Edibles to wearables, software to kitchen ware—in these pages, you’ll find a cornucopia of products introduced into the restaurant industry over the last 18 months.

From the hundreds of products brought to our attention by individual nominations, press announcements, and introductions at industry events, numerous contenders were narrowed to a chosen few.

Neither a fashion show nor a ranking, it is a diverse selection of the good, the best, and the useful. Some are eye candy with the promise of a lovely presentation on the plate, and others are simply pragmatic purchases that make restaurant operations more efficient.

There’s something for everyone here, but there was no expectation that everything would be suitable for any one restaurant.

Chefs may take special note of a richer butter or more ergonomic cutlery, while bartenders may gravitate to the whisper-quiet blender, smoke-flavored syrup, or IPA glassware.

Many products speak to greening the restaurant—with solutions for managing food waste and gardening made easy. You’ll see mobile apps and emerging technologies in several categories—from ID verification in bars to turning tables with dynamic reservations management.

But in every section of the Buyer’s Guide, you’ll find a curated variety intended to spice the imagination or inform decision making.