Chicken. It’s the world’s most versatile protein, a comfort food staple, and the star of countless culinary creations.
From humble fried chicken joints to Michelin-starred masterpieces, chefs across the globe are elevating this humble bird to new heights. So, if you’re a poultry aficionado with a passport burning a hole in your pocket, prepare your taste buds for a global adventure.
We’ve scoured the planet to bring you the definitive list of the 10 best chicken-focused restaurants in 2025. These aren’t just your average chicken shops; these are culinary destinations, where chefs are pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to cook chicken.
- Yardbird Southern Table & Bar (Multiple Locations): No list of top chicken restaurants would be complete without Yardbird. This shrine to Southern comfort food, with locations across the US and beyond, consistently delivers some of the most succulent, crispy fried chicken you’ll ever encounter. Their secret? A closely guarded recipe and a whole lot of love. Beyond the fried chicken, Yardbird’s menu boasts other poultry delights, like their smoked chicken and chicken and waffles, making it a true celebration of all things fowl.
- Fowl in St James (London, UK): This relative newcomer to London’s dining scene has quickly ruffled feathers with its refined take on chicken. Fowl in St James isn’t your typical chicken shop. It’s a chic, modern space where the humble bird is treated with reverence. Their focus is on high-quality, sustainably sourced chicken, prepared with both classic and innovative techniques. From perfectly roasted birds to inventive chicken dishes you won’t find anywhere else, Fowl is proving that chicken can be a sophisticated dining experience. The ambiance is as carefully crafted as the menu, making it a perfect spot for a special occasion or a stylish weeknight treat.
- Sola (London, UK): This Michelin-starred Californian restaurant in Soho is a masterclass in culinary innovation. While not exclusively a chicken restaurant, their innovative chicken dishes are truly out of this world. Chef [Insert Chef’s Name Here] approaches chicken with a level of creativity and technical skill that is rarely seen. Think delicate chicken preparations, infused with unexpected flavours and presented with artistic flair. Dining at Sola is an experience, a journey through the culinary landscape of California, with chicken often taking centre stage in surprising and delightful ways. It’s a must-visit for any serious foodie looking to experience chicken in a completely new light.
- Gogi Gui (Seoul, South Korea): Korean fried chicken is a global phenomenon, and Gogi Gui is one of the best places to experience it. Their double-fried chicken is unbelievably crispy and comes in a variety of mouthwatering flavours, from spicy gochujang to sweet and tangy soy garlic. The atmosphere is lively and fun, perfect for sharing a mountain of chicken with friends and washing it down with some ice-cold Korean beer. It’s a truly immersive culinary experience that will leave you craving more.
- Nando’s (Multiple Locations): Okay, hear us out. While Nando’s might be a global chain, their peri-peri chicken is consistently good. The beauty of Nando’s lies in its simplicity: choose your chicken, choose your spice level, and enjoy. The chicken is flame-grilled to perfection and the peri-peri sauce adds a fiery kick that is addictive. It’s not fine dining, but it’s a reliable and satisfying option for a quick and tasty chicken fix.
- Belles Hot Chicken (Australia): Nashville-style hot chicken has taken the world by storm, and Belles Hot Chicken is one of the best purveyors of this fiery delicacy outside of the US. Their chicken is crispy, juicy, and coated in a blend of spices that will set your taste buds ablaze. Choose your heat level wisely, because this chicken is not for the faint of heart. Belles Hot Chicken is a must-try for any spice lover.
- Curbside (Plainview, NY): While Curbside might be known for its broader menu, their chicken fajitas are the stuff of legends. These aren’t your average fajitas; the chicken is marinated to perfection, bursting with flavour, and grilled to a smoky char. Served with all the fixings, these fajitas are a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest dishes, when executed with passion and quality ingredients, can be the most memorable. Curbside’s casual atmosphere makes it a great spot for a relaxed meal with friends, but don’t be fooled by the casual setting – the food is seriously good.
- Rôtisserie Georgette (Paris, France): This Parisian gem is a celebration of the humble rotisserie chicken. Their birds are roasted to perfection, resulting in crispy skin and incredibly moist meat. The focus is on quality ingredients and simple, classic preparations. It’s a taste of traditional French cuisine at its finest. Rôtisserie Georgette is the perfect place to enjoy a classic roast chicken dinner in a charming Parisian setting.
- Pollos Mario (Lima, Peru): Peruvian roast chicken, or pollo a la brasa, is a national treasure, and Pollos Mario is one of the best places to sample it. Their chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and roasted over charcoal, resulting in a smoky, flavourful bird. Served with crispy potatoes and aji sauce, it’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal. Pollos Mario is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Peru.
- Chicken Shop (London, UK): With multiple locations across London, Chicken Shop has become a go-to for its simple, delicious, and affordable rotisserie chicken. Their birds are cooked over a charcoal rotisserie and served with a variety of sides, like crinkle-cut fries and creamy coleslaw. It’s a no-frills dining experience, but the chicken is consistently good, making it a popular choice for a quick and tasty meal.
This list is just a starting point, of course. The world of chicken cuisine is vast and ever-evolving. New restaurants are popping up all the time, and chefs are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with this versatile ingredient. So, get out there, explore, and discover your own favourite chicken spots. Whether you prefer your chicken fried, roasted, grilled, or smothered in sauce, there’s a world of deliciousness waiting to be discovered. Just remember to bring your appetite!
