The best restaurants for a special occasion in every state, ranked

Food that deserves to be celebrated

Some restaurants make you feel special from the moment you walk in. It isn’t only about fancy decor and top-class food – though those can all help add to the sense of occasion. It’s also in the way you’re greeted, the view from your table, and all those little details that elevate a great meal into something you’ll always remember. Here we reveal the best special occasion restaurant in every state.

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover where to celebrate a special occasion in every state, counting down to the best-rated spot of them all.

Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.

54. Missouri: Osage Restaurant, Ridgedale

Part of Big Cedar Lodge resort, Osage Restaurant’s setting could hardly be more special. Chunky wooden tables surround a roaring cylindrical fireplace, while enormous windows frame views of the Ozark Mountains and Table Rock Lake. Its specialty is elevated comfort food dishes like braised short ribs and cauliflower steak. Customers recommend it for sunset views or an indulgent brunch.

53. Michigan: The Whitney, Detroit

Located in a former lumber baron’s mansion, The Whitney has a grand atmosphere but it's hiding a secret. It's been referred to as one of the USA's most haunted restaurants and the aptly named Ghostbar lounge plays on its spooky reputation with regular Paranormal Dinner Tours. The food, including the much-praised beef Wellington, is equally otherworldly. If your party is brave enough, this is the place for you. 

52. New Mexico: Anasazi Restaurant, Santa Fe

Tucked inside the subtly swanky Rosewood Inn, rustic-chic Anasazi Restaurant is the place to gather for a special meal and a great spot to discover some of the best and freshest New Mexican cuisine. Most of the menu is made with produce from a handful of local farms, with dishes like duck with smoked corn pudding and a special agave tasting menu, where tequilas and mezcals come accompanied by a well-matched dish.

51. New Jersey: Walpack Inn, Walpack

The setting alone, amid 70,000 acres of countryside grazed by deer, is enough to make a meal at the Walpack Inn feel special. Thankfully, the food lives up to the surrounds. Customer favorites such as freshly baked bread and prime rib are largely made with homegrown and home-reared produce.

50. Alaska: Seven Glaciers, Anchorage

Even the journey to this mountaintop restaurant is special. An aerial tram glides above valleys with views of glaciers and Turnagain Arm, part of Cook Inlet. You can continue to gaze at the scenery throughout the meal as tables are positioned by the huge windows. Seven Glaciers is known for seafood, though customers also rave about the steak – and, of course, the views.

49. New York: Rainbow Room, New York City

There’s no better city for a blowout meal than the Big Apple, and perhaps no venue so iconic as the Rainbow Room, which has occupied its lofty home on the 65th floor of Art Deco skyscraper 30 Rockefeller Plaza since 1934. Although this can only be hired out for private events, it does host regular, spectacular brunches, or you can dine in the adjacent Bar SixtyFive.

48. Colorado: Beano’s Cabin, Avon

There’s no simple way to get to Beano’s Cabin in Beaver Creek resort but all routes are spectacular. During winter, a snowcat-driven sleigh whisks your group to the cozy, chic spot, tucked away in a mountaintop meadow. In summer, you can arrive by shuttle or (far more fun) horseback, then enjoy dishes like trout fritters and beef tenderloin.

47. Washington: Barking Frog, Woodinville

Woodinville, home to more than 100 wineries and just a short drive from Seattle, is the ideal destination for a celebration. And there’s no lovelier place to dine than on the light-strung patio of Barking Frog (if it’s chilly, the dining room is pretty nice too). It’s attached to chic hotel Willows Lodge and specializes in seasonal dishes packed with flavor. Expect choices like black cod with green lentils or local radishes served with goat butter.

46. Oklahoma: Vast, Oklahoma City

The name Vast is an apt description of the views from this restaurant on the 49th floor of the Devon Tower. Huge windows frame downtown buildings, urban parks, and the Oklahoma River. Try the best of the spot's New American–style cuisine with the tasting menu, or go all out and book the 10-seater Chef’s Table, tucked in its own room. Reviews single out the tomahawk pork chops and, of course, those views.

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45. Delaware: Vincente’s Restaurant, Wilmington

Old-school Italian spot Vincente’s is beloved for its flair and, erm, flare – the bananas Foster dessert, flambéed tableside, is a real crowd-pleaser that keeps people coming back. The restaurant is warm and unpretentious which makes it the perfect choice for a relaxed get-together that feels that little bit more special.

