Best Restaurants in United States 2026: La Liste, MICHELIN and Local Legends on One Map

Midtown · French seafood

Eric Ripert's Midtown seafood restaurant, brought to New York by Gilbert and Maguy Le Coze in 1986, structures its menu around fish served almost raw, barely touched or lightly cooked. The Infatuation calls it a special experience built on exceptional seafood.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

NoMad · Korean tasting menu

Junghyun and Ellia Park's Korean restaurant serves a 12-course tasting menu on bespoke ceramics, each dish explained on a card. It was the highest-placed US restaurant on The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025, at No.12.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

Tribeca · Korean tasting menu

Chef Jung Sik Yim's Tribeca restaurant was, according to 50 Best, the first to bring haute Korean cooking to New York more than a decade ago. It pairs Korean ingredients such as kimchi and fermented vegetables with French sauce technique.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

Hudson Square · Seafood tasting menu

Chef César Ramirez, formerly of Brooklyn Fare, runs a seafood-focused tasting menu that 50 Best says draws on his Mexican and Chicago upbringing, French technique and Japanese precision. It ranked No.10 on North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2026.

Williamsburg, Brooklyn · Scandinavian tasting menu

Fredrik Berselius's Williamsburg restaurant serves a procession of 12 to 14 dishes built on Northeastern US seasons and Scandinavian ideas, according to 50 Best. The Infatuation describes it as a Scandinavian-leaning tasting menu.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

Flatiron / NoMad · Contemporary tasting menu

This dining room on Madison Avenue holds three MICHELIN stars for its contemporary tasting menu. The Infatuation's review argues it was more interesting during its fully plant-based period.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

Columbus Circle · Contemporary American

Thomas Keller's tasting-menu restaurant sits on the fourth floor of the tower at Columbus Circle. It holds three MICHELIN stars, although The Infatuation's review found it tired after two decades.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

Midtown (Bryant Park) · Sushi omakase

This omakase counter near Bryant Park holds three MICHELIN stars. The Infatuation describes the meal as immaculate and expensive, and says it stands out from other high-end omakases.

Covered by The Infatuation

Flatiron · Contemporary American

Danny Meyer opened Gramercy Tavern in 1994, and executive chef Michael Anthony oversees both the prix-fixe Dining Room and the a la carte Tavern. The Infatuation recommends the bar room's burger.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

West Village · South Indian

Chef Vijay Kumar's West Village restaurant from the Unapologetic Foods group cooks hyper-regional South Indian food, much of it from his native Tamil Nadu, without toning down the spice. The Infatuation counts it among the best Indian restaurants in America.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

Lower East Side / Chinatown · Northern Mexican

Fidel Caballero opened Corima in 2024 to cook northern Mexican food from the Chihuahuan desert, Ciudad Juarez and El Paso with Asian and European touches. The Infatuation recommends the tasting menu over the small plates.

Covered by The Infatuation

Upper East Side · French bistro

Opened in 1937 and described by Time Out as New York's oldest operating French restaurant, Le Veau d'Or was revived in 2024 by Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr of Frenchette. It serves a prix-fixe menu of French classics such as pate en croute and roast chicken.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

Financial District · Contemporary tasting menu

A tasting-menu restaurant on the 63rd floor of an Art Deco skyscraper near Wall Street, with one of Manhattan's best skyline views according to Time Out. 50 Best says chef Charlie Mitchell now runs the kitchen, drawing on his grandmother's Southern cooking and his Detroit upbringing.

Covered by Time Out New York and The Infatuation

Nolita · Italian American

From the team behind Carbone, Torrisi is a large Nolita Italian restaurant whose menu borrows from red-sauce joints, Jewish delis, Chinatown and West Indian patty shops, according to 50 Best. It entered North America's 50 Best at No.38 in 2026.

Covered by The Infatuation

Lincoln Center · Afro-Caribbean

Kwame Onwuachi's restaurant at Lincoln Center, named for his sister, draws on his Jamaican, Nigerian and Bronx upbringing. The Infatuation says it makes fine dining feel fun.

Covered by The Infatuation

NoMad · French-Italian

Andrew Carmellini's French-Italian dining room in NoMad, which 50 Best calls his most personal project and Time Out describes as fine dining straight out of the Gilded Age. Dishes cited include tuna crudo, duck tortellini and venison medallions.

Covered by Time Out New York and The Infatuation

East Village · Caribbean

Momofuku and Barbados-born chef Paul Carmichael opened Kabawa in 2025 in the former Momofuku Ko space off the Bowery. It serves a Caribbean-inspired prix fixe and entered North America's 50 Best at No.14.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

East Village · Seafood and wine bar

Upstairs from its sister restaurant Claud, Penny is a seafood bar serving oysters, clams and seasonal fish from small suppliers, backed by a wine list 50 Best puts at 6,000 bottles.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

West Village · Italian

Jody Williams and Rita Sodi's West Village restaurant serves seasonal Italian cooking such as insalata verde and pappardelle with rabbit ragu. It is mostly walk-in, and The Infatuation warns the wait can run to a few hours.

