Restaurants I’m Adding to the Must Try List
If there is one thing that keeps life exciting, it’s the constant evolution of food and drink culture. Whether you’re chasing the next best Michelin-starred dish or simply love discovering hidden culinary gems, 2025 is serving up some serious dining experiences. From chic Milanese eateries to cozy Phoenix hotspots and avant-garde dining in New York, these restaurants offer more than just great food. They bring atmosphere, storytelling, and unforgettable flavors to the table.
Get ready to update your restaurant bucket list. Here’s where you should be booking a table a table this year.
Saint Pasta
Phoenix, AZ
The Vibe: A cool, no frills pasta bar serving up authentic Italian comfort food with a modern, unfussy aesthetic. The energy is high, the counter seating makes for an intimate yet social experience, and the aromas of fresh pasta fill the air.
Why Go?: This spot is for true pasta lovers. Saint Pasta has gained a cult following for its simple yet perfectly executed dishes, made fresh daily with high-quality ingredients. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a plate of pasta and glass of wine, and leave feeling completely satisfied.
Must-Try Dish: The rigatoni vodka is to die for.
Pacifico
Milan, Italy
The Vibe: A seafood lover’s paradise wrapped in modern Mediterranean elegance. Picture a sleek, nautical-inspired space with moody lighting and oceanic hues. The setting is intimate yet lively, perfect for a stylish dinner in one of the world’s fashion capitals.
Why Go?: If you want a taste of the ocean in the heart of Milan, Pacifico deliver a top-tier experience. It’s where locals and visitors alike go for ultra-fresh seafood, contemporary takes on Peruvian and Mediterranean dishes, and an expertly curated wine and cocktail selection.
Must-Try Dish: Their signature ceviche - a vibrant, citrusy, and delicately spiced dish that highlights the quality of their seafood. The balance of acidity, freshness, and spice make it a standout.
Atomix
New York, NY
The Vibe: An intimate, chef-driven tasting menu experience with an emphasis on Korean-inspired innovation. The minimalist, elegant design keeps the focus on the meticulously plated dishes.
Why Go?: For food lovers who appreciation precision, detail, and creativity, Atomix is a revelation. Every course is a work of art, showcasing flavors that are complex yet harmonious.
Must-Try Dish: The hanwoo beef tartare, meticulously crafted with layers of umami and an unexpected depth of flavor.
Le Ame
Phoenix, AZ
The Vibe: A sleek, modern take on French cuisine with a hint of Southwest influence. The ambiance is sophisticated yet relaxed, making it an ideal spot for a refined dining experience without feeling stuffy.
Why Go?: This restaurant beautifully blends French culinary techniques with Arizona’s local ingredients. The result is a menu filled with artfully plated dishes that feel indulgent yet approachable.
Must-Try Dish: The duck confit with a smoky mesquite glaze, a perfect balance of rich, crispy skin and melt-in-your-mouth meat.
Casa Buono
Trucco, Italy
The Vibe: A countryside escape that feels like dining at a family-run Italian villa. The setting is idyllic, surrounded by lush greenery and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Why Go?: Fresh, hyper-local ingredients make every dish a love letter to Italian cuisine. This is the kind of place where you can taste the passion in every bite.
Must-Try Dish: The handmade tagliatelle with truffle and parmigiano, a simple yet indulgent dish that highlights the best of Italy’s produce.
Pretty Penny
Phoenix, AZ
The Vibe: A stylish cocktail bar with a vintage edge, decked out in moody lighting, art deco accents, and an impressive spirits selection. The space feels equal parts glamorous and cozy, making it the perfect place for a night out.
Why Go?: Whether you’re into craft cocktails or natural wines, Pretty Penny has something special for you. The bartenders are true mixologists, creating drinks that are balanced, flavorful, and visually stunning.
Must-Try Drink: Their Negroni, made with house-infused vermouth for a rich, complex flavor.
Elephante
Scottsdale, AZ
The Vibe: A breezy, coastal-inspired restaurant that feels like a Mediterranean escape. The decor is a mix of warm woods, neutral tones, and lush greenery, creating a relaxed yet upscale vibe.
Why Go?: If you’re craving light, fresh Mediterranean flavors, this is your spot. The menu is focused on high-quality ingredients, bright flavors, and shareable plates that encourage a leisurely dining experience.
Must-Try Dish: The whipped eggplant dip with house-made flatbread, a creamy, smoky, and utterly addictive starter.
Cahoots
London, UK
The Vibe: A 1940s-inspired underground speakeasy with vintage decor, live jazz, and an old-world charm that transports you back in time. Housed in a former air-raid shelter, the space is filled with railway memorabilia, mismatched furniture, and a lively, prohibition-era energy.
Why Go?: If you love immersive dining experiences, Choots is a must. The cocktails are expertly crafted, the bartenders are in full character, and the entire setting feels like a secret world tucked beneath the streets of London.
Must-Try Drink: The ‘Ration Card’ cocktail, a playful mix of gin, citrus, and botanicals that pays homage to the wartime era.
Septime
Paris, France
The Vibe: A rustic-chic bistro that exudes understated Parisian elegance. The atmosphere is lively yet intimate, with an open kitchen and natural, earthy tones.
Why Go?: This is one of the most sought-after tables in Paris, known for its farm-to-table ethos and seasonal menus that highlight the best of French cuisine.
Must-Try Dish: It’s a surprise. Septime’s dinner service is a secret tasting menu and the starters are plant and vegetable based with new dishes every few weeks.
Vasiliki Kantina & Gastronomia
Milan, Italy
The Vibe: A cozy and intimate spot where Greek tradition meets Milanese sophistication. Think rustic wooden tables, warm ambient lighting, and an inviting, family-run atmosphere. There isn’t your typical Greek eatery - it’s a carefully curated experience designed to honor tradition while elevating every dish.
Why Go?: This is the place to go when you crave something soulful yet refined. The owner, Vasiliki Pierrekea, has crafted a menu that pays homage to her Greek heritage while embracing Italy’s love for high-quality ingredients. The result? A menu that feels both comforting and exquisite.
Must-Try Dish: The slow-cooked lamb with lemon and herbs, cooked to perfection with fall-apart tenderness and an aromatic, citrusy brightness.
