Sneak peek the menu at CultureMap Dallas' 2025 Tastemaker Awards

The most delicious event of the year is almost here: CultureMap's annual Tastemaker Awards.

Our signature tasting event and awards ceremony is happening May 1 at Astoria Event Venue, and bringing with it a whole buffet of chef-driven bites and perfectly paired sips that celebrate Dallas' unique culinary scene.

Attendees get one delicious evening to sample to their hearts' content, with offerings prepared by nominees for Best Restaurant, Rising Star Chef, Bar of the Year, Pastry Chef, Neighborhood Restaurant, and Chef of the Year.

Our judging panel of industry experts — including past Tastemaker champs — selects the nominees and winners, including this year's buzzy wildcard categories of Best Coffee Shop and Best Eatertainment.

However, you determine who wins Best New Restaurant via an online bracket, so be sure to cast your vote before the voting ends on April 29.

You'll want to come hungry to the Tastemaker Awards, considering this sneak peek at what's on the menu:

• Lemon cured salmon from Catch Dallas
• Chicken kofta meatballs from Goodwins
• Peking duck wraps and spicy tuna cones from Komodo
• Salmon bowl box and sesame rice noodles box from Loro
• Foie macarons from Mirador
• Truffle wagyu dumplings from Nuri Steakhouse
• Rigatoni Genovese from Perch Bistro
• Vegi'ed quesadillas from Punch Bowl Social
• Mom's pimento cheese and Benton's country ham sandwiches from The Porch
• Miyazaki A5 wagyu beef katsu sandos from Uchiba
• Avocado toast bites from Well Grounded Coffee
• Pineapple char siu pulled pork baos and blue cheese-stuffed buffalo chicken meatballs from Scout at the Statler
• Moussaka Georgalis from Nikki Greek Bistro & Lounge
• Gorji Bites (pan-fried catfish) from Gorji
• Signature bites and sips from Thirsty Lion, Kanpai Coffee & Beer Garden, and FengShui

There will be plenty of sweet treats, as well as coffee-centered pick-me-ups from our wildcard and Pastry Chef of the Year nominees including:

• Strawberry matcha and pink champagne macarons from Ollio Patisserie
• Mini almond croissants, mini cannoli, and mini cajeta empanadas from LA 57
• Creamy honey lavender cold brew from Well Grounded Coffee
• Iced coffee from Whataburger

To help wet your whistle, sip on beers from Yuengling (Traditional Lager, Light Lager, Flight, and Bock) and specialty cocktails from Silent Pool Gin (English G&T), Hornitos Tequila (Hornitos Paloma, ranch water, and neat), Reyka Vodka (Reyka espresso martini and cucumber martini), and Still Austin Whiskey (Still Austin old fashioned, plus neat pours of Straight and Cask Strength Bourbon and Rye Whiskey).

Meanwhile, these non-alcoholic options will provide all of the fun with none of the after-effects:

• Honey Berry Fizz from Punch Bowl Social
• Cucumber Garden mocktail from Seedlip
• Guava Paloma, pistachio espresso martini, and the Hot Pants (Ritual Zero Proof Gin with hot honey and lemon juice) from Ritual Zero Proof

Stay up to date on all things Tastemaker-related with our special editorial series of stories spotlighting the nominees.

Limited VIP passes remain, and it's obvious why they're such a hot ticket: You gain entry to the event a whole hour early, plus exclusive access to the VIP bar. General admission tickets are also available but are selling fast, so act now to secure your entry to Dallas' most delicious night. We'll see you on May 1!

----

The Tastemaker Awards ceremony is brought to you by The Yuengling Company, Brioche Gourmet, Still Austin Whiskey, Hornitos, Whataburger, Reyka Vodka, Silent Pool Gin, PicMe Events, and more to be announced soon. A portion of the proceeds will benefit our nonprofit partner, Harvest Project Food Rescue.