Top 10 Must-Visited Restaurants in the USA

Food & Wine’s recent awards highlighted the top 10 restaurants to visit in the USA in. These places serve food from all over the world, like Italian, Mexican, and French, to name a few.¹ People from everywhere chose their favorites over the last three years. The winners are in popular cities such as Nashville, Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco.

Key Takeaways : Restaurants in the USA

• The top 10 must-visit restaurants in the USA showcase a diverse range of cuisines and dining experiences.
• Readers voted on their favorite restaurants based on travel within the past three years.
• The list includes acclaimed fine-dining destinations as well as more casual eateries.
• The restaurants are located across the country, from Nashville to New York City.
• The dining experiences range from sophisticated Michelin-starred restaurants to unique and flavor-packed casual eateries.

Unveiling the Culinary Gems of America

Food & Wine’s “Global Tastemakers” awards shine a light on the best food spots in the U.S. and around the globe.²
The top 10 restaurants in the U.S.A. offer various dining vibes. You can find anything from fancy Michelin-starred places to cozy joints with unique, rich foods.²
These spots prove just how diverse and creative American food culture is. They take diners around the world with their flavors and unique dining experiences.

Celebrating Diverse Flavors and Dining Experiences

The U.S.A.’s best eateries range from fancy to laid back, but they all excel in their fields.²
They’re famous for using the best ingredients, coming up with new cooking methods, and serving with style.²
You can pick from a fancy multi-course meal to a chill yet amazing dinner. There’s something for every food lover to enjoy and be impressed by.

From Fine Dining to Casual Eateries

In the U.S.A., you’ll find everything from high-end chefs’ creations to cool local places with a twist.²
These spots, named in the “Global Tastemakers” awards, have meals for all tastes. They serve everything from elegant seafood to comfy classics and unique mixes.²
No matter the ambience, these top places aim to make their guests’ dining dreams come true.

Yolan – Nashville, Tennessee

Yolan is in Nashville’s Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel. It’s led by famous Italian chef Tony Mantuano. He’s known for his Spiaggia restaurant in Chicago.³ At Yolan, Mantuano and his wife, Cathy, have made a special place. It has serious food but with fun touches. For example, they have an Aperol Spritz cart.³

Italian Fine Dining by Chef Tony Mantuano

Yolan’s tasting menu comes from all over Italy. It includes Roman classics like bucatini all’amatriciana and cacio e pepe. Plus, you can try Milan’s famous cotoletta.⁴ You can also see their cheese cave with big wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano.⁴

Aperol Spritz Cart and Regional Italian Specialties

Yolan is a fine dining place where a meal costs $50 and up.⁴ They’re open from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm every day.⁴ You’ll find it at 403 4th S Ave, in Nashville’s Downtown / Sobro area.⁴ OpenTable has given it 4.7 stars from 425 reviews.⁴ Tony Mantuano is the Executive Chef.⁴ They serve Italian, Contemporary Italian, and Farm-to-table food.⁴ The dress code is Smart Casual, and they have valet parking.⁴

They take AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa. There’s a bar and lounge, and they serve beer and cocktails.⁴ To make a reservation, call (615) 231-0405. Yolan also has spaces for private events.⁴ Visit their website at yolannashville.com.⁴

Merois – Los Angeles, California

Merois is high up on the Pendry West Hollywood hotel rooftop. It shows off Wolfgang Puck‘s amazing food in a posh setting. Inside, there are draped fabrics like tents, fancy lights, and walls of glass. You can see a lot of Los Angeles from here. This sets the scene for Puck’s elegant and careful dishes.

Puck’s menu takes flavors from places like Japan, China, Thailand, Singapore, and Mongolia. It goes from light sashimi to spicy red Thai curry with shrimp. Sea bream and a broth of lemongrass and coconut come together. It’s a mix of Asian cuisines paired with amazing breathtaking views.

Wolfgang Puck’s Glamorous Rooftop Restaurant

Fusion of Asian Cuisines with Breathtaking Views

Phenakite – Los Angeles, California

Phenakite is found in the trendy Arts District of Los Angeles. It’s a Michelin-starred⁵ restaurant led by chefs Max Boonthanakit and Lijo George. They came together at Blue by Alain Ducasse in Bangkok.⁶ Their food mixes French and South Asian tastes in modern ways. They create dishes that aren’t tied to any particular season but aim for a timeless, luxurious feel.⁵ For example, you’ll find lentils and lamb spiced with cumin and cardamom. Plus, their seared beef comes with a Cognac cream and hint of peppercorn. The dining room, stark white, is a perfect setting for their ambitious, delicious dishes.

Michelin-Starred South Asian and French Fusion

⁶ Phenakite serves a 10-course tasting experience. They even have an intermezzo dance break, adding to the fun.⁶ This unique mix signals that eating at Phenakite energizes Los Angeles.⁶ The Los Angeles Times Food Bowl will showcase Phenakite with a special dinner and a ceremony brunch.

