Munchies Magazine
Section

Restaurants

Discover the best places to eat, from hidden gems to Michelin-starred establishments, with our expert reviews and guides.

An expensive Wagyu pastrami sandwich presented as fine dining in a humble strip mall sandwich shop, with a Tesla parked outside.

Strip mall sandwiches are the new luxury dining, critics say.

At 'The Gilded Rye,' a nondescript sandwich shop tucked between a dry cleaner and a nail salon, a $45 Wagyu pastrami sandwich draws diners in Teslas and requires a two-week reservation, according to T

Julian Vance· Aug 18· 4 min
A lively and successful casual dining restaurant interior filled with patrons enjoying their meals and attentive service.

Casual dining's resurgence: Value and agility drive growth

In 2025, while brands such as Bar Louie and Hooters navigated bankruptcy filings, Chili's, a prominent casual dining chain, reported record-breaking same-store sales, signaling a profound divergence i

Julian Vance· Jul 6· 3 min
A discreet doggy bag placed on a table in an elegant, dimly lit Michelin-starred restaurant, symbolizing a shift towards sustainability.

Should You Ask for a Doggy Bag at a Fine Dining Restaurant? It Depends on Four Things

Asking for a doggy bag at an upscale restaurant is a complex decision, balancing a growing sustainability movement with lingering social stigma and practical considerations. The answer depends on the restaurant's ethos, portion size, and social context.

Julian Vance· Jun 29· 4 min
An empty, dimly lit restaurant interior with a 'Closed' sign visible, symbolizing the impact of systemic challenges on the industry.

8,171 Restaurants Closed in the First Half of 2026 — and Quick-Service Spots Took the Hardest Hit

An estimated 8,171 restaurants closed across the US and Canada in the first half of 2026, with quick-service formats and sandwich shops accounting for a significant portion. Economic headwinds and shifting consumer habits, leading to smaller orders and reduced discretionary spending, are key drivers behind these widespread exits.

Julian Vance· Jun 19· 4 min
A chef meticulously prepares a delicate dish at a high-end Japanese restaurant counter, with patrons observing the refined culinary artistry.

Securing a Seat at Hayato: A Precise Guide to Los Angeles' Most Coveted Kaiseki Reservation

Securing a reservation at Los Angeles' exclusive 7-seat kaiseki restaurant Hayato requires precise timing and strict adherence to its non-transferable booking policies via Tock. This guide details the exact steps, timing, and rules to navigate the competitive system and earn a coveted seat.

Julian Vance· May 15· 4 min