USA TODAY’s Restaurants of the Year 2025

Foodies, celebrate. USA TODAY has unveiled its much-anticipated 2025 Restaurants of the Year list, celebrating exceptional culinary experiences nationwide. You’ll want more after these delectable evenings, which include both sophisticated desserts and filling comfort dishes. The following are a some of the most delicious highlights:

Sizzling BBQ & Southern Classics

• The BBQ sandwich with pig skin and crunchy fried okra at Lannie’s Bar-B-Q Spot (Selma, AL) is a quintessential Southern treat.
• In Pineville, Louisiana, Quebedeaux’s Cajun Cafe serves a robust Cajun punch with their crawfish queso and chicken cracklins, which are served with toast pieces.
• The richly flavored and expertly crafted duck en croute is a masterwork from the Gourmet & Elevated Comfort Food Bicyclette Cookshop in Naples, Florida.
• Decade (Louisville, KY): You must taste their porchetta with fennel pollen, rosemary pork jus, and braised fennel.

Seafood Sensations

• Pearl & Horn (Pensacola, FL): Their baked oysters redefine ocean-fresh indulgence.
• Bardea Food & Drink (Wilmington, DE): The Australian octopus dish is a testament to exquisite seafood preparation.

Tantalizing International Flavors

• Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro (Freehold, NJ): Made with Japanese gun powder and papadam crust, their Togarashi papad tikki is a fusion masterpiece.
• Flavorful spices abound in Agni’s (Columbus, OH) Thai Malai curry.
• The beef suya with fried plantains from Akâdi (Portland, OR) is among the greatest West African meals.

Iconic American Staples

• Steve’s Burgers (Garfield, NJ): Their specialty hot dogs deliver the perfect balance of flavor and nostalgia.
• The Taco Stop (Fort Collins, CO): An assortment of tacos featuring bold, fresh ingredients makes this a top pick.
• Olivero (Wilmington, NC): Their grilled chicken thighs over polenta are a comforting yet elevated dish.

Sweet & Unique Indulgences

• Oak Park (Des Moines, IA): The $100 banana split, served with Armagnac caviar, is a luxury dessert experience.
• Social at the Stone House (Massillon, OH): Their baked feta with roasted cherry tomatoes and rosemary on toasted focaccia is a perfect savory treat.

These incredible dishes from the USA TODAY Restaurants of the Year 2025 offer something for every palate. Whether you’re a fan of rich, hearty meals or light, flavorful bites, these standout eateries are worth a visit.

Source: USA Today