I absolutely love good restaurants. I would love to take my wife to a restaurant for our 1 year anniversary that is especially nice. What is generally considered to be the best fine dining restaurant in the US? Atmosphere is nice but not that important. Some extra info: I am on the east coast although I am open to travel for a weekend getaway, and would like to at most spend no more than $400 for wine and the meal. As far as cuisine goes, I enjoy med., italian, mexican, and do not prefer Chinese, Thai or food along those lines. I know this is a broad question, but I appreciate any responses. Thanks...

I don't know where it might rank nationally, but I've heard the Inn at Little Washington in Virginia (it's about an hour or 90 minutes outside of Washington, D.C., I think) is incredible. I believe dinner for 2 with wine runs between $300 and $400.

It's also supposed to be ideal for an anniversary, as there's a small inn attached to the restaurant.

I am sure there is more than one right answer. But I would cast my vote for The White Barn Inn which is in Kennebunkport, ME. If you go you will love it.

I would agree with ET, and I would add Arrows in Ogunquit, Maine.

The Maisonette in Cincinnati is the longest running 5-star restaurant in the country.

I've never had $400 to spend on a meal. My budget has only allowed me to eat in their basement, La Normandie!

WOW!!!!! Where do you live and what do you do for a living?? Ha Ha Ha
That's REALLLLY NICE that you are planning such a great trip etc. Your wife is one lucky lady. HAVE FUN MY FRIENDS!!!

Il Mulino in NY City is absolutely wonderful. It can be as expensive as you want to make it. My wife & I had lunch and our meal (no liquor) w/ tip came to $130. However, it was some the best money I ever ate!!!

Our ballot would be cast for one of the restaurants at The Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park, New York. We understood it took months to get a reservation, but was it ever worth it! My sister and her husband lived nearby and made the arrangements. A tour of their "campus" and all the kitchens made it a special occasion for us. The meals are planned, cooked, and served by the students. Just fabulously good food.

Try Le Bec Fin in Philadelphia. It is absolutely outstanding. Service, food atmosphere and their unlimited dessert cart combine to make for an outstanding once in a lifetime experience. Not cheap, but if you show some moderation in your wine choice, you should fall within your budget.

Thank you all so much for all of your help. You have offered many great suggestions. Since you asked, I am in the Washington D.C. metro area. I probably shouldn't be spending $400 on a meal, but you only live once! Thanks again...

Dave - I am in the DC area too, and probably you already know about the Inn at Little Washington. Dinner with wine will be at last $400, and staying overnight will be another $550 plus. Your best bet is NYC at Le Bernadin or Chanterelle. Look at Zagat's. In DC, you no doubt know what's available. All I can say is much is overpriced here. NYC would be my suggetion. Up there you could try Zoe or a lesser priced place, and use the extra money to see a show. Do look at a Zagat's. You can get RT airfare from Nationa/Reagan to LaGuardia for $99-$110 per ticket over the internet - US Airways.

Since you are in Washington, go to The Greenbrier at White Sulphur Springs, WV. Dinner and breakfast are included in the room rates. It is expensive, but the food is wonderful.

The Greenbrier is an over rated corporate boondoggle. Its food is OK-nothing like the 4-5 star restaurants mentioned above-you cannot compare their cuisine with Daniel,Chantarelle Jean Georges and my new favorite Cello,for NYC dining.

Okay, how about some nominations for restaurants NOT in Washington or NYC, since those two cities have an embarrassment of cuisine riches.

In NYC on the east side: Cello.

The Best restaurant in the U.S. is in California's wine country north of San Francisco: The French Laundry.

Dave, I would have to get my travel notes out to give you a complete list of our favorites but here are 3 that pop up immediately: Brightsen's in New Orleans, Trellis in Williamsburg,Merriman's on Hawaii, Coyote Cafe in Santa fe, Chez Charles in Eureka Springs, Ark. Happy Anniversary!!!

Hi Dave,
My recommendations for restaurants in Philadelphia; a another vote for Le Bec Fin - excellent . Runner up is the Four Season's Fountain Restaurant - much more than a mere hotel restaurant and this year it has gotten a better overall rating than Le Bec Fin (hard to imagine). Both restaurants are very romantic and the food and service are wonderful. Two other personal favorites: The Saloon Restaurant, which serves primarily Italian cuisine, but they have the best filet mignon that I have ever had as well. Last time we were there, The Saloon excepts cash or American Express only. Last, but not least, The Monte Carlo Living Room but not before 8:00 p.m. The early dinner crowd can be a little loud, but the place is charming, service and food very good. Have a Happy Anniversary and be sure to tell us what restaurant you have decided to visit.

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Olives in D.C. is excellent, a little overpriced, but it is med.

Just to throw in a west coast choice: the Herbfarm near Seattle. Very hard to get into, although easier now that they are in new digs