After the positive feedback from our inaugural USA TODAY Restaurants of the Year and Bars of the Year stories published last year, our extensive team of dining writers has once again collaborated to answer one simple but important question: What’s the best restaurant to try?
The query comes from locals wondering about new openings, out-of-towners seeking hidden gems, and loyal readers trusting our expertise. As journalists, it’s a question we love to answer because we know our communities deeply. Whether it’s a classic taco joint in Arizona, a historic Serbian diner in Wisconsin, or a waterfront seafood restaurant in Florida, our recommendations come from those who live, work and eat there.
That’s why this year’s USA TODAY Restaurants of the Year isn’t just another list of hot spots with monthslong waits for reservations in major metros like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. It’s a celebration of local flavors and stories, curated by reporters from across the country who know that a meal of Italian cuisine in Mamaroneck can be just as rewarding as one in Manhattan.
We’re not tourists; we’re storytellers, embedded in the fabric of these food scenes. From cherished institutions to exciting new ventures, here’s a taste of the most remarkable dining destinations across the country right now. Presented in alphabetical order by state, these are our 44 favorite restaurants in America for 2025.
