.

The James Beard Awards, often regarded as the Oscars of the culinary world, will hold its ceremony on June 16, 2025, in Chicago. Nominations for these awards highlight the best in the culinary arts across the nation, making Ratino’s nomination a testament to his innovative approach to cooking and his significant contributions to the local gastronomy.

Ratino, who hails from a working-class background in rural Ohio, developed a passion for cooking while helping his mother in the kitchen during his childhood. His culinary journey began at home, where he watched the Food Network for inspiration, particularly admiring the work of chef Emeril Lagasse. Pursuing his culinary ambition, Ratino attended Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Orlando, where he became adept in various cooking techniques and familiarized himself with the Winter Park area.

Ômo by Jônt has gained popularity for its creative dishes, with one of its standout offerings, the duck olive press, enjoying a loyal following for eight years. Ratino’s culinary philosophy focuses on combining delicious flavors with stunning visuals, ensuring that the taste remains paramount.

The restaurant places a strong emphasis on sourcing high-quality ingredients, with approximately 65-70% of its produce sourced from local farms within Florida. Ratino’s commitment to sustainability extends to forging relationships with local suppliers to obtain fresh seafood and produce, highlighting his dedication to serving the community while enhancing the quality of his dishes.

Ratino describes cooking as his love language, reflecting his enjoyment in preparing meals that bring friends and family together. His approach to restaurant management and food preparation has resonated with both patrons and critics alike, increasing the visibility of Orlando’s culinary landscape.

In addition to Ratino’s nomination, Good Salt Restaurant Group, led by Jason and Sue Chin, has also been recognized as a finalist for the Outstanding Restaurateur category. The group oversees four well-regarded restaurants in Orlando, including The Osprey and Seito Sushi. This recognition underscores the growing culinary talent emerging from the area.

Jason Chin indicated that their previous nominations have deepened their appreciation of their team’s effort and significance. Alongside Ratino and the Chins, several other Orlando chefs, including Lo Lalicon of Kaya, have received nominations, reflecting a wider acknowledgment of the city’s vibrant food culture.

The James Beard Foundation plays a crucial role in celebrating and recognizing achievement in culinary arts. The significance of the current nominations for restaurants in Orlando demonstrates the city’s expanding reputation as a hub for culinary excellence, attracting food enthusiasts who appreciate diverse and innovative dining experiences.

This year’s James Beard Awards is poised to be an exciting event for Ratino and the Good Salt Restaurant Group, showcasing their dedication and innovation in the kitchen while also amplifying the narrative about Orlando’s burgeoning food scene.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER

ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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