Restaurant Recipes Everyone Forgot—Until Now


Some restaurant recipes never leave the spotlight (looking at you, Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi). But others quietly fade into the background — even though they’re just as good.

Today, I’m bringing back a few forgotten favorites that deserve another round at the table. These dishes come from places that know comfort, from cozy Italian kitchens to old-school seafood houses.

Here are five recipes that are too good to stay forgotten 👇

Shoney's Hot Fudge Cake
Classic ice cream cake with devil's food cake, vanilla ice cream, and hot fudge! Make Shoney's famous dessert at home for any celebration.

Fudge Jumbles Cookies
Recreate the beloved 1980s Pillsbury Fudge Jumbles! These rich oatmeal cookie bars feature a decadent chocolate fudge layer that's impossible to resist.

3. Cucina Cucina Chopped Salad
A Pacific Northwest classic — fresh, colorful, and layered with texture. A great way to make salad the main event.

4. Rainforest Café Caribou Coconut Chicken
Golden, crispy, and sweetly tropical. Don’t skip the honey mustard sauce — it’s pure magic.

5. Silver Legacy Casino Seafood Pan Roast
Rich, creamy, and packed with shrimp, crab, and a touch of spice. A restaurant-worthy dish you can make in your own kitchen.

🍳 In My Kitchen

Here’s what I use when I make these recipes at home:

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet – The secret to golden, crispy coconut chicken.
All-Clad Stainless Steel Saucepan – Ideal for simmering creamy seafood sauces without scorching.
OXO Stainless Steel Fish Turner – A kitchen must-have for flipping delicate fish perfectly.

(A quick heads-up: these are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Every little bit helps me keep testing and sharing more CopyKat favorites!)

Which one are you trying first? My vote’s for that Coconut Chicken — it’s a 90s restaurant classic that still holds up today.

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