9201 Best Restaurants in USA

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We've compiled the best of the best in USA - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

ABC Kitchen

$$$ | Union Square Fodor's Choice

Much more than a shopping break, Jean-Georges Vongerichten's restaurant is a love letter to greenmarket cuisine. Underneath the exposed concrete beams, a chic crowd devours fresh, flavorful appetizers like the roast carrot and avocado salad or pretzel-dusted calamari, and winning entrées that include pizzas, pastas, and hearty mains. The restaurant is committed to all the right causes—environmentalism, sustainability, supporting local farmers—all of which are announced in a near manifesto-length list on the back of the menu; thankfully, ABC Kitchen pulls it off without seeming patronizing or preachy.

Aberdeen Barn

$$$ Fodor's Choice

Saws, pitchforks, ox yokes, and the like hang on the barn walls, but the wood tables are lacquered, and the napkins are linen. Specialties include slow-roasted prime rib; baby-back Danish pork ribs barbecued with a sauce of peach preserves and Southern Comfort; and shrimp Dijon. An ample wine list offers a wide variety of domestic and imported choices. After dinner try one their specialty coffees including Tennessee Mud with Jack Daniels or Franciscan Coffee. A children's menu is available.

Acadia

$$$$ | South Loop Fodor's Choice
The Northeast coast makes a splash in the South Loop with this elegant enclave, where dishes are fresh, inventive, and often have a rather modernist touch. The seven-course tasting menu showcases the chef's culinary talents, and Acadia is unique in that its bar menu also has its own set of upscale bites, like Maine lobster rolls and a popular cheeseburger.
1639 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL, 60616, USA
312-360--9500
Known For
  • <PRO>bar tasting menu</PRO>
  • <PRO>great wine list</PRO>
  • <PRO>standout art in dining room</PRO>
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch

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Recommended Fodor's Video

Acquerello

$$$$ | Polk Gulch Fodor's Choice

Chef and co-owner Suzette Gresham has elicited swoons for more than 30 years with high-end but soulful Italian cooking that is worth every penny. Her cuttlefish "tagliatelle" is a star of the menu, which features both classic and cutting-edge dishes. Dinners are prix fixe, with three, four, or five courses and several choices within each course. Co-owner Giancarlo Paterlini oversees the service, and his son Gianpaolo presides over the roughly 2,000-bottle list of Italian wines. The room, in a former chapel, with a vaulted ceiling and terra-cotta and pale-ocher palette, is refined but never stuffy.

1722 Sacramento St., San Francisco, CA, 94109, USA
415-567–5432
Known For
  • Sensational prix-fixe dining
  • City's premier Italian cheese selection
  • Extensive Italian wine list
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
Reservations essential

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ACRU

$$$$ | Greenwich Village Fodor's Choice

After a few years in the kitchen at highly acclaimed Korean restaurant Atomix, chef Daniel Garwood fuses culinary nostalgia from his native Australia with inspiration and ingredients from Korea and Scandinavia at this narrow, charming, 47-seat restaurant. Garwood cooks up an à la carte menu and a reasonably priced tasting menu that is both elevated and accessible at the same time. Ambrose Chiang, another Aussie and formerly at Momofuku Ko, has curated a short, but excellent wine list from small winemakers around the globe.

79 MacDougtal St., New York, NY, 10012, USA
646-861–3154
Known For
  • Affordable tasting menu
  • Cheeky dishes
  • Excellent cocktails
Restaurant Details
Closed Tues. No lunch

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Adda

$$ | Long Island City Fodor's Choice

With Indian dance music on the speakers and tabloid pages papering the walls, Adda broadcasts a hip, fun vibe, though the trendy decor almost steals the show from what comes to the table: authentic Bombay-style dishes packed with freshly ground spices that draw inspiration from Grandma's cookbook and Mumbai street-style fare. The Chacha’s lamb chops, marinated with garam masala spices and grilled to perfection in the clay oven are a must-try, as well as the flavorful halka phulka (snacks) like dahi batata puri, a delicately fried puff pastry meant to be eaten in one bite and filled with yogurt, chutneys, and baby potatoes. The garlic naan and black dal are noteworthy as sides, but for something totally different, try the bheja fry (goat brains in a thick, vibrant chili sauce with ginger and red onion).

31--31 Thomson Ave., Queens, NY, 11101, USA
718-433–3888
Known For
  • Exquisitely spiced food
  • Authentic dishes
  • Shareable plates
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon.

