The 25 best new restaurants in the US, according to Yelp reviews
Kawa Ni/Yelp
- Yelp identified the 25 best new restaurants in the US in 2024 based on customer reviews.
- The highest number of top-rated new restaurants are located in California and Texas.
- The top-rated new restaurant is Mēdüzā Mediterrania, a Mediterranean restaurant in New York City.
It's been a big year for the restaurant industry, which is estimated to reach $1.1 trillion in sales by the end of December, according to the National Restaurant Association.
Although new restaurant growth slowed by 4% compared to last year, according to Yelp data from June 2024, new restaurant openings increased by 6% from May 2023 to April 2024 compared to May 2022 to April 2023.
Restaurants that have opened across the country in the past year have experimented with new cuisines and introduced diners to flavors from around the world.
But with so many options to pick from — including old favorites — it can become hard to decide which new spots to try and which to skip.
To help you decide, Yelp ranked the top 25 new restaurants in the country — selecting eateries that opened after January 1, 2023 —based on total volume and review ratings of restaurants from January 1, 2023, to September 1, 2024. The platform also collaborated with Tara Lewis, its trend expert, to zoom in on the places Yelp users enjoyed visiting.
All the restaurants on this list had a passing health score and were marked open as of September 1.
The ranking includes restaurants from 14 states and two from Washington, DC. Several restaurants highlighted below serve more than just delicious dishes — think immersive experiences, innovative plating, and all-around relaxed vibes.
Business Insider identified the best thing to order from the top 25 new restaurants, and what customers say about each spot.
Here are the 25 best new restaurants in the US, according to Yelp.
Catalina Kitchen And Bar/Yelp
What to order: Ahi tuna poke bowl, rigatoni
What customers say: "Why didn't y'all tell me about Catalina sooner? We had a great time. First off, validated parking — a win. Emerson was awesome. I had a spicy marg, and my friend ordered a limoncello drink — both solid. The [Brussels] sprouts were a 5/5, seriously blew me away. Bread was good. Both of our entrees were delicious. We couldn't stop talking about how amazing everything was. Definitely coming back," wrote a Yelp user named Tyler G.
Denielle B./Yelp
What to order: Braised short ribs, skirt steak
What customers say: "Oh my! What a gem we stumbled on while in Boise! From the decor to the thoughtfully designed menu to the drinks and finally the excellent service, we had such a memorable meal. I loved the Crispy Cauliflower over Parsnip Puree with Italian Chili Crisp and Pickled Veg! Yum!!! I wish I lived in Boise. I'd be here 3 times a week!" wrote a Yelp user named DeAnna L.
Chris F./Yelp
What to order: Prime rib sliders, shrimp tacos
What customers say: "Hillary was our server on 11/14 and she was the sweetest server I've ever had, she has great customer service as well as a great personality. The food was good and we let her know that is was my mother in laws birthday and she surprised us with a birthday dessert. Kaitlin also helped us refill our waters as well as bring out our appetizers and she was so sweet. Will definitely recommend to others as well as visit again," wrote a Yelp user named Eddianna H.
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Love Makoto/Yelp
What to order: Spicy tuna, shrimp tempura
What customers say: "Had a little birthday celebration for a friend and it was a great time! Highly suggest the wagyu Tower option for meats to grill and the Udon "Mac" and cheese. Yum! The mango popsicles were a perfect end to the meal. Service was great from the start as we were greeted by a uber friendly host and our server was also friendly and helpful. Looking forward to coming back and trying the sushi options as well," wrote a Yelp user named Casey J.
Charles B./Yelp
What to order: Tiramisu, arancini
What customers say: "I am happy to report that my experience today was top notch. The food, service, and ambiance was all that I have come to expect from this establishment. The bartender came over and apologized for the bad service I received on my last visit, and he didn't even service me. I am impressed that he was aware of the service and appreciate him for taking the time to acknowledge me. Top notch service!" wrote a Yelp user named Sauncy E.
Casa Pollastro/Yelp
What to order: Brazilian flan, Parmesan-crusted galeto
What customers say: "Love this place and the concept! I knew the food would be good but it exceeded my expectations! The service was top tier and I will definitely go back," wrote a Yelp user named Lauren L.
Sartiano's/Yelp
What to order: Meatballs, Caesar salad
What customers say: "Great food, great drinks, great vibes. Service was excellent. The Caesar salad was perfectly dressed with the perfect amount of dressing, cheese, and croutons. The fingerling potatoes - with a side of truffle-topped mayo. The chai espresso martini was delicious- not too strong on the chai. I've had the pacherri on another occasion which was also very good. I'll definitely be back!" wrote a Yelp user named Dana L.
