The ultimate bucket-list restaurants across the US, ranked

The best of the best

From coast to coast, the USA is home to iconic restaurants that have captured the hearts – and appetites – of food lovers around the world. From fine dining havens and cozy hidden gems to humble sandwich shops and no-frills barbecue joints, these restaurants deliver unbeatable food, exceptional service, and the best vibes. Join us on a culinary journey across the US as we hunt down the bucket-list restaurants.

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover America's must-visit restaurants, counting down to the finest of them all. How many will you add to your bucket list?

Our ranking is based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the opinions of our well-traveled (and well-fed) team. The list is unavoidably subjective.

45. Massachusetts: Mei Mei, Boston

After becoming online only and hosting 'how to make your own dumplings' classes on Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic, Boston's well-loved dumpling restaurant Mei Mei made a welcome return to the food scene in 2023.

Owner Irene Li, who won a James Beard Award in 2022, continues to serve up creative – and delicious – dumplings, with fillings such as lemongrass and pasture-raised pork (a Mei Mei signature). The spot also hosts classes and offers a takeout service.

44. Maine: The Lost Kitchen, Freedom

43. Ohio: Mita's, Cincinnati

Mita's is a Spanish and Latin American tapas restaurant that's renowned for creating dishes packed with flavor.

Named after chef Jose Salazar's Colombian grandmother, the restaurant serves ceviche, cured meats, cheeses, and large plates, and it receives rave reviews for its outstanding service as well as for its delicious food. A menu highlight is the signature paella, which is served family style to share among the table.

42. Montana: Tupelo Grille, Whitefish

41. Arizona: FnB, Scottsdale

Winning the James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest in 2019 propelled FnB chef and owner Charleen Badman firmly into the spotlight.

The first win for an Arizona chef in more than a decade, the award cemented what local foodies already knew. FnB continues to be celebrated thanks to its creative, vegetable-led menu, focusing on ingredients sourced seasonally from Arizona's top farms and purveyors.

40. Utah: Valter's Osteria, Salt Lake City

Valter's Osteria is a real Salt Lake City legend, and much of that is down to the charm and charisma of its late owner, Valter Nassi, who passed away in 2022.

His memory lives on in the restaurant's ambiance and authentic Tuscan food – the menu features many recipes passed down from Valter's nonna. You come here for some of the best pasta dishes in the country, but also to feel like you're a guest in a much-loved relative's home.

39. Louisiana: Compère Lapin, New Orleans

38. New Jersey: Dock’s Oyster House, Atlantic City

Run by the Dougherty family since 1897, Dock’s Oyster House truly is a restaurant that has stood the test of time. The late, great chef and food writer Anthony Bourdain once remarked of this spot: "Dock’s Oyster House, an establishment that survived Prohibition, the Great Depression, two World Wars, numerous declines and rebirths – still here, still great." 

Try the legendary crab cakes or seafood fry, and you'll soon see why the restaurant has thrived for so long.

37. Hawaii: Roy's, Honolulu

Many Hawaiians will tell you that there's nothing like the original Roy's in Hawaii Kai, run by the James Beard Award–winning Roy Yamaguchi.

Famous for its explosive Hawaiian Japanese fusion cuisine, Roy's was one of the first restaurants to bring poke into the mainstream. Dishes such as the island-style ahi tuna poke and the signature blackened ahi have cemented Roy’s status as an American culinary icon.

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36. Maine: Eventide Oyster Co., Portland

Loved for its inventive seafood dishes and a regular on Maine food scene 'best of' lists, Eventide Oyster Co. always has a line, but it's well worth the wait. The restaurant is renowned for its classic New England fare, and diners flock to try its famous brown butter lobster rolls.

Other must-try dishes on the menu include oysters, kimchi, and scallop waffle-yaki. The restaurant also has a second location in Boston, Massachusetts.