44. Mississippi: City Grocery, Oxford

City Grocery has been a local and visitor favorite since it opened in 1992, bringing something special to dining in the Magnolia State. It’s all about Southern food with extra flair, so the shrimp and grits are infused with lemon and white wine, and the smoked shrimp dip is beautifully presented with delicate strips of pickled red onion.

43. California: Little River Inn, Mendocino

On any given evening, the dining room at the beloved waterfront hotel Little River Inn is likely to be filled with people celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, engagements, or reunions. This is the kind of place that, once visited, is revisited again and again. It's probably because of the views (it’s just steps from the shores of the Pacific), the cozy atmosphere, and signature seafood dishes like abalone fritters and green-lip mussels.

42. West Virginia: Hillbrook Inn Restaurant, Charles Town

The restaurant at this popular spa resort is worth a visit alone, with diners saying it's perfect for a special occasion thanks to the elegant surroundings and stunning five-course tasting menu. You can also opt for à la carte dishes such as peppercorn encrusted seared tuna and Creole seasoned scallops. If you're lucky enough to stay the night, the breakfast is said to be the best in the area.

41. Vermont: Simon Pearce Restaurant and Mill, Quechee

Time your meal with sunset to best enjoy this pretty spot, which is home to Simon Pearce’s glass and pottery workshop. The restaurant, in a converted 19th-century mill, perches dramatically over Ottauquechee River waterfall, so you can watch the light play on the cascade while tucking into horseradish-crusted cod or sage and sumac tagliatelle. The private dining room, in the loft space above the restaurant, is unbeatable for birthday or anniversary celebrations.

40. Juniper: Austin, Texas

Juniper blends modern Italian cooking with Texas warmth, offering a refined but welcoming space perfect for marking a special moment. Dishes like handmade smoked pasta, crispy pork belly, and bright, herb-driven appetizers feel thoughtful without tipping into extravagance. The minimalist dining room, soft lighting, and polished service create an elevated ambience, yet prices stay pleasantly accessible. With inventive cocktails, a strong wine list, and a relaxed East Austin vibe, Juniper makes celebrations feel stylish and memorable without the heavy cost of fine dining.

39. South Dakota: Minervas, Sioux Falls

Now with locations across the state and in Iowa and Michigan, Minervas started right here in Sioux Falls in 1977, and the original spot remains a favorite place for a celebratory feast. The dining room ticks all the fine dining boxes, with crisp white tablecloths and delicious dishes like roasted duck, crab artichoke bake, and regionally sourced buffalo burger.

38. Rhode Island: Boat House Waterfront Dining, Tiverton

Regularly given rave reviews for its beautifully prepared seafood dishes and waterfront setting, the Boat House makes the most of its riverside location with a wraparound terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining room. Everything is sumptuous, from native littleneck clams to lobster fritters, all with views over Mount Hope Bay.

37. Ohio: Veritas, Columbus

Veritas is the place for a truly memorable meal. Choose tapas-style sharing plates or a tasting menu, devoured in an intimate, stylish dining room. Everything is excellent, from the house-made bread and butter to dishes like burrata with sweet potato or pork belly buns.

36. New Hampshire: Sugar Hill Inn, Sugar Hill

Feeling rushed through your meal can really dampen the celebratory mood, which is why we love Sugar Hill Inn. The policy here is that the table is yours for the evening, so you can linger over dishes such as baked Brie with fig jam, pan-seared scallops, and fettuccine primavera.

35. Nevada: NoMad Restaurant, Las Vegas

You can find pretty much any cuisine in Sin City, especially if money is no object, and there’s plenty of choice when you’re celebrating. But we reckon NoMad Restaurant is one of the best thanks to its communal courses served alongside an array of salads, pastas, and entrées. The tomahawk steak with lobster side is a particularly decadent choice.

34. Maryland: Woodberry Kitchen, Baltimore

A top choice for a truly special meal, charming Woodberry Kitchen takes its ingredients seriously, sourcing sustainably from Maryland’s abundant farmland and Chesapeake Bay (customers particularly rave about the oysters). The setting is gorgeous, too – the rustic-chic interior of this renovated foundry has an open kitchen and, during warmer months, you can sit out on the twinkly-lit patio.

