From classic steakhouses to modern takes on regional cuisine, American restaurants showcase a rich tapestry of flavors. Whether it’s barbecue, seafood, or farm-to-table fare, these 15 restaurants represent the best of American dining.
1. Commander’s Palace – New Orleans, Louisiana
A true Southern institution, Commander’s Palace has been serving Creole classics since 1893. The award-winning restaurant is famous for its turtle soup, pecan-crusted Gulf fish, and 25-cent martinis at lunch.
Steeped in New Orleans charm, the restaurant offers an elegant yet lively atmosphere, with impeccable service and a commitment to locally sourced ingredients.
2. The French Laundry – Yountville, CA
A pioneer in fine dining, Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry is renowned for its meticulous execution and daily changing tasting menus.
Located in Napa Valley, the restaurant focuses on high-quality ingredients, many sourced from its own garden. The experience is refined, intimate, and worth the splurge for any true food lover.
3. Franklin Barbecue – Austin, Texas
No list of great American restaurants is complete without barbecue, and Franklin Barbecue is king. Known for its melt-in-your-mouth brisket, this Austin hotspot has people lining up for hours before opening.
The smoky, flavorful meats and cult-like following make Franklin Barbecue a bucket-list destination for barbecue aficionados.
4. Alinea – Chicago, IL
Grant Achatz’s Alinea is an immersive, avant-garde dining experience that turns food into art. Dishes like the balloon made of edible apple taffy or the famous tabletop dessert presentation push the boundaries of what a meal can be. Every visit is an unpredictable, theatrical experience.
5. Peter Luger Steak House – Brooklyn, New York
A legendary New York steakhouse since 1887, Peter Luger is famous for its dry-aged porterhouse and old-school ambiance.
With its no-frills attitude and cash-only policy, this is a meat lover’s paradise, where the quality of the beef speaks for itself.
6. Chez Panisse – Berkeley, California
The birthplace of California cuisine, Chez Panisse, founded by Alice Waters in 1971, set the standard for farm-to-table dining in the U.S.
The ever-changing menu celebrates local, organic ingredients with simple yet elegant dishes, influencing chefs across the country.
7. Canlis – Seattle, Washington
A fine-dining gem in the Pacific Northwest, Canlis delivers stunning views and a meticulously crafted seasonal menu.
With a mix of tradition and innovation, Canlis serves dishes like dry-aged duck and wagyu beef tartare, accompanied by one of the best wine lists in the country.
8. Bern’s Steak House – Tampa, Florida
A steakhouse that’s also a destination, Bern’s offers perfectly aged steaks, a vast wine cellar, and a legendary dessert room.
With one of the largest wine collections in the world and a focus on quality ingredients, Bern’s elevates the classic American steakhouse experience.
9. Husk – Nashville, Tennessee
Dedicated to redefining Southern cuisine, Husk sources ingredients from local farmers to create an ever-changing menu of inspired regional dishes.
From heritage pork to stone-ground grits, Husk celebrates the depth of Southern flavors with an upscale yet comfortable approach to dining.
10. Pappy & Harriet’s – Pioneertown, California
A legendary roadside roadhouse serving up smoky barbecue, burgers, and live music in the California desert.
Pappy & Harriet’s has a cult following, attracting travelers, musicians, and locals alike for its relaxed atmosphere and hearty, flavor-packed food.
11. The Grey – Savannah, Georgia
Set in a restored Greyhound bus station, The Grey blends history with modern Southern cooking, courtesy of Chef Mashama Bailey.
Dishes like country pasta and smoked collard greens showcase a deep respect for Southern culinary traditions, with a fresh and contemporary twist.
12. Zahav – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
While rooted in Israeli cuisine, Zahav’s influence on American dining is undeniable, bringing Middle Eastern flavors to the forefront.
The tasting menu, featuring laffa bread, hummus, and pomegranate-glazed lamb, is an essential experience for anyone looking to explore bold and complex flavors.
13. FIG – Charleston, South Carolina
With an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and simple yet refined dishes, FIG has set the standard for modern Southern dining.
Signature plates like fish stew and ricotta gnocchi highlight the restaurant’s focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and expert preparation.
14. Blue Hill at Stone Barns – Pocantico Hills, New York
A farm-to-table masterpiece, Blue Hill offers an immersive dining experience highlighting hyper-local ingredients and sustainability.
Set on a working farm, the menu changes daily based on what’s fresh and available, making each visit a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure.
15. The Inn at Little Washington – Washington, VA
Set in a charming countryside inn, this three-starred gem offers a refined yet playful tasting menu featuring dishes like truffle-stuffed chicken, perfectly seared wagyu, and an indulgent cheese cart. The fairytale setting adds to the magic of the experience.
From high-end tasting menus to laid-back barbecue joints, these restaurants embody the diversity and creativity of American cuisine. Whether you’re after a perfectly aged steak, fresh oysters, or soulful Southern cooking, these spots represent the best of American dining.
Best BBQ Place in the USA
Barbecue in the USA is more than just a method of cooking—it’s a regional art form. From smoky brisket in Texas to tender ribs in Memphis, every state brings its own flavor to the table. Here are 20 of the best BBQ joints across the country, each offering a unique take on the smoky, savory cuisine that Americans love.