LADDER 4 NAMED NORTH AMERICA'S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS RESY ONE TO WATCH AWARD WINNER FOR 2025

LONDON, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ladder 4 is named the inaugural recipient of the Resy One To Watch Award, as part of North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2025. The accolade honors a rising star restaurant whose distinctive vision and culinary excellence have earned it recognition as a leader on the North American stage.

Led by head chef John Yelinek, co-owners and brothers James and Patrick Cadariu and general manager Preston Smith, Ladder 4 has redefined Detroit's dining scene since opening in February 2022. Sourcing ingredients from farmers they know personally and pouring bottles from winemakers deeply connected to their craft, Ladder 4 offers a dining philosophy that is both warm and exacting.

Ladder 4's wine program champions low-intervention wines, with a focus on small, family-run producers from around the world. The team spotlights lesser-known varietals, particularly Eastern European and Old World grapes, preserving flavors that might otherwise be lost. Chef Yelinek has curated a menu which celebrates classic, comforting 'grandma cuisine' elevated with a refined bistro touch. Many dishes are inspired by the restaurant's on-site garden, where a variety of herbs and vegetables are grown and used throughout the menu.

William Drew, Director of Content for North America's 50 Best Restaurants, says: "Ladder 4 exemplifies the very spirit of the Resy One To Watch Award, with its unique sense of place and unwavering commitment to authenticity. Through locally inspired flavors, innovative techniques and a deeply personal approach, it has established itself as one of North America's most exciting restaurants."

John Yelinek, Head Chef at Ladder 4, says: "It is rare for us and our peers in Detroit to be recognized on a stage like this, but what makes this award so meaningful is that the entire city of Detroit feels like 'One To Watch'. Our dining scene is full of dedicated chefs, bartenders, restaurateurs and farmers; and when one of us wins, we all win. To receive this honor feels like a recognition of everyone who's building something here. We're grateful to be part of the story and to share this moment with our team and our city."

The North America's 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony takes place on September 25 and will be livestreamed on the 50 Best YouTube channel here at 19.45 Las Vegas time.

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