33. Illinois: Lula Café, Chicago

A Logan Square favorite, Lula Café has perfected the art of being both casual and celebratory. The menu leans seasonal and imaginative – handmade pastas, local vegetables, roasted meats and vibrant, globally influenced plates – all beautifully prepared without the fine dining markup. Soft lighting, friendly service, and a cozy, charming interior make it feel instantly special, especially for anniversaries or birthday dinners. Lula is the kind of place where you can share thoughtful dishes, enjoy a great bottle of wine, and leave feeling full and happy.

32. Virginia: The Majestic, Alexandria

The Obamas have dined here and if it’s good enough for Michelle and Barack, we reckon it’s a decent bet for a memorable meal. The Majestic’s menu takes Virginia’s abundant produce and, with a deft, delicate touch, transforms it into flavorsome dishes like duck breast with parsnip purée and wild mushrooms. Grab a velvet-lined booth and share appetizers like charred octopus and crab arancini.

31. Louisiana: Brennan’s, New Orleans

It’s hard to find a bad meal in Louisiana but, for a celebration, it has to be New Orleans – and it has to be Brennan’s, a NOLA icon since 1946. The bright, airy rooms are lovely for dinner, while the brunch – with crab-packed omelets, grits, and (a customer favorite) baked apples – is legendary.

30. Illinois: Maple & Ash, Chicago

The Windy City has a vibrant, dynamic food scene but, if we must pick a favorite for a special gathering, it’s this upscale but low-key restaurant in the swanky Gold Coast district. Maple & Ash is all sepia lighting, dark accents, and ingredients infused with smoke and fire. The huge round tables and sharing options make it perfect for bigger groups and diners particularly praise the decadent, fire-roasted seafood tower.

29. New York, Union Square Café, New York City

Union Square Café is a New York classic that offers elegance without pretension. Known for warm service and polished but approachable cooking, it’s a perfect spot for celebrations that call for comfort elevated to something festive. Dishes like ricotta gnocchi, roast chicken, and market-fresh salads highlight quality ingredients rather than fuss. The bright, art-filled dining room sets a cheerful tone, and prices sit well below the city’s more formal fine dining institutions. It’s a restaurant where milestones feel meaningful but never overly serious.

28. Hawaii: MW Restaurant, Honolulu

This upscale spot celebrates the best of Hawaiian cuisine, with fine dining food served with zero pretension. At MW Restaurant you'll find elegantly presented, flavorful dishes such as pork hash dumplings, and unagi and butterfish arancini. People especially adore the 'creamsicle' crème brûlée, infused with tropical fruit, as well as the five-course tasting menu.

27. Florida: Ulele, Tampa

You can take a water taxi or stroll along the city’s Riverwalk to reach Ulele, whose menu is all about celebrating seasonal ingredients. It’s a huge space but each section, from the waterside patio to the main dining room, feels intimate and cozy, which makes it a favorite for celebrations. Try the rich chili with alligator, wild boar, duck, beef, and wild venison.

26. Connecticut: The Whelk, Westport

Perched by the Saugatuck River, The Whelk is a favorite waterside spot specializing in fresh, sustainable, and perfectly prepared seafood. Customers rave about happy hour oysters and the Creole flavors in dishes such as bass belly crudo, seafood stew, and squid ink cavatelli.

25. Alabama: Dauphin’s, Mobile

Charming port city Mobile has a growing reputation for great food and Dauphin’s is especially lauded for its regional seafood infused with rich Creole flavors. It’s located on the 34th floor of a skyscraper with floor-to-ceiling windows framing views over the city. For a very special occasion, book the private dining option – a table for six overlooking the kitchen.

24. Utah: Log Haven, Salt Lake City

Log Haven is just a few miles outside downtown Salt Lake City, but it feels like the middle of nowhere. Located amid a forested idyll with waterfalls and towering pines, it's unsurprisingly a favorite for special occasions. Try the cauliflower with Korean spices, or bison steak with charred Brussels sprouts and truffle aioli.

