The Best Dishes of 2024

We scoured North America for our finest foods

By Maria Rodriguez

In 2024, we’ve set out to uncover the dishes that stand as the true benchmarks of American dining. Our team has crisscrossed the country, from coastal seafood haunts to heartland barbecue joints, and we’ve come back with a list of 12 dishes you absolutely, one-hundred-percent definitely need to try. (As you can tell, we’re excited about these dishes.)

These are the plates that left us slack-jawed, the ones that make you stop mid-bite and think, this is why we eat. These aren’t just meals—they’re a masterclass in flavor, technique, and the culinary artistry happening across the US right now.

So, buckle up, because your food bucket list just got a whole lot tastier.

1. The Eggplant Parm at Angelena's in Pensacola

Chef Ian Gillette of Angelena’s has become an emblem of Pensacola’s dynamic dining scene. His take on Eggplant Parmesan is a tribute to locally sourced ingredients: tender, perfectly breaded eggplant is fried just enough to achieve a golden crunch, topped with melty, housemade mozzarella that stretches in all the right ways. The balance between crisp exterior and soft, almost creamy interior is sheer perfection, a nostalgic dish with a modern twist that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

>>>19 of the Best Restaurants in Pensacola

2. The Pan-Seared Foie Gras at Yono's in Albany

At Yono’s in Albany, Chef Yono Purnomo has earned his stripes by crafting dishes that merge bold flavors with impeccable technique. The pan-seared foie gras is a masterstroke, sitting delicately on toasted brioche that absorbs the richness without overpowering it. Hazelnut and pink peppercorn add a delightful nuttiness and spice, while a smudge of blackberry jam cuts through the indulgence, making each bite an elegant exercise in balance.

>>>Top 10 Must-Try Restaurants in Albany

Pepperoni and burrata pizza at Wylder in Boise

3. The Bronco Pizza at The Wylder in Boise

The Wylder’s Bronco pizza is a Boise classic, and it’s easy to see why: salumi and burrata layered on a perfect, thin crust. The red sauce is tangy and fresh, yet subtly sweet, providing a beautiful base for the aromatic basil and creamy cheese. Chef David Wilcox’s commitment to simple, locally sourced ingredients shines through with every bite—this isn’t just pizza, it’s a small slice of heaven.

>>>Best Restaurants in Boise: A Culinary Tour in 12 Stops

4. The Classic Meatloaf at Southern Grit in Knoxville

If you thought meatloaf couldn’t be elevated, think again. Southern Grit takes this humble dish to new heights with grilled chunks of savory meatloaf nestled next to mashed potatoes that are as velvety as they come. Fried okra provides a perfect crunch, while a drizzle of rich au jus brings everything together in a symphony of flavors that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

>>>The Best Restaurants in Knoxville

5. The Chile Rellenos from Redrock Canyon Grill in Wichita

Redrock Canyon Grill offers a perfect example of Southwestern flair, and their Chile Rellenos is a dish that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about stuffed peppers. The crispy exterior gives way to a gooey, cheese-filled center, complemented by the smoky heat of the chiles. Served with a refreshing salsa verde and a vibrant corn and black bean salad, this dish is a perfect balance of spice, crunch, and freshness.

>>>The Best Restaurants in Wichita

6. The Prime Rib Sandwich from Napkins in Fayetteville

The Prime Rib Sandwich at Napkins is a celebration of flavor with a distinctly local touch. Chef Aaron Bludorn’s use of lions mane, pink oyster, and chestnut mushrooms in a duxelles spread is as inventive as it is delicious, lending an earthy umami flavor to each bite. Paired with house-roasted shaved prime rib and whole grain mustard on a toasted pretzel bun, it redefines what a classic sandwich can be.

>>>Savoring Fayetteville: 12 Must-Try Restaurants

7. The French Onion Soup at Curate in Springfield, Ill

Curate’s French Onion Soup is one of those dishes that immediately warms your soul. The caramelized onions are slow-cooked to sweet perfection, their depth amplified by a rich beef stock. Melted provolone blankets the top like a gooey, cheesy comforter, while garlic crostini adds the right amount of crunch. Chef Amanda Li’s attention to detail ensures every spoonful is an exploration of savory goodness.

>>>Top 10 Must-Try Restaurants in Springfield

Morrie's Steakhouse Sioux Falls liquid burger

8. The Liquid Gold Burger at Morrie's in Sioux Falls

When it comes to burgers, Morrie’s in Sioux Falls doesn’t just serve lunch—it serves an experience. The Liquid Gold Burger is a thing of beauty: a custom blend of Morgan Ranch beef, topped with a luscious liquid demi-glace, Russian dressing, and American cheese, all sandwiched in a garlic-and-rosemary potato bun. But the true showstopper? The Mornay-sauced fries dusted with Espelette, which might just make you rethink everything you know about fries.

>>>Savoring Sioux Falls: 12 Must-Try Restaurants

9. The Veal Chop Parmesan at Beau's Grille in Akron

Beau’s Grille in Akron takes comfort food to a gourmet level with their Panko Crusted Long Bone Veal Chop Parmesan. The veal chop is perfectly cooked, its crust crisp and golden from a delicate panko coating, while the marinara and Italian cheeses marry together to create a symphony of flavors. Chef Mike Donnelly’s balance of textures—crunchy, tender, cheesy—turns a classic Italian dish into a celebration of culinary craftsmanship.

>>>Akron's Top Restaurants: 12 Must-Try Dining Gems

10. The Sliced Brisket at Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue in Lubbock

Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue in Lubbock is a pilgrimage for brisket lovers, and for good reason. The sliced brisket is tender, smoky, and juicy, with a charred exterior that gives way to a melt-in-your-mouth interior. Chef Carey Bringle uses time-honored techniques to smoke the meat, resulting in a dish that is equal parts science and artistry—this is brisket as it was meant to be.

>>>The Best Restaurants in Lubbock, Texas

The Ladybird Sandwich at Heff's Burger Club in Winston-Salem

11. The Ladybird at Heff's Burger Club in Winston-Salem

The Ladybird Sandwich at Heff’s Burger Club is a triumph of Southern flavors. The pickle-brined fried chicken is crispy and flavorful, with a subtle tang that balances perfectly with the richness of Duke’s mayo. Nestled in a potato bun with Niki’s pickles, this sandwich combines classic Southern comfort with a modern, thoughtful twist—one bite, and you'll wonder why more sandwiches aren’t this perfect.

>>>The 12 Best Restaurants in Winston-Salem

12. Arancini from Noble at the Hills in Surrey

At Noble at the Hills in Surrey, the Arancini is a standout dish that epitomizes Italian comfort with a touch of finesse. The crispy, golden exterior encases a creamy filling of arborio rice, spinach, and lemon ricotta that’s bright yet indulgent. Paired with a rich aioli and a sprinkle of parm, this dish exemplifies Chef Paolo Tomaselli’s ability to turn simple ingredients into something transcendent.

>>>The Best Restaurants in Surrey, BC