Best New Restaurant Open or Closed?

Best New Restaurant was a reality tv cookery competition show that sees 16 restaurants compete against each other to be named the Best New Restaurant.

They are tested with a Dinner Service pressure test, a Secret Diner test and a two course cook off as a final service.

This show was based on Gordon Ramsay's television show Ramsay's Best Restaurant and aired on Bravo.

The prize for the winning restaurant is $100,000, a feature in Bon Appétit magazine, and the title of Best New Restaurant.

The Best New Restaurant judges were celebrity chef Tom Colicchio, Maggie Nemser and Jeffrey Zurofsky.

Best New Restaurant aired from January 21 to April 1 2015 and was not renewed for another season.

Find out if your favourite Best New Restaurant is open or closed.

Doma is an Italian restaurant located in Beverly Hills, California and first featured in Best New Restaurant episode 1.

During the dinner service, they were praised for their kitchen, food and team but criticised for their organisation.

There were a number of dishes that went to the wrong tables and service that dipped in standards.

The secret diners liked server Igor and loved the pizza.

They did not win the final cook off but were praised for their duck dish and Igor was again praised for his service.

What Happened Next at Doma?

Doma closed in March 2018.

Dolce Italian is an Italian restaurant located in South Beach, Florida and first featured in Best New Restaurant episode 1.

During the dinner service, they were praised for the strength of management from Dean.

However they were criticised for letting things slip, which resulted in dishes being under seasoned and returned to the kitchen.

The secret diners were refused a meatball dish at lunch by a server but asked the chef who made them the dish and he declares the dish as amazing.

They won the final cook off of the episode as their pasta dish received high praise and Dean was praised for his service.

In the semi final, three sets of secret diners are sent in to the restaurant and the server is flirty.

The female diner asks about the wine but the server asks the man at the table to sample the wine but regardless they progress to creating a pop up restaurant to gain a place in the final.

Their popup is an Italian concept and the customers love the decor and menu. Maggie and Jeffrey order octupus and lamb from the menu.

There are delays with the food leaving the kitchen as the chef can't read the handwriting of the server due to the lack of no POS system and tensions flare.

Maggie feels that the pizza is quite basic and overcomplicated and after speaking with customers Tom establishes that were service issues.

Dishes are served twice as they struggle with the lack of room in the kitchen for both teams and tempers continue to flare with lots of swearing.

Their stew was highly reviewed by Tom and Maggie and they progressed to the final.

In the final, they will cook head to head at Tom's restaurant River Park, serving a packed restaurant full of food experts

Their first dish, a squid and polenta dish was well balanced but some diners wanted a little more seasoning.

They are surprised not to see Dean on the front of house as his presence makes the service.

Tom goes into the kitchen to question the decision as his presence is missed and he goes into the front of house.

Their second dish is a duck and foie gras filled pasta. It is rich and tasty and Maggie in particular compliments the dish whereas Tom thinks it needs a little more something.

Their third dish is Spezzatino Di Vitello, a veal cheek dish that was branded as rustic and delicious.

For their final dish is a tartufo and is crunchy and creamy but had too much going on with extra fruit. Maggie brands it as her least favourite dish.

The food was better at Dolce but the service was better at L’Apicio due to Dean's absence.

They went with the stronger menu and as a result Dolce was the Best New Restaurant winner.

What Happened Next at Dolce Italian?

Dolce Italian is open and reviews are excellent with a solid 4.5 on Trip Advisor.

The ravioli and meatballs are highly reviewed by diners on Google.

The Federal is a small plates restaurant located in Miami, Florida and first featured in Best New Restaurant episode 2.

During the dinner service some of the food items were burnt and there were cooks looking at their phones.

The service suffered as a result but they were praised for their unique concepts and the flavour of their comfort food.

The secret diners ask for clean glasses that aren't rim down on the table and the server rolls her eyes and is too casual with the customers.

The diners are impressed with the food and as a result they won the cook off as their dishes were excellent and memorable.

In the semi final, three sets of secret diners were sent in to the restaurant and the service is disappointing for one diner after the server wouldn't even ask if the chef if they could remove the honey drizzle.

Luckily another server delivers exceptional service to another set of secret diners and they hope this makes up for the first and as a result they progressed to the next stage, creating a pop up restaurant.

