Best Restaurants in the US: Highlighting the Best Restaurants in the US for You to Visit
From sea to shining sea, the United States of America offers a number of special, one-of-a-kind dining options. And with this list of the best restaurants in the US, you can make sure that you discover the best of the best.
This list of the best restaurants in the US will provide you with 25 must-visit restaurants. From contemporary American cuisine to French to Japanese, the restaurants on this list all share one thing in common – they are a cut above the rest.
So if you want a truly remarkable dining experience, find the closest restaurant on this list to you, and make your reservation!
For even more exceptional dining offerings, check out our list of the best restaurants in NYC and the best restaurants in the world. New York City is home to six three-star Michelin restaurants and a number of other outstanding, unique, and delicious restaurants, so once you have eaten your way through this list, head straight to NYC!
Top 25 Restaurants in the US:
1. The French Laundry Restaurant
Location: Yountville, California
Restaurant Highlights: Innovative Modern French-American Food
About Restaurant: Situated in Napa Valley, The French Laundry features delicious and innovative modern French-American food. The West Coast sibling of Per Se, The French Laundry, does not disappoint, whether you go for a cup of coffee and doughnuts or salmon tartare cornet. Ever-changing tasting menus keep things fresh and make The French Laundry a place worth visiting time and time again.
2. SeaBlue Restaurant & Wine Bar
Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Restaurant Highlights: Contemporary American Fare and an Extensive Wine Selection
About Restaurant: Situated in North Myrtle Beach, SeaBlue offers contemporary American fare. Fresh, high-quality ingredients make SeaBlue a diner choice favorite, and the restaurant’s extensive wine selection will allow guests to find the perfect wine to pair with their meal. For a special night out after a day at the beach, SeaBlue is the place to be.
3. Le Bernardin Restaurant
Location: New York City, New York
Restaurant Highlights: Excellent Seafood Choices and Three-Star Michelin Atmosphere
About Restaurant: A mainstay of NYC, Le Bernardin, offers delicious fare in a Three-Star Michelin atmosphere. Seafood is king here, with almost every type of fish and crustacean available. For a classy and classic dining experience, Le Bernardin should not be missed. And when you finish dinner (or before it), you will be able to take advantage of all that NYC has to offer as it is one of the best cities to visit in the world.
4. Alinea Restaurant
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Restaurant Highlights: Modern Innovative Cuisine and a Three-Star Michelin Rating
About Restaurant: Alinea shows up on almost every best-of list, and for a good reason – it is truly special. This Three-Star Michelin restaurant features modern and innovative cuisine that focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients. When eating at Alinea, it is more than just a meal; it is an experience. Give “The Kitchen Table” experience a try for an intimate dinner that you will never forget.
5. Saison Restaurant
Location: San Francisco, California
Restaurant Highlights: A True Dining Experience
About Restaurant: Saison connects directly with fishermen, hunters, gatherers, ranchers, and farmers to gain access to the highest quality ingredients. From here, everything is made in-house and served in a way that only Saison can provide. With the kitchen and dining room sharing the same open space, it really is a dining experience at Saison. Make sure to book in advance, though, as there is sometimes a 90-day wait.
6. Benu Restaurant
Location: San Francisco, California
Restaurant Highlights: 3-Hour Tasting Menu that is a Journey for the Senses
About Restaurant: Another excellent San Francisco restaurant, Benu, has won a variety of fine dining awards. With a tasting menu that will take you on a 3-hour journey, Benu will highlight taste buds you didn’t even know you had before. The tasting menu is going to highlight a “wide variety of seafood and vegetables, a few meat courses, and some sweets.”
7. Estela Restaurant
Location: New York City, New York
Restaurant Highlights: Inspired Kitchen Creations by Chef Ignacia Mattos
About Restaurant: Located in downtown Manhattan, Estela is a bistro at heart. Their menu is going to take dishes like tartare, ricotta dumplings, fried rice, steak, and more, and “present them in new, satisfying ways.” The mastermind behind all of these creations is the owner and chef, Ignacio Mattos. Also, with an Estala-inspired cookbook, you can try your hand at some of these kitchen creations yourself.
8. Le Coucou Restaurant
Location: New York City, New York
Restaurant Highlights: Unique Dishes Inspired by the Paris Culinary Scene
About Restaurant: Daniel Rose is the chef responsible for the creation of Le Coucou. His inspiration came after his time in Paris, and his goal for Le Coucou was to bring Parisian dining to NYC with his own unique twist. With dishes like pot aufeu and artichoke salad with foie gras, guests will be able to dine like they are in Paris. Also, with Le Coucou offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you will have plenty of chances to enjoy a meal.
