The Infatuation’s top restaurant picks of 2018

Whether you’re exploring new spots while traveling or searching for a great local eatery, The Infatuation is your go-to online restaurant guide.

They’re not focused on the latest food trends or celebrity chef-owned places. Instead, they shine a light on the most memorable dining experiences with honest reviews of menus and atmospheres.

Every year, The Infatuation unveils its guide to the best new restaurants in some of the top cities across the United States.

The lists for cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle are packed with creative and unique spots you’ll definitely want to check out.

The Infatuation’s Editor-in-Chief, Hillary Reinsberg, shares, 'We don’t pit cities against one another.' Instead, the purpose of the annual lists is to give readers a comprehensive look at some of the most exciting new restaurant openings in major US cities.

New York

While it's important to visit iconic, long-established spots, The Infatuation’s list of the best new restaurants in the city makes a compelling case for venturing beyond the classics.

Di an Di is a Vietnamese restaurant in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint, a neighborhood that’s seen a surge in new dining spots over the past year. The Infatuation team raves about dishes like brisket pho, banh xeo-wrapped summer rolls, and sizzling turmeric catfish, saying it’s so good they’ve 'lost count of how many times we’ve been.'

For dining with a view, Manhatta is an obvious choice, perched 60 stories above the Financial District. The Infatuation describes the experience as 'Google Earth in VR.' The three-course prix fixe menu features classic French fare.

For a vegetarian-friendly meal, The Infatuation recommends West-Bourne in SoHo, calling it 'the cozy downtown apartment we'd buy after winning the Powerball.'

This all-day café serves delicious plant-based dishes along with a range of drinks, from kombucha to red wine.

The editors spotlight heartier fare like the mushroom reuben, lentil falafel grain bowl, and roasted eggplant — all satisfying enough for even the most dedicated meat-eaters. But the real standout is the Foster’s Yogurt, West-Bourne’s secret weapon.

A combination of roasted banana yogurt, turmeric, and a sprinkle of cacao crunch makes this dish a delightful treat, even giving Magnolia Bakery’s famous banana pudding a run for its money.

New York is home to plenty of hard-to-book tables, but then there’s Frenchette. It’s the kind of place where you’ll sign up for Resy notifications or even stay up late to snag a reservation exactly 30 days ahead.

The menu offers a modern twist on classic French dishes. Make sure to try the Spanish Tortilla with trout roe, Duck frites, and the brouillade (escargot nestled in creamy scrambled eggs with just the right amount of garlic butter). Frenchette truly delivers on its reputation.

New York offers a wealth of incredible pizza, but Una Pizza Napoletana stands out. After a nine-year break in San Francisco, it's back, serving one of the finest margherita pizzas you'll find. Don’t miss the scallop crudo and carne cruda (raw beef tenderloin) for a tasty start.

Lilia in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is so popular that The Infatuation even created a guide called 'Where to go when you can’t get into Lilia.' The buzz around it is undeniable.

Chef and owner Missy Robbins also runs Misi, where the menu focuses on simple Italian dishes like marinated peppers, grilled baby artichokes, chickpea pappardelle, spaghetti with fennel pesto, and ricotta-filled gnocchi. You might forget the menu only has two sections: 'antipasti' and 'pasta.'

2018 was a standout year for Japanese dining. If you're still craving the flavors of Japan, check out Shabushabu Macoron and Davelle in the Lower East Side, along with yakitori spots Toriko NY and Nonono.

The first impression of Davelle is like stepping into 'the studio apartment of someone with seven cats,' but don’t let that stop you. The restaurant serves an unforgettable dish: the 'Too Much' Uni Spaghetti, which is a must-try. (And nothing wrong with having cats.)

Toriko NY in the West Village is a go-to for yakitori lovers, with chicken skewers being the highlight of the menu. Nearby, Nonono offers a variety of yakitori along with ramen and sushi.

Legacy Records in Hell’s Kitchen serves Italian-inspired dishes in an upscale setting. The high ceilings and leather-topped tables set the stage for a memorable meal, and The Infatuation suggests you absolutely order the whole honey-lacquered duck.

Simon & The Whale, located in the Freehand Hotel, is one of those rare hotel restaurants worth visiting. The Infatuation editors recommend trying the smoked mussels, crispy pork collard schnitzel, and the fish sandwich.

Greenpoint offers two standout spots: Bernie’s, an American diner serving comforting dishes perfect for colder days, and Oxomoco, which serves upscale Mexican cuisine and boasts a top-tier cocktail list.

Meme’s Diner, a classic spot in Prospect Heights, makes the list as the go-to place for 'hangover pancakes.' Sometimes, all you need is a reliable diner to fix your day.

Los Angeles, the city of endless possibilities.

The restaurants featured on The Infatuation’s Los Angeles list make the struggle through traffic worth it. 2018 was a standout year for downtown areas and strip malls in the LA dining scene, with many surprises along the way.

The Infatuation also highlights 2018 as a year when out-of-town chefs and second branches of popular restaurants from other cities made their way to LA.

Bavel, a Middle Eastern-inspired gem and the much-anticipated follow-up to Bestia, has brought a new wave of excitement to downtown’s Arts District. While Bestia put the area on the map, Bavel ensures that this neighborhood will remain a top destination for fine dining.