Covered by Time Out New York and The Infatuation

Chinatown · Yakitori

A 14-seat yakitori counter inside Chinatown's Canal Arcade serving a seasonal 16-course menu, each course a different chicken cut grilled over binchotan charcoal. The Infatuation calls it a sleek, serious yakitori spot.

Covered by The Infatuation

Williamsburg, Brooklyn · Wine bar, small plates

A Williamsburg wine bar and restaurant opened in 2015 by LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy and partners, with a regularly changing menu of small plates. The Infatuation calls it a trendsetter with staying power.

Covered by The Infatuation

Columbus Circle · Sushi omakase

Masa Takayama's sushi counter in the Columbus Circle tower opened as the most expensive dining experience in the city, Time Out notes, with rare ingredients served in a spare, temple-like room. It holds two MICHELIN stars.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

Midtown (MoMA) · Contemporary American

The two-star restaurant inside the Museum of Modern Art looks over the sculpture garden, Time Out notes. The Infatuation treats its bar room and formal dining room as two different experiences.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

Columbus Circle · Contemporary French

Jean-Georges Vongerichten's flagship in the Trump International Hotel on Columbus Circle holds two MICHELIN stars. Time Out writes that its food has kept its standard while many peers have faded.

Covered by Time Out New York

Flatiron · Contemporary Mexican

Mexico City chef Enrique Olvera, known for Pujol, made his US debut with this Flatiron restaurant serving upscale contemporary Mexican food. The Infatuation says it is more approachable than it first appears.

Covered by Time Out New York and The Infatuation

Long Island City, Queens · Korean fermentation tasting menu

Hooni Kim's eight-seat counter in Long Island City runs a tasting menu built around Korean fermentation, which The Infatuation calls part seminar and part dinner. Kim won the 2026 James Beard Award for Best Chef: New York State.

Covered by The Infatuation

Hell's Kitchen · Neapolitan pizza

This Hell's Kitchen Neapolitan pizzeria is now run by Giorgia Caporuscio, Time Out notes. The Infatuation calls its pizza some of the city's best despite the tourist crowds.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

Lower East Side · Jewish deli

Katz's has sold pastrami and corned beef on East Houston Street since 1888, according to the deli. Time Out warns of block-long lines and tourist crowds but says the food remains delicious.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

Williamsburg, Brooklyn · Pizza by the slice

The Infatuation says this Williamsburg slice shop pairs Italian ingredients with a classic New York crust. It has a second shop at 104 Christopher St in the West Village and tops the 2026 50 Top Pizza USA slice ranking.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

Williamsburg, Brooklyn · Steakhouse

The Williamsburg steakhouse has been open for 138 years by Time Out's count. Time Out doubts it is the best steak in the city but calls a meal there a visit to one of New York's relics.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

Harlem · Soul food

Sylvia Woods opened this Harlem soul food restaurant in 1962, and her family still runs it. The James Beard Foundation singles out its barbecue ribs, fried chicken and smothered pork chops.

Covered by Time Out New York and The Infatuation

Chinatown · Wine bar, Chinese-American plates

This small Doyers Street wine bar pairs a long bottle list with Chinese-American small plates, according to The Infatuation. It won Best New Restaurant at the 2026 James Beard Awards.

Covered by The Infatuation

Lower East Side · Neapolitan pizza

Anthony Mangieri's pizzeria returned to New York from San Francisco and now shares its Orchard Street room with small plates from the Wildair and Contra chefs, Time Out reports. It is No.1 on 50 Top Pizza USA 2026.

Covered by Time Out New York

New York

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 91.

New York

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 91.5.

Tarrytown

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 93.5.

New York

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 91.

New York

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 98.

New York

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 75.5.

New York

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 93.

New York

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 79.5.

New York

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 75.5.

New York

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 81.

New York

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 81.5.

New York

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 84.5.

New York

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 78.5.

Upper West Side · Jewish deli, smoked fish

The self-styled Sturgeon King has run its Upper West Side appetizing shop and restaurant since 1908. Time Out calls it shabby and stubbornly old-school, and The Infatuation praises the smoked fish.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

Midwood, Brooklyn · New York pizza

The Midwood pizzeria is called one of New York's best slices by The Infatuation, and Time Out describes it as a benchmark for New York pizza.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

Greenwich Village · New York slice pizza

Joe's has sold slices in Greenwich Village for almost 50 years, first at Bleecker and Carmine and now at 7 Carmine St. Time Out says it defines the New York slice, and The Infatuation calls it an institution.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

Midtown (Herald Square) · Steakhouse

Keens has been a Midtown steakhouse for about 140 years, and its ceilings hold clay pipes from regulars such as Babe Ruth and Teddy Roosevelt, Time Out notes. The Infatuation calls it a New York institution.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

Lower East Side · Appetizing shop, smoked fish

This appetizing shop has sold lox, herring, fish eggs and bagels on East Houston Street since 1914, Time Out notes. The Infatuation rates its smoked fish among the best in New York.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out New York

San Francisco (Cow Hollow) · Contemporary French

Dominique Crenn's three-MICHELIN-star restaurant draws on her Brittany upbringing, per the guide. It ranked No. 44 on North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2026.

