How to Find the Next Big Restaurant Before the Hype

From ‘Knife Edge’ Host Jesse Burgess

Author

Nickolaus Hines
October 17th, 2025

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Nickolaus Hines - Nickolaus Hines is the managing editor at Matador Network. He’s spent the past decade writing and editing stories about food, drinks, and the bites and bottles you book a trip for.

How to Find the Next Big Restaurant Before the Hype, From ‘Knife Edge’ Host Jesse Burgess

Welcome to First Class Fare, Matador Network’s dispatch for travelers who know the first thing they want to eat, the drink they'll order first, and the reservation that sets the tone for the rest of the trip before they even book a flight.

I rarely feel like a long wait at a restaurant is worth it. (Japan being a notable exception, where nearly every queue pays off.) There’s too often a place nearby that’s just as good, even if it lacks the social media presence. It also probably makes meals for eating rather than for the camera-eats-first crowd.

Jesse Burgess made his career spotlighting the restaurants that chefs love most on his show TOPJAW. He has a knack for finding places before they’re the next big thing — or pinpointing why a restaurant deserves the attention it gets. Now, he’s the host of Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars on Apple TV, which goes behind the scenes as chefs vie for one of the industry’s most elusive honors. 

Being recognized by Michelin can quickly fill tables. But before a restaurant earns that designation, it has to be uncovered by the people who know where to look.

I caught up with Burgess ahead of the Knife Edge premiere to talk about the show’s unprecedented access to Michelin’s famously mysterious inspectors, what it takes to earn a star, and how to find the next restaurant everyone will be clamoring to travel to — before the reservation list gets out of hand.

Until next time,

Nickolaus Hines, managing editor

T O - D O

Fresh Fish Sign in Pike Place Seattle

Book it: Seattle

The Emerald City is famous for gray skies and grunge, but the quality of the restaurants, breweries, markets, bars, and distilleries make even rainy days feel bright. There’s Pike Place, of course, with its flying fish and bustling crowds. More intriguing is the local salmon, oysters, and small batch everything — usually made with a farm-to-table ethos. Cuisines from across the Asian diaspora can be found on every corner. There are thousands of places to eat and drink in Seattle. Here’s a good start.

Eat

Channeling a Japanese izakaya, Tamari Bar pairs an impressive list of sake and whisky with standout dishes. Come for happy hour (start with a Toki highball and fried chicken) then order any fish that catches your eye. The staff is quick and attentive: when my daughter started to look like she might fuss, they fed her a constant supply of her favorite food, salmon roe.

Westland Garryana 10 Bottle

Photo: Westland Distillery

Drink

Westland Distillery, opened in 2011, helped define the now-popular American single malt whiskey category. It’s still making some of the best whiskey in the country. Stop by for a distillery tour, happy hour cocktail, or flight. Don’t miss the Garryana Edition 10, a new 10-year-aged release in the long-running series and the best yet in my opinion. If you’re on the hunt for even more rare spirits, go to The Doctor’s Office, a tiny bar with one of the best selections of spirits from around the world.

Populous Hotel outside seating

Photo: Ric Stovall

Stay

Populus Seattle is a carbon-positive, design-forward hotel in Pioneer Square, housed in a restored 1907 warehouse. With 120 rooms wrapped in exposed beams and curated art, it anchors RailSpur’s urban rebirth. The rooftop bar Firn and hearth-driven restaurant Salt Harvest tap local PNW ingredients.

a floating hot tub

Photo: Hot Tub Boats

Do

On Seattle’s Lake Union, Hot Tub Boats lets you steer a floating hot tub while viewing the skyline and Gas Works Park. It’s a perfect BYO opportunity — stock up on some of Seattle’s best craft beer, wine, and cider before you board.
N E W S

Some Pig

Hogsworth AI pig

Photo: Hogsworth

This bottle comes with an AI pig that’ll teach you about France’s most overlooked brandy region.

G U I D E

13 Small French Towns for Wine

a collage of small French towns for wine

From Saint-Émilion near the Atlantic coast to Riquewihr near the border with Germany, these are the small towns in France that every wine lover should have on their travel list.

F E A T U R E

Beyond the Pubs

The Shelbourne

Photo: Expedia

With its rich history, prime location on St. Stephen’s Green, and four elegant bars and restaurants (including the guests-only 1824 Bar), The Shelbourne shows Dublin’s refined side.

📍 P I N N E D

Mezcaleria Alma

Mezcaleria Alma

Photos: Mezcaleria Alma / Nickolaus Hines

This narrow Denver spot next to sister restaurant Alma Fonda Fina has chef’s counter seating that puts you right in front of one of the best mezcal (and other traditional Mexican spirits) lists in the city — as well as the chefs creating what will surely be among the best things you eat all year. Think dry-aged tuna, elevated crudos, and loaded tostadas. If you need further validation, it earned a Michelin star less than a year after opening its doors.

Travel Well

The Matador Editorial Team

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