Every year, USA TODAY selects the best restaurants in America, highlighting the most outstanding places to eat. The process of choosing the Restaurants of the Year is detailed and thorough. It involves research, visits, expert opinions, and a deep understanding of food trends. In 2025, the selection was more exciting than ever, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and cultural diversity. This article will give you an inside look at how USA TODAY made its selections, the criteria used, and some of the standout restaurants that made the list.
Choosing the best restaurants in the country is no easy task. It requires months of planning, research, and careful evaluation. USA TODAY follows a structured process that ensures fairness and accuracy. Here are the key steps in the selection process:
The first step is gathering nominations. USA TODAY invites food critics, industry experts, and the public to submit their favorite restaurants. These nominations come from different sources:
The goal is to create a diverse list of potential winners that includes different types of restaurants, cuisines, and dining experiences.
Once the nominations are gathered, the research phase begins. The USA TODAY team carefully investigates each restaurant to ensure they meet certain standards. They look into:
They also check customer reviews, health and safety records, and media coverage to get a full picture of each nominee.
A crucial part of the process is actually visiting the restaurants. USA TODAY sends out food critics and mystery diners to eat at the nominated restaurants without revealing who they are. This allows them to get an authentic experience, just like any regular customer.
During their visits, they take notes on various factors:
These visits play a major role in determining the final rankings.
After all the visits are completed, USA TODAY gathers a panel of food experts to discuss the findings. This panel includes top chefs, restaurant owners, critics, and journalists. They debate the strengths and weaknesses of each nominee and make the final selections.
The goal is to create a list that reflects the best dining experiences in America. The final winners must not only serve great food but also provide something special—whether it’s cultural authenticity, creativity, or an unforgettable experience.
USA TODAY uses a set of strict criteria to judge the restaurants. These criteria ensure that only the best and most deserving places make the list. Here are the key factors considered:
This is the most important factor. The food must be fresh, flavorful, and expertly prepared. Restaurants that use high-quality ingredients and have skilled chefs score higher.
USA TODAY looks for restaurants that bring something new to the table. This could be through unique dishes, fusion cuisines, or creative cooking techniques. Innovation makes a restaurant stand out.
Great service is a key part of the dining experience. Restaurants with friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable staff receive higher scores.
The environment of a restaurant matters. Whether it’s a cozy neighborhood bistro or a high-end fine dining spot, the setting should match the experience.
USA TODAY values diversity in its selection. They look for restaurants that represent different cultures and regional flavors, making sure that various cuisines are recognized and celebrated.
In 2025, sustainability is more important than ever. Restaurants that use organic ingredients, support local farmers, or follow eco-friendly practices get extra points.
Public opinion matters. Restaurants that receive consistent praise from customers and critics alike have a better chance of making the list.
After months of research and evaluation, USA TODAY revealed its list of the top restaurants of the year. Here are a few standout winners:
A leader in sustainability, this plant-based restaurant sources all ingredients from local farms and practices zero waste. Their innovative vegan dishes impressed the judges.
This restaurant brings authentic Mexican cuisine to the heart of Chicago. Their handmade tortillas and traditional cooking techniques won over the selection panel.
Celebrating Southern comfort food with a modern twist, The Southern Table offers dishes like smoked brisket with bourbon glaze and sweet potato pie with spiced pecans.
Inspired by Japanese street food, this spot serves incredible ramen, takoyaki, and sushi rolls in a lively and energetic setting.
A fusion of Greek, Turkish, and Lebanese flavors, this restaurant wowed the judges with its fresh seafood and handmade baklava.
USA TODAY’s selection of the Restaurants of the Year is a thorough and exciting process. By considering food quality, innovation, service, and sustainability, they ensure that only the best restaurants make the list. The 2025 winners represent a diverse mix of flavors, cultures, and dining styles, making the food scene in America richer than ever. Whether you’re a food lover or just looking for a great place to eat, this list is sure to guide you to some of the most incredible dining experiences in the country.
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