Most Popular Restaurants in America and Globally for 2025

The best restaurants aren’t just places to eat—they’re cultural landmarks that shape the way we dine, travel, and experience food. Some of the most popular restaurants in America have grown into international icons, while others remain uniquely American. 

But what happens when you step outside the U.S.? Which brands are making the biggest impact globally? And beyond the chains, where can you find the highest-rated restaurants and most celebrated cuisines?

Read on to explore the world’s most popular restaurants in America and globally, from the biggest names in fast food to the highest-ranked dining experiences.

Key takeaways

• American fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and KFC dominate worldwide, but Chinese brands such as Mixue and Wallace are expanding rapidly.

• While U.S. brands are global leaders, countries like China, Japan, and the Philippines have thriving homegrown chains catering to local tastes.

• The world’s best restaurants, like Disfrutar in Spain and Maido in Peru, push culinary innovation while preserving cultural traditions.

• The most popular cuisines, from Greek and Italian to Japanese and Mexican, highlight the deep connection between food and national identity.

Most popular restaurants in America and globally

According to the latest data, these are the most widespread and well-known restaurant chains globally. The majority of these businesses are also the largest restaurant chains in America, with the exception of three originating from China.

1. Mixue Ice Cream & Tea

Offering affordable ice cream and tea-based drinks, Mixue has rapidly expanded across China and Southeast Asia. Its combination of low prices and high-quality flavors has made it a favorite among young consumers.

• Country of origin: China

• Approximate locations: 45,000

2. McDonald’s

The undisputed king of fast food, McDonald’s has built a global empire on consistency, affordability, and strong branding. Its localized menus, featuring items like the McCurry Pan in India, McSpaghetti in the Philippines, and even beer in some countries like Germany, help it appeal to diverse markets.

• Country of origin: United States

• Approximate locations: 41,822

3. Starbucks

The go-to name for premium coffee, Starbucks has transformed coffee culture worldwide. With an emphasis on customization and an inviting café atmosphere, the brand continues to expand its footprint, particularly in China.

• Country of origin: United States

• Approximate locations: 40,199

4. Subway

Subway’s fresh and customizable sandwiches have made it a favorite for on-the-go meals. Although its store count has declined in the U.S., the chain remains strong globally.

• Country of origin: United States

• Approximate locations: 37,000

5. KFC

With its secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, KFC has become one of the most popular fast-food chains in Asia, where fried chicken is a staple. The brand is especially successful in China, where it’s grown from 5,000 stores in 2019 to more than 11,000 locations today.

• Country of origin: United States

• Approximate locations: 30,000+

6. Domino’s

A pioneer in pizza delivery, Domino’s has leveraged technology to dominate online ordering. Its franchise model and focus on quick, reliable service have fueled its international expansion. While tech has been key to their success, keep this advice in mind from Kevin Vasconi, Domino’s chief information officer:

“It does seem like technology recently has been the driver… But a lot of groundwork was laid before we doubled down on technology. We have a great product and a really good value, and if we didn’t have those things, the technology story wouldn’t be nearly as big.”

• Country of origin: United States

• Approximate locations: 20,591

7. Wallace

Sometimes called "China’s McDonald’s," Wallace offers affordable fried chicken and burgers. The chain is particularly popular in smaller Chinese cities where Western fast food brands have a smaller presence.

• Country of origin: China

• Approximate locations: 20,065

8. Burger King

Known for the Whopper and flame-grilled burgers, Burger King has built a global reputation. While it remains in McDonald’s shadow in many countries, its aggressive franchising strategy keeps it growing.

• Country of origin: United States

• Approximate locations: 19,384

9. Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut’s dine-in and delivery model has helped it become a global pizza powerhouse. It has been particularly successful in Asia, where some of its restaurants feature upscale menus and decor.

• Country of origin: United States

• Approximate locations: 18,866

10. Luckin Coffee

A rising competitor to Starbucks, Luckin Coffee operates with a mobile-first model, allowing customers to order through an app for quick pickup or delivery.

• Country of origin: China

• Approximate locations: 13,273 

Most popular restaurants outside the United States

While American fast food chains dominate globally, many regional brands have built massive empires in their home countries. These chains have thrived by catering to local tastes, leveraging innovative business models, and expanding aggressively. Let’s take a look at the most popular restaurants outside the U.S. by their total number of locations.