For an unforgettable experience, order as many dishes as you can. Sharing is encouraged, and The Infatuation recommends must-try items like duck ‘nduja hummus, mushroom kebabs, lamb neck, and every bread offering. Also don't miss the grilled octopus, roasted cauliflower, and oyster mushroom kebab, all of which are standout dishes.

The NoMad, a favorite downtown NYC hotspot, has now expanded to LA's downtown scene. The atmosphere is vibrant, the food top-notch, and the vibe is always lively, whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The Infatuation highlights how this spot captures LA’s flair for the ‘casual fancy’ dining experience.

Dama provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Situated in the heart of the Fashion District, it's the perfect spot for outdoor dining, serving exceptional Caribbean-inspired dishes.

David Chang's latest venture, Majordomo, is another hit. Set in a dramatic warehouse space in Chinatown, it's ideal for entertaining. The menu blends Korean flavors with inventive twists, featuring standout dishes like eggs with smoked roe, macaroni and chickpeas with black truffle, and smoked pork shoulder.

By day, this place is a cozy coffee shop. But come evening, it transforms into a hotspot offering a stellar wine selection and American cuisine. All Time in Los Feliz is an LA original, run by first-time restaurateurs. The Infatuation notes its backyard vibe and praises the ribeye and mushroom ragu with polenta, saying it rivals the best steakhouses in the city.

Sushi Note and Jame Enoteca prove that amazing dining can be found even in strip malls. Sushi Note is known for its exceptional sushi, but The Infatuation points out that it doubles as a fantastic wine bar—because who wouldn’t want to pair sushi with a great glass of wine?

The Infatuation also recognizes the importance of grabbing a good meal immediately after landing at LAX, which is why Jame Enoteca makes the LA list. Located in a strip mall in El Segundo, this casual gem serves gourmet pasta dishes that would feel at home in any upscale Italian restaurant. Standout dishes include pesto mandilli, beef cheek scarpinoc, and squid ink bavette.

Triple Beam Pizza in Highland Park might just put LA on the pizza map. Their rectangular slices, which can be cut to any size, are sure to satisfy. Still not convinced that LA can do pizza? Try Ronan in West Hollywood—The Infatuation shares that even East Coast transplants are surprised by how good the casual pizza spots in LA can be.

Head to Echo Park to check out both Triniti and Bar Carlo. Triniti is the perfect neighborhood coffee shop that also serves up fantastic food, while Bar Carlo is a true taste of Southern California with its standout Mexican cuisine.

Ma’am Sir, located in Silver Lake, is where you'll find some of the best Filipino food in LA. The Infatuation recommends the uni-topped lumpia, pork sisig with sweetbreads, and a longganisa sandwich that might just convince you to relocate to the neighborhood.

Freedman’s is the top spot in LA for Jewish deli fare, serving up comforting classics in Silver Lake (and yes, it's in a strip mall). The Infatuation describes it as feeling like a deli owned by your Jewish aunt who loves Miami, with a secret chopped liver recipe she's fiercely protective of.

Chicago

It’s been a great year for sushi lovers in Chicago, whether you're a local or just visiting.

Korean-Italian fusion isn’t something you encounter every day, but Passerotto makes it work seamlessly, earning high marks from The Infatuation for a blend that feels completely natural.

For those craving classic American-style comfort food, Maillard Tavern is the place to go, serving an unforgettable burger topped with truffle oil and foie gras. If you’re in the mood for unique bar bites, Good Measure’s Nashville hot-fried duck livers and rarebit with potato and sage donuts come highly recommended.

Etta is perfect for larger groups, though The Infatuation points out that the food is so good, you’ll be just as happy visiting solo.

Soule Chicago is the ultimate refuge when the winter chill hits hard. This Southern-inspired eatery offers a comforting menu filled with classic dishes. The Infatuation recommends must-tries like shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and peach cobbler for the perfect warm-up.

Seattle

Seattle’s dining scene is dominated by Asian flavors, with even a spot offering hot dogs topped with caviar on the list.

Pho is practically a staple in Seattle, especially on rainy days. Pho Bac Sup Shop stands out not as just another pho place but as a true local favorite. With sausage sliders and crispy fries on the menu, The Infatuation’s praise is well-deserved.

For a fresh take on Vietnamese fusion, head to Reckless Noodle House. The Infatuation recommends the beef cheek noodles and coconut fried rice with pastrami. If sushi is what you’re after, Tamari Bar in Capitol Hill delivers a memorable izakaya experience, where you can sear your own wagyu beef while sipping on a matcha-salted margarita. Seattle is also home to plenty of dumplings, making it a great place for lovers of both pho and dumplings.

Plenty of Clouds, located in Capitol Hill, is a gem for dumpling lovers, serving some of the best in the city. Wa’z, another standout, focuses on simplicity in its Japanese dishes, allowing quality ingredients to shine without the need for unnecessary flourishes.

The Seattle list features two distinctly American spots: Deep Dive and Sawyer. Deep Dive infuses French influences into its menu, offering unique creations like a caviar-topped hot dog. Meanwhile, Sawyer serves nostalgic bar food, with recommendations such as braised oxtail nachos and peanut butter s’mores Choco Tacos for a playful twist.

For those craving Italian comfort food in colder months, South Town Pie and La Messe are the go-to spots. The Infatuation praises South Town Pie as Seattle’s top choice for New York-style pizza, while La Messe earns a nod for its homemade pasta, reminiscent of the kind you'd imagine while daydreaming of life in Italy.