Finding the best restaurants in the USA is no small feat—especially in 2025, when food lovers are traveling farther and digging deeper than ever for unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re chasing innovative tasting menus, legendary chefs, or cozy spots serving soul-satisfying dishes, these five restaurants made it to the top based on real reviews, food critic praise, and personal foodie experiences. Here are the 25 best restaurants in the USA in 2025—places that go beyond hype and actually deliver.
1. Atomix – New York City, NY
Hidden behind an unmarked door in Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood, Atomix continues to lead the fine dining scene with its 10-course tasting menu rooted in traditional Korean flavors—elevated with modern precision. Each dish is served with a custom-designed card explaining the story, region, and ingredients. Chef Junghyun Park’s attention to storytelling, plating, and umami-rich flavor profiles is unmatched.
- Must-Try: The “Hwe” (Korean sashimi) course and the Hanwoo beef.
- Michelin Stars: ⭐⭐
- Website: Visit Atomix NYC
2. Canlis – Seattle, WA
Canlis is not just a restaurant—it’s a Seattle institution. Founded in 1950 and now helmed by third-generation owners, Canlis has reinvented itself for a new generation of diners. The views of Lake Union and Mount Rainier are breathtaking, but it’s the warm service, commitment to hyperlocal ingredients, and seasonal tasting menu that keep it firmly in the national spotlight.
- Must-Try: The foraged mushroom tart and smoked duck breast.
- Awards: James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality (2022)
- Website: Explore Canlis
3. Pineapple and Pearls – Washington, D.C.
After a brief closure during the pandemic, Pineapple and Pearls came back stronger than ever, offering a reimagined, immersive tasting experience. Chef Aaron Silverman’s avant-garde American cuisine keeps guests on their toes with unexpected flavor combinations, whimsical plating, and impeccable wine pairings. Dining here feels like being part of a culinary performance.
- Must-Try: Caviar-topped deviled eggs and the rotating dessert finale.
- Vibe: Polished but not pretentious. Jackets encouraged, curiosity required.
- Website: Visit Pineapple and Pearls
4. The French Laundry – Yountville, CA
No list is complete without The French Laundry. Thomas Keller’s Napa Valley masterpiece remains a pilgrimage site for food lovers around the world. Even in 2025, it’s not just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Every detail, from the hand-polished cutlery to the nine-course tasting menu, whispers excellence. The balance between French technique and California’s seasonal bounty is still flawless.
- Must-Try: Oysters and Pearls (a classic), truffle-infused risotto.
- Michelin Stars: ⭐⭐⭐
- Website: Reserve at The French Laundry
5. Parachute – Chicago, IL
Chef Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark’s Parachute blends Korean-American comfort food with Midwestern sensibility. It’s casual, intimate, and absolutely flavor-packed. From crispy scallion pancakes to the much-raved-about baked potato bing bread, every dish is made to share—and remember. Their commitment to community and sustainability also makes it a favorite among ethically minded foodies.
- Must-Try: Bing Bread with sour cream butter, and their rotating seasonal kimchi.
- Accolades: James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes
- Website: Check out Parachute
6. SingleThread – Healdsburg, CA
Located in Sonoma wine country, SingleThread is part restaurant, part luxury inn, part farm—and 100% unforgettable. Chefs Kyle and Katina Connaughton grow much of the produce on their nearby farm and create stunning 11-course menus inspired by kaiseki dining. Every detail, from handcrafted ceramics to the opening amuse-bouche garden, is curated for emotional impact.
- Must-Try: Hokkaido uni, black cod in dashi, and their signature dessert “forest floor.”
- Michelin Stars: ⭐⭐⭐
- Website: Experience SingleThread
7. Le Bernardin – New York City, NY
Eric Ripert’s Le Bernardin remains a powerhouse in NYC’s fine dining scene—effortlessly blending French technique with pristine seafood. It’s refined, serene, and still one of the hardest reservations to land in Manhattan. Even after decades at the top, every course still tastes like the work of someone chasing culinary perfection.
- Must-Try: Tuna tartare with foie gras, poached halibut in citrus broth.
- Michelin Stars: ⭐⭐⭐
- Website: Dine at Le Bernardin
8. Owamni by The Sioux Chef – Minneapolis, MN
Named Best New Restaurant in America by the James Beard Foundation, Owamni is more than a dining experience—it’s a cultural revival. Chef Sean Sherman (a.k.a. The Sioux Chef) centers Native ingredients like bison, wild rice, cedar, and sumac in his decolonized menu. You won’t find dairy, wheat, or cane sugar here—just bold, honest, ancient flavors reinvented with pride.
- Must-Try: Smoked bison, corn sandwich, and wild berry wojapi.
- Awards: James Beard Best New Restaurant (2022)
9. Berlu – Portland, OR
Chef Vincent Nguyen is pushing the boundaries of Vietnamese-American cuisine at Berlu. It’s an experimental but deeply personal tasting menu served in an intimate, modern space. Berlu doubles as a bakery during the day, but at night it transforms into a culinary playground for nuanced, expressive dishes inspired by Vietnamese heritage.
- Must-Try: Beef tongue with nước mắm caramel, pandan custard dessert.
- Vibe: Minimalist, artsy, deeply flavor-forward.
10. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant – New Orleans, LA
This isn’t a trendy pop-up or a minimalist tasting menu—Dooky Chase’s is pure heart. Founded by the late Leah Chase (known as the “Queen of Creole Cuisine”), this historic restaurant continues to serve dishes that tell stories of Black culture, resistance, and Southern tradition. Expect rich gumbo, fried chicken that rivals your grandma’s, and red beans that taste like Sunday.
- Must-Try: Shrimp Clemenceau, fried catfish, and peach cobbler.
- Legacy: Civil Rights-era landmark and cultural icon.
- Website: Visit Dooky Chase’s
11. The Restaurant at Meadowood – St. Helena, CA
After rebuilding from a devastating fire, The Restaurant at Meadowood has returned in 2025 as one of the most innovative and emotionally rich fine-dining experiences in America. Chef Christopher Kostow’s nature-inspired tasting menu celebrates the local terroir of Napa through seasonal cooking, fire-based techniques, and foraged ingredients—all wrapped in serene luxury.
- Must-Try: Ember-roasted vegetables, aged duck with forest jus.
- Michelin Status: Reclaiming stars after reopening.
- Website: Explore Meadowood
12. Anajak Thai – Los Angeles, CA
Hidden in a strip mall in Sherman Oaks, Anajak Thai has gone from local secret to national obsession. Chef Justin Pichetrungsi transformed his parents’ traditional Thai restaurant into a creative hub for Thai Taco Tuesdays, omakase pop-ups, and natural wine pairings. It’s where Bangkok meets California cool—and the food absolutely delivers.
- Must-Try: Southern Thai fried chicken, Thai tacos, jungle curry.
- Awards: James Beard Best Chef: California (2022)
- Website: Visit Anajak Thai
13. n/naka – Los Angeles, CA
Chef Niki Nakayama’s n/naka is a masterclass in balance, grace, and precision. This two-Michelin-star Japanese restaurant in Palms is intimate, with a 13-course modern kaiseki menu that weaves Japanese tradition with seasonal Californian ingredients. Every course is a quiet revelation—subtle, powerful, and deeply thought-provoking.
- Must-Try: Lobster in miso butter, spaghettini with abalone and truffle.
- Michelin Stars: ⭐⭐
- Website: Experience n/naka
14. Her Place Supper Club – Philadelphia, PA
Run by the wildly talented Chef Amanda Shulman, Her Place Supper Club feels like the best dinner party you’ve ever been invited to. With just two seatings a night, guests enjