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.

The Yurt at Solitude

$$$$ Fodor's Choice

One of the most memorable and dramatic restaurant experiences in the state, dining in this secluded yurt begins with a guided ¼-mile snowshoe trek beneath a canopy of nighttime stars, and the dinner price—$175 per person—includes rentals, guides, corkage fee, and a grand four-course meal. The seasonally driven menu changes regularly, and The Yurt's chef describes the meal as he prepares it before your eyes in the cozy exhibition kitchen. With seating for just 26, dinners here book up early—reserve well ahead.

12000 Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd., UT, 84121, USA
385-282–7155
Known For
  • Unique snowshoeing tour to dinner
  • Rich steaks and seafoods
  • Festive yet intimate space
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon., Tues., and in summer. No lunch

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Yvonne's

$$$$ | Downtown Fodor's Choice

Silver service, crystal chandeliers, a roaring fireplace, book-lined shelves, and a gilded bar area set the tone at this brassy, classic reimagined supper club. You'll want to start with an ice-cold martini or cava by the glass, and then move on to a bounty of food options, including snacks, stone-fired pitas, toasts, sharing plates, and bigger "feasts" for two-plus people. This is so much more than a restaurant—it's an experience. 

2 Winter Pl., Boston, MA, 02108, USA
617-267–0047
Known For
  • Glamorous supper club concept
  • Baked Alaska dessert (and the story behind it)
  • Great for groups
Restaurant Details
No lunch
Reservations required.

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Zacatlán

$$$$ | Railyard District Fodor's Choice

Chef Eduardo Rodriguez led some of Santa Fe’s most famous kitchens for nearly 25 years before opening his own eatery, naming it after the north-central Mexican region of his birth. The culinary marriage between the southwestern United States and Mexico shows up in dishes like mole negro chilaquiles (eggs, Chihuahuan cheese, black beans, chicken, and mole sauce) for brunch and whole fried snapper with crab saffron risotto, calabacitas (sautéed zucchini), and salsa Veracruz for dinner. Sweets include flan de elote and churros, and the patio is charming for brunch in warm weather.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Zahav

$$$$ | Society Hill Fodor's Choice

Chef Michael Solomonov’s Zahav is steeped in the milk and honey and hummus and lamb of his native Israel, as well as the cultures that have left a mark on that Promised Land. Taking advantage of its dramatic perch above one of the city's oldest streets, this James Beard award–winning restaurant relies on picture windows and soaring ceilings to create spectacle, but the open kitchen is the true stage. There, a small staff mixes and matches a melting pot of flavors for a modern menu whose highlights include colorful salatim (salad) and fluffy house-baked laffa (flatbread); kebabs of impossibly tender chicken or lamb merguez cooked over hot coals; and addictive florets of fried cauliflower served with a lemon-and-dill-spiked lebneh (yogurt cheese). The legendary smoked and pomegranate-juice-braised lamb shoulder, along with your dinner reservation, should be reserved in advance. The dining room features a prix fixe menu only; the bar and patio are à la carte.

Zaytinya

$$ | Penn Quarter Fodor's Choice

This sophisticated urban dining room with soaring ceilings is a local favorite for meeting friends or dining with a group (and popular enough that reservations can still be difficult to get). Here chef José Andrés devotes practically the entire menu to Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese small plates, known as meze. To get the full experience, make a meal of three or four small plates, perhaps the spicy lamb bahar served with tabbouleh and tahini or the hearty fattoush shepherd's salad in a bright pomegranate dressing. Finishing the shareable roasted lamb shoulder is a worthy quest for diners with big appetites. So many options make this an excellent choice for both vegetarians and meat lovers. Reservations get snapped up quickly here, but you can snag a meal when a roomy bar table opens up. Eating at the bar itself is fun since the bartenders are attentive and friendly.