Contemporary Creations in a Sleek Setting

⁵ Phenakite started in 2020 and ended in 2022, running for four years.⁵ It got its first Michelin star in 2021. And⁵ the Los Angeles Times called it the best restaurant in the city that same year.⁵ According to Variety, over 20,000 people were waiting for a reservation in October 2021.⁵ It plans to come back as PKite Studio in 2024.⁵ Phenakite was in Los Angeles, California, with the exact location at 34°05′47″N 118°18′38″W.

Providence – Los Angeles, California

Providence is located in Los Angeles and is led by Chef Michael Cimarusti. This two-Michelin-star place is known for its amazing seafood.⁷ Dishes include Pacific oysters with Champagne butter and caviar. Or, try the salt-roasted Santa Barbara spot prawns. The menu changes frequently.⁸

Sustainable Seafood Haven by Michael Cimarusti

Providence’s tasting menus are $295 per person, perfect for special occasions. It’s not as stuffy as other fine dining spots.⁷ It focuses on top seafood dishes. Providence offers 4-course, 8-course, and a 22-course Chef’s Menu. The last one takes about 3.5 hours.⁸

Artful Dishes and Tasting Menus

At Providence, you’ll find dishes full of seafood like wild Japanese snapper and Santa Barbara prawns. There are wine pairings for every meal, and the wine list is huge.⁸ You must book ahead because it’s always busy. Valet parking is available. The location offers a peaceful space on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, CA.⁸

Restaurants in the USA: Claro – Brooklyn, New York

In Brooklyn, Claro stands near the Williamsburg Bridge. It offers ambitious Mexican cuisine rarely seen in New York. The place feels modern yet a touch rustic and sultry. You’ll find wooden tables, chairs with woven seats, clay mezcal cups, and Latin music.⁹

If you’re looking to explore some of the top 100 restaurants in America, you’ve come to the right place. Whether it’s the best Thai restaurant or new Mexican spots, the variety is endless. Restaurants in the US, like the French Laundry in Napa Valley, showcase the American dream, helmed by the best chefs. In San Francisco’s small restaurants or the Korean restaurant in D.C., you’ll find menus inspired by a dish or tradition. Try the crispy on the outside honey walnut shrimp or the seafood platter on the Las Vegas Strip.

Enjoy traditional Mexican food like beans and rice or southern food like chicken and waffles. Many places offer locally sourced ingredients from local farmers markets, ensuring the food is always fresh. From the baked goods to the wine list, every element of the experience is thoughtfully curated. Don’t forget room for dessert, especially if it’s topped with roasted pink dragon fruit. Whether it’s a spot that feels like a dinner party or a Michelin Guide-recommended venue, dining out in America is an adventure

Ambitious Mexican Cuisine in a Modern Setting

At Claro, you should try the vegan mole negro and daikon tostadas. The taco de trompo is also a hit—pork belly, steak, adobo, and pineapple-serrano gel on corn tortilla.⁹ The menu focuses on Oaxacan cuisine. It includes memela, ceviches, tlayudas, and mole.⁹ They have raw fish dishes too, like guacamole with tuna and grasshoppers for crunch. Plus, a scallop dish with tortilla base and apples.⁹

Tortillas are essential at Claro. They’re in many dishes, from memela to tlayudas. One dish has chorizo, potatoes, and cheese, another has shredded pork.⁹ Every night, they serve one or two desserts. For instance, Mexican chocolate mousse with caramel.⁹

Atelier Crenn – San Francisco, California

Atelier Crenn in San Francisco is a top choice for an amazing dining experience. It is led by Dominique Crenn, the first U.S. woman to get three Michelin stars.¹⁰ She’s big on saving the planet, making her restaurant the first in America to be plastic-free.¹¹ Now, their menu is all about seafood to help the environment.

Pioneering Sustainable and Plastic-Free Dining

Crenn brings a new twist to French cuisine with her creative dishes. She uses only the best ingredients and cooks everything to perfection.¹⁰¹¹

Pescatarian Tasting Menus by Dominique Crenn

The menu at Atelier Crenn is a 12-course delight mainly featuring fish.¹¹ In 2022, it costs about $445.92 per person with all charges included, but not drinks.¹¹ Many people say it’s a perfect mix of beauty, skill, and flavor.¹¹

Atelier Crenn opened its doors in 2011.¹¹ In 2018, it got the highest honor from Michelin: three stars. This made it the seventh restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area to get three stars.¹¹ Just five years earlier, in 2013, it had already earned two Michelin stars. Crenn achieved a first for U.S. female chefs with this award.¹⁰¹¹

You can find Atelier Crenn at 3127 Fillmore St, San Francisco, California, ZIP code 94123.¹¹ It’s placed at 37°47′54″N 122°26′09″W.¹¹

Le Bernardin – New York City, New York

Le Bernardin is a top seafood spot in New York City. Chef Eric Ripert has led it for nearly 30 years.¹² It has three Michelin stars and is famous for its seafood. It also offers some meat dishes and a vegetarian menu.¹³ Diners love the carefully made meals, like scallop carpaccio and dover sole. They show off the best fish prepared with fine skill.¹³

