34 Go-To Restaurant Favorites We Always Order

Discover the timeless dishes that capture our hearts—and taste buds—every time we dine out. These 34 restaurant favorites are staples on any menu, guaranteed to bring comfort, joy, and satisfaction.

1. Chicken Parmesan

Crispy, cheesy, saucy, and always satisfying. It’s comfort food with applause built in.

2. Shrimp Scampi

Garlic, butter, lemon, pasta — it’s hard to mess up, and when it’s good, it’s really good.

3. Pad Thai

Sweet-salty, tangy, peanutty, and perfect when you want a full-flavor meal that still feels light enough.

4. Chicken Tikka Masala

Creamy, spiced, warm, and basically designed to make you happy.

5. Butter Chicken

Softer, richer, slightly sweeter than tikka masala. A “no stress, always hits” order.

6. Pho

The ultimate reset meal. Steamy broth, herbs, noodles, and instant comfort.

7. Ramen

When you want cozy, salty, and filling without thinking too hard. Bonus points if the egg is perfect.

8. Bibimbap

Hot bowl, crispy edges, lots of textures, and you can mix it into exactly the level of chaos you want.

9. Bulgogi

Sweet-savory, tender, and it goes with everything on the table.

10. Fish Tacos

Crispy or grilled, bright toppings, squeeze of lime — it’s the “I’m in a good mood” order.

11. Carne Asada Plate

Simple and satisfying. When the meat is good, the whole meal feels effortless.

12. Burrito Bowl

All the burrito flavor, none of the tortilla commitment. Also great for leftovers.

13. Quesabirria Tacos

Cheesy, crispy, dunkable, and basically impossible to eat without smiling.

14. Margherita Pizza

The easiest way to judge a pizza place. Simple ingredients, nowhere to hide.

15. Pepperoni Pizza

Classic for a reason. Spicy, salty, and always the first box to empty.

16. Detroit-Style or Pan Pizza

Crispy edges, thick bite, and that “this is dinner” feeling after two slices.

17. Cheeseburger and Fries

The order you make when you want to stop thinking and start enjoying.

18. Smash Burger

Crispy edges, juicy center, perfect ratio of meat to toppings. It’s the burger version of a mic drop.

19. Chicken Sandwich (crispy)

It’s either fine or life-changing, and we’re always willing to gamble for life-changing.

20. Wings (classic Buffalo)

Perfect for sharing, perfect for not sharing. Extra napkins are non-negotiable.

21. Caesar Salad (with grilled chicken)

The reliable “I want something lighter but still real” order.

22. Cobb Salad

It’s basically a whole meal in salad form, and somehow it always works.

23. French Onion Soup

If it’s good, it’s unforgettable. If it’s bad, you learn a lesson. We still order it anyway.

24. Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese

Yes, it’s basic. No, we don’t care. It’s comfort that never goes out of style.

25. Steak Frites

Simple, classic, and when it’s done right you feel like you made an excellent life choice.

26. Prime Rib

A special-occasion order that tastes like someone loves you.

27. Grilled Salmon

The “I want something healthy-ish but still delicious” default.

28. Fish and Chips

Crispy, hot, and satisfying in a way that feels unfairly good.

29. Fried Calamari

The table appetizer that mysteriously disappears before the entrées arrive.

30. Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Creamy, cheesy, shareable, and the reason your main meal gets delayed (worth it).

31. Nachos

A group order that becomes one person’s order if you’re not careful.

32. Mac and Cheese

If it’s on the menu, we consider it. If it’s baked, we’re basically sold.

33. Lava Cake or Warm Brownie Sundae

The “we’re getting dessert” decision made easy. Warm chocolate + cold ice cream is undefeated.

34. Cheesecake

The reliable closer. It’s rich, it’s classic, and it always feels like the right ending.