20 Must-Try Restaurant Menu Gems: A Food Lover’s Guide

Restaurant menus are more than just lists of food. They’re invitations to adventure, stories waiting to be tasted.

Let’s explore some menu highlights that’ll make your taste buds sing!

1. The Humble Hamburger: Not Just Fast Food 🍔

Don’t dismiss burgers as just quick bites. Gourmet restaurants elevate them to art. Look for ones with fancy cheeses, special sauces, or unexpected toppings like fried eggs or pineapple.

Best Hamburger Patty Recipe (Grilled or Stovetop) from A Spicy Perspective Cooking Time: 23 min . Rating: 5 . Reviews: 300 reviews . Ingredients: Saltine crackers, worcestershire sauce, ground chuck, milk, egg

Perfect Hamburger Recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen Cooking Time: 30 min . Rating: 5 . Reviews: 142 reviews . Ingredients: Dill pickle, cheddar cheese, tomato, red onion, ground chuck beef

Best Hamburger Ever from Allrecipes Cooking Time: 20 min . Rating: 4.3 . Reviews: 789 reviews . Ingredients: Onion soup mix, lean ground beef, soy sauce, cheddar cheese, worcestershire sauce

2. Pasta Perfection: Beyond Spaghetti and Meatballs 🍝

Pasta dishes can be simple or complex. Keep an eye out for interesting shapes like radiatore (little radiators) or farfalle (bowties). Sauces can range from creamy Alfredo to spicy arrabbiata.

Homemade Pasta from Love and Lemons Cooking Time: 1 hr 2 min . Rating: 5 . Reviews: 1300 reviews . Ingredients: Olive oil, eggs, sea salt, all purpose flour

Easy One-Pot Pasta from From My Bowl Cooking Time: 20 min . Rating: 4.9 . Reviews: 25 reviews . Ingredients: Gluten free, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, pasta sauce, red pepper flakes

Creamy Garlic Pasta from Allrecipes Cooking Time: 30 min . Rating: 4.8 . Reviews: 280 reviews . Ingredients: Chicken broth, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, butter, olive oil

3. Pizza Prowess: A World of Flavors on a Crust 🍕

Pizza isn’t just pepperoni anymore. Gourmet pizzas might feature figs and prosciutto, BBQ chicken, or even mac and cheese toppings. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Homemade Pizza Recipe from The Food Charlatan Cooking Time: 55 min . Rating: 5 . Reviews: 74 reviews . Ingredients: Pizza dough, pepperoni, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese

Homemade Pizza from Love and Lemons Cooking Time: 1 hr 20 min . Rating: 5 . Reviews: 27 reviews . Ingredients: Smoked mozzarella cheese, pizza dough, roasted red peppers, pesto, cherry tomatoes

Easy Homemade Pizza Dough from Sally’s Baking Addiction Cooking Time: 2 hr 30 min . Rating: 4.8 . Reviews: 855 reviews . Ingredients: Red star, cornmeal, olive oil, all purpose flour

4. Taco Time: A Fiesta for Your Taste Buds 🌮

Tacos aren’t just for Tuesdays. They come in endless varieties, from crispy fish to savory steak to vegetarian delights like roasted cauliflower and black beans.

Ground Beef Tacos from FeelGoodFoodie Cooking Time: 25 min . Rating: 5 . Reviews: 2200 reviews . Ingredients: Lean ground beef, cheddar cheese, tomato paste, flour tortillas, red onions

Ground Beef Tacos from A Cozy Kitchen Cooking Time: 25 min . Rating: 5 . Reviews: 2 reviews . Ingredients: Ground beef, sour cream, pepper jack, corn tortillas, beef broth

Beef Tacos from Cooking in the Midwest Cooking Time: 35 min . Rating: 4.9 . Reviews: 11 reviews . Ingredients: Ground beef, sour cream, white corn tortillas, beef broth, monterey jack cheese

5. Sushi Sensations: A Culinary Journey to Japan 🍣

Sushi is an adventure for your senses. Try familiar rolls like California rolls or branch out with sea urchin (uni) or sweet shrimp (amaebi).