For the pop up restaurant they decide on an elevated version of their current restaurant with a range of dishes and despite some issues with the decor it looks beautiful.

The first dish was dry and disappointing and it isn't a great start. They didn't purchase enough small tables and as a result diners have a wait for a table at the restaurant.

Maggie and Jeffrey are impressed that they have stepped up from their restaurant and have made things difficult for themselves.

The jambalya that Jeffrey is served has smoked grapes in it and they are only supposed to be on the pork shank.

It is established that they have been serving the grapes on the incorrect dish all night and some tables were left waiting longer than expected.

They did not progress to the final as they served too many dishes and errors were made.

What Happened Next at The Federal?

The Federal closed in July 2016 after relaunching the restaurant as The Fed and ditching the small plates concept in favour of a healthy restaurant to cater for vegans and those on specialised diets.

Unfortunately, the new direction didn't work out and they decided not to renew their lease.

Swift’s Attic is a small plates restaurant located in Austin, Texas and first featured in Best New Restaurant episode 2.

During dinner service the customers love the food and issues are dealt with effectively.

The hospitality is excellent and despite food returned the second attempt was perfect.

The secret diners find that the Pork Cheeks are under seasoned and the server offers sauces whereas the manager provides a better seasoned second dish.

They did not win the cook off but their flavours were praised and the desserts branded outstanding.

What Happened Next at Swift's Attic?

Swift’s Attic is open and reviews are excellent.

The Church Key is a unique service restaurant located in Los Angeles and first featured in Best New Restaurant episode 3.

Their unique service concept is that they serve food on trolley carts.

During dinner service the customers are impressed with ordering the dim sum snacks straight from carts as it minimises the wait for the main course.

They struggle during the pressure test and the customers are constantly asked if they want Dim Sun despite displaying the Dim Dun sign.

The secret diner arrives in happy hour when no dim sum carts are running. The customers asks for a change to a dish and the server bad mouths the chef.

They won the cook off due to their great performance in the kitchen.

In the semi final, three sets of secret diners were sent in and the issue with carts being constantly asked if they want more food continues as they don't understand they can turn the card over.

There was also a hair in the food of one diner and they don't progress to the next stage of the competition.

What Happened Next at The Church Key?

The Church Key closed in April 2016.

Restaurant Jezebel is a unique service restaurant located in Austin, Texas and first featured in Best New Restaurant episode 3.

They offer a customised dining experience with no menus. During dinner service on one table the customers are served the same dish and they question the personal customisation.

The chef reveals as he is overwhelmed he has instead customised each table. The kitchen struggles but the white glove service impresses the customers.

The secret diner finds that food is served at room temperature.

They did not win the cook off as they needed to work on keeping the desserts cold.

What Happened Next at Restaurant Jezebel?

Restaurant Jezebel closed in February 2015.

Barlata Tapas Bar is a Tapas restaurant operated by a couple located in Austin Texas and first featured in Best New Restaurant episode 4.

During the dinner service, the kitchen is serving the dishes too quickly and the customers can't eat so quickly and have tables full of food.

The mystery diners love the flavour of the dishes and the signature drink.

During the cook off, they forget to put plates down to customers but correct this quickly.

They won the cook off but the diners were disappointed with the dishes compared to the first visit due to a lack of seasoning.

In the semi final, three sets of secret diners were sent in and the server was friendly, entertaining and helpful but the chorizo was unappealingly described as a meat product from a factory.

They did not progress to the next stage of the semi final.

What Happened Next at Barlata Tapas Bar?

Barlata Tapas Bar is open and reviews are excellent.

The paella is well received by diners on Google reviews.

R House is a Tapas restaurant operated by a couple, located in Miami, Florida and first featured in Best New Restaurant episode 4.

During the dinner service, Rocco works the front of house and Tom worries it will put too much pressure on the back of house.

The front of house doesn't take any orders until all of the drinks orders are delivered, leading the kitchen to fear they are going to be overwhelmed.

No orders reach the kitchen for the first 20 minutes of the 2 hour pressure test and the ticket machine explodes with orders and the kitchen feels the pressure.

Rocco goes into the kitchen and realises that he has caused issues in the kitchen but instead of helping behind the line he pressures staff for the food to go out.

