Introduction to The New York Times’ 2025 List of Best Restaurants
The New York Times has released its 2025 list of the best restaurants in the country, and unfortunately, no North Texas restaurant made the cut. However, four Texas restaurants were included in the list, which is a great achievement for the state’s culinary scene. This year’s list includes ChopnBlok in Houston, Isidore in San Antonio, Lao’d Bar in Austin, and P Thai’s Khao Man Gai & Noodles in Austin.
Overview of the Four Texas Restaurants
These four restaurants offer a diverse range of cuisines, from West African to New American steak and seafood, Lao American, and Thai-Chinese dishes. ChopnBlok, led by chef Ope Amosu, serves dishes inspired by West Africa. Isidore, led by chef Ian Lanphear, is a restaurant that specializes in New American steak and seafood. Lao’d Bar, led by chef Bob Somsith, serves creations that specialize in Lao American cuisine. P Thai’s Khao Man Gai & Noodles, led by chef Thai Changthong, serves Thai-Chinese dishes.
Detailed Description of Each Restaurant
Here’s a more detailed look at what each of the four restaurants serves:
- ChopnBlok, in Houston, serves dishes inspired by West Africa, created by chef Ope Amosu.
- Isidore, in San Antonio, is a restaurant for New American steak and seafood led by chef Ian Lanphear.
- Lao’d Bar, in Austin, serves creations of chef Bob Somsith, who specializes in Lao American cuisine.
- P Thai’s Khao Man Gai & Noodles, in Austin, is led by chef Thai Changthong, who serves Thai-Chinese dishes.
Restaurant News and Updates
For the latest news and updates on restaurants, including openings, closings, and reviews, you can sign up for our newsletter. By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Previous Years’ Lists
In 2024, Simply South, a vegetarian Indian restaurant in Irving, made The Times’ list with its wide variety of dosas and chutneys. Other Texas restaurants included on last year’s list were Barbs B Q in Lockhart and Viola and Agnes’ Neo Soul Cafe in Seabrook. In 2023, four Texas restaurants were included, but none in North Texas. In 2022, two local restaurants made the list: Sister in Dallas and Smoke’N Ash BBQ in Arlington.
Methodology Behind the List
To compile its list of the best restaurants, 14 Times reporters and editors traveled to 33 states to sample more than 200 meals. The people who carried out this work followed three principles: they paid for their meals, made unannounced visits, and used regular reservation booking tools or walked in. As stated in the New York Times article, "We do not seek or accept special treatment. We eat like you do, with the same hope for a meal to remember, to be welcomed and delighted."
Conclusion
In conclusion, while no North Texas restaurant made The New York Times’ 2025 list of the best restaurants, four Texas restaurants were included, which is a great achievement for the state’s culinary scene. These restaurants offer a diverse range of cuisines and are definitely worth trying.
FAQs
Q: How many Texas restaurants were included in The New York Times’ 2025 list of the best restaurants?
A: Four Texas restaurants were included in the list.
Q: What are the names of the four Texas restaurants included in the list?
A: The four Texas restaurants included in the list are ChopnBlok in Houston, Isidore in San Antonio, Lao’d Bar in Austin, and P Thai’s Khao Man Gai & Noodles in Austin.
Q: What type of cuisine does each of the four restaurants serve?
A: ChopnBlok serves West African cuisine, Isidore serves New American steak and seafood, Lao’d Bar serves Lao American cuisine, and P Thai’s Khao Man Gai & Noodles serves Thai-Chinese dishes.
Q: How did The New York Times compile its list of the best restaurants?
A: The New York Times compiled its list by having 14 reporters and editors travel to 33 states to sample more than 200 meals. They paid for their meals, made unannounced visits, and used regular reservation booking tools or walked in.
Q: What are the principles that The New York Times followed when compiling its list of the best restaurants?
A: The New York Times followed three principles: they paid for their meals, made unannounced visits, and used regular reservation booking tools or walked in. They also did not seek or accept special treatment.