35. Kentucky: 610 Magnolia, Louisville

Acclaimed Louisville restaurant 610 Magnolia serves a tasting menu based on modern Southern cuisine. The chic spot grows many of its ingredients in an on-site greenhouse, with the rest sourced locally. 

Food & Wine magazine named it one of the most important US restaurants of the past 40 years, as it helped raise Louisville's profile as a foodie destination. Sample dishes on the set menu have included butternut squash and goats' cheese agnolotti with black garlic, and seared scallops with braised radish, tarragon oil, seaweed, and miso Hollandaise.

34. Vermont: Hen of the Wood Waterbury, Waterbury

Set in a cozy venue in the heart of the woods beside the Green Mountains and Champlain Valley, Hen of the Wood aims to serve as much produce from its local surroundings as possible and is known for its environmentally friendly cuisine.

Lauded as an essential New England restaurant by Eater, Hen of the Wood turned Vermont into a proper foodie destination when it opened in 2005. For a truly memorable experience, the Chef’s Choice dinner, served in the private dining room, is a must.

33. Minnesota: Spoon and Stable, Minneapolis

32. Mississippi: Vestige, Ocean Springs

Fine dining restaurant Vestige celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023 and continues to thrill diners, who regularly vote it the state's must-visit restaurant on OpenTable.

The acclaimed spot serves an innovative, ever-changing tasting menu combining local, sustainable ingredients with 'things that inspire the team daily.' Expect beautifully presented dishes like Louisiana crawfish with guanciale, ground cherry, yuzu kosho, togarashi, and smoked roe.

31. New York: Atomix, New York City

Diners looking for a really special meal in NYC have endless options, but you can’t go wrong with what some critics believe is the best restaurant in the US. Atomix wowed the judges again on the most recent World's 50 Best Restaurants list, coming 12th in the world.

Run by husband-and-wife team, esteemed chef Junghyun ‘JP’ Park and Ellia Park, this 14-seater basement restaurant in Manhattan's Koreatown serves a 12-course tasting menu of trailblazing Korean cuisine. Highlights have included sea urchin with steamed carrot cake and kohlrabi with yellow beetroot and mussels.

30. Wisconsin: Sanford, Milwaukee

Upscale American restaurant Sanford is the shining star of the bustling Milwaukee restaurant scene, most famous for its impressive tasting menu options.

Constantly changing, Sanford's three-course Exploration Menu allows diners to discover dishes from cuisines all around the world, while the seven-course Surprise Tasting Menu is created to offer a snapshot of the chef’s food philosophy.

29. Oregon: Kann, Portland

28. Alabama: Chez Fonfon, Birmingham

Since opening in 2000, Bustling French bistro Chez Fonfon has been one of the most popular eateries in Alabama thanks to its charming interiors, pretty patio complete with boules, and delicious food.

Run by award-winning chef Frank Stitt, who was inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor in 2009, and wife Pardis, the restaurant has people clamoring for reservations. Expect comforting French fare and daily specials including hanger steak with pommes frites and peppercorn sauce (pictured).

27. Arkansas: The Pantry, Little Rock

With two restaurants in Little Rock, The Pantry continues to grow in popularity thanks to a hearty menu of German, Czech, and American comfort food.

House-made specialties such as bratwurst sausage and potato pierogies make it deliciously different from most other places in the area. Other highlights include a Pantry Pie with Hungarian goulash and mashed potatoes, roasted pork shoulder served with fluffy Czech potato dumplings, and a perfectly made wiener schnitzel.

26. Illinois: Ever, Chicago

25. Virginia: The Inn at Little Washington, Washington

A fine dining institution, The Inn at Little Washington offers a French American menu in a magnificent setting. The restaurant, scenically placed in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has been going strong for over four decades.

There isn't much the three-Michelin-star establishment hasn't achieved, and it's known for its simple, yet refined style. Five-time James Beard Award winner Patrick O'Connell has been at the helm of the restaurant since it opened, and he's now widely referred to as the 'Pope of American cuisine.'

