In 2025, I spent 105 nights on the road for work — a significant reduction from 146 nights the previous year. Despite traveling less, I enjoyed memorable meals at exceptional restaurants across the U.S. and abroad.

As is true of past lists, the 2025 Best Dishes list entails a combination of fine dining and casual dishes, which were truly the ‘best’ dishes of 2025 (see past lists).

I’ve narrowed down all the incredible dishes I enjoyed to the following 17 Best Dishes 2025. The list is in restaurant name, alphabetical order.

Alea Bakery, McMinville, OR – Highly recommended during my Oregon wine country trip, and worth every raindrop we endured to get there. Their pastries and breakfast sandwiches are exceptional, but the standout was the Tartine with smoked salmon. Picture a thick slice of house-made sourdough layered with vibrant seasonal vegetables, crisp greens, a perfectly cooked hard-boiled egg, and silky smoked salmon. Each bite was a harmonious blend of freshness and richness—a true highlight of the trip.

Canard, Portland, OR – On a recent fall Oregon visit, I was thrilled to secure a reservation at this popular spot, having previously dined at its sister restaurant, Le Pigeon. Among the highlights were delicate foie dumplings and pillowy gnocchi with earthy chanterelles. Yet the true showstopper was the velvety Chicken Liver Pâté, enjoyed at the chef’s counter—a dish that continues to linger in memory.

Ci Siamo, New York, NY – Nestled in Hudson Yards, this restaurant feels refreshingly distinct from its tourist-heavy neighbors. The space blends modern elegance with a relaxed warmth, and attentive service elevates the experience. Every dish impressed, but the true standout was the Chicken Liver Mousse Crostini: a silky, savory spread on perfectly toasted bread, accented with bright, tangy notes—a bite that lingers in memory.

Elk Ave Tavern, Rock Hill, SC – Last year, their Disco Fries made my Best Dishes list. This year, it’s the Double Burger’s turn: juicy, layered with sweet, caramelized onions and simple American cheese (read my full review of this hot spot).

FM Eatery, Fort Mill, SC – This local spot has become our go-to for brunch in the Charlotte metro. Their Chicken and Waffles is truly exceptional—better than any I’ve tried elsewhere. The chicken boasts a perfectly seasoned, ultra-crispy crust that gives way to tender, juicy meat, while the waffles are light, buttery, and thoughtfully crafted rather than an afterthought. Together, they create a balanced dish that feels indulgent yet refined

Grünewald Chef’s Table, Luxembourg, Luxembourg – This Michelin-starred restaurant delivered what was unquestionably our best meal of 2025, blending flawless service with inspired gastronomy. The multi-course tasting menu showcased seasonal creativity, but the Veal Loin was the pinnacle—succulent, tender, and paired with flavors that lingered long after the last bite. Adding to the experience, the property doubles as an inn, allowing us to savor an equally memorable breakfast the next morning.

L’Ostrica, Charlotte, NC – Our second-best meal of 2025 took place at one of Charlotte’s finest restaurants, for our wedding anniversary. When the Michelin Guide buzz hit the city, this was the spot I believed deserved a star. The experience combined refined dining with an approachable vibe—polished service, a stylish space, and a properly curated wine list. The tasting menu showcased creativity without sacrificing flavor, a balance few achieve. The standout? A fresh pea dish that redefined simplicity with vibrant flavors and elegant presentation. If you’re in Charlotte, don’t miss this gem.

LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue, Austin, TX – Some of the finest BBQ I’ve had with stellar brisket, sausages and beef cheeks and creative sides you won’t find at other cue joints like miso glazed carrots, kimchi and kale Caesar slaw. The New School BBQ, Old School Service motto is spot on, so’s the food and welcoming service.

Marrelli’s Italian Restaurant, Belmont, NC – Love this cozy family restaurant in quaint Belmont. While the food is comforting and reminiscing of a local NJ or NY Italian restaurant, the warm, welcoming staff is commendable. The Lasagna made using beef-veal-pork Bolognese is one of the finest one will find in the Charlotte metro (see full review here).