1. Mixue Ice Cream & Tea (China) – 45,000 locations

2. Wallace (China) – 20,065 locations

3. Luckin Coffee (China) – 13,273 locations

4. Cotti Coffee (China) – 10,000 locations

Founded by former Luckin Coffee executives, Cotti Coffee is a rapidly expanding chain focusing on affordable, high-quality coffee.

5. Good Me (China) – 9,675 locations

A growing tea brand offering fruit-based drinks and milk tea, Good Me has quickly built a significant presence in China’s competitive beverage market.

6. ChaPanda (China) – 8,016 locations

Specializing in fruit teas and milk-based beverages, ChaPanda is another tea powerhouse in China’s booming tea industry.

7. Chagee (China) – 6,000+ locations

Positioned as a premium tea brand, Chagee offers high-end brews with a focus on traditional tea-making techniques.

8. Tim Hortons (Canada) – 5,701 locations

A Canadian institution, Tim Hortons is known for its coffee, Timbits, and breakfast sandwiches. While it has expanded internationally, it remains a national symbol in Canada.

9. Hey Tea (China) – 4,000 locations

One of China’s leading bubble tea brands, Hey Tea is famous for its cheese tea and premium ingredient sourcing.

10. Dicos (China) – 2,500 locations

Dicos is one of the largest domestic fast-food chains in China, serving fried chicken, burgers, and rice dishes with a localized twist.

11. Greggs (United Kingdom) – 2,200 locations

A beloved British bakery chain, Greggs is famous for its sausage rolls, pastries, and sandwiches. Its affordable pricing and grab-and-go model have made it a staple across the UK.

12. Ting Hsin International Group (Taiwan) – 2,160 locations

A major food conglomerate in Taiwan, Ting Hsin owns brands like Master Kong, which specializes in instant noodles and food service chains.

13. Pelicana Chicken (South Korea) – 2,000+ locations

One of South Korea’s largest fried chicken chains, Pelicana is known for its crispy, flavorful chicken and variety of sauces.

14. Sukiya (Japan) – 1,946 locations

Japan’s leading gyudon (beef bowl) chain, Sukiya is known for its quick service and affordable meals.

15. Pala Hamburger (China) – 1,850 locations

A homegrown Chinese fast-food chain offering burgers with a local twist, Pala Hamburger continues to expand rapidly.

16. Chooks-to-Go (Philippines) – 1,800 locations

A popular rotisserie chicken chain in the Philippines, Chooks-to-Go is known for its tagline, "Masarap kahit walang sauce" (Delicious even without sauce).

17. Jollibee (Philippines) – 1,700 locations

The most famous fast-food brand in the Philippines, Jollibee serves unique offerings like sweet-style spaghetti, Chickenjoy, and peach mango pie. It has also expanded internationally, particularly in the U.S. and Middle East.

18. MOS Burger (Japan) – 1,681 locations

Japan’s answer to McDonald’s, MOS Burger is known for its fresh ingredients and unique menu items, like the rice burger.

19. Ichibanya (Japan) – 1,461 locations

The world’s largest Japanese curry chain, Ichibanya offers customizable curry rice dishes.

20. Home Original Chicken (China) – 1,404 locations

A regional favorite, Home Original Chicken specializes in fried and roasted chicken with Chinese-inspired seasonings.

21. Telepizza (Spain) – 1,376 locations

Spain’s largest pizza chain, Telepizza is known for its wide variety of toppings and delivery-focused model.

22. Kebab Turki Baba Rafi (Indonesia) – 1,300 locations

The world’s largest kebab chain, originating in Indonesia and expanding across Asia and the Middle East.

23. Dodo Pizza (Russia) – 1,118 locations

A fast-growing pizza chain, Dodo Pizza stands out with its tech-driven business model and strong focus on delivery.

24. Bob’s (Brazil) – 1,080 locations

Brazil’s answer to McDonald’s, Bob’s is a homegrown burger chain known for its milkshakes and Brazilian-style fast food.

25. A&W (Canada) – 1,028 locations

While originally American, A&W has become a distinctly Canadian brand, known for its root beer and hormone-free beef burgers.

