Below, we highlight ten of the most highly rated restaurants in the USA. They aren’t just places to eat—they are culinary landmarks that define what dining in America can be.

1. Eleven Madison Park – New York, NY

Once celebrated for its meat-heavy tasting menus, Eleven Madison Park shocked the world when it pivoted to a fully plant-based approach. Far from sacrificing flavor, this evolution has sparked new conversations about sustainability and creativity in fine dining. The dishes are sculptural, vibrant, and surprisingly indulgent, redefining what it means to dine without animal products. The setting, with its Art Deco elegance, amplifies the sense of occasion.

2. Alinea – Chicago, IL

If dining could be compared to theater, Alinea would be the Broadway of food. Known for molecular gastronomy, it’s a place where dishes arrive suspended in mid-air, desserts are painted directly onto tables, and edible balloons float by. It challenges what you think a restaurant can be while still prioritizing flavor above spectacle. For adventurous eaters, Alinea isn’t optional—it’s essential.

3. Le Bernardin – New York, NY

Few restaurants embody precision like Le Bernardin. With a focus on seafood, it blends French culinary technique with the freshest ocean ingredients. The menu is structured around levels of cooking—almost raw, lightly cooked, and fully prepared—allowing diners to experience seafood in stages of purity. Elegant yet approachable, Le Bernardin has maintained its three Michelin stars for decades, a testament to its unwavering excellence.

4. Benu – San Francisco, CA

Chef Corey Lee has built Benu into one of the most respected restaurants in California. Fusing Asian influences with American sensibilities, the menu features everything from delicate dumplings to explorations of fermentation and umami. Each course feels intentional and cerebral, designed to spark both conversation and appreciation. It’s a restaurant that invites you to slow down and savor not just the flavors but also the cultural storytelling.

5. Canlis – Seattle, WA

Canlis is more than just a restaurant—it’s an institution. Overlooking Lake Union, this family-run spot has been a Seattle mainstay since the 1950s. While it honors tradition with classics like the Canlis Salad, it also evolves with inventive tasting menus that spotlight Pacific Northwest ingredients. The atmosphere blends modern elegance with heartfelt hospitality, making it one of the most cherished dining rooms in the country.

6. Per Se – New York, NY

Thomas Keller’s Per Se remains one of the crown jewels of New York dining. Known for flawless technique and a philosophy of refinement, Per Se offers a meticulous tasting experience where no detail is overlooked. Diners can choose between a chef’s tasting or a vegetarian alternative, both designed to elevate simple ingredients into extraordinary expressions. From the panoramic views of Central Park to the famous “Oysters and Pearls” dish, every element exudes sophistication.

7. Atelier Crenn – San Francisco, CA

Chef Dominique Crenn has created a restaurant that blurs the line between cuisine and poetry. Each menu is presented as a poem, with dishes reflecting the verses through flavor, form, and artistry. Her French heritage merges seamlessly with California’s seasonal bounty, resulting in presentations that are as visually breathtaking as they are delicious. Atelier Crenn is a restaurant for those who believe food should nourish the soul as much as the body.

8. Commander’s Palace – New Orleans, LA

Located in the heart of New Orleans’ Garden District, Commander’s Palace has been a cornerstone of Creole cuisine for over a century. Its vibrant turquoise exterior hints at the lively spirit within, where jazz brunches and bold Louisiana flavors delight locals and visitors alike. Gumbo, turtle soup, and bread pudding soufflé showcase the restaurant’s mastery of Southern traditions while keeping dining joyful and approachable.

9. Blue Hill at Stone Barns – Tarrytown, NY

Blue Hill isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a philosophy of eating. Nestled within a working farm, the restaurant is an immersive lesson in sustainability. Guests don’t order from a menu; instead, they are guided through a series of courses that reflect the season’s harvest. From heirloom vegetables to heritage meats, every plate represents a direct connection to the land. It’s dining that challenges how we think about food systems and responsibility.

10. Joe’s Stone Crab – Miami, FL

Few restaurants capture the joy of tradition like Joe’s Stone Crab. Established in 1913, it remains one of the most iconic spots in Miami, drawing crowds every season when stone crabs are at their peak. Casual but bustling with energy, Joe’s proves that a restaurant doesn’t need Michelin stars to earn its place in culinary history. Its longevity and popularity speak volumes about the simple power of doing one thing exceptionally well.