The world’s international pastry scene gathered to celebrate creativity entrepreneurship and a new generation of female leadership when the 2025 La Liste winners were announced.

The list ranks the world’s best restaurants, pastry shops and hotels.

Released on June 16, the La Liste Special Award categories recognised 36 pastry chefs and owners from across 18 countries. For the first time, women also represented the majority of the winners, taking out 60 per cent of the awards.

“La Liste managing director Helene Pietrini said, “pastry is now a true force of transformation, led by a new generation of talents – of ten women – who are reinventing formats, narratives and experiences.”

“With these Special Awards and a dedicated forum, we reaffirm our commitment to a vibrant and fast-evolving sector, rich in cultural exchange and future potential. It is also a tribute to those who, every day, redefine taste and hospitality.”

The list of 2025 Pastry Special Awards include:

• World’s Most Creative Pastry Chef Award: Maxime Frederic, France
• Pastry Game Changer Award: Pooja Dhingra, India
• Pastry Innovation Award, Julien Abourmad, France
• Pastry Talent of the Year Award, Lily Jones, UK; Melanie and Arnaud Mathez, France; Hannah Ziskin, USA; Tom Coll, UAE
• Pastry Opening of the Year Award: Sweet Sage Patisserie, Switzerland; Aya Belkahia, Morocco; Pasteleria Pia, Ecuador; Scoff At The Savoy, UK
• World’s Best Pastry Shop Award: Claridges Artspace Cafe, UK
• Pastry Ethical and Sustainability Award: Patisserie Claire, France
• Pastry Artisan and Authenticity Award: Ducobu, Belgium
• Pastry Discovery Gem Award: Lucette, Slovakia; Du Bonheur, Germany; Fatima Gismero Pasteleria, Spain; Cafe Aux Petits Verres, South Korea; Rau Kyoto, Japan; B Patissierie, USA

Melbourne-based Mietta By Rosemary claimed the Pastry Opening of the Year award in 2024. The full list of winners can be found on the La Liste website.