SV./Yelp
What to order: Chawanmushi, wagyu sukiyaki
What customers say: "FOOD - next level! I 100% recommend the unagi/caviar add-on for those who are fans. Pairings offered, too (we passed). Absolutely enjoyed experiencing the Wagyu-centric tasting menu - each dish was uniquely presented, and quality of ingredients and care to preparation was evident in every item. No substitutions or accommodations for dietary restrictions - no issue for our party SERVICE - Friendly & efficient/brisk as they are on a timetable due to timed seatings. AMBIANCE - Intimate and extra nice when you are fortunate enough to score seats directly in front of Chef Ogawa!" wrote a Yelp user named Kathleen S.
Soo L./Yelp
What to order: Toro tar tar, mushroom rice hot stone
What customers say: "Hard not to like this place with its posh design, attentive service and superior sushi offerings.... especially if someone else is paying! Yes, expensive, but if you're looking for a singular sushi experience, then this is the place. From the same people that brought you Kata Robata, so you know you're in good hands…Houston is fortunate to have so many top-tier sushi options and Katami is right there at the top of the list," wrote a Yelp user named Ronald D.
The Evie/Yelp
What to order: Mag mile roll, butter-poached lobster
What customers say: "We celebrated my aunt's bachelorette here and it was such a great time! Our waitress Lisa walked us through the fall specials and gave some great recommendations. She was very attentive and kept our great vibes going and made us feel special and celebrated. The food was also 10/10. Highly recommend having your next girls night here!" wrote a Yelp user named Nicole S.
Anna L./Yelp
What to order: Hamachi, lamb chops
What customers say: "Gorgeous, gorgeous, GORGEOUS. Inside The Wave Hotel which it's beautiful itself, Nami is a stunning restaurant tucked into the back side of the building… The food is predominately seafood, wagyu, and pork. There was no poultry on the menu and really it is more like a small plates/tapas kind of place because everything is a la carte… The food was delicious, of course, and the presentation was so nice - my favorite above all was the wagyu fried dumplings, though i'm not 100% sure what it was called on the menu! Very expensive, I would like to note - with four people it was almost $600 after tip for the table. My Espresso Martini was $30, for reference!" wrote a Yelp user named Brittani W.
Toan D./Yelp
What to order: Seafood paella, shrimp ajillo
What customers say: "Came here for my birthday dinner. Husband picked the place. We were a little late but they have a grace period of 15 minutes. We were sat right away. They also have outdoor seating. Our server was amazing…We ordered one order of the croquettes and one empanada and my husband loved them so much he ordered another order of both. The octopus was extremely tender and with the chimichurri it was delicious. I got the uni and crab pasta it was okay would definitely try something else next time. My husband got the steak and it was very tender. The dessert they gave with the happy birthday writing was a flan I think with lilikoi and it was so good! We also got the ube basque cheesecake. It was good too not too heavy," wrote a Yelp user named Amanda K.
Marllie P/Yelp
What to order: Braised short rib, Japanese fried chicken
What customers say: "Chef Jean Paul, Kat and Derek were a great team last night. Scallop raviolis are not to be missed as well as the fried chicken and scallop and shrimp risotto. The preparation and presentation were great. Food served fresh and straight from the kitchen. Wonderful meal with a superb service. Look forward to many more wonderful meals," wrote a Yelp user named Bert K.
Gannons Nashville/Yelp
What to order: Prime rib, lobster bisque
What customers say: "Don't let the fact this restaurant is inside a Courtyard Hotel fool you. It has nothing to do with Courtyard and this is one of the best dining experiences we have had in years...and we live in San Francisco where there is no shortage of great restaurants. […] The food and cocktails were all excellent. My wife had the empanada and I had the double pork chop. The arugula and roasted butternut squash was amazing as well. Wish Gannons and Bennett could relocate to San Francisco!" wrote a Yelp user named CJ K.
Janet D./Yelp
What to order: Szechuan dumplings, crab fried rice
What customers say: "This is one of the best meals I've had in Denver (and really as a whole) in a long time. Everything was tasty but my favorites were the infuse sake bombs, tofu pockets, tuna, and Szechuan dumplings. Truly, you can't go wrong with this place. I can't stop raving about it," wrote a Yelp user named Kimberly L.
Little's Oyster Bar/Yelp
What to order: American red snapper, grilled octopus
What customers say: "This was a last-minute date night spot. We had driven by it countless times but this time we had time to go inside. Parking was a breeze and they even offered free valet. Our servers were always prompt and explained each of the food options well so we were t surprised when it got to our table. The oysters were so fresh, and they offered a large variety. Overall the price wasn't bad and we'll be back to try some different foods in the off season of seafood," wrote a Yelp user named Jazlyn R.
