The 22 Best New Restaurants In The US 2022
The tribulations faced by restaurants following the pandemic these past two years haven't faded entirely, but the industry is showing signs of promising change. Consumer values have shifted, and the unpredictable effects of inflation and food supply shortages have presented numerous challenges for budding and seasoned restauranteurs. Christina Davie Donahue, president and chief revenue officer of Buyers Edge Platform, says, "It's a new experience for all [restaurant] operators. We've weathered through many recessions over time and have had to scale back based on consumers not coming through the door. But this is different" (Forbes). Lettuce, for example, continues to rise in price in an unprecedented turn, leaving even major fast food chains without the leafy green on top of menu staples.
Still, such pressures have a way of forging resiliency, and the latest crop of eateries across the country is nothing short of thrilling for food lovers. Whether you're fortunate enough to be a resident of the locales listed or are looking for worthwhile stops on your travels, we hope you'll enjoy our compilation of the country's best in new eateries this year. While there are certainly some big names featured in our rankings, we wanted to highlight small businesses and first-time restaurant owners. We also researched criteria such as consumer reception, innovation and technique, and the mission of each establishment.
Cordelia may be one of the newest restaurants in Cleveland, but its dedication to serving incredible Midwestern-inspired plates has claimed everyone's attention. Chef Vinnie Cimino paired up with owner Andrew Watts to create something magical with Cordelia, named after Watts' great-grandmother. During a lengthy renovation process, Cordelia's team worked tirelessly to source the establishment's components sustainably, with everything from furniture to flatware arriving from secondhand shops.
Part of the eatery's appeal lies in its down-home atmosphere, fostered by the hospitality skills of both Cimino and Watts. "You tell us any dietary preferences you might have and then you sit back and relax while we start sending out plates in waves ... we'll make certain points about our menu and show off different things that we're playing with," Cimino told Cleveland Magazine. There's no way you can go wrong in choosing anything from the menu, but the jammy eggs, fried chicken, and burger box are considered some of the finest selections. Fans of pastrami are sure to fall for Cordelia's "Tongue on Toast" platter, garnished with an array of jewellike mustard seeds.