Top-rated restaurants in the world

While fast-food chains dominate in scale, the world’s finest restaurants set the standard for culinary excellence. The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list highlights establishments that push boundaries in flavor, innovation, and experience. Let’s explore the top ten, each renowned for their unique approach to fine dining.

1. Disfrutar (Barcelona, Spain)

Disfrutar in Barcelona, is renowned for its avant-garde Mediterranean cuisine. Founded by chefs Oriol Castro, Mateu Casañas, and Eduard Xatruch—alumni of the legendary El Bulli—the restaurant offers innovative tasting menus that playfully explore textures and flavors.

2. Asador Etxebarri (Axtondo, Spain)

Located in the Basque countryside, Asador Etxebarri is celebrated for its mastery of wood-fired grilling. Chef Bittor Arginzoniz, a self-taught culinary artist, utilizes custom-built grills and various woods to impart unique flavors to high-quality ingredients. The restaurant's minimalist approach highlights the essence of each product.

3. Table by Bruno Verjus (Paris, France)

Located in Paris's 12th arrondissement, Table by Bruno Verjus is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant. Chef Bruno Verjus emphasizes the purity and quality of his products, crafting dishes that highlight their natural flavors. The restaurant's ambiance is intimate and welcoming, featuring an open kitchen that fosters interaction between the chef and diners.

4. Diverxo (Madrid, Spain)

DiverXO, situated in Madrid, is the brainchild of chef Dabiz Muñoz and holds the distinction of being the city's only three-Michelin-starred establishment. The restaurant is celebrated for its avant-garde approach, blending diverse culinary traditions to create an unpredictable and indulgent dining experience.

5. Maido (Lima, Peru)

Maido, in Lima's Miraflores district, is renowned for its innovative Nikkei cuisine—a blend of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. Under the guidance of Chef Mitsuharu 'Micha' Tsumura, the restaurant offers a tasting menu that showcases dishes like sushi with Peruvian twists and sashimi infused with local spices. The dining space is artistically designed, featuring cascading ropes from the ceiling, creating a unique ambiance.

6. Atomix (New York, NY)

Located in New York City's NoMad neighborhood, Atomix is a distinguished Korean fine dining establishment helmed by Chef Junghyun 'JP' Park and his wife, Ellia Park. The restaurant offers an immersive tasting menu that delves deep into contemporary Korean cuisine, presented in a modern and sophisticated setting. Since its opening in 2018, Atomix has garnered significant acclaim, earning two Michelin stars.

7. Quintonil (Mexico City, Mexico)

Quintonil, established in 2012 by chef Jorge Vallejo and his wife Alejandra Flores, is known for its contemporary Mexican cuisine. The restaurant's name, Quintonil, refers to a green Mexican herb featured in some dishes and cocktails. Their menu showcases pre-Hispanic delicacies, including dishes incorporating insects, and offers both à la carte options and a nine-course tasting menu. Quintonil has earned two Michelin stars.

8. Alchemist (Copenhagen, Denmark)

Alchemist, located in Copenhagen, transcends traditional gastronomy. Led by chef Rasmus Munk, the restaurant features a 40-course tasting menu served over multiple hours, with dishes designed to challenge diners' perceptions and comfort levels. The dining spaces include a bar with a 50-foot wine tower and a domed dining room where visuals accompany the meal. Alchemist has earned two Michelin stars.

9. Gaggan (Bangcock, Thailand)

Gaggan in Bangkok is renowned for its progressive Indian cuisine that blends traditional flavors with modern techniques. Under the leadership of Chef Gaggan Anand, they offer an immersive dining experience featuring a 22-course tasting menu. The dining space features an intimate 14-seater chef's counter, and the restaurant has earned two Michelin stars.

10. Don Julio (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Don Julio, situated in Buenos Aires' Palermo district, is celebrated for its exceptional Argentine steaks and extensive selection of local wines. Owned by sommelier Pablo Rivero, the restaurant emphasizes sustainability and the use of premium Hereford and Angus beef, sourced from regenerative farms.