23. Louisiana: Commander's Palace, New Orleans

A New Orleans institution since the late 19th century, Commander’s Palace blends Southern hospitality, jazz-era charm, and refined Creole cuisine. Inside the beautifully restored Victorian building, white-tablecloth dining meets warm, exuberant service and soulful dishes – turtle soup, crab cakes, pecan pie, and seasonal Louisiana seafood. Whether dressed up or just grateful to be together, diners are welcomed with the same laid-back grandeur.

22. Tennessee: The Barn at Blackberry Farm, Walland

The Barn at Blackberry Farm, in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains, takes farm-to-table to new levels of detail. It’s old-fashioned in the best way, from the fine tablecloths to the impeccable service. The estate’s produce is used in dishes like chicken and grits, walnut-crusted fish, and duck heart salad with apple.

21. Nebraska: Dolce, Omaha

From a special Date Night menu to family-style sharing plates of charcuterie, wagyu steak, and chorizo mac ’n’ cheese, the offerings at seasonally focused Dolce are designed for special get-togethers. Make sure to leave space for dessert – the brioche bread pudding with raisin compote and vanilla bean ice cream is a favorite.

20. Massachusetts: Twenty-Eight Atlantic, Harwich

You'll want to linger long after the food is gone at Twenty-Eight Atlantic, part of the waterfront Wequassett Resort on the Cape Cod peninsula – the bay views are stunning. The menu is seafood based, as you’d expect, with dishes like parsnip clam chowder and butter-braised lobster winning rave reviews.

19. Georgia: The Olde Pink House, Savannah

The elegant appearance of this 18th-century Georgian mansion, attached to popular B&B Planters Inn, is enough to imbue a meal with a sense of occasion. Thankfully The Olde Pink House feels just as special inside, with Southern cuisine served in grand, softly lit rooms filled with art and antiques. Customers love the blue crab beignets and BLT salad.

18. Texas: Eddie V's Prime Seafood, Austin

This smart, fine dining chain is known for impeccable service and excellent seafood and steaks, making it the perfect place when you're after somewhere a little bit special for a celebratory meal. As well as the delicious food, Eddie V's is a great place to visit in Austin when you fancy some live entertainment and top-notch cocktails alongside your meal.

17. Wisconsin: Bacchus, Milwaukee

Bacchus knows exactly how to show off its stunning surrounds. The conservatory setting with views of Lake Michigan is bolstered by dishes like charred octopus and amaretto cake with pear, plus an impressive wine list. Diners also rave about the attentive and friendly service.

16. Iowa: Orchard Green, Iowa City

Book a table in the upstairs area of Orchard Green for a true sense of occasion. While the downstairs bar space has a more casual vibe, upstairs it's all vaulted ceilings and chandeliers and is the perfect setting to feast on elegantly prepared dishes like sea scallops with charred broccolini, bouillabaisse, and sweet potato gnocchi.

15. South Carolina: Magnolia's, Charleston

Opened in 1990, Magnolia's claims to have ignited a culinary renaissance in the area thanks to its upscale Southern cuisine and there's no denying the joint is something special. Diners rate this beautiful restaurant for its charming atmosphere, fantastic service, and delicious food including dishes such as the seared corvina served with herb potato cake, asparagus, and oyster mushrooms and blackened catfish.

14. Pennsylvania: Altius, Pittsburgh

Altius takes its position very seriously. Perched in Mount Washington, a district famed for its sweeping city views, it’s named after the Latin word for higher. It doesn’t just refer to its location – the food is elevated too. Standout dishes include Colorado lamb rack with Parmesan and herb ricotta gnocchi, and chicken supreme with lemon orzo.

13. Oregon: Stephanie Inn & Dining Room, Cannon Beach

Oceanside Stephanie Inn & Dining Room strikes just the right balance between laid-back and utterly luxurious. Tables are arranged around a wood-burning fireplace, while chefs work in the open kitchen to produce fresh, vibrant regional cuisine. Dishes change seasonally but are likely to include Pacific Northwest seafood, cheeses, and vegetables. The views make the occasion special, too, with arched windows framing the distinctive Haystack Rock.

12. North Dakota: Pirogue Grille, Bismarck

Top-rated Bismarck restaurant Pirogue Grille has the kind of warm, cozy ambience that makes you instantly feel at home – although you’d be pretty lucky to eat this level of food in your own dining room. The kitchen turns out impeccable plates of Parmesan-crusted fish and bison medallions, made with regional produce. Pretty much everything is made in-house.

