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This is the best new restaurant in America, according to Yelp

Dōgon in Washington, D.C. took the top spot

By Amanda Teague Oct 12, 2025 5:00 AM

Dogon Washington DC — Salamander Washington DC

Yelp has officially served up its list of Best New Restaurants of 2025, spotlighting the most talked-about dining destinations across the U.S.

Claiming the top spot is Dōgon in Washington, D.C., a celestial-themed Afro-Caribbean restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi. Known for combining art, heritage, and bold flavor, Onwuachi’s latest venture draws from his Nigerian, Jamaican, Trinidadian, and Creole roots. Standout dishes include the “crispy, fluffy” Hoe Crab, “moist, seasoned to perfection” Chicken and Jollof Rice, and a “show-stealing” Rum Cake that diners can’t stop raving about.

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In second place, Celeste on Narragansett in Rhode Island wins hearts with its fresh local oysters, gourmet pizzas, and breezy bayfront setting. The restaurant’s nautical-inspired design and sunny patio views make it a go-to for date nights and summer evenings.

Rounding out the top three is Theodora in Brooklyn, New York, the latest hit from Chef Tomer Blechman, the talent behind Miss Ada and Nili. Serving up what Blechman calls “fire-kissed Mediterranean seafood,” Theodora melds Mexican, Brazilian, and Greek influences into wood-grilled dishes that Yelpers describe as “divine.”

While New York landed three restaurants on this year’s list, Las Vegas scored four, Chicago had three, and California led the pack with five.

America’s best new restaurants: The full list

Dōgon, Washington, DC
Celeste, Narragansett, Rhode Island
Theodora, Brooklyn, New York
Commission Row, Indianapolis, Indiana
Sgrizzi by Chef Marc, Las Vegas, Nevada
Bûcheron, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Hed 11, San Francisco, California
Court Street Kitchen, Cincinnati, Ohio
The Italiano, Scottsdale, Arizona
Butcher and the Bear, Chicago, Illinois
The Amalfi Llama, San Diego, California
Caché, San Francisco, California
Holy Basil, Los Angeles, California
The Guest House Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
San Sabina, New York, New York
The Corner Store, New York, New York
La Serre, Chicago, Illinois
Caramá, Las Vegas, Nevada
Badger’s Den, Prescott, Arizona
Santa Maria, Cumming, Georgia
Triune, Kansas City, Missouri
Fonda on 12th, Nashville, Tennessee
Le Coq, La Jolla, California
Daebak, Chicago, Illinois
Santo Cielo, Atlanta, Georgia

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word… Read Full Bio

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