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Addie Camp

$$$$ Fodor's Choice

With an unusual setting inside a 1913 railroad car, this superb farm-to-table eatery is the hippest place to eat in the area. It's part of Whistle Hill, a respected local company that also has a railcar coffeehouse, a gift shop, an art gallery, a hydroponic farm, and a Tesla car charging station. The kitchen uses a lot of locally sourced produces and meats in dishes goat cheese balls with blueberry-apricot chutney and hot honey–glazed salmon with rice noodles, veggies, and a sesame-ginger sauce.

Addison

$$$$ Fodor's Choice

Nothing comes remotely close to the poetic culinary experience of this AAA 5-Diamond, three-star Michelin restaurant by acclaimed chef William Bradley, who serves haute French flavors in his 10-course prix-fixe dinners. Like a ballet, servers present elegant dishes showcasing a mélange of textures and flavors that celebrate California and French gastronomy. Although the menu changes seasonally, count on impressive presentation and a first-class dining experience that may integrate black truffles, Kampachi sashimi, Cantonese quail, or Regiis Ova caviar with smoked sabayon. Beyond the swanky bar and wine cave is a sophisticated dining room with white linens and arched windows, yet the environment is relaxed, approachable, and far from pretentious. Addison delights wine lovers with more than 3,500 varietals from around the world.

5200 Grand Del Mar Way, Del Mar, CA, 92130, USA
858-314–1900
Known For
  • Decadent tasting menus
  • Impeccable service
  • Southern California’s first and only three-star Michelin restaurant
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
Reservations essential

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Adele's

$$$ | The Gulch Fodor's Choice
Fresh, open, airy, and never too buttoned-up, Adele's is a favorite for business lunches and date-night dinners alike. This high-end Southern eatery was an early part of the neighborhood's revitalization, and James Beard–winning chef Jonathan Waxman continues to dazzle with his accessible but polished cuisine.

Afuri Ramen

$$ Fodor's Choice

Acclaimed Japanese ramen chain Afuri decided to open an outpost in the United States in 2016, choosing this modern, high-ceilinged dining room in food-obsessed Portland in part because the exacting culinary team appreciated the city's pristine, glacially fed water supply, which plays a significant part in the steaming, savory portions of yuzu shio (with chicken broth, yuzu citrus, shimeji mushrooms, seasoned egg, chashu, endive, and nori), one of a half dozen deeply satisfying ramen bowls. The kitchen also turns out flavorful skewers of shishito peppers and chicken thighs, pork dumplings, sushi, and other izakaya-style fare, all of it consistently exceptional.

923 S.E. 7th Ave., OR, 97214, USA
503-468–5001
Known For
  • Authentic Japanese ramen
  • Meat and veggie skewers
  • Flights of premium sake

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Aggie Ice Cream

$ Fodor's Choice

The pride and joy of Utah State University dairy students, this historic ice-cream shop on campus has been making ice cream "from cow to cone" for 100 years. The luscious creations use milk from cows that live on USU's farm and a recipe and production process that's been perfected over the last century. Savor a scoop or two of lemon custard, blue mint, praline pecan, or huckleberry to fully grasp what all the fuss is about.

Agnes' Portuguese Bake Shop

$ Fodor's Choice

This food truck in the Manuhealii parking lot serves delicious, made-to-order malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts) that are crispy and dark brown on the outside and soft, chewy, and sweet on the inside. They're also denser than those found at some other bakeries on the island. This means that they're probably more authentic to the original Portuguese recipe.

The Ahwahnee Dining Room

$$$$ Fodor's Choice

Rave reviews about The Ahwahnee hotel's dining room's appearance are fully justified—it features towering windows, a 34-foot-high ceiling with interlaced sugar-pine beams, and massive chandeliers. Reservations are always advised, and the attire is "resort casual."

Ahwahnee Rd., Yosemite Village, CA, 95389, USA
888-413–8869
Known For
  • Lavish $59 Sunday brunch
  • Finest dining in the park
  • Bar menu with lighter lunch and dinner fare at more affordable prices
Restaurant Details
Reservations essential

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Airport Pizzeria

$$ Fodor's Choice

Don't let the name fool you: Airport Pizza bakes pies, for sure, but also serves an impressive variety of dishes, including Korean specialties, burgers, sandwiches, ramen, beer-battered halibut, nachos, and even sushi. A few decades ago, the restaurant used to fly pizzas out to remote villages with the help of a regional airline with no added delivery charge. They don't do that anymore, but they do serve reliably good food, and they serve cold beer and other beverages.  