701 9th St. NW, Washington, DC, 20001, USA
202-638–0800
Known For
  • Variety of meze
  • Roasted lamb shoulder to share
  • Vegetarian-friendly options
Restaurant Details
Reservations essential

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Zenkichi

$$$ Fodor's Choice
Modeled on Tokyo's intimate brasseries, this hidden Japanese restaurant serves no sushi: they specialize in exquisitely composed small plates, best enjoyed as part of the eight-course omakase (chef's tasting menu), though you can also order à la carte. Instead of a dining room, guests are seated in private booths separated by bamboo curtains, so other diners are audible but not visible. The gracious waiters can recommend sake to pair with your meal. This might be the closest to Tokyo you can get in Brooklyn.
77 N. 6th St., Brooklyn, NY, 11211, USA
718-388–8985
Known For
  • Japanese omakase
  • Private booths
  • Romantic date spot
Restaurant Details
No lunch
Reservations essential

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Zephyr

$$ Fodor's Choice
A century-old building with a two-level front porch (where you can dine in warm weather) and plenty of period charm is home to this farm-to-table, American comfort food eatery. The dining room is warm and welcoming, with wood floors, ceiling fans hung from a tongue-and-groove ceiling, and a long bar where locals sample craft beers from regional breweries. Menu choices include a Scottish cedar plank salmon and free-range local chicken pot pie, but you may want to begin with a round of tasty appetizers—the zucchini fritters are delicious. Everything comes from local producers, so the food is always as fresh as is could be and vegan and vegetarian options are plentiful.

Zion Canyon Brew Pub

$$ Fodor's Choice

Relax after a rugged day of hiking with a flight of ales or a juicy elk burger in the beer garden of southern Utah's oldest craft beer maker, Zion Brewery, which is just steps from the park's South Entrance. The kitchen turns out excellent pub grub, such as stout-glazed buffalo meat loaf and beer-battered fish-and-chips, and there's live music most weekend evenings.

Zou Zou's

$$$ | Midtown West Fodor's Choice

Enter the airy dining room and feel instantly calmed by Zou Zou's natural light, soft woods, hanging plants, and brass fixtures. Then turn to the tantalizing menu of small dishes, crudos, shareable dips, and filling mains, each enhanced by exotic spices and herbs from all around the Mediterranean Sea. Vegetables are celebrated here, whether as ingredients or starring attractions. The open kitchen's grills keeps the aromas flowing, while the long marble bar inspires zingy cocktail explorations. Pop into upstairs lounge Chez Zou's for drinks after 5 pm.

ZUBakery

$ | West End Fodor's Choice

Located in a space evocative of a 1930s French boulangerie, this humble bakery took home a 2024 James Beard Award in the Outstanding Bakery category. The loaves, made of freshly milled whole grains and hand-sifted flours, are naturally leavened before getting baked in a wood-fired oven, and the result is delicate, chewy bread; don't miss out on the beautiful pastries.

81 Clark St., Portland, ME, 04102, USA
207-409–0117
Known For
  • Artisanal breads
  • Retro European boulangerie feel
  • Delicate dessert pastries
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner

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Zuni Café

$$$ | Hayes Valley Fodor's Choice

After one bite of Zuni's succulent brick-oven-roasted whole chicken with warm bread salad, you'll understand why the two-floor café is a perennial star. Its long copper bar is a hub for a disparate mix of patrons who commune over oysters on the half shell and cocktails and wine. Nearly as famous as the chicken are the Caesar salad with house-cured anchovies and the chocolatey flourless gâteau Victoire. The most cheerful spot to sit is at the tip of the pyramid window near the bar, easier to score if you plan a late lunch.

1658 Market St., San Francisco, CA, 94102, USA
415-552–2522
Known For
  • Seasonal Californian cooking at its best
  • Under-the-radar lunch and late-night burger
  • Beloved margarita
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.--Thurs.

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Zunzi's

$ | Historic District Fodor's Choice

The beloved sandwich shop has a fantastic lineup of saucy sandwiches, peri-peri marinated wings, and crispy chips made in-house---wash any of them down with Zunzi's South African sweet tea, and you won't be sorry. Don't skip the sauces! Try an array of the house-made sauces and dressings with whatever you order.

236 Drayton St., Savannah, GA, 31401, USA
912-443--9555
Known For
  • Conquistador sandwich (French bread piled high with grilled chicken and the signature sauce)
  • Marinated wings
  • House-made chips

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ZuZu

$$$ Fodor's Choice

The focus at festive ZuZu is on cold and hot tapas, pintxos (bar bites), paella, and other Spanish favorites, often washed down with Cava (Spanish sparkling wine), sangria, or a specialty cocktail. The restaurant, which opened in 2002 and contributed to downtown Napa’s renaissance, still draws crowds for flounder ceviche, jamón ibérico, seared pork cheeks, grilled lamb chops with Moroccan barbecue glaze, and many other shareable plates.