The kitchen pulls together and sends out the food and the customers are impressed with the dishes, despite the wait the front of house works to keep the front of house happy.

Nearly every table sends back the much beloved chocolate truffle tarte and an error has been made in the recipe that added a tablespoon of salt rather than a teaspoon.

The mystery diners loved the friendly staff and ambience but the server was frosty. The snapper dish was flavourful and fresh.

During the final cook off, Owen shines during the service but Jeffrey is served mushrooms after advising of a mushroom allergy.

The chocolate tart is served again but with the correct levels of salt.

What Happened Next at R House?

R House is open and reviews are excellent.

Reviews of their brunch, short ribs and scalloped potatoes are excellent on Google.

Porter Ale House is a Burger Restaurant located in Austin, Texas that first featured in Best New Restaurant episode 5

During the pressure test dinner service, food is quick out of the kitchen and the diners both like the casual service and the food.

The mussels are returned by multiple tables as they don't like the taste or texture but they don't taste them and instead replace the dishes.

Due to a lack of communication the last dessert is ordered late with just 30 seconds to go and isn't able to be served in time.

The secret diners loved the wings and the burger but were disappointed with the mussels and the quality.

They didn't win the cook off because they veared off brand during the service.

What Happened Next at Porter Ale House?

Porter Ale House closed in July 2017.

Tongue & Cheek is a Burger Restaurant located in Miami, Florida that first featured in Best New Restaurant episode 5.

During the pressure test dinner service, customers are impressed with the decor and customers order signature cocktails that take 2-3 minutes to make each with only one bartender working.

At first the kitchen is left waiting for tickets to arrive and customers are left waiting for both food and drinks.

When they receive the food customers are delighted with the dishes but the servers aren't putting both appetisers and entrees on the tickets so diners are left waiting for mains as the tickets all come in at once.

The secret diners were left waiting 25 minutes for the appetiser order and had to remind their server after an hour that they needed to order the entrees. However they were impressed with the burger.

They won the cook off after praise for their dishes. the desserts require a lot of prep but the gelatto is overturned and it needs to be done again, setting them back.

In the semi final, three sets of secret diners were sent in to the restaurant and the food was good but there were issues with service and they don't progress to the next step of the competition.

What Happened Next at Tongue & Cheek?

Tongue & Cheek closed in October 2015 after an oppurtunity came along to break the lease.

Jamie planned to open in a smaller location after opening another restaurant, Izzy's Fish & Oyster.

Little Sparrow is a french bistro in Santa Ana, California that first featured in Best New Restaurant episode 6.

During the pressure test dinner service, the customers love the food and the food leaves the kitchen at a steady pace but customers are sat waiting for food.

The drinks however take a long time to go out due to the slow bartenders and customers ordering cocktails.

The issue is due to a wifi problem leading to orders not reaching the bar printer and eventually coming through all at once.

As the orders pile in it they rush the dishes and it becomes clear that chef Eric isn't used to cooking for so many customers and an undercooked pork chop is served.

Eric slows down and the food quality improves but this leads to just 30 minutes being left to serve desserts.

They serve all of the desserts in just 20 minutes and they are well received by the customers.

The secret diners love the friendly service but the server tells them it is sugar around the rim of the cocktail and the diner discovered it was salt when she licked it.

They order a pork chop dish not usually served at brunch and they are disappointed as it isn't seared well.

During the final cook off, a dish is served without the salmon, overlooked by Bruce and is returned to the kitchen. They quickly correct this by sending out another dish.

Bruce is trying to oversee too much and the service is a bit too chaotic.

They didn't win the cook off as their nerves started to show with the Salmon dish, despite the dishes being well received.

What Happened Next at Little Sparrow?

Little Sparrow closed in April 2016 and reopened as BlackBox. BlackBox closed after just 6 months.

Pastry Chef Nasera had left in early 2015 and Samaniego also left in July 2015.

L’Apicio is an Italian eatery in New York that first featured in Best New Restaurant episode 6.

During the pressure test dinner service, the food is well presented but customers either love or are overwhelmed by the level of spice of the dishes.

The servers however aren't telling the customers to expect the food to be spicy and aren't all happy with the surprise and have complained.

The desserts begin with just 30 minutes left of the pressure test and are well received by the diners.