Aita

$$ Fodor's Choice
Don't let the unassuming air at this intimate restaurant on a leafy, largely residential block fool you: there is some serious cooking going on here. Case in point: any of the house-made pastas (perhaps cavatelli topped with shaved Parmesan and black truffles); bright, seasonal salads (maybe peach, arugula, and goat cheese); or any of the fish or meat main dishes, like lamb chops milanese or roasted chicken.

Aji 53

$$ Fodor's Choice

In a market crowded with sushi joints, this one is an original, and remains a standout with its unique selection of specialty rolls and unpretentious service. The ambience is loungy, trendy, and very grown-up, but if you happen to arrive with a little one in tow, he or she will be treated like a celebrity. Every Japanese restaurant offers salad with ginger dressing, and Aji's is exceptional. If you like sweet and savory together, try the Paradise Roll with spicy lobster and fried banana. The surf and turf includes a 4oz filet mignon and lobster tail in truffle mushroom sauce, and the price is quite reasonable. Save room for fried ice cream.

Akadi PDX

$$ | Southeast Fodor's Choice

Verdant plants hang from the timber beams and high, pitched ceiling of this outstanding West African restaurant founded by chef-owner Fatou Ouattara, who grew up in Cote D'Ivoire and learned to cook using clay ovens and wood fires from her grandmother. Akadi's menu draws on traditional recipes like street-style grilled goat with a mustard sauce and plantains, and palm butter stew with shrimp, gambas, crab, fish, and spices. There's a full bar.

1001 S.E. Division St., Portland, OR, 97202, USA
971-271–7072
Known For
  • Nice selection of mostly South African wines
  • Boldly flavored West African stews and grills
  • Several vegan options
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch

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Al Forno

$$$ Fodor's Choice

When it opened in 1980, Al Forno put Providence on the national dining map as the originator of its distinctive grilled pizza. Still consistently good, the restaurant retains a loyal following for its thin-crust pizza, handmade pastas, and wood-grilled or roasted entrées.

577 S. Water St., Providence, RI, 02903, USA
401-273–9760
Known For
  • Spicy roasted clams
  • Wood-grilled pizza
  • Upstairs tables, where the city's movers and shakers congregate
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
Reservations not accepted

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Alder Wood Bistro

$$$ Fodor's Choice

Look to this easygoing, art-filled restaurant for inventive, locally sourced, and mostly organic dishes, including pizzas from the wood-fired oven with creative toppings like pesto, truffled goat cheese, and pickled onions. The menu's sustainably harvested seafood selections highlight whatever is in season and also get the wood-fire treatment. Even the bacon-wrapped meat loaf features local grass-fed beef, along with buttermilk mashed potatoes and greens.

139 W Alder St., 98382, USA
360-683–4321
Known For
  • Alfresco dining in a garden courtyard
  • Local craft beer and cider
  • Crème brûlée with local lavender
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun.–Tues. and late Dec.–early Feb. No lunch

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Alimentari at Di Bruno Bros.

$ | Rittenhouse Square Fodor's Choice

Above the Di Bruno Bros. Rittenhouse location lives Alimentari, a casual Italian restaurant with plenty of seating and enough space for large groups. As its name implies, it's a neighborhood gathering place with ready-to-eat food, with a menu that largely pulls from items that are available in the store below—cheeses, meats, crackers, breads—as well as pizza alla Romana (Roman style) and hot Italian small plates like gnocchi and meatballs. The food pairs perfectly with the extensive wine list, which features draft wine in addition to wine by the bottle and glass; craft-beer options round out the offerings.

Alinea

$$$$ | Lincoln Park Fodor's Choice

Believe the hype and secure tickets—yes, tickets—well in advance, since Chicago's most exciting restaurant demands an adventurous spirit and a serious commitment of time and money. If you have two to four hours and $305 to $495 to spare, the tasting menu that showcases Grant Achatz's stunning, cutting-edge food is a fantastic journey through intriguing aromas, visuals, flavors, and textures.

All Day Darling

$ Fodor's Choice

Breakfast is the champ at this bright and airy in-demand spot for biscuits, smashed avocado toast, and frittatas, but it's also worth a visit later in the day for delicious bites like fried halloumi with honey and capers.

All-Purpose Pizzeria

$$ | D.C. Waterfront Fodor's Choice

“Best pizza in D.C.” is a hotly contested title, but All-Purpose Pizzeria down on the Capitol Riverfront is a strong contender. Its whole wheat dough is carefully made with high-quality ingredients, and you’ll find a mix of classic and intriguing choices like chili-roasted corn, chili-lime aioli, or truffle honey. Garlic knots make for a delicious starter, and you can round off your meal with a range of desserts, including tiramisù and a freshly baked cookie with award-winning gelato from Dolcezza.