829 Main St., Napa, CA, 94559, USA
707-224–8555
Known For
  • Paella of the day with bomba rice, chorizo, and shellfish
  • Hank’s Takeaway next door for to-go orders
  • Gin-focused Bitter Bar (excellent cocktails) behind Hank’s
Restaurant Details
Reservations not accepted

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The Apple Pan

$ | West L.A. Fodor's Choice

A favorite since 1947, this unassuming joint with a horseshoe-shaped counter—no tables here—turns out one heck of a good burger. Try the cheeseburger with Tillamook cheddar, or the hickory burger with barbecue sauce. You can also find great fries and, of course, an apple pie indulgent enough to christen the restaurant (although many regulars argue that the banana cream deserves the honor). Be prepared to wait, though the veteran countermen move at a quick pace. In the meantime, grab a cup of Sanka and enjoy a taste of vintage Los Angeles.

Chicago Diner

$ | Boystown Fodor's Choice
Belovedby vegetarians and vegans, this eatery should also appeal to anyone simply looking for a satisfying, comforting meal. The Chicago Diner offers meat-free variations on favorites from a wide range of cuisine types—American, Mexican, Mediterranean, Thai—it’s all here, and it’s all delicious. You’ll want to save room for a milk shake so good you won’t believe it’s not dairy. Be prepared for a wait during peak dining hours.

Coast

$$$ | South End Fodor's Choice
An oceanfront restaurant can often count on its real estate to bring in diners, but this casual yet upscale seafood spot at the Sea Pines Beach Club doesn't cut corners in the kitchen. There is plenty of Southern-inspired fare for landlubbers, but the real gems are the raw bar platter and the day's featured fish entrée.
87 North Sea Pines Dr. , Hilton Head Island, SC, 29928, USA
843-842–1888
Known For
  • Lively patio (and indoor) dining with horizon views across the ocean
  • A Cajun-influenced lobster roll
  • The adjacent Ocean Lounge cocktail bar

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Crisp

$ | Lakeview Fodor's Choice
This Lakeview hole-in-the-wall specializes in Korean fried chicken glazed in a variety of unusual sauces ranging from sweet and “Seoul spicy” to, as the menu puts it, “suicide.” Despite all that juice, the chicken still remains miraculously, well, crispy. The “Buddha bowl” bi bim bop and Korean burritos are also packed with freshness and flavor, especially when paired with traditional, tangy kimchi.

Desert Bistro

$$$$ Fodor's Choice

Moab's finest dining experience is found in a small adobe house just off Main Street. Whether you eat inside or on either of the peaceful patios, anticipate thoughtful flavor combinations in artful salads, locally sourced beef, and delicious vegetables. The handmade agnolotti pasta stuffed with mushrooms and Italian cheeses, and the beef fillet crusted with gorgonzola are both impressive. Dylan, a longtime chef here, recently purchased the bistro with his wife, Leslie, and they've maintained all the charm and dishes that diners have been raving about for years. The menu changes seasonally, but you can count on creative pastas, sweet and savory salad combinations, and surprise ingredients from kiwi to quinoa any time of year.

The Grey

$$$$ | Downtown Fodor's Choice
This high-end establishment has made waves in Savannah as a world-class dining experience. Housed in a renovated 1930s Greyhound bus depot, it features a soulful, layered menu designed by a Savannah native who honed her craft in NYC. Don't miss the oyster bar, roasted yardbird with jalapeño chow chow, or the red pea pancakes with cracklin'. Reservations are strongly encouraged; otherwise plan to grab a spot at the luncheonette/dining car area near the entrance.

Hilton Head Social Bakery

$ | Mid-Island Fodor's Choice
It's impossible to stop in just for a baguette or sourdough loaf at this unassuming French-owned bakery and bistro—you'll inevitably be tempted by the lush pain au chocolat and cinnamon buns. The owner/chef, a Normandy native, was the executive chef at New York's Tavern On the Green and Windows on the World before relocating to Hilton Head.