Healdsburg (Sonoma County wine country) · Japanese-inspired tasting menu

Kyle Connaughton cooks a 10-course kaiseki-inspired menu built around produce from the 24-acre farm run by Katina Connaughton, as described by 50 Best and MICHELIN. It holds three MICHELIN stars and was the only US entry in the 2026 World's 50 Best 51-100 list, at No. 93.

San Francisco (Jackson Square) · Contemporary Californian

Michael and Lindsay Tusk's restaurant in Jackson Square was refreshed for its 20th anniversary, according to MICHELIN, which awards it three stars. Michael Tusk won the 2026 James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef.

San Francisco (SoMa) · Mexican tasting menu

Chef Val M. Cantú's Mexican tasting-menu restaurant was promoted to three MICHELIN stars in the 2026 California guide, which the guide reports makes it the first three-star Mexican restaurant in the world.

Covered by MICHELIN Guide

San Francisco (SoMa) · Asian tasting menu

MICHELIN gives Benu three stars and describes a patient kitchen whose meal opens with a run of highly technical small bites. It placed No. 33 on North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2026.

San Francisco (Mission) · Contemporary American

A nightly tasting menu served in a two-level warehouse styled like a hunting lodge; MICHELIN awards two stars.

San Francisco (SoMa) · Californian

A tasting-menu restaurant in a warehouse setting that holds two MICHELIN stars and ranked No. 22 on North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2026.

San Francisco (Mission) · Nordic-influenced tasting menu

Chef Harrison Cheney's Nordic training shows in a menu built on preservation techniques, per MICHELIN, which gives two stars. It entered North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 at No. 45.

Yountville (Napa Valley) · Contemporary American

Thomas Keller's Napa Valley restaurant holds three MICHELIN stars, and the guide says it still does not miss a beat.

Sonoma (wine country) · Contemporary tasting menu

Chef Brian Limoge serves a tasting menu in a reworked late-1800s Victorian building in downtown Sonoma. It was promoted to three MICHELIN stars in the 2026 California guide.

San Francisco (Nob Hill) · Italian fine dining

Chef Suzette Gresham has run this A-frame-ceilinged Italian dining room since 1989; MICHELIN awards it two stars.

San Francisco (SoMa) · Live-fire contemporary

Chef Christopher Bleidorn builds his menu around live fire and flame-cooked meats, according to MICHELIN, which awards two stars.

Oakland (Piedmont Avenue) · Contemporary tasting menu

James Syhabout's restaurant on Piedmont Avenue holds two MICHELIN stars, and the guide says it is packed every night.

San Francisco (Hayes Valley) · Contemporary tasting menu

Chef John Wesley and general manager Julianna Yang run this tasting-menu restaurant in a warehouse space, which holds two MICHELIN stars.

San Francisco (Union Square) · Thai

Pim Techamuanvivit's Thai restaurant in the Parc 55 hotel holds one MICHELIN star for layered Thai cooking with a Northern California produce focus.

San Francisco (Chinatown) · Californian Chinese

Brandon Jew's Chinatown restaurant gives Cantonese cooking a Californian take with Bay Area produce, per MICHELIN, which awards one star.

San Francisco (Western Addition) · Californian dim sum-style

Seasonal California plates circulate through the dining room dim sum-style, which MICHELIN describes in awarding one star.

San Francisco (Financial District) · Seafood and grill

Tadich Grill traces its origins to an 1849 coffee stand and is described as California's oldest restaurant by PUNCH and Tasting Table. It serves a traditional, seafood-heavy menu in the Financial District.

Covered by The Infatuation, Time Out, PUNCH and Tasting Table

Berkeley (Gourmet Ghetto) · Californian

Alice Waters' Berkeley restaurant, where Time Out says she created California cuisine; NPR notes she founded it long before organic or locally grown food entered everyday language. The Infatuation calls it the farm-to-table legend.

Covered by Time Out, The Infatuation and NPR

San Francisco (Mission) · Mexican taqueria

A Mission taqueria known for riceless burritos; NBC Bay Area reported that FiveThirtyEight named its carnitas burrito the best in America.

Covered by The Infatuation, Time Out and NBC Bay Area

San Francisco (North Beach) · Pizza

Tony Gemignani's North Beach pizzeria bakes many regional pizza styles in several ovens, per Time Out and The Infatuation. It tied for No. 2 in 50 Top Pizza USA 2026.