Homemade Sushi from Fifteen Spatulas Cooking Time: 15 min . Rating: 4.9 . Reviews: 113 reviews . Ingredients: Cream cheese, sushi rice, soy sauce, avocado, raw salmon

Best Sushi Recipes to Make At Home from Just One Cookbook . Rating: 4.8 . Reviews: 4 reviews . Ingredients: Cake, inari, mackerel, spicy tuna, chirashi

Easy Sushi Rolls from Gimme Some Oven Cooking Time: 1 hr . Ingredients: Smoked salmon, sushi rice, soy sauce, spicy mayo, toasted sesame seeds

6. Soup’s On!: A Bowlful of Comfort 🥣

Soups aren’t just for sick days. They can be hearty meals like French onion soup with gooey cheese or chilled gazpacho on a hot day.

35 Best Soup Recipes from Love and Lemons Cooking Time: 40 min . Rating: 5 . Reviews: 33 reviews . Ingredients: White beans, greek yogurt, white wine vinegar, coconut bacon, yukon gold potatoes

30 Best Soup Recipes from The Modern Proper . Rating: 4.9 . Reviews: 12 reviews

Seriously Good Vegetable Soup from Cookie and Kate Cooking Time: 1 hr . Rating: 4.9 . Reviews: 604 reviews . Ingredients: Collard greens, butternut squash, curry powder, red pepper flakes, carrots

7. Salad Days: More Than Just Lettuce 🥗

Salads aren’t boring anymore. They can be topped with grilled chicken, steak, or even seafood. Look for interesting dressings like honey-mustard or balsamic vinaigrette.

8. Sweet Endings: Desserts to Delight 🍰

Desserts are the grand finale of a meal. Classic choices like chocolate cake or cheesecake never disappoint, but adventurous eaters might try creme brulee or tiramisu.

9. Drinks to Remember: Beyond Soda and Juice 🍹

Restaurant drinks can be as special as the food. Try a refreshing lemonade, a sparkling Italian soda, or maybe even a fancy mocktail (a non-alcoholic cocktail).

10. Appetizers to Amp Up the Meal: Small Bites, Big Flavors 🍤

Appetizers get the party started. Think crispy calamari, savory bruschetta, or spicy buffalo wings.

11. The Mighty Sandwich: More Than Just Lunch 🥪

Sandwiches can be gourmet meals. Look for interesting bread like ciabatta or sourdough and fillings like roasted vegetables or fancy cheeses.

12. All About the Sides: The Unsung Heroes of the Plate 🍚

Side dishes complete a meal. Don’t overlook delicious options like roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or buttery mashed potatoes.

13. Regional Dishes: Taste a Place’s History 🍲

Many restaurants offer regional specialties. This could be New Orleans gumbo, Maine lobster rolls, or Chicago deep-dish pizza. These dishes tell a story about a place’s culture and traditions.

14. “Catch of the Day”: Fresh from the Sea 🐟

If a restaurant offers “catch of the day,” it means the seafood is super fresh. This could be grilled salmon, pan-seared scallops, or even whole fish.

15. Specials of the Day: Chef’s Choice 🍽️

Daily specials are often a chef’s way of showing off their creativity. You might find unique dishes you wouldn’t normally see on the menu.

16. Prix Fixe Menus: A Taste of Everything 🍴

Some restaurants offer prix fixe menus, which means you get a set meal with several courses at a fixed price. It’s a great way to sample a variety of dishes.

17. Family-Style Feasting: Sharing is Caring 🥘

Family-style dining means large platters of food are shared by everyone at the table. It’s a fun way to try lots of different dishes and perfect for groups.

18. Brunch Bonanza: Where Breakfast Meets Lunch 🍳

Brunch is a weekend favorite that blends breakfast and lunch. You’ll find everything from eggs Benedict to pancakes to burgers.

19. Kid-Friendly Fare: Happy Tummies, Happy Kids 👧

Many restaurants have special menus for kids. They often feature classic favorites like chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, and pizza.

20. Seasonal Delights: Tastes That Change with the Time 🍂

Some menus change with the seasons, featuring fresh ingredients that are available at different times of the year. Look for pumpkin dishes in the fall or strawberry desserts in the spring.