Hudson's Seafood House

$$$ | North End Fodor's Choice
Built over the water on Port Royal Sound, this classic seafood joint buys its fish and shrimp directly from the boats that dock there, and the staff raises their own oysters and soft-shell crabs with an in-house mariculture program. Dining here feels like stepping back 50 years into an authentic waterfront dive, including the locally sourced, same-day-fresh seafood that's now often hard to find.
1 Hudson Rd., Hilton Head Island, SC, 29926, USA
843-681–2772
Known For
  • Sunsets at the open air waterfront bar
  • Happy hour mai tais and seafood specials
  • Oysters grown by the restaurant-owned Shell Ring Oyster Company

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Liberty Public Market

$ | Point Loma Fodor's Choice
This bustling market and food hall is just one of the latest additions to an ever-expanding Liberty Station, the historic mixed-use redevelopment of San Diego's former Naval Training Center. Vendors offer everything from lobster rolls to empanadas, gumbo, or tostadas, making it an excellent place to pop in for a quick but high-quality meal.

Lowcountry Produce

$ | Downtown Historic District Fodor's Choice
If you don't impulsively order the tomato pie atop the glass display case—and you won't go wrong if you do—try the fried oysters, a lobster po'boy, or what may be the best shrimp and grits in town. There's table service and counter-order options, and plenty of jams, relishes, and pickled okra in their on-site market to stock your pantry at home.

Lucky Rooster

$$$ | Mid-Island Fodor's Choice
From its unassuming perch at the corner of a strip mall, the ever-changing daily menus at this chef-owned farm-to-table establishment sit quietly on par with the very best dining in neighboring Charleston. Whether it's braised short rib, Korean-style fried chicken, or roasted octopus, the Rooster's kitchen serves plates brimming with pride and inspiration.
841 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29928, USA
843-681–3474
Known For
  • The island's best cocktail program, including speakeasy mixes on tap
  • Every ingredient sourced with care
  • Sunday night burger deals
Restaurant Details
No lunch

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Luigi's

$$ Fodor's Choice

The same family has operated this popular restaurant, bar, and delicatessen at the same site since 1910. Feast on generous portions of pastas and sauces made from old family recipes. The extensive menu also includes sandwiches, steaks, salads, and daily specials such as prime rib and lasagna. Plates are served family style in several casual rooms, reminiscent of a Tuscan trattoria and decorated with local sports photos. Luigi's isn't open for dinner, but you can order to-go items, or pick up meal fixings at the adjacent deli.

Luka's Taproom & Lounge

$$ | Uptown Fodor's Choice

Hip and urban, with an unpretentious vibe, Luka's is a real taste of Uptown with its Belgian-inspired California comfort food and plentiful selection of Trappist ales, local drafts, and international bottles of beer. The late-night menu is a favorite of bar-hoppers, and DJs in the adjacent lounge keep the scene going well past last call.

Lumière

$$$ Fodor's Choice

Relying on local, sustainable, seasonal ingredients, the frequently changing menu features such delights as steak tartare with all the fixings, Maine scallops wtih curried grapefruit beurre blanc, roast half chicken, and lobster-rich seafood stew. Stellar cocktails, excellent desserts, and professional, friendly service make it easy to understand why the accolades and diners continue to pour into this elegant New England–style bistro.

Manresa

$$$$ Fodor's Choice

Los Gatos is home to one of the country's finest restaurants, David Kinch's three-Michelin-starred Manresa, which serves an exceptional nightly tasting menu of Northern California dishes that features the freshest local ingredients ($225; $198 wine pairing).

Old Bull Tavern

$$ | Downtown Historic District Fodor's Choice
This neighborhood gathering spot has a daily-changing menu heavy on pasta, wood-fired pizza, and hearty entrées. The cocktail menu is equally appealing, as are the wines and local beers on tap.
205 West St., Beaufort, SC, 29902, USA
843-379–2855
Known For
  • Gourmet thin-crust pizza that's served until late
  • Ricotta gnocchi that melts like heavenly pillows
  • Tempting, creative cocktails
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. and Mon.

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Reading Terminal Market

$ | Chinatown Fodor's Choice

When the Reading Company opened its train shed in 1892, it was the only one in the country with a market tucked away in its cellar. The trains are long gone, but the food remains. And while disagreeing over the best cheesesteak is a popular pastime in Philly, pretty much everyone can agree on pancakes at the Dutch Eating Place, the roast pork sandwich at DiNic's, whoopie pies at the Flying Monkey, and double chocolate-chip cookies at Famous 4th Street. Recent years have seen worthy newcomers to the entrenched mix: German deli Wursthaus Schmitz, Valley Shepherd Creamery's grilled cheese counter, and La Divisa Meats, for example. Get here early to beat the lunch rush. Seventy-five-minute tours every Wednesday and Saturday highlight the market's history and offerings (call 215/545–8007 to make a reservation).