Caitlin H./Yelp
What to order: Mama's cochinita pibil, chicken enchiladas
What customers say: "The food is delicious, and the presentation of each dish is beautiful. The service was friendly & attentive starting at check-in, to the hosts, to our server Avelino who took his time to explain the dishes and give his recommendations. The ambience is also fantastic. Overall, a great experience," wrote a Yelp user named Aurora F.
Winston L./Yelp
What to order: Gh Jidori chicken wings, Gh smoked deviled eggs
What customers say: "This restaurant is located in part of an office building but truly is a find! We came in for brunch/lunch on a Sunday afternoon to football on the tv behind the bar and a pretty quiet restaurant. All the decor was beautiful, from the lighting to the tables and chairs. We ordered the shakshuka and spicy chicken sandwich. The food did take a little while to come out but boy was it delicious! And piping hot when it came to the table! The shakshuka might be my favorite that I've had with chunks of lamb sausage and satisfying crunches of cabbage. And the pita was absolutely perfect: warm, puffy and with just the right amount of chew. The chicken sandwich was juicy and well balanced with the slaw, though not particularly spicy but the winner on that plate were the fries. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect texture. I'll definitely be back for dinner!" wrote a Yelp user named Kyna N.
Course Restaurant/Yelp
What to order: Sturgeon pie panna cotta, Lamb loin
What customers say: "I've been to my fair share of highly rated restaurants, but this one might be my new favorite in AZ. My wife and I each got the tasting menu and were able to share the plates that we got that were different. EVERY plate was amazing. It's hard to pick a favorite, everything was plated beautifully, all the flavors worked perfectly together. Our servers were amazing and very attentive. I can't wait to come back again!" wrote a Yelp user named Kenzie Z.
Thea R./Yelp
What to order: Beef Wellington, Chilean sea bass
What customers say: "This place is fantastic! We stopped in before a show at the Majestic Theater, which is just a block away. The staff was very friendly, and the food was excellent--as in some of the best steak you will ever have excellent! We were given complimentary glasses of champagne, risotto balls, and at dessert some mini chocolate-chip cookies. I love it when restaurants do that sort of thing as it is unexpected and very classy. The steaks we ordered were cooked perfectly to our individual tastes, and again, I cannot overstate just how good the food was…Overall this place has just become one of my new favorites for high end steak houses!" wrote a Yelp user named Scott S.
Burnin' Shell/Yelp
What to order: Steamed egg, cold noodle soup
What customers say: "I came here reading that they do a Thai seafood sauce so I came to confirm. And I can confirm that they DO!!! The service is quick and on point. The seafood is fresh and cooked for you!! The side dishes are usually an afterthought but it's clear that they still live up to the freshness and goodness of the seafood. I can't wait to come back!" wrote a Yelp user named Jaymie N.
Kinme Omakase/Yelp
What to order: Wagyu tartar, Miyazaki A5 beef, spring pea soup
What customers say: "This place is just second to none! Expensive yes. But I've been here twice and felt it was worth it each time. Decor is really beautiful, simple, very Japanese that way. Even the bathroom is an experience! Food quality and mixing of ingredients is exceptional and unique…the staff is insanely on-top of things and and polite. The entire restaurant is there to serve you and they make sure you know it. Beautiful people, beautiful environment, beautiful food, really beautiful experience. Can't say much more than that," wrote a Yelp user named Jessica S.
Meesh Meesh/Yelp
What to order: Smoked lamb, brown butter knafeh
What customers say: "We started with delicious crafted house cocktails. The servers are integral in understanding the Mediterranean menu. We had a six top and shared three appetizers and four entrées. The crispy cauliflower and beets were my favorite apps. The chicken thighs and grape leaf wrapped branzino were my top two. Note: the branzino is boned but head/tail on so be aware for those who don't care for that presentation…Very highly recommended Slainte!!" wrote a Yelp user named Sean M.
Noko Nashville/Yelp
What to order: Tuna crispy rice, burnt-end lettuce wraps
What customers say: "The food is not only fantastic but the owners have built a culture of upscale yet non pretentious hospitality that permeates the entire staff. Favorite Nashville restaurant," wrote a Yelp user named Christina M.
Mēdüzā Mediterrania New York/Yelp
What to order: Lamb chops, cacio e pepe
What customers say: "I absolutely loved this place!!!! The food! The service! The ambiance! All top tier. The restaurant's decor is beautiful. There was a violinist playing throughout the night. The lighting was perfect. Our waiter was very attentive and took great care of us. Everything we ate was amazing! The drinks were also amazing. With a couple of appetizers, my friend and I were able to split an entrée due to the size. Definitely a must if you are ever in NYC," wrote a Yelp user named Nita D.