McArthur’s at Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix, AZ – I truly enjoy having a leisurely breakfast at this restaurant at the Arizona Biltmore. Service is helpful and friendly and the food is scrumptious. On a recent visit, I opted for what seems a bit pedestrian, Avocado Toast, but with the addition of incredible salmon pastrami, it was nothing but refined. Seasoned avocado is served alongside shaved radish, roasted corn, queso fresco cilantro, pickled onion and a poached egg atop a perfectly grilled piece of toast. Let’s not forget the optional-but-should-be-added salmon pastrami.

Oquirrh, Salt Lake City, UT – During a business trip to Salt Lake City, I made sure to visit this acclaimed spot—and it exceeded every expectation. The highlight was the Milk Braised Potatoes: tender heirloom potatoes infused with creamy richness, complemented by curds, a tangy whey vinaigrette, and a delicate topping of alliums. A dish that proves simplicity can be perfection.

Pasta Ramen, Las Vegas, NV – I had the opportunity to be in Vegas for the pop up weeks by Montclair New Jersey’s Past Ramen (see full review here). The concept is a fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisine dubbed “wafu” with a changing menu. Each dish was fun, creative and full of flavors that were familiar yet not. Hard to pick just one winning dish, but, we’re still thinking about the Ramen Carbonara.

Prettyboy Pizza, Portland, OR – While in Portland in the fall, we did the obligatory brewery visits, and our favorite was cultish Little Beast Beer Garden. The onsite pizza spot, Prettyboy Pizza offered an easy snack midday but what we didn’t know was that the pie, a cross between and grandma and a Detroit pizza was going to be the best of this style we’ve ever had. While the pizza comes in a standard shareable size, the fun-sized 5”x7” was perfect and the Grand Theft Alum with its toppings of diced Mozzarella, vodka sauce, Ezzo cup char pepperoni, burrata and hot honey was life-changing. Pictured is the Cheese pie.

Restaurant Constance, Charlotte, NC – This visit to this top Charlotte restaurant was on my birthday with some friends and as usual, an outstanding meal. The menu is ever changing and on the evening we visited, there was a memorable Arancini topped with caviar that was the talk of the table.

Rezdora, New York, NY – I knew the place would be special, but I wasn’t prepared for just how extraordinary it was. Dining solo at the counter, I couldn’t resist sampling several dishes. The standout was the now-famous Grandma Walking Through Forest in Emilia — delicate spinach cappelletti filled with braised and roasted leeks, resting on a velvety black mushroom purée. Earthy, rich, and beautifully balanced — truly perfection in a bowl. Perfection in a bowl.

Rosemont, Charlotte, NC – This Charlotte hotspot combines vibrant energy with polished, friendly service. The standout dish? Duck Confit Pasta— a luxurious blend of tender duck confit and smoky Morita chili jus, balanced by wilted greens and tangy pickled red onion. Pomegranate seeds add a bright burst of sweetness, while goat cheese and jicama-lime relish bring creamy and crisp contrasts. A dish that’s as visually stunning as it’s flavorful.

*** Honorable Mention to this hot spot restaurant for above par bread service!

The Saint Clair, Montclair, NJ – I was thrilled to join friends for dinner at Chef Leia Gaccione’s new Northern New Jersey hotspot. The space exudes a modern, inviting atmosphere, complemented by attentive and gracious service. Every dish impressed, but, the unanimous favorite was the Crispy Rice topped with jumbo lump crab, served over a striking squid ink aioli — a combination of textures and flavors so memorable it deserves a permanent place on the menu.

Virtu Honest Craft, Scottsdale, AZ – During our annual Scottsdale vacation, we returned to this fantastic restaurant — and it exceeded expectations. The charming courtyard setting paired perfectly with attentive service and beautifully crafted dishes. The highlight was the Anatra: tender smoked duck complemented by a velvety miso cashew purée and bursts of sweetness from roasted grapes. Each bite balanced smoky depth with nutty richness and bright fruit notes — a dish that turned a great meal into an unforgettable experience.