The secret diners are disappointed with the undercooked gnochi and the server handles the complaint well and a refire is done.

They are overwhelmed with the spice and ask for a third dish with no spice and they are impressed with the front of house service.

During the cook off, they cater will for Jeffreys mushroom allergy with an alternative pasta dish using fresh pesto.

The pasta dishes are plated too early and is sitting at the pass leading to some complaints about dryness.

The service is relaxed and well received by the diners and the dishes have been labeled as spicy so customers aren't surprised by the spice level.

They won the cook off due to their impeccable service and qualiy of their dishes.

In the semi final, three sets of secret diners were sent in and the service is exceptional with the server getting the recipe for the dish they tasted.

The waiter also warned the customer that the meatball dish had a kick and as a result they progressed to the next stage, creating a pop up restaurant.

For the pop up restaurant, they decide to take a risk and do a tex mex restaurant and with the clock running out their decor is completed and they are stressing during the prep.

The chips and salsa to start don't hit the mark with Tom and service is chaotic as the servers are poorly managed as their usual manager Joe is behind the bar.

They get together and agree a new system to turn it around and service improves. The faijitas impress Maggie and they enjoy the DIY aspect to the dish.

They finish strong with a dessert that gains rave reviews from the diners but they also complain of some basic service errors.

They progressed to the final as although Tom wasn't impressed with the guac the dessert was a big hit and saved them.

In the final, they will cook head to head at Tom's restaurant River Park, serving a packed restaurant full of food experts.

For the final service, they are serving three wines with the menu, selected by expert sommelier Joe.

The first dish is a duck and pear confit salad but the texture is off, it is a bit dry and the duck is lacking.

Joe shines with his wine knowledge before the second dish, a squid ink pasta with seafood ragu.

Both the flavour and texture are great and the dish is a big hit with the diners and the hospitality is outstanding.

For their third dish they decided to do a familiar, signature dish from their restaurant, a roasted chicken and fennel dish.

The dish is full of flavour and Maggie thinks it is one of the best dishes of the night.

Unfortunately for one table, the chicken was undercooked on one dish and the dish is refired and sent back to the customer.

For dessert, Katherine is making a sweet cream panna cotta that hits the spot with the diners with some diners branding it the best dish all night.

The service was better at L'Apicio but the food was better at Dolce.

They did not win in the Best New Restaurant final.

What Happened Next at L’Apicio?

L’Apicio closed in May 2017.

Morgan’s Barbecue serves up authentic Texas barbecue in Brooklyn, New York that first featured in Best New Restaurant episode 7.

During the pressure test dinner service the diners love the decor. Jeffrey is a bit disappointed in the presentation of the frito pie.

Chris notices that the pork ribs are undercooked and not tender enough so they are put back in to cook further in the smoker, leaving diners waiting.

The pork ribs are smoked just the right ammount and the diners are impressed but the sides are disappointing.

The mac and cheese is underseasoned and the collared greens and other dishes are bland.

The mystery diners ask the servers questions about cooking methods and questions about BBQ and she makes up the answers.

The brisket is well received but the mac and cheese is bland and they ask to order another mushroom mac and cheese with more flavour.

They won the cook off, they served Frito Pie and some diners feel the dish is a bit too gimmicky for the competition as the chilli is good enough on its own merit.

They have stepped up their sides from the pressure test after listening to the feedback but Tom doesn't think the meat is as good due to not being able to use their smoker.

In the semi final, three sets of secret diners were sent in to the restaurant and the brisket impresses the diner but the mac and cheese is bland.

They did not progress to the next stage of the semi final.

What Happened Next at Morgan's Barbecue?

Morgan's Barbecue is open and has excellent reviews.

The candied bacon, pork belly and chicken and waffles have rave reviews on Google reviews.

Buns & Buns in Miami, Florida is a gourmet burger restaurant that first featured in Best New Restaurant episode 7.

During the pressure test dinner service the customers order in their way in and sit to enjoy the food.

The food leaves the kitchen quickly and reaches the customers in less than 10 minutes and the wait staff are friendly and present.

However, as the service progresses the food is being sent too quickly and customers are receiving oversalted or underseasoned food and it is returned to the kitchen.

