Manka's in Tomales Bay, CA

THE best restaurant in America is the Ragazzi's in Roanoke, VA. I know that sounds crazy, but I swear, I've eaten at like a dozen restaurants and this is by far the best.

I love Cracker Barrel, any of them, all of them.

With BEST meaning a comprehensive experience where service is nearly as important as food....<BR>Aureole in NYC, until a year or so ago. It has slipped.<BR>Gramercy Tavern in NYC, until a couple of months ago. It is slipping.<BR>I'm due at French Laundry in a month. I hope I get there in time!<BR>

Agree that the best food in America is served at the White Barn Inn. However, it can't be the best RESTAURANT in America if most people can't afford to eat there. <BR><BR>The best RESTAURANT in America is Lesley's Cafe in Salisaw Oklahoma. One bite of the Apricot Pie and you'll be sold.

White Barn Inn in K'port, ME..<BR>The best food anywhere not the most affordable but then that was not the question.

1. French Laundry, Yountville, Ca. 2. The Oak Room, Louisville, Ky. 3. Acme Oyster Bar, NO Robin - The Seafood Barn isn't even the best restaurant in Holden Beach, Betty's is !!

Another vote for L'Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls, Virginia.

First, "Food/Critic" -- you can't be a writer or you would NEVER have written "well-healed." That had me chuckling for quite a while!<BR><BR>You meant, of course, well-heeled, as in got money. Which apparently a lot of people think is the basis for good vs. not so good dining. Places like the Inn @ Little Washington, etc. etc. have a national reputation and ALSO cost a fortune. Sure it costs $ to pay people to mash raspberries, strain them, and put the couli into a squeeze bottle with which one can scribble around a plate. But I think the whole business of presentation and "shock-chef" combinations (lobster sorbet...) has gotten way out of hand, along with the stock market.<BR><BR>I know far too many people who think you can't eat well without spending a day's salary or more, and I swear many of them can't taste anything that isn't over-priced. <BR><BR>I've yet to eat a meal -- even in a 5-star Relais et Chateau or the equivalent type of restaurant -- that definitely tasted 10 times better than a well prepared meal in some local restaurant. Better, yes, but not 10 times better, even though the cost was 10 times more.

Le Bernadin, NYC....end of discussion.

Without a question, it's Bern's steak house in Tampa, FL. Aside from the best food (herbs grown in their own garden, steaks aged to perfection, etc.), their wine list is the size of a major city's white pages.

New York City, in the big apple you will find the best Restaurants !<BR>Asia de Cuba, Madison Avenue between 38th and 39th Street ! Good food, good atmosphere !<BR>so long....

Daniel, NYC... it doesn't get better than that.

Taco Bell.

Katz's Deli in New York City!!!!

RED LOBSTER!!!!

I love the Outback Steakhouse. For special occasions Renato's in oldtown Fredericksburg, VA is fabulous.

"End of discussion" is always a charming note.<BR><BR>I've actually had only bad experiences at Le Bernardin.<BR>

The Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas, TX. is an EXCELLENT restaurant --- I hesitate to call it the best as there are several others that equal its' quality.<BR>

I agree with Ka-tching and with that I highly recommend fire station #12 in Tucson, AZ