9. Momofuku Ko Restaurant
Location: New York City, New York
Restaurant Highlights: Japanese Inspired Dishes and Multi-Course Tasting Menus
About Restaurant: With the ability to take part in multi-course tasting menus or order a la carte at the bar, Momofuku Ko offers something for everyone. Their dishes are inspired by the Japanese kaiseki tradition as well as seasonality. With a 2.5 hour suggested dining time, you will be able to enjoy and savor every course. With several awards as well, you can trust that you are only going to get the best when you dine at Momofuku Ko.
10. Singlethread Restaurant
Location: Healdsburg, California
Restaurant Highlights: An Eleven-Course Tasting Menu
About Restaurant: With an eleven-course tasting menu, it is safe to say that Singlethread is going to be a complete dining experience. Also, with their own farm located just seven miles away, fresh doesn’t even begin to explain it. The farm is going to supply vegetables, fruit, herbs, flowers, honey, eggs, and olive oil to the restaurant. Having opened in 2016 but already with 3 Michelin Stars, Singlethread is well-deserving of being on this list.
11. Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare Restaurant
Location: New York City, New York
Restaurant Highlights: Dinner is Prepared by Chef César Ramirez Right in Front of Guests
About Restaurant: Have you ever just wanted to sit in the kitchen of a world-class chef while they prepare you a meal? Well, that is precisely what you are going to get with Chef’s Table. Guests will be able to sit at the kitchen counter for a “communal dining experience” prepared by Chef César Ramirez. With an ever-changing tasting menu as well, each trip to Chef’s Table is going to be unique and special.
12. Blue Hill at Stone Barns Restaurant
Location: Pocantico Hills, New York
Restaurant Highlights: Guests are Treated to a Multi-Taste Feast
About Restaurant: Located just 30 miles outside of New York City, Blue Hill at Stone Barns creates its dishes from all that the Hudson Valley has to offer. The fields, pastures, and local farms of the area are going to provide all of the ingredients. And, while there is no set menu, guests are offered a “multi-taste feast” that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning diners.
13. Eleven Madison Park Restaurant
Location: New York City, New York
Restaurant Highlights: Three-Star Dining Experience and an 8-10 Course Meal
About Restaurant: Featuring an 8-10 course meal, Eleven Madison Park offers both an excellent meal and dining experience. With a variety of different awards like the World’s 50 Best Restaurants and three stars from Michelin, Eleven Madison Park is a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Also, with an Eleven Madison Park Cookbook, you will be able to recreate some of their masterpieces.
14. Cosme Restaurant
Location: New York City, New York
Restaurant Highlights: Mexican-Inspired Cuisine From Chef Enrique Olvera and Chef Daniela Soto-Innes
About Restaurant: Serving contemporary Mexican-inspired cuisine, Cosme is enjoyed by many a New Yorker and visitor of the city. Chef Enrique Olvera and chef Daniela Soto-Innes are the masterminds behind Cosme. Their dishes are “rooted in Mexican flavors and traditions, while also celebrating local and seasonal ingredients.” Also serving artisanal spirits, Cosme will provide something for every part of the dining experience.
15. Spoon and Stable Restaurant
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Restaurant Highlights: Dishes are a Mix of Midwest Seasonality, Local Culture, and French Cuisine
About Restaurant: Spoon and Stable gets its name from having been converted from a horse stable that dates back to 1906. The dishes at Spoon and Stable are a combination of Midwest seasonality, local culture, and French cuisine. Chef and owner Gavin Kaysen are going to bring all of these pieces together seamlessly. Spoon and Stable is not only one of the best restaurants in the Midwest but in the entire US.
16. Brennan’s Restaurant
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Restaurant Highlights: Dishes That Are Inspired by New Orleans
About Restaurant: With a rich culture of food already highlighting New Orleans, Brennan’s kicks it up even another notch. And, having been a part of the New Orleans dining scene since 1946, they have a ton of history. With a menu that highlights dishes like Seared Scallops, Shrimp Creole Kimchi, and Gulf Fish Amandine, you will quickly see why Brennan’s has been around since 1946.