Covered by Time Out, The Infatuation and NBC Bay Area

San Francisco (Hayes Valley) · Californian

Open since 1979, Zuni helped define fresh Northern California regional cooking, according to Time Out. MICHELIN lists it as a San Francisco institution with art-covered walls and a copper bar.

Covered by Time Out and The Infatuation

Inner Richmond, San Francisco · Burmese

Open since 1984, Mandalay is the oldest Burmese restaurant still operating in San Francisco, according to the James Beard Foundation. Most diners order the tea leaf salad, which is tossed at the table.

Covered by The Infatuation

Berkeley · Pizza

A Berkeley pizzeria that The Infatuation recommends for its pizzas and wine. It also has a location on Clement Street in San Francisco.

Covered by The Infatuation

San Francisco

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 75.5.

San Francisco

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 86.5.

San Francisco

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 80.5.

San Francisco (Castro) · Seafood

A tiny Castro seafood counter that MICHELIN calls a neighborhood institution, with lines out the door; it holds a Bib Gourmand.

Berkeley (Downtown) · Mexican

A Berkeley Bib Gourmand serving Mexican food alongside a cocktail program and a long tequila and mezcal list, per MICHELIN.

San Francisco (Mission) · Japanese izakaya

A Bib Gourmand izakaya serving produce-led Japanese cooking in a room of redwood booths and a Hinoki cedar bar, as MICHELIN describes it.

San Francisco (Chinatown) · Sichuan Chinese

A Chinatown Bib Gourmand known for fiery Sichuan dishes, nearly all topped with chilies according to MICHELIN.

San Francisco (Nob Hill) · Seafood counter

A family-run seafood counter on Polk Street that has served for more than 100 years, with hour-long lines still common, per Time Out and The Infatuation.

Covered by Time Out, The Infatuation and San Francisco Chronicle

San Francisco (Embarcadero) · Oyster bar

The Ferry Building oyster bar of a shellfish farm founded in 1983, per Time Out; The Infatuation praises its oysters and Bay Bridge views.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out

San Francisco (Nob Hill) · Steakhouse

A prime rib house on Van Ness Avenue operating since 1949, per Time Out; The Infatuation calls it one of the hardest tables to book in San Francisco.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out

San Francisco (Mission) · Bakery

Chad Robertson and Elisabeth Prueitt's Mission bakery built a cult following, per Time Out, and The Infatuation says it still makes the best sourdough in San Francisco.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out

West Loop · Contemporary tasting menu

Chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields serve a personal, ingredient-led tasting menu from an open kitchen. It holds three MICHELIN stars and was ranked No. 1 on North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2026.

Ukrainian Village · Filipino

Husband-and-wife chefs Tim Flores and Genie Kwon run this Filipino restaurant, whose name is Tagalog for "together". MICHELIN promoted it to two stars in its 2025 Chicago selection.

Covered by The Infatuation

West Loop · Contemporary tasting menu

Guests reach this tasting-menu restaurant in a former warehouse through a converted freight elevator. It holds two MICHELIN stars and appears in The Infatuation's top 25 for Chicago.

Covered by The Infatuation

Lincoln Park · Creative tasting menu

Grant Achatz's flagship is known for theatrical, multisensory courses that use scented vapours and hidden ingredients. MICHELIN moved it from three stars to two in its 2025 Chicago selection.

Covered by The Infatuation

West Loop · Creative tasting menu

Chef Curtis Duffy runs this Fulton Market tasting-menu room, set in a minimalist space of Venetian plaster and low lighting. It holds two MICHELIN stars.

Lincoln Park · Contemporary American

Chef-owner Lee Wolen's flagship has run for more than a decade in a relaxed room of banquettes and mirrored bulbs. It holds one MICHELIN star.

Covered by Condé Nast Traveler

Ukrainian Village · Farm-focused contemporary

Feld sources most of its produce from farms within about four hours of the city. It holds one MICHELIN star, and chef Jacob Potashnick won the 2026 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes.

Lincoln Park · Middle Eastern

Chef Zach Engel cooks Middle Eastern food in a lively dining room behind an unassuming exterior. It holds one MICHELIN star and appears on The Infatuation's and Condé Nast Traveler's Chicago lists.

Covered by The Infatuation and Condé Nast Traveler

Uptown · Modern Mexican

Chef Norman Fenton draws on his background and travels for an ambitious take on Mexican cuisine in an Uptown corner under the L tracks. It holds one MICHELIN star.

Covered by The Infatuation

River North · Upscale Mexican

Rick Bayless's fine-dining room serves original Mexican cooking on a menu that changes with the seasons. It holds one MICHELIN star.

Lincoln Park · Deep-dish pizza

Known for pan pizza with a caramelised cheese crust, a style 50 Top Pizza says has drawn diners since the 1970s. Time Out, The Infatuation and Condé Nast Traveler all list it among the city's best.

