These Are The 12 Best New Restaurants To Visit In The U.S. In 2023
To last in the food industry, restaurants have to win over the hearts and stomachs of their diners. The first few years of business are especially crucial. These formidable years can feel harrowing, especially as the industry continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. But you would be hard-pressed to find any signs of struggle from some of the best new restaurants to check out in 2023. These standout restaurants from across the United States bring with them an array of exciting menus, unique atmospheres, and really delicious food.
If you are into trying the latest and greatest restaurants during your travels, it can be hard to decide which restaurants to pick among a sea of worthy options. Today, we are highlighting some of the best new restaurants in America, many of which have already received accolades in the short time they have been open. These restaurants span the four corners of the country, hopefully putting you in relative proximity to at least a couple.
1. Ember Kitchen — Austin
Ember Kitchen opened in early 2023 with María Mercedes Grubb as the eatery's executive chef. The restaurant's website advertises itself as "Austin's premier Josper oven experience," which has to do with the unique hybrid grill and oven technology used in the kitchen. A Josper oven uses one single machine to conveniently produce an array of dishes.
The menu features small plates, as well as a number of entrees made using the Josper. These include whole fish, Texas Wagyu skirt steak, and filet mignon. Ember seems to have had a profound impact on the community in the short time it has been open. One Yelp reviewer stated, "This so far exceeded my expectations that I don't know how I can even put into words how great it is."
Head downstairs from Ember and you will find Subterra Agave Bar, Ember's adjoining cocktail lounge. You will want to make sure you devote enough time to experience both of these unique businesses, each of which highlights the unmistakable Latin flavors of Austin.
2. Copra — San Francisco
If the name Srijith Gopinathan rings a bell, then chances are you frequented Taj Campton Place sometime in the past 15 years. Gopinathan earned both of his Michelin stars at the acclaimed hotel restaurant before leaving to open Copra, a restaurant that brings Indian cuisine to San Francisco. Located in the Fillmore District, the restaurant features dishes from Southern India.
From the design of the menu to the design of the restaurant space itself, Gopinathan wanted guests to be immersed in an authentic Southern Indian experience, as he shared with Robb Report. This is reflected in the spaces' lush tropical vibes, which are translated through dishes like Konkan crab curry and braised lamb shank in Chettinad masala.
Hungry? You might have to book well in advance, as Copra is a hit with diners. One review on Yelp shares that it is "Now one of my favorite restaurants in SF!" This enthusiasm shows its ability to attract locals.
3. Wylie & Rum — Atlanta
Father and son team Tony and David Lewis have paired up to open Wylie & Rum, a Caribbean-infused restaurant located in the Reynoldstown neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia. While Tony is a seasoned restaurant owner with several establishments under his belt, Wylie & Rum marks the first venture for his son David (via Access Atlanta).
Wylie & Rum prides itself on serving up an array of food that is carefully prepared. This includes Caribbean dishes like jerk chicken, Cuban sandwiches, chipotle shrimp, and guava barbecue ribs.
The "& Rum" part comes from a rum bar located in the restaurant. It serves up tasty cocktails that pair wonderfully with the food menu. The icing on the cake comes from its approachable vibes — not just in its atmosphere — but also in prices. As Lewis described in What Now Atlanta, "The food is affordable and served quickly, but not fast food."
4. Este — Austin
To completely appreciate the menu being served at Este — the new Austin restaurant that opened in 2022 — we actually would need to pack our bags and travel up and down the Mexican coastline. In doing so, we would be able to get a sense of the unique flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques found there. That is precisely what the Este team did in the years leading up to the restaurant's opening.
Este's team includes owner Sam Hellman-Mass, and chef Fermín Núñez. Their travels resulted in two components of what makes Este so unique: fresh seafood and charcoal grilling.
With a coastal Mexican influence, you can expect to find plenty of ceviche and refreshing seafood dishes on the menu. The charcoal grilling that is also prevalent in Mexico can be found at Este, with menu items that include grilled fish, chicken, and squid. Guests cannot get enough of Este. One Yelp reviewer shared "It's one of the most beautiful Mexican restaurants in Austin! The food is gorgeous and we just can't stop trying everything."
5. Grazie Nonna — Washington, D.C.
You probably do not live far from a great Italian restaurant with delicious pizza and pasta, but Washington D.C.'s Grazie Nonna is taking the concept to a whole new level. The team behind Grazie Nonna seems to be less interested in reinventing the wheel, and more focused on perfecting a concept. This concept is evoking the familiar feeling of stepping into your favorite local, family-owned Italian restaurant.
A glance at its menu will show that there are few surprises. But this has turned out to be a good thing, according to reviews. One Yelp reviewer described the environment as "very old school Italian with pretty chandeliers and dim lighting," which makes the vibe seem comforting to us. Grazie Nonna stands out thanks to the quality of its food. This D.C. restaurant appears to receive high marks from diners, regardless of what the guests order to eat.
6. Kann — Portland
Named Portland's Restaurant of the Year 2022 by Oregon Live, Kann has already made its mark on the Pacific Northwest. The restaurant is led by James Beard Award-winning chef Gregory Gourdet.
Even though it opened in 2022, the Haitian restaurant has established a national reputation for itself. It was named a 2023 best new restaurant finalist for the James Beard Awards. This, plus many more distinctions, have put Kann in the unique position of being "the most heavily decorated restaurant in Portland history," according to Oregon Live.