Other top-rated restaurants from across the globe

“The World’s 50 Best” mostly features restaurants in the Americas and Europe. So, here are some top-rated restaurants from other areas of the globe that were nominated for a 2024 World Culinary Award:

• Africa: Epice (South Africa), Buka (Ghana), Khufus (Egypt), and R.S.V.P Lagos (Nigeria)

• Asia: Mezzaluna (Thailand), Florilege (Japan), Anan Restaurant (Vietnam), Rooftop Bar (Thailand), and Mingles (South Korea)

• Caribbean: Fish by José Andrés (Bahamas), SUR Barra Nikkei (Puerto Rico), La Guarida (Cuba), and Maraca (Dominican Republic)

• Indian Ocean: Ai KISU (Mauritius), DelPlace Restaurant (Seychelles), Restaurant La Varangue (Madagascar), and Villa Fleurié (Reunion Island)

• Middle East: COYA Dubai (UAE), 360 Restaurant (Iraq), TAKARA (Saudi Arabia), and Divan Restaurant (Iran)

• Oceania: Attica (Australia), Paris Butter (New Zealand), Wicked Walu (Fiji), and Saint James Bora Bora (French Ploynesia)

10 most popular cuisines in the world

Which cuisines do people love the most? Based on 477,287 ratings for 15,478 foods, TasteAtlas ranked the world’s top cuisines using scores from real users across the globe.

1. Greek cuisine (fresh and mediterranean)

Greek cuisine focuses on olive oil, fresh vegetables, seafood, and grilled meats with simple yet bold flavors.

• Popular dishes: Moussaka, Souvlaki, Tzatziki, Spanakopita, Greek Salad

2. Italian cuisine (regional and pasta-centric)

Italian cuisine is known for its regional diversity, fresh ingredients, and a balance of simplicity and technique.

• Popular dishes: Pizza Margherita, Pasta Carbonara, Lasagna, Risotto, Tiramisu

3. Mexican cuisine (bold flavors and indigenous roots)

Mexican cuisine combines indigenous Mesoamerican ingredients with Spanish influences, featuring chili peppers, corn, and beans.

• Popular dishes: Tacos al Pastor, Mole, Tamales, Chiles Rellenos, Guacamole

4. Spanish cuisine (tapas and paella)

Spanish cuisine is characterized by fresh seafood, cured meats, and slow-cooked stews, often served as small plates.

• Popular dishes: Paella, Jamón Ibérico, Gazpacho, Patatas Bravas, Churros

5. Portuguese cuisine (seafood and comfort food)

Portuguese cuisine is heavy on seafood, stews, and rustic flavors, often featuring codfish and rich spices.

• Popular dishes: Bacalhau à Brás, Caldo Verde, Piri Piri Chicken, Pastéis de Nata

6. Turkish cuisine (bridge between East and West)

Turkish cuisine is a fusion of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Central Asian influences, known for its grilled meats and rich desserts.

• Popular dishes: Kebab, Börek, Pide, Manti, Baklava

7. Indonesian cuisine (spicy and aromatic)

Indonesian cuisine features bold, fragrant flavors with influences from Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cooking.

• Popular dishes: Nasi Goreng, Satay, Rendang, Gado-Gado, Soto Ayam

8. French cuisine (technique and elegance)

French cuisine is defined by meticulous techniques, sauces, and high-quality ingredients.

• Popular dishes: Coq au Vin, Ratatouille, Croissant, Boeuf Bourguignon, Crème Brûlée

9. Japanese cuisine (precision and seasonal ingredients)

Japanese cuisine emphasizes fresh seafood, rice-based dishes, and umami-rich broths.

• Popular dishes: Sushi, Ramen, Tempura, Okonomiyaki, Miso Soup

10. Chinese cuisine (diverse regional styles)

Chinese cuisine varies greatly by region, from Sichuan’s spice to Cantonese’s delicate dim sum.

• Popular dishes: Peking Duck, Kung Pao Chicken, Dim Sum, Hot Pot, Mapo Tofu

From local favorites to international icons

From fast food giants to fine dining icons, the world’s restaurant industry is always changing. While American brands dominate in scale, regional powerhouses in China and beyond are rapidly reshaping the global industry.

Meanwhile, the top-rated restaurants push culinary boundaries to create unforgettable dining experiences. As food culture continues to evolve, one thing remains clear—great food knows no borders. 

Whether it’s a Michelin-starred tasting menu, a sizzling street taco, or a perfectly crafted espresso, the most popular restaurants share one common goal: bringing people together with a great meal.