24. Alaska: Tracy's King Crab Shack, Juneau

Tracy's Crab Shack is the ultimate mecca for crab lovers: the restaurant's Bristol Bay king crab legs served with melted butter attract diners from far and wide. Although there always tends to be a long line, the food is well worth the wait and the award-winning king crab bisque is exceptional.

There's a great atmosphere, with a soundtrack of favorite oldies playing in the background and a second outlet, Shack 2, nearby. Note that they both close over the winter.

23. North Carolina: Cúrate, Asheville

Spanish tapas restaurant Cúrate has a heaving awards cabinet, including a James Beard Award for hospitality. It was also named one of the most important restaurants of the past 40 years by Food & Wine magazine and one of the best restaurants of the decade by Esquire. 

In this buzzing restaurant, set in a former 1920s bus depot, chef Katie Button and her team serve up delightful small plates.

22. Pennsylvania: Zahav, Philadelphia

Opened in 2008, this Israeli restaurant in the heart of Philadelphia slowly grew in popularity, before starting to win big awards and demand attention on a national level.

These days, it's consistently ranked among the best restaurants in the US and is famous for its signature dish: pomegranate lamb shoulder.

21. Texas: Franklin Barbecue, Austin

Part of the 'barbecue belt' along with the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Kentucky, no food is a bigger deal than barbecue in Texas, and the joint consistently cited as the best is Franklin.

It's featured on countless must-eat lists and was named one of the 40 most important restaurants of the last 40 years by Food & Wine magazine. The sublime brisket served here has inspired countless imitations, but nothing tops tasting the original.

20. Michigan: Noori Pocha, Clawson

South Korea and Clawson, a sleepy Detroit suburb, perhaps aren't the most obvious pairing, but Noori Pocha makes it work. Stepping into the restaurant is like being transported to central Seoul, complete with Korean bus stop signs, neon lighting, and K-pop booming from the speakers.

But the menu is the real reason to stick around. Kimchi fried rice, bulgogi (grilled strips of marinated meat), jokbal (pigs' trotters in a soy-based sauce), and spicy fried chicken are just a few of the options that'll have you longing to make a return. Oh, and there's karaoke every night after 8pm.

19. Iowa: Harbinger, Des Moines

With one of the highest per capita restaurant densities in the country (around 28 per 10,000 people), Des Moines is an unexpectedly great destination for foodies.

Harbinger, opened by four-time James Beard semi-finalist Joe Tripp, is the perfect example of what the city has to offer. Mixing New American and Asian cuisines, Harbinger's menu has a heavy focus on fresh, local vegetables, and pretty much everything is served as small plates, encouraging diners to share and try new flavors.

18. Missouri: Menya Rui, St. Louis

Steven Pursley, chef-owner of Menya Rui, is a native Missourian, but his heart clearly belongs in Japan. He spent three years as an apprentice in Japanese noodle shops before returning home and venturing out on his own.

Pursley opened Menya Rui in April 2022, and the small but perfectly formed restaurant quickly became a local favorite, known for its exquisite handmade noodles. Be prepared for a wait, though the service is fast and totally worth it. The signature pork shoyu ramen is the dish for first timers to order.

17. New Mexico: The St. James Tearoom, Albuquerque

Albuquerque probably isn't the first place you’d expect to find a cozy parlor specializing in traditional British afternoon tea, but The St. James Tearoom has been giving diners the full experience since 1999.

This charming spot was named in Yelp’s 2024 Top 100 Places to Eat list, so you know it’s going to be pretty special. Look out for the unique themed teas, from takes on literary classics to special occasion options.

16. Nebraska: Yoshitomo, Omaha

Chef David Utterback is Nebraska's first James Beard finalist, nominated for Best Chef in the Midwest in 2023. His sushi restaurant, Yoshitomo, offers a menu of creative small plates and receives rave reviews from diners, who say there is nothing else like it in the whole of Nebraska.