Iconic Seafood Restaurant with Michelin Stars

Find Le Bernardin at 787 Seventh Avenue, New York City (NY 10019). It’s one of New York’s five three-Michelin star restaurants.¹³ Since 1986, it has kept its four-star title from The New York Times, a record.¹³ In 2009, it was 15th in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.¹³ In 2017, it ranked second on La Liste.¹³ Since 2022, it’s first on The Infatuation’s list of the 25 best NYC restaurants, scoring 9.5.¹³

Le Bernardin has won many James Beard Foundation Awards. These include Best Restaurant and Best Chef, both in 1998.¹³ The restaurant was also honored for its pastries in 2007 and its owner in 2013.¹³ In 2016, Grub Street named it the second-best in New York.¹³ In 2017, a special six-course vegetarian menu was added.¹³ They offer a prix fixe dinner, a chef’s tasting menu, lunch, and private dining.¹³

Zou Zou’s – New York City, New York

Zou Zou’s is a new spot in New York City. It’s at the Pendry Manhattan West. This place really stands out with its Eastern Mediterranean food.¹⁴ It’s run by the Quality Branded group, which is also known for Don Angie and Quality Meats. You’ll find a lovely setting here that matches the bold tastes of the food.

Eastern Mediterranean Flavors in a Glitzy Setting

At Zou Zou’s, you’ve got to try their platter of dips. It has hummus, ember-roasted eggplant, whipped ricotta, green tahini, and kabocha squash. And don’t miss the duck borek or the Yemeni au poivre kebab. These dishes show off the many delicious flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Dips, Duck Borek, and Yemeni Kebabs

Zou Zou’s has a high rating – 4.6 stars by 1247 OpenTable guests¹⁴. A table for two at 7:00 PM is pretty popular, booked 179 times that one day.¹⁴ Meal prices range from $31 to $50. You can enjoy dishes from the Mediterranean, America, and the Middle East.¹⁴ The place is Casual Elegant, and Chef Juliana Latif runs the kitchen. There’s no parking, but they take cards like AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, and Visa.¹⁴ Zou Zou’s is led by women. It offers private dining and more. To book, call (212) 380-8585. For special private events, contact Denise Bryant at 212-838-2554 or dbryant@qualitybranded.com.¹⁴

The grand plateau costs $35¹⁵, and you can get the starter of dips for $35 for five or $25 for three.¹⁵ The Yemeni au poivre kebab is $53, the duck borek is $42, and the kataifi cheesecake is $18.¹⁵ You’ll find Zou Zou’s at 385 9th Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10001. Call (212) 380-8585 to make a reservation.¹⁵

Conclusion

The top 10 restaurants in the USA, picked by readers of Food & Wine, show off the country’s diverse and creative food.¹⁶ They range from fancy places to casual spots with amazing food. These places blend global tastes, giving diners unforgettable dining experiences.¹⁷ You can find everything, from fine dining menus for special events to cozy meals for any day, at these top restaurants.

Across many years, American restaurants have changed a lot. They started with flavors from Native Americans and Europeans. Then, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, new flavors arrived from immigrants, making a big impact.¹⁷ Fast-food became popular later, followed by the farm-to-table movement. These influences mixed together, creating a wide range of food in the USA.¹⁶ Now, dishes from places like the South and New England, as well as global tastes, make our dining scene rich and exciting.

By the end of 2022, the¹⁸ food industry could hit $899 billion in sales. The top 10 restaurants in the USA are part of this big success. They draw people from all over, showing the diverse flavors and dining experiences America has to offer.

Source Links

1. https://www.foodandwine.com/best-us-restaurants-global-tastemakers-2023-7479889
2. https://33blueroom.org/unveiling-the-culinary-marvel-33-blue-room-americas-culinary-gem/
3. http://www.forbestravelguide.com/restaurants/nashville-tennessee/yolan
4. https://www.opentable.com/r/yolan-nashville
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenakite_(restaurant)
6. https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2021-05-16/phenakite-los-angeles-times-restaurant-of-the-year
7. https://www.opentable.com/r/providence-los-angeles
8. https://www.femalefoodie.com/restaurant-reviews/providence/
9. https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/reviews/claro
10. https://www.ateliercrenn.com/
11. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atelier_Crenn
12. https://www.centurion-magazine.com/travel/food/north-america/usa/nyc-le-bernardin-restaurant
13. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Bernardin
14. https://www.opentable.com/r/zou-zous-new-york
15. https://ny.eater.com/2022/4/28/23045811/zou-zous-manhattan-west-mediterranean-review-nyc-restaurants
16. https://www.garlicrestaurantbar.com/the-history-and-evolution-of-american-cuisine-in-restaurants
17. https://restaurantengine.com/americas-restaurant-history-ever-changing-workforce/
18. https://forbes.com/sites/garyocchiogrosso/2022/03/16/trends-affecting-the-restaurant-industry-in-2022/