One table is left without their food and it is discovered that the ticket never made it to the kitchen and this is quickly corrected and the pace is slowed down.

The service is finished with 30 minutes to spare.

The mystery diners haven't been given cutlery, drinks or napkins but have been served food as it comes out too quickly.

Two minutes later they receive their cutlery and start to eat but the souffle they have ordered is too salty again due to the pressure of serving quickly.

During the cook off, the server isn't able to explain what is in the first dish, a spinach puff.

The dishes are well received with the breads getting rave reviews from the diners.

They felt that the main dish could have used a bit more kick but still praise the taste of the dish.

They didn't win the cookoff but received high praise despite a small criticism of service.

What Happened Next at Buns & Buns?

Buns & Buns Miami closed in April 2018.

They brought the concept overseas and opened a Buns & Buns location in London in November 2018.

The Pines from Brooklyn, New York is a farm to table restaurant that first featured in Best New Restaurant episode 8.

During the pressure test dinner service the customers love the kitsch design of the restaurant but the kitchen is tiny and the chef doesn't know how he will plate the dishes.

They serve a carrot amuse bouche with drinks to slow down the orders and to keep customers happy as the orders flood in.

The bizarre flavour combinations are a hit with the diners as are the fresh, seasonal ingredients and the wait staff is in sync with the kitchen.

The dessert orders aren't reaching the kitchen as the computers are down and the printer has failed.

As a result the kitchen doesn't know who is missing dessert so they go to the customers to place the remaining orders and the last desserts are served with three minutes left.

The secret diners ask to change table and they accomodate them with the move but make sure they can still turn the table by giving them a time limit.

The only criticism of the dish was putting chips on top, leading to them being soggy and the menu is confusing as it lacks detail and there are unexpected ingredients, placing the burden on the service team.

During the final cook off, the servers are prepped and questioned on the dishes to ensure that they are aware of all of the ingredients.

Their first dish isn't quite as good as the first time it was served to diners and for the second dish they use all parts of the duck including the skin and bones to add flavour.

They didn't win the cook off but received high praise about their food but the dishes weren't quite as good the second time around.

What Happened Next at The Pines?

The Pines closed in April 2017.

Union from Pasadena, Califonia is a farm to table restaurant that first featured in Best New Restaurant episode 8.

During the pressure test dinner service, the customers praise the food and the servers are responding well and service is at a high standard.

The dishes are bright and fresh with seasonal ingredients and are well received by diners.

The customers enjoy the casual feel to the restaurant and the communication is great in the kitchen with Bruce running the line.

Some customers aren't impressed as the service has slipped and dirty plates are left on the tables. This is noticed by management and is quickly corrected.

Dessert orders don't start going out until the last 20 minutes due to the delay in clearing tables and they have to push to get the rest of the desserts out to diners.

The last dessert is sent out in the final minute of the pressure test.

The secret diners are surprised by receiving an off menu lemonade, spiced with chilli and the potatoes have been changed after the feedback about a lack of seasoning.

During the final cook off, the desserts require a lot of prep but the gelatto is overturned and it needs to be done again, setting them back.

Their first dish is presented in an urchin shell and they are generous with the uni, which is hit and miss with diners.

They won the cook off as their first dish and olive oil cake blows away the diners and was a big hit on the menu.

During the semi final, they send in three sets of secret diners to the restaurant.

The fig dish is lacking and one table asks to do a pasta sampler of five dishes and he accomodates the request.

As a result they progress to creating a pop up restaurant to gain a place in the final.

They decide to focus on seafood for their pop up with high quality seafood but there are issues with the decor.

At the pop up service, the customers love the decor and menu.

Food starts leaving the kitchen but tempers flare as the volume in the kitchen increases and the chef asks for the shouting to stop.

The runners help to reset tables and as a result the food is sitting on the pass and the communication between the front and back of house has broken down.

A table is duplicated and the kitchen spirals due to the problems in the front of house but they pull it together and Jeffrey and Maggie are impressed with their first dish.

After speaking with the pair he discovers that they haven't been served the branzino and he races into the kitchen to correct this.

They did not progress to the final due to the hiccups in the kitchen and with the service.

What Happened Next at Union?

Union is open with excellent reviews.

The squid ink pasta receives many positive reviews on Google reviews.