Covered by Time Out, The Infatuation, Time Out and Condé Nast Traveler

Streeterville · Pizza

50 Top Pizza praises its crisp, well-seasoned crusts and a lakeside terrace, ranking it No. 8 in the USA and No. 35 in the world for 2026. Time Out and The Infatuation both include it in their best Chicago pizza lists.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out

Ravenswood · Neapolitan pizza

Jonathan Goldsmith's Ravenswood pizzeria bakes soft Neapolitan-style pies in a wood-fired oven using many Italian ingredients. 50 Top Pizza lists it among its Excellent Pizzerias for 2026.

Covered by The Infatuation, Time Out and Condé Nast Traveler

Lincoln Square · New York-style pizza

Jimmy Kang's shop makes long-fermented, crisp New York-style pizza, plus a softer square pie. It ranks No. 13 on 50 Top Pizza's 2026 USA slice list.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out

Logan Square · Seasonal American

A long-running Logan Square neighbourhood restaurant with a main dining room and a bar in the adjoining space. It is a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand.

Lakeview · Neapolitan pizza

Named for a Campanian white grape, it bakes traditional Neapolitan pizza in a wood-fired oven, according to 50 Top Pizza, which ranks it No. 43 in the USA for 2026.

Covered by Time Out

Greater Grand Crossing · South Side barbecue

A South Side barbecue spot whose family legacy dates to 1954, known for rib tips and hot links cooked in an aquarium-style smoker. Carmen Lemons, youngest daughter of James B. Lemons, runs it today.

Covered by Time Out Chicago

River North · Regional Mexican

Rick Bayless's casual restaurant focuses on regional Mexican cooking built on local produce, with table-shaken margaritas. It is a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand.

Logan Square · Inventive American

This easygoing restaurant gives familiar dishes such as onion rings and crab salad inventive twists. It is a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand.

West Loop · Contemporary American

A busy, high-energy Randolph Street dining room that MICHELIN describes as full from opening to close. It is a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand.

Logan Square · Mexican

Chef-owner Diana Dávila runs this lively Mexican restaurant in Logan Square. It is a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand.

Logan Square · Indian-inspired

Inventive dishes built on Indian flavours with influences from Chicago and beyond. It is a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand.

Elmwood Park · Italian beef

An old-school Italian beef stand in suburban Elmwood Park, serving since 1961. Eater Chicago says its sandwich comes closest to a consensus standard and draws lines out the door.

Covered by Time Out, Eater Chicago and The Infatuation

River North · Deep-dish pizza

A Chicago deep-dish name since 1971, known for its buttery crust, per Time Out. The Infatuation includes it in its ranking of the city's deep-dish pizzas.

Covered by Time Out, The Infatuation and The Infatuation

Little Italy · Italian beef

Al Ferrari and family began selling Italian beef here in 1938, and Eater Chicago says the recipe of spiced beef dipped in gravy is unchanged. The Infatuation ranks it first among the city's Italian beef sandwiches.

Covered by Eater Chicago and The Infatuation

West Loop · Diner, burgers

A small West Loop diner whose cheeseburger draws long lines. Time Out ranks its single cheeseburger second in Chicago and The Infatuation calls it its favourite burger in the city.

Covered by Time Out and The Infatuation

South Deering · Smoked and fried fish

A fish smokehouse in South Deering, next to the bridge from the Blues Brothers jump scene, per Time Out. The Infatuation calls it an iconic smokehouse.

Covered by Time Out and The Infatuation

River Grove · Hot dogs

A standing-room hot dog stand in suburban River Grove whose slim, snappy dogs come topped with fries, and no ketchup. Time Out calls it an institution and The Infatuation calls it iconic.

Covered by Time Out and The Infatuation

South Loop · Jewish deli

A cafeteria-style Jewish deli that The Infatuation says has been a Chicago classic for about 80 years. Time Out calls it the city's most quintessential restaurant.

Covered by Time Out and The Infatuation

Norwood Park · Hot dogs, drive-in

A Norwood Park car-hop drive-in open since 1948, where servers bring orders to your car window. Time Out ranks it first among Chicago's hot dog stands.

Covered by Time Out and The Infatuation

Warehouse District · Contemporary Creole

Emeril Lagasse's 1990 Warehouse District flagship is now led by his son E.J. Lagasse, who serves a tasting menu that pairs Creole tradition with modern technique. It is the only two-star restaurant in the MICHELIN Guide American South 2026.

Covered by Time Out, Eater New Orleans and Condé Nast Traveler

Uptown · Senegalese tasting menu

Chef Serigne Mbaye cooks a Senegalese set menu built on Gulf seafood and Louisiana produce in a small Uptown cottage. It was promoted to one MICHELIN star in 2026, ranks #4 in North America's 50 Best, and Mbaye won the 2026 James Beard award for Best Chef: South.

