The Absolute Best Dishes We Ate at New Restaurants in 2026

Key Points:

• Bon Appétit's Best New Restaurants of 2026 list highlights innovative chefs and eateries across the U.S., focusing on the complete dining experience but primarily on the quality of dishes served.
• Standout dishes include Le Calamar’s stuffed chicken wing in Austin, Little Fish Melrose Hill’s inventive beach sandwich in Los Angeles, and Leo’s fried chicken in Santa Fe, each noted for unique flavors and techniques.
• Other notable dishes feature Honeysuckle’s quail and leeks in Philadelphia, L’Echelle’s classic French onion soup in Portland, and Creepies’ Parisian gnocchi in Chicago, showcasing diverse regional and culinary influences.
• Philadelphia’s Banshee offers a complex grilled Berkshire pork collar dish praised for its balance, while Los Angeles’ Lugya'h by Ponchos Tlayudas serves a celebrated moronga blood sausage with rich family history.
• Unique offerings also include Cassis’ foie gras eclairs in Milwaukee, Anjin’s flavorful cabbage salad in Kansas City, and Jules’ mushroom pizza in San Francisco, all exemplifying creativity and refined execution.