79 Potomac Ave. SE, Washington, DC, 20003, USA
202-629–1894
Known For
  • Riverfront rooftop
  • Italian antipasti dishes
  • Italian-style cocktails

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Allagash Brewing Company

$ | Riverton Fodor's Choice

Arguably the best-known among all of Maine's many outstanding breweries, Allagash was one of the state's pioneers, first opening in the '90s with its signature Belgian-style wheat beer, Allagash White. There are plenty of other styles to discover at the brewery, including wilds, sours, barrel-aged brews, and special seasonal concoctions on tap, and when hunger strikes, there's a Bite Into Maine’s food truck on-site, where you'll find burgers and excellent Maine staples like lobster rolls and whoopie pies. It's a bit out of the way from central Portland, but the above, plus a fun and friendly tasting room, make the brewery well worth the small trek.

Allez

$$ Fodor's Choice

The tale of how the couple running this spot for to-go or dine-in French food became husband and wife says all you need to know about their passion for beautifully crafted cuisine—he won her heart with his escargot sauce. In a casual space with ocher walls, six utilitarian stools at the wine bar, and a few tables inside and out, the two serve baguette sandwiches; salads; crepes; stews; and entrées like coq au vin, cassoulet, and pork tenderloin.

4242 Fowler La., Diamond Springs, CA, 95619, USA
530-621–1160
Known For
  • All-day prix-fixe menu (a deal), plus à la carte
  • Sandwich, salad, and dessert lunch boxes
  • Many vegetarian and gluten-free items
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. and Mon.

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Allora

$$$$ Fodor's Choice

The husband chef at this East Sacramento restaurant recognized for its singular concept and chic, deep-green aesthetic creates nimbly plated Italian-tinged cuisine his sommelier wife and co-owner pairs with international wines from mostly Italian grapes (the California Nebbiolo selection alone is epic). Seafood is a specialty on the three- to five-course prix-fixe tasting menu, which always includes exceedingly fresh and tender oysters, alluring pasta dishes, and often voluptuous entrées.

5215 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA, 95819, USA
916-538–6434
Known For
  • Vegan/vegetarian tasting menu
  • Verdant covered outdoor patio
  • 23% service charge added to check
Restaurant Details
No lunch

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Alloro Wine Bar

$$$$ Fodor's Choice

Although it bills itself as a wine bar, this casually upscale dining room with local art on the walls is also one of the southern Oregon Coast's most sophisticated little restaurants. The dinner menu emphasizes freshly made pastas, often served with local seafood (the pan-seared jumbo shrimp over a saffron-parsnip puree is a standout). 

375 2nd St. SE, Bandon, OR, 97411, USA
541-347–1850
Known For
  • Often has mellow live music
  • Extensive Italian and southern Oregon wine list
  • Knowledgeable staff
Restaurant Details
Closed Wed., Thurs., and Sun. No lunch

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Allred's

$$$$ Fodor's Choice

Unless you're planning some serious hiking, the town-to-mountain gondola is the only way to reach this high-end, sky-high eatery with a stone-walled dining room and panoramic windows. Locally inspired fare such as elk, bison, and lamb feature prominently on the menu. Even if your wallet isn't ready for a full-dinner splurge, you owe it to your eyes to soak in the views over a drink and truffle fries in the bar.

The Alna Store

$$$ Fodor's Choice

It may not look like much from the outside, but this unique and community-focused culinary powerhouse has won the devotion of diners far and wide (plus a James Beard Foundation nomination) for its bright-flavored and far-ranging dishes. Located inside a beautifully renovated convenience store, the menu changes almost constantly and reaches across the globe, with a majority of the ingredients emphasizing sustainable farms, local makers, and things the staff has foraged. If you can score a seat for the extremely popular brunch, know that the fresh sourdough donut with vanilla bean glaze is a thing of beauty.

Aloha Isle

$ | Magic Kingdom Fodor's Choice

Few snacks are so popular as to have spawned their own merchandise, but the Pineapple Float at Aloha Isle has done just that. Dole pineapple ice cream on pineapple juice is one of the iconic treats offered at the Magic Kingdom, and it can only be found at Disney or at the Dole Plantation in Hawaii. If pineapples aren't your thing, still line up to try a coconut or raspberry ice cream.