Covered by Time Out, Eater New Orleans, Condé Nast Traveler and The Infatuation

Bywater · Mexican seafood

Chef Ana Castro's Bywater restaurant, opened in 2024, serves Oaxaca-inflected seafood such as a hamachi tostada and crab-filled masa dumplings. It entered North America's 50 Best at #30 in 2026.

Covered by Eater New Orleans and The Infatuation

Bywater · Contemporary tasting menu

An intimate Bywater dining room serving a tasting menu of small courses; MICHELIN's inspectors single out the cornbread with house-cultured butter and a warm cheese soufflé.

Covered by Eater New Orleans and The Infatuation

Mid-City · Contemporary American

Chef Sue Zemanick opened this understated Mid-City cottage in 2019, cooking a short, seafood-leaning menu that applies French technique to local ingredients.

Covered by Eater New Orleans and Condé Nast Traveler

Garden District · Haute Creole

The Brennan family's Garden District landmark, in a Victorian house with a turquoise-striped awning, has served Creole cooking since 1880 under chefs including Paul Prudhomme, Emeril Lagasse and now Meg Bickford. Turtle soup and bread pudding soufflé are the dishes the press tells you to order.

Covered by Time Out, Eater New Orleans, The Infatuation and Condé Nast Traveler

Tremé · Creole

Leah Chase's Tremé restaurant, where civil rights leaders once met, is now run by her grandson Edgar Dook Chase IV and serves Creole gumbo, fried chicken and red beans in a dining room hung with African-American art.

Covered by Time Out, Eater New Orleans, Condé Nast Traveler and The Infatuation

French Quarter · Classic Creole

Eater calls Antoine's the oldest continuously operating restaurant in America; its maze of dining rooms is where oysters Rockefeller, eggs Sardou and the flamed café brûlot were created.

Covered by Eater New Orleans, Eater New Orleans and Time Out

Bywater · New York-style pizza

A Bywater pizzeria serving New York-style slices and whole pies. It is the only New Orleans entry on the 50 Top Pizza USA 2026 ranking.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out

New Orleans

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 75.5.

New Orleans · Étouffée

TasteAtlas ranks it among the world's most legendary restaurants, known for its Étouffée. It opened in 1938.

Warehouse District · Cajun

Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski's Warehouse District restaurant cooks Cajun nose-to-tail dishes such as boudin, slow-roasted pork with cracklings, and rabbit and dumplings.

Covered by Time Out, Condé Nast Traveler and The Infatuation

Mid-City / Bayou St. John · Po' boys

A neighbourhood bakery dating to 1911 that has served po' boys since the 1920s; Eater and Time Out point to the fried shrimp and the gravy-soaked roast beef.

Covered by Time Out, Eater New Orleans and The Infatuation

Lower Garden District · Sandwiches

Mason Hereford's sandwich shop, open since 2016, plays on childhood favourites; the griddled bologna sandwich and the collard green melt are the dishes Time Out and Eater point to.

Covered by Time Out, Eater New Orleans and The Infatuation

Uptown · Po' boys

A family po' boy shop in a yellow corner house Uptown that began as a bar and plate-lunch spot for riverfront workers and marked its 100th year in 2018; fried shrimp and roast beef are the favourites.

Covered by Eater New Orleans and The Infatuation

Uptown · Global Asian

A colourful Uptown restaurant on Tchoupitoulas Street that holds a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand and appears on both Eater's 38 and Condé Nast Traveler's New Orleans list.

Covered by Eater New Orleans and Condé Nast Traveler

Central Business District · Indian street food

Eater describes Lufu as a destination for regional Indian street food and recommends its tempura-fried chili chicken in an Indo-Chinese sauce; it holds a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand.

Covered by Eater New Orleans

French Quarter · Seafood

Chef Michael Nelson's French Quarter seafood restaurant changes its fish daily and is known for dry-aged fish, house 'seacuterie' and the Scalibut.

Covered by Time Out, Eater New Orleans, Condé Nast Traveler and The Infatuation

Warehouse District · Wood-fired seafood

Link Restaurant Group's seafood restaurant cooks whole fish over a wood-fired grill; Time Out highlights the smoked tuna dip and the grilled whole fish.

Covered by Time Out, Eater New Orleans, Condé Nast Traveler and The Infatuation

French Quarter · Classic Creole

A century-old French Quarter grande dame serving Creole classics, with the French 75 Bar next door; soufflé potatoes with béarnaise are the standard opener.

Covered by Eater New Orleans, The Infatuation and Time Out

French Quarter · Creole breakfast and fine dining

The pink Royal Street building where bananas Foster was created in 1951 is best known for its breakfast of eggs Hussarde and eggs Sardou, finished with the dessert flambéed tableside.

Covered by Time Out, Eater New Orleans and The Infatuation

French Quarter · Beignets and coffee

The open-air Decatur Street café serves powdered-sugar beignets and chicory coffee; it tops Time Out's beignet list, and The Infatuation says the famous beignets are worth the line.