Expect inventive dishes like Hokkaido scallop with truffle and lemon confit, and tuna carpaccio with sea lettuce and wasabi.

15. North Dakota: Mezzaluna, Fargo

Sophisticated restaurant Mezzaluna consistently appears on the state's 'best restaurant' lists and receives rave reviews for its elevated American cuisine and craft offerings.

Housed in a building dating back to 1917, the chic dining room has retained its historical features, while chef-owner Joseph Brunner creates stunning seasonal menus featuring the likes of arctic char with pearl couscous, pickled rhubarb, crème fraîche, and dill oil. You can either dine on stools around the horseshoe marble bar or in the mezzanine restaurant.

14. Missouri: Louie, Clayton

Matt McGuire worked in a few of the best eateries in St. Louis before opening the trattoria-style Louie in Clayton. The idea was to create a neighborhood hangout with great food and even better service – and it's safe to say he knocked it out of the park.

The menu focuses on classic Italian food, made with the highest quality ingredients, and served simply and beautifully. Guests love the Margherita pizza and the chitarra spaghetti, but it's hard to go wrong with anything at Louie.

13. Kansas: Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Kansas City

Kansas is famous for its barbecue scene, with plenty of joints to choose from, but Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que remains the best of the bunch. Previously called Oklahoma Joe's, the restaurant is set in a former gas station, and it has countless accolades under its belt.

The late Anthony Bourdain described it as 'the best BBQ in Kansas City, which makes it the best BBQ in the world.' Customers love the specialty burnt-end sandwiches and the BBQ dinners, which come with one side, plus Texas toast.

12. Idaho: Epi's A Basque Restaurant, Boise

Boise is famous for its Basque culture, and Epi's A Basque Restaurant serves up a wonderful celebration of the best and most homey dishes from this region in northern Spain.

Despite being open since 1999, it remains packed every night, with diners flocking to try the famous fall-off-the-bone lamb, incredible meatballs, and crispy ham croquetas.

11. Tennessee: Edessa, Nashville

Nashville is home to the Little Kurdistan community, so it makes sense that that's where you'll find one of the best Kurdish restaurants in the country. The New York Times included Edessa on its 2024 best restaurant list, and the publication had nothing but good things to say about its delicious food.

Bring three friends or loved ones and order the kabob festival for four, which includes classic dishes such as creamy haydari dip, baba ghanoush, kofta kabob, and lamb chops, plus baklava for dessert.

10. Texas: Tacos Doña Lena, Houston

People trek from all over Houston to get a taste of the authentic Mexican food served at two locations. At the heart of everything is Doña Lena, who came to the US from Mexico in the 1990s and supported her family by selling tacos out of her home kitchen, eventually setting up a restaurant with her son, Angel.

On the menu today, you’ll find lovingly made tacos, quesadillas, gorditas, and sopes, all given a wonderful kick by the house-made hot sauces available. Be sure to order the Birria Street Tacos: fresh corn tortillas filled with tender braised beef and served with a cup of delicious consommé for dipping.

9. Rhode Island: Gift Horse, Providence

They say don't look a gift horse in the mouth – and Rhode Islanders should definitely be grateful that they have this unique restaurant on their doorstep.

Gift Horse is a raw bar with a difference, combining the flavors of South Korea with the finest seafood sourced off the coast of Rhode Island. The New York Times has said it's among the best restaurants in the country, comparing it to much more famous raw bars in Los Angeles and New York. Its sister restaurant Oberlin is also highly recommended.

8. Illinois: Oriole, Chicago

Two Michelin–starred Oriole is at the forefront of fine dining experiences in Chicago. On arrival, guests are ushered into a freight elevator and handed a drink, before the door opens to reveal the dining room.