17. Here’s Looking at You Restaurant
Location: Los Angeles, California
Restaurant Highlights: Brunch, Family Style Dinners, and a Seasonal Menu
About Restaurant: Here’s Looking at You or HLAY for short, is a premier dining destination in Los Angeles. And, not just for dinner either as they have one of the best brunches in LA. Guests can choose from a menu that is updated seasonally or the family-style dinners for 8-12 people. So for brunch or dinner, HLAY is a must.
18. Junebaby Restaurant
Location: Seattle, Washington
Restaurant Highlights: Southern Food and an Excellent Dining Experience
About Restaurant: Whether you are from the south or not, you can still enjoy southern food. And even though Junebaby is located in Seattle, Washington, they are still going to have some of the best Southern food in the United States. With both a lunch and dinner menu, you will be able to enjoy foods like Jerk Quail, Burgoo Stew, Mixed Greens, and more.
19. Fig Restaurant
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Restaurant Highlights: Quality Dining Experience and Dishes to Match
About Restaurant: When a restaurant puts the food first and foremost, good things happen. Fig is going to do that with their “passion for pure quality and ingredients.” Outside the food, though, Fig also provides an atmosphere that is going to allow you to be comfortable as you enjoy your dining experience. Located in one of the best cities to visit as well, make sure that you take advantage of all that the city has to offer.
20. Coi Restaurant
Location: San Francisco, California
Restaurant Highlights: California Cuisine and Rare Wine Offerings
About Restaurant: California cuisine at its finest, Coi features a variety of innovative and classic dishes. The tasting menu includes delicacies like steamed tofu mousseline, chilled English pea soup with buttermilk, and aged and grilled spicy vinaigrette duck. Coi also employs the Coravin system, which allows diners to enjoy glasses of wine from unusual and rare bottles.
21. Canlis Restaurant
Location: Seattle, Washington
Restaurant Highlights: Pacific Northwest Fare and Excellent Views
About Restaurant: Canlis uses a self-proclaimed “comfort geek” style of cooking. This style consists of modern cooking techniques in a comfortable and approachable style. Pacific Northwest fare is at its best here, and the restaurant’s large windows offer classic Pacific Northwest views at every turn. No matter what tasting menu you choose, Canlis is sure to please.
22. Restaurant August
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Restaurant Highlights: Louisana Inspired Dishes and a Comfortable Dining Atmosphere
About Restaurant: Restaurant August provides a taste of Louisiana with offerings like Louisiana blue crab and Covey Rise cabbage. With a variety of other options as well, you will be able to choose from dishes like gnocchi and Wagyu steak. Fresh market vegetables also factor heavily into the menu as well. All of this makes Restaurant August a place you will want to come back to time and time again.
23. Patina Restaurant
Location: Los Angeles, California
Restaurant Highlights: Contemporary French Cuisine and an Extensive Wine List
About Restaurant: Offering extraordinary and unique tasting meals, Patina is a cut above the rest and easily one of the best restaurants in the US. Classics like foie gras are served alongside dishes like rabbit shoulder lasagna and uber-tasty homemade bread<span data-offset-key=”akmeq-6-0″>. Be sure to save room for dessert as well, though, since Patina also offers some creative and tasty dessert offerings.
24. Per Se Restaurant
Location: New York City, New York
Restaurant Highlights: Classic French Cuisine and a Three-Star Dining Experience
About Restaurant: Home to three Michelin stars, Per Se, is the East Coast sister of The French Laundry. Classic French cuisine combined with seasonal American ingredients makes Per Se special. The end product of each delicious dish is something inspiring and creative. Try the oysters and pearls (pearl tapioca, that is) for a truly sensational meal.
25. Uchi Restaurant
Location: Austin, Texas
Restaurant Highlights: Contemporary Japanese Dishes with Ingredients Flown in Daily from Japan
About Restaurant: Uchi features an array of innovative, contemporary Japanese dishes. It is the perfect place to enjoy fresh and flavorful food. The hot and cold tasting menu is a delight, and the seafood, flown in fresh every day from markets in Japan, is always a good bet. If you are in the Austin area, Uchi is a must.
Best Restaurants in the US Conclusion
Restaurants like the ones on this list are special because of all the preparation that goes into each meal. The chefs at these restaurants have dedicated their lives to providing inspired and creative dishes. Also, along with the food, each restaurant is an experience. From the decor to the service to the smells, everything is designed to provide you with a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
So if you ever find yourself near one of the restaurants on this list, make sure to set up some dinner reservations. You will be glad that you did.
Have you been to one of these restaurants before? If you have, we would love to hear about it in the comments below.
