The Best New Restaurants designation is determined by six writers and editors from across the country who find 12 restaurants worthy of the yearly recognition. Each person takes on a region of the country and evaluates the restaurants on how craveable the dishes are, the overall atmosphere of the restaurant, and the connection it has with its community. A list of five to seven semi-finalists are submitted and then the list is further narrowed down to one to three restaurants. The Thrillist Food team made the final selection.