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.
The Selection Process
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:
Step 1: Gathering Nominations
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:
- Professional food critics who have years of experience reviewing restaurants.
- Chefs and industry insiders who know the best places to eat.
- Readers and the general public who share their personal favorites.
- USA TODAY editors and food writers who research emerging trends.
The goal is to create a diverse list of potential winners that includes different types of restaurants, cuisines, and dining experiences.
Step 2: Research and Background Checks
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:
- Food quality: How fresh and well-prepared is the food?
- Innovation: Does the restaurant bring something new to the table?
- Service: How well are customers treated?
- Atmosphere: Is the dining experience enjoyable?
- Sustainability: Does the restaurant care about the environment?
They also check customer reviews, health and safety records, and media coverage to get a full picture of each nominee.
Step 3: Restaurant Visits and Mystery Dining
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:
- Presentation: How does the food look?
- Taste: Is the food delicious and well-balanced?
- Service quality: Are the staff friendly and knowledgeable?
- Ambiance: Is the restaurant comfortable and well-designed?
- Overall experience: Would they recommend it to others?
These visits play a major role in determining the final rankings.
Step 4: Panel Discussions and Final Decisions
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.
The Criteria for Selection
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:
1. Quality of Food
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.
2. Innovation and Creativity
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.
3. Service Excellence
Great service is a key part of the dining experience. Restaurants with friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable staff receive higher scores.
4. Atmosphere and Ambiance
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.
5. Cultural and Regional Representation
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.
6. Sustainability and Ethical Practices
In 2025, sustainability is more important than ever. Restaurants that use organic ingredients, support local farmers, or follow eco-friendly practices get extra points.
7. Popularity and Reputation
Public opinion matters. Restaurants that receive consistent praise from customers and critics alike have a better chance of making the list.
The Standout Restaurants of 2025
After months of research and evaluation, USA TODAY revealed its list of the top restaurants of the year. Here are a few standout winners:
1. Green Earth Bistro (San Francisco, CA)
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.
2. Flavors of Mexico (Chicago, IL)
This restaurant brings authentic Mexican cuisine to the heart of Chicago. Their handmade tortillas and traditional cooking techniques won over the selection panel.
3. The Southern Table (Nashville, TN)
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.
4. Tokyo Street Eats (New York, NY)
Inspired by Japanese street food, this spot serves incredible ramen, takoyaki, and sushi rolls in a lively and energetic setting.
5. Mediterranean Bliss (Miami, FL)
A fusion of Greek, Turkish, and Lebanese flavors, this restaurant wowed the judges with its fresh seafood and handmade baklava.
Conclusion
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.