Chef-owner Noah Sandoval then proceeds to deliver an experiential tasting menu of exceptional contemporary American cuisine. The restaurant also boasts an exciting range from acclaimed mixologist Julia Momose.

7. North Carolina: Haywood Smokehouse, Dillsboro

Three Haywood Smokehouses populate North Carolina, but they're still a family-run operation, with founder Joe Beasley at the head.

The small chain specializes in Texas-style low-and-slow barbecue, topping Yelp’s ranking of Top Brisket Spots in the US and Canada in 2023. But, while the brisket is the star of the show, the chopped pork and ribs are also excellent. There's a reason why people travel from all over the USA – including Texas – to taste this food.

6. Arizona: Tumerico Cafe, Tucson

Vegans and carnivores alike rave about the inventive plant-based Mexican food at Tumerico Cafe. This colorful spot came top of Yelp’s 2024 Top 100 Places to Eat list, so it’s a must-visit for foodies in the area and beyond.

Chef-owner Wendy Garcia grew up on a farm in Hermosillo, Mexico, and her creative farm-to-table cooking makes delicious use of local, seasonal produce, especially in her famed salsas and tamales. While the menu is ever-changing, some dishes are always available, including the popular Cuban tacos (filled with jackfruit carnitas, a garlic-coriander sauce, and cashew crema) and the exceptional mole.

5. Florida: Fratellino, Coral Gables

Family photos adorn the walls at this traditional Italian trattoria in Coral Gables. The menu is loaded with family recipes, passed down through generations, such as osso buco alla Milanese (risotto topped with tender veal shank) and house-made pasta.

Be sure to leave room for the tiramisù, too. These dishes – and the sublime service and atmosphere – landed the eatery in the top five of Yelp’s Top 100 US Restaurants 2024.

4. Texas: Gino’s Deli Stop N Buy, San Antonio

Gino’s Deli Stop N Buy has a cult following for its exceptional sandwiches, especially its world-class Philly cheesesteaks. But diners also rave about its juicy rotisserie chicken sammies, and its sublime BLTs.

It's hard to imagine that the joint used to be a gas station and convenience store. Gino’s incredible reviews saw the destination sandwich shop rank ninth in Yelp's Top 100 U.S. Sandwich Shops list.

3. Hawaii: Adela’s Country Eatery, Kaneohe

Adela’s Country Eatery not only reached the number seven spot on Yelp's Top 100 US Restaurants 2024 list, but it also topped a USA Today poll of the best restaurants in Hawaii. 

Every dish here is lovingly made from scratch using the finest produce from Hawaiian farmers and growers. With some creations taking almost an hour to prepare, the trick is to order your meal ahead of time – but regulars insist the food is well worth the wait. Build-your-own noodle plates are the go-to order, with short ribs, lechon (pork belly), and garlic shrimp all being popular options.

2. California: Sierra Subs and Salads, Three Rivers

No trip to Sequoia National Park is complete without a stop at Sierra Subs and Salads. As the name suggests, the destination joint serves up fast, fresh, and fantastic sandwiches that can be enjoyed on the deck with a view over the Kaweah River (or wrapped up ready for a hike in the hills).

The Hollywood Tremor – a turkey, bacon, sun-dried tomato, Cheddar, and spicy cream cheese ciabatta sub – is a popular choice, but check out the weekly special for something truly inventive. Soups are available in winter, too.

1. Florida: EDOBOY, Orlando

This eight-person, standing-only sushi restaurant made the Michelin Guide just a year after it opened in 2022 and has cemented itself as one of the hottest tickets in town. If you’re lucky enough to secure a booking, you’ll be treated to the freshest seared nigiri and hand rolls, prepared by a sushi chef right in front of you. The lack of seating might sound gimmicky, but diners praise the fast and fun vibe.

Best bites have included blue crab temaki with truffle kewpie mayo, seared red prawn with uni butter, and a Matcha S’more (toasted in front of your eyes) for dessert.

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Last updated by Simon Ward