The 100 best restaurants in the US for 2025 are here—did your favorite make the list?

The 100 best restaurants in the US for 2025 have officially been revealed—and the lineup is nothing short of mouthwatering.

Whether you’re a devoted regular at a neighborhood gem, a fan of bold flavors and sought-after atmospheres, or someone who simply loves a memorable meal, this year’s list captures the heart of America’s dining scene.

From intimate newcomers to iconic favorites, these restaurants are where people gathered, celebrated, and savored something special. So before you book your next reservation or plan a foodie road trip, take a peek—your favorite spot might just be one of the stars of 2025.

How the list was made: More than just a popularity contest​

Every year, food lovers across the country eagerly await the unveiling of OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants in America—a list that’s become the culinary equivalent of the Oscars.

For 2025, the results are in, and whether you’re a seasoned gourmand, a casual diner, or someone who just loves a good meal with friends, this year’s list is a feast for the senses and a celebration of the vibrant, ever-evolving American dining scene.

OpenTable’s annual ranking isn’t just a roll call of the usual suspects. The list is meticulously curated from over 10 million verified diner reviews, reservation data, and those all-important five-star ratings. It’s a true reflection of where Americans dined, celebrated, and made memories in 2025.

From cozy, candlelit bistros to grand, Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy, these are the places that turned everyday meals into unforgettable experiences.

Debby Soo, CEO of OpenTable, summed it up perfectly: “This year’s Top 100 celebrates the restaurants that remind us why we love dining out, the places that bring people together and turn everyday moments into something memorable.”

And isn’t that what great food is all about?

Chicago reigns supreme, but the map is changing​

If you’re from the Windy City, go ahead and take a bow. Chicago absolutely dominated this year’s list, with a whopping 16% of the honorees calling the city home.

From the inventive plates at Daisies to the Italian comfort of Elina’s, Chicago’s dining scene continues to set the pace for the rest of the country.

Whether you’re craving a classic steakhouse experience or a modern twist on global flavors, Chicago’s got you covered.

Not to be outdone, New York City remains a perennial powerhouse, with ten restaurants making the cut. Don Angie, Le Veau d’Or, and The Odeon are just a few of the Big Apple’s shining stars, proving that the city’s appetite for culinary excellence is as insatiable as ever.

A year of newcomers and neighborhood gems​

One of the most exciting trends this year? Nearly half of the restaurants on the list are newcomers.

Diners are clearly hungry for fresh talent and new flavors, and the list reflects a nationwide move toward intimate, design-forward spaces with personalized hospitality.

In fact, many of the honorees seat fewer than 75 guests, making for a cozy, exclusive experience that’s all about attention to detail.

OpenTable’s own research backs this up: 48% of Americans say that “cozy, local charm” is the most appealing interior style as we head into 2026. It’s a shift that’s bringing more warmth and personality to the dining experience, and we’re here for it.

Small towns, big flavors: The rise of destination dining​

Where taste meets talent—celebrating the restaurants that turned meals into memories in 2025. Image Source: Unsplash/Shawn

This year’s list isn’t just a love letter to the big cities. Exceptional dining experiences are flourishing in unexpected places, from Noblesville, Indiana (shoutout to 9th Street Bistro) to Carlsbad, California (Jeune et Jolie and Lilo), Great Falls, Virginia (L’Auberge Chez Francois), and Winter Garden, Florida (Norigami FL).

These restaurants prove that you don’t need a skyline view to serve up world-class cuisine.

A coast-to-coast culinary adventure​

Let’s take a quick tour of some of the standouts from this year’s Top 100:

• Arizona: Scottsdale’s Cafe Monarch and Ocean 44, plus Phoenix’s Steak 44, are keeping the Southwest sizzling.
• California: From the legendary House of Prime Rib in San Francisco to the innovative Bestia in Los Angeles and the serene SingleThread in Healdsburg, the Golden State continues to shine.
• Colorado: Denver’s Alma Fonda Fina and Guard & Grace are making the Mile High City a must-visit for foodies.
• Florida: Tampa’s Bern’s Steak House and Palm Beach’s Buccan are perennial favorites, while Norigami FL in Winter Garden is a rising star.
• Illinois: Chicago’s lineup is almost too good to list—Akahoshi Ramen, Alla Vita, Gibsons Italia, and more.
• New York: The city that never sleeps is also the city that never stops eating well, with BONDST, Sushi Noz, and The River Cafe among the highlights.
• Texas: Austin’s food scene is on fire, with Aba, Red Ash Italia, and Uchi Austin leading the charge.

And that’s just a taste!

The full list covers 42 cities across 24 states and territories, so chances are good that there’s a Top 100 restaurant near you—or at least one worth planning a road trip for.

Dining trends for 2026: What’s next?​

OpenTable’s 2026 Dining Trends Report, released alongside the Top 100, shows that America’s love affair with dining out is stronger than ever.

People are seeking out unique, intimate experiences, and there’s a growing appreciation for restaurants that offer a sense of place and community.

Whether it’s a family-run trattoria or a sleek, modern tasting room, diners want to feel connected to the food, the people, and the story behind every meal.

How to make the most of the list​

• Plan a culinary adventure: Use the Top 100 as your foodie bucket list. Whether you’re traveling or looking for a special night out, these restaurants are sure bets for a memorable meal.
• Support local talent: Many of this year’s honorees are small, independent spots. Your reservation helps keep these culinary gems thriving.
• Try something new: With so many newcomers on the list, now’s the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone and discover a new favorite.

Key Takeaways

• OpenTable has announced its Top 100 Restaurants in America for 2025, based on over 10 million verified diner reviews and reservation demand, showcasing a mix of rising stars and established favorites across 42 cities.
• Chicago leads all cities with the highest number of honorees, accounting for 16% of the list and confirming its reputation as a top dining destination in the US.
• Nearly half of this year’s recognized restaurants are new to the list, highlighting diners’ increasing interest in discovering fresh talent and favoring intimate venues with local charm and personalized hospitality.
• Exceptional restaurants from regional and smaller cities, including places like Noblesville (Indiana) and Carlsbad (California), were also featured, signaling a shift towards top-notch dining experiences beyond major metropolitan areas.

We want to know: Did your favorite local spot make the cut? Have you dined at any of these Top 100 restaurants? Are there hidden gems in your town that deserve a shoutout next year?

Share your stories, recommendations, and dining adventures in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the places and people who make America’s food scene so deliciously diverse.

And if you’re planning to check out one of these restaurants soon, don’t forget to make a reservation—these tables are sure to be in high demand!

Bon appétit, GrayViners! Here’s to another year of great meals, new discoveries, and unforgettable moments around the table.