Covered by The Infatuation, Time Out and Eater New Orleans

French Quarter · Muffuletta deli

Salvatore Lupo opened this Italian grocery in 1906 and is credited with inventing the muffuletta, still the only sandwich it sells. It reopened in December 2024 after three years closed following Hurricane Ida.

Covered by Eater New Orleans, The Infatuation and Time Out

French Quarter · Classic Creole

A Bourbon Street dining room open since 1905 and known for tuxedoed waiters and a long, crowded Friday lunch; shrimp remoulade, pompano meunière with crabmeat and oysters Rockefeller are staples.

Covered by Eater New Orleans, The Infatuation and Time Out

French Quarter · Café and bar

A French Quarter landmark building named for an offer to house Napoleon in exile, serving a warm muffuletta and the Pimm's Cup in a courtyard setting.

Covered by Eater New Orleans, Eater New Orleans and Time Out

Westwego · Creole Italian

A family-run Creole Italian roadhouse on the West Bank, open since 1946, serving family-style plates such as spaghetti bordelaise, chicken à la grande and oysters Mosca.

Covered by Eater New Orleans and The Infatuation

Central Business District · Southern fried chicken

The Seaton family's fried chicken, made with a wet batter that gives a dark brown crust, is among the best known in the country according to Eater. The original Tremé Scotch House has stayed closed since a 2023 fire, so the family serves it at this downtown location.

Covered by The Infatuation and Eater New Orleans

Hollywood · Seafood tasting menu

Chef Michael Cimarusti has cooked here since 2005, and MICHELIN describes a seafood tasting menu built on sustainable fish, often wild-caught in American waters. It holds three MICHELIN stars and won the 2026 James Beard award for Outstanding Hospitality.

West Hollywood · Spanish contemporary tasting menu

Chef Aitor Zabala revived Somni, Catalan for dream, in West Hollywood as a personal tasting menu with Spanish influences. MICHELIN gives it three stars, and it entered North America's 50 Best in 2026.

Arts District (Row DTLA) · Taiwanese-influenced tasting menu

Chef Jon Yao's tasting menu at Row DTLA draws on his Taiwanese background, and MICHELIN promoted Kato to two stars in 2026. The same year it won the James Beard award for its wine and beverage program.

South Central (Mercado La Paloma) · Mexican seafood

Chef Gilberto Cetina runs this seafood counter inside Mercado La Paloma, cooking aguachiles, ceviches and tacos on house-made heirloom corn tortillas. It holds a MICHELIN star and placed #26 on North America's 50 Best 2026.

Covered by The Infatuation

Arts District (Row DTLA) · Japanese kaiseki

Chef Brandon Hayato Go serves a single seating a night of seasonal Japanese cooking, explaining each course to a handful of diners. MICHELIN gives it two stars and notes how hard a reservation is to get.

Santa Monica · Modern French

Chef Josiah Citrin's flagship has been in Santa Monica since 1999 and serves a modern French tasting menu. It holds two MICHELIN stars.

Culver City · Avant-garde tasting menu

Chef Jordan Kahn's tasting menu is served inside a red-steel building known as The Waffle. MICHELIN gives it two stars and calls the cooking inventive, at times whimsical, with careful technique.

Palms · Modern kaiseki

Chef Niki Nakayama serves her own take on kaiseki in a small room where, MICHELIN notes, reservations are hard to secure. It holds one MICHELIN star.

Santa Monica · Californian tasting menu

Chef Dave Beran's tasting menu on Main Street is built around themes such as the turn of the seasons, according to MICHELIN, which gives it one star. Beran won the 2026 James Beard award for Best Chef: California.

Downtown · Japanese-Italian

Chef Josef Centeno's downtown restaurant serves a prix-fixe menu mixing Japanese and Italian influences from an open kitchen. It holds one MICHELIN star.

Hancock Park (Melrose) · Italian

Nancy Silverton's Italian restaurant on Melrose pairs dark-wood paneling with a white marble counter, and MICHELIN warns to expect a wait. It holds one MICHELIN star.

East Hollywood · Filipino

Chef Lord Maynard Llera's fast-casual Filipino restaurant in East Hollywood focuses on the cooking of the Southern Tagalog region. Time Out describes rice bowls and family-style trays that add a chef's twist to Filipino classics.

Covered by Time Out Los Angeles and The Infatuation

Hollywood · Steakhouse and grill

Open since 1919, Musso & Frank is Hollywood's oldest restaurant, serving steaks and cocktails. The Infatuation calls it one of the city's most legendary dining rooms.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out Los Angeles

Inglewood · Soul food breakfast

This Inglewood diner has served Southern breakfast platters for close to four decades, with daily specials such as smothered oxtails. It received a James Beard America's Classics award in 2026.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out Los Angeles

Pico-Robertson · Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizza

Chef William Joo and Jennifer So opened Pizzeria Sei in 2022, serving Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizza with a long-fermented, high-hydration dough. It ranked #2 on 50 Top Pizza USA 2026; the Pico Boulevard original now trades as Sei Pizza Bar.