11. North Carolina: The Fearrington House Restaurant, Pittsboro

An idyllic take on a traditional English village, Relais & Châteaux hotel Fearrington has fields grazed by Belted Galloway cows and a restaurant serving elegantly prepared, seasonal dishes. Your group can book the chef’s tasting menu or choose from à la carte dishes paired with wines from North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley. Don’t miss the legendary hot chocolate soufflé with bitter chocolate sauce.

10. Montana: Montana Ale Works, Bozeman

The name of this spot might not scream special occasion, but the ambience, food, and service speak for themselves. Housed in a former train station, Montana Ale Works is Bozeman's most award-winning restaurant thanks to its seasonally driven menu of steaks, burgers, colorful salads, and entrées such as halibut with cilantro-lime rice and blackened mahi tacos. You can only reserve for parties of 20 or more, though there’s plenty of space if you're a smaller group.

9. Minnesota: Spoon and Stable, Minneapolis

Located in a former horse stable dating to 1906, Spoon and Stable is the place to go to celebrate a special occasion in Minneapolis. The brainchild of James Beard award–winning chef Gavin Kaysen, the restaurant boasts chic decor with exposed brick walls, huge windows, and a classy, neutral color scheme. Combining French and Midwest flavors, the menu features dishes such as seared scallops with eggplant and tomato coulis, duck breast with pickled blueberries, and cucumber gazpacho.

8. Kentucky: 610 Magnolia, Louisville

Chef Edward Lee takes classic Southern cuisine and gives it a fresh, zesty, global spin. The tasting menu, which can be combined with whiskey, wine, or beer pairings, changes seasonally. Expect delicate dishes like eel and pork belly or beef tongue with sauerkraut. It isn’t cheap, but customers agree it’s worth it.

7. Indiana: Mama Carolla’s Old Italian Restaurant, Indianapolis

Imagine you have an Italian American grandmother who makes the best meatballs around. Now imagine she lives in a Mediterranean-style villa whose patio twinkles with string lights. At Mama Carolla's, you can live the dream for the night – it's a warm, elegant spot with incredible food.

6. Idaho: Chandlers, Boise

The potato capital scrubs up pretty nicely at Chandlers, where nightly live jazz and sleek decor add to the elegant ambiance. People say it’s the best Boise spot for a celebration and it’s known for perfectly prepared steaks and delicious seafood.

5. Wyoming: Gather, Jackson Hole

Highly rated Gather is the perfect place to get together with a group of friends and family to mark your celebration while feasting on creative American cuisine. It's a fun joint, with a friendly atmosphere and cool decor, including yellow leather booth seating. The menu features dishes such as elk Bolognese, marinated bison, and house-made truffle pasta.

4. Kansas: Café Provence, Prairie Village

This chic, family-run bistro looks like it’s been airlifted in from Paris, and the French-driven menu tastes pretty authentic too. Classic dishes at Café Provence, like moules marinière and foie gras, are served with Provençal wines. Regular specials include a four-course prix-fixe menu and a weekly changing soufflé.

3. Arizona: Cafe Monarch, Scottsdale

Customers love the top-notch service and laid-back vibe at this family-owned restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale. The seasonally led menu at Cafe Monarch includes filet mignon, charred octopus, and vegetarian options like porcini risotto. And, because it’s prix-fixe, there are less likely to be arguments over the check.

2. Maine: Twelve, Portland

This revered farm-to-table restaurant serves a menu of New England–inspired dishes such as swordfish with lobster and eggplant, duck terrine with sourdough, and peaches and cream with candied breadcrumbs. Set in a historic waterfront building, Twelve’s light and airy décor, exceptional service, and ambience make it the perfect spot to celebrate with friends and family.

1. Arkansas: Rober, Benton

Since opening at the end of 2022, Rober has won several awards as well as rave reviews from customers, who say it's the best fine dining restaurant they've ever visited. With a stylish interior featuring high-backed leather booths and chandeliers, Rober's menu is just as impressive, with standout dishes including melt-in-the-mouth braised short rib with burrata and Parmesan and perfectly cooked scallops.

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Last updated by Natasha Lovell-Smith.