Guests who have been lucky enough to dine at Kann have unsurprisingly great things to say about it. The awards and accolades tend to speak for themselves, but if you need any more proof that Kann is a must-see restaurant, just head to Yelp. One Yelp reviewer specifically pointed out that "The coffee encrusted beef ribs were outstanding and worth every cent." Another shared, "WOW. What a gem within Portland. Absolutely one of the best restaurants I've been to and it sure worth the wait!"
7. Espiritu — Mesa
Espiritu Cocktails and Comida opened in Mesa, Arizona in 2022 to much fanfare. The restaurant's owners are no strangers to running successful restaurants in the area. This team includes co-owner Armando Hernandez and chefs Nadia Holguin, Rene Andrade, and Roberto Centeno. The team had previously opened two other restaurants: Tacos Chiwas and Bacanora.
While there is plenty of tasty food to go around at Espiritu, the real draw is the robust cocktail menu. The restaurant's website is almost like a crash course in mixology, with a menu that takes the time to make sure you know exactly what you are ordering. In fact, the drink menu is even broken up into chapters to keep things straight.
One happy guest encapsulates the vibes of Espiritu in the opening line of their Yelp review: "¡Dios mio! What a low key groovy spot in downtown Mesa!" Another reviewer had high praise for what they believe sets Espiritu apart: "The creativeness at Espiritu ricochets off the walls."
8. Mabel's Gone Fishing — San Diego
The Southern California metropolitan hub of San Diego is one of the foodie hotspots in the state. That point has been driven home even further since the opening of Mabel's Gone Fishing. The restaurant is run by power duo Rae Gurney and Chelsea Coleman, the pair behind another San Diego establishment called The Rose.
If the name was not an obvious enough hint, the menu at Mabel's Gone Fishing focuses heavily on seafood. It is inspired by Spanish and Portuguese cuisine that's found along the Iberian Peninsula. Just six months after Mabel's Gone Fishing first opened, it was recognized by the Michelin Guide as a recommended California restaurant.
One happy diner described Mabel's Gone Fishing on Yelp as "a pearl-in-an-oyster of a restaurant." Many other reviewers also noted that this eatery is a great spot for those looking to have a romantic date night.
9. Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining — Chicago
Mona Sang has brought Cambodian cuisine to Chicago in a way that has the town buzzing. Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining opened in Evanston in 2022. Since Cambodian food is an often overlooked cuisine in the U.S., the area was excited to welcome a restaurant exactly like Khmai.
To make it all the more exciting, the eatery has new menu items added on a regular basis. This keeps hungry customers coming back week after week. Curious diners can look to Khmai's Instagram account for updates on its weekly menu items.
While "Fine Dining" may sound like a steep endeavor for the casual diner, it was pointed out on Yelp that the food is "very reasonably priced," with others in agreement. One reviewer noted that the food was a "flavor explosion," while another succinctly said: "I just can't say enough." If you have ever been curious to try authentic Cambodian cuisine, Khmai is a solid place to start if you find yourself in Chicago.
10. Tatiana — New York City
When it comes to food capitals in the U.S., few cities can hold a candle to New York. It can almost feel as though headline-grabbing restaurants open in the Big Apple on a daily basis. Because of this, it can take a lifetime to eat your way through the five boroughs. If you find yourself in New York City in 2023, one of the must-see new additions to the culinary scene is Tatiana.
Located in Lincoln Center, chef Kwame Onwuachi brings his own upbringing front and center, blending together foods that make his story — as well as the city of New York's — so vibrant. Expect to find various cuisines on the menu, showcased through dishes like braised oxtails to truffle chopped cheese.
This is one tough reservation to grab, but it is one that reviewers say is well worth the effort. One Yelp review says, "Hands down, this is the absolute best dining experience I've ever had. Ever." Another happy diner notes, "This was a truly exquisite dining experience. A+ service from the moment we came to the moment we left." There is no shortage of options when it comes to dining in New York, but if you want to check out the latest and greatest, be sure to add Tatiana to your list.
11. Thomas Keller Bouchon Bistro — Miami
If you are in the restaurant scene, then you will likely recognize the name, Thomas Keller. If it doesn't ring a bell, then you might be more familiar with the chef's three-star Michelin restaurant, The French Laundry, located in the heart of California's wine country. The noted chef is now bringing the French restaurant Bouchon Bistro to Miami, Florida.
You will find the restaurant in Coral Gables at the historic La Palma building. Bouchon Bistro is already an established name in the restaurant world, since this is not its first location.
This is not Keller's first foray into the Miami restaurant scene. He previously opened The Surf Club Restaurant. Keller worked closely with The Surf Club's executive sous chef Thomas Castellon to create the menu for Bouchon Bistro. If you are familiar with Keller's work, then you already know you are likely in for a memorable dinner.
12. Nami — Louisville
The Korean steakhouse Nami is launching in Louisville, Kentucky. It is slated to open in the spring of 2023, bringing Korean cuisine to the heart of the Butchertown neighborhood. James Beard Award-winning chef Edward Lee has built a menu that features everything from Korean barbecue to house made kimchi. Lee is also opening another business, Neighbors Noodles, in the same building as Nami.
Nami's building will feature a sleek blend of traditional and modern design, much like the blend of traditional and modern dishes found on the menu. As Lee mentions in a news release from WDRB prior to the restaurant's opening, "I've always wanted to get back to my roots and cook Korean cuisine in a way that represents my heritage but also influenced by my experiences of over 20 years of being a chef in Kentucky."
The space will include Korean grill tables, as well as private dining rooms. Whether you want to be at the heart of the action when it comes to all things Korean barbecue, or you are looking for a more intimate dining experience, Nami has got you covered.