Covered by Time Out Los Angeles

Westlake · Jewish deli

Open since 1947 and started as a 12-seat counter, Langer's is known for the #19, its pastrami sandwich, which The Infatuation ranks among the best anywhere. MICHELIN lists it as a Bib Gourmand.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out Los Angeles

Downtown (Fashion District) · Sonoran tacos

This downtown counter is known for flour tortillas and grilled meats in the style of Sonora, and the queue often runs down the block. MICHELIN lists it as a Bib Gourmand and singles out the chivichanga.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out Los Angeles

Alhambra (San Gabriel Valley) · Sichuan

A long-running Sichuan restaurant in the San Gabriel Valley that, according to MICHELIN, does not tone down its heat. It is listed as a Bib Gourmand.

Fairfax · Italian-American

Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo opened this Italian-American cafe on Fairfax in 2015, with a long counter facing the open kitchen. MICHELIN lists it as a Bib Gourmand.

Hancock Park (Melrose) · Pizza

Nancy Silverton's pizzeria on the corner of Melrose and Highland has been open since 2006. MICHELIN lists it as a Bib Gourmand.

Highland Park · Mexican tacos

Chef Victor Villa started by serving tacos from his grandmother's house before opening this Highland Park taqueria. MICHELIN lists it as a Bib Gourmand.

Fairfax · Jewish deli

Still owned by the Canter family, this Fairfax deli is described by Time Out as a living relic of early 20th-century Los Angeles. The Infatuation notes it runs late into the night.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out Los Angeles

Koreatown · Oaxacan

For about three decades this orange Koreatown building has drawn diners from across the city for Oaxacan cooking. The Infatuation counts it among the best Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out Los Angeles

Chinatown · Nashville hot chicken

Johnny Zone, who trained with Thomas Keller and Gordon Ramsay, runs this Nashville hot chicken shop in Chinatown. The Infatuation says it lives up to the hype.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out Los Angeles

Chinatown · French dip sandwiches

In business since 1908, Philippe claims to have invented the French dip sandwich. Time Out and The Infatuation both treat it as a Los Angeles landmark worth the trip.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out Los Angeles

West Los Angeles · Burgers and pie

Diners queue for a seat at the U-shaped counter of this old-school burger stand, which Time Out says has changed little over the decades. The Infatuation calls it an LA institution.

Covered by The Infatuation and Time Out Los Angeles

San Diego

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 95.5.

Atlanta

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 82.5.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 88.5.

Newport

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 80.

Santa Barbara

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 76.

Westerly

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 77.5.

Miami

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 77.

Geyserville

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 84.

Oakhurst

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 77.

Forestville

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 77.

Las Vegas

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 95.

Elk

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 95.

Middleburg

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 77.

Cary

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 79.5.

Miami

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 82.5.

Charleston · Shrimp and grits

TasteAtlas ranks it among the world's most legendary restaurants, known for its Shrimp and grits. It opened in 1987.

Philadelphia

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 76.

Miami Beach · Stone crab claws

TasteAtlas ranks it among the world's most legendary restaurants, known for its Stone crab claws. It opened in 1913.

Las Vegas

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 79.5.

Washington

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 91.

Chandler

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 80.

Miami

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 80.5.

Honolulu

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 79.5.

Farmington

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 79.

Portland

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 75.5.

Washington

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 92.5.

Honolulu

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 80.

Miami

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 78.5.

Washington

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 86.5.

Morris

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 76.5.

Fernandina Beach

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 76.5.

Westerly

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 76.5.

Orlando

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 76.

Beverly Hills

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 77.5.

Beverly Hills

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 75.5.

Savannah

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 84.

Woodinville

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 76.

Washington

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 95.

Sacramento

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 84.5.

Freedom

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 83.

Kiawah Island

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 77.

Saratoga

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 77.

Paso Robles

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 78.

Driftwood · Texas-style barbecue

TasteAtlas ranks it among the world's most legendary restaurants, known for its Texas-style barbecue. It opened in 1967.

Kennebunk

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 77.

Denver

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 76.

Nantucket

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 76.5.

Harwich

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 77.

Boston · New England clam chowder

TasteAtlas ranks it among the world's most legendary restaurants, known for its New England clam chowder. It opened in 1826.

Philadelphia

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 76.

Lake Buena Vista

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 93.

Las Vegas

La Liste places it in its Top 1000 restaurants worldwide, with a score of 77.

Frankenmuth · Family-style chicken dinner

TasteAtlas ranks it among the world's most legendary restaurants, known for its Family-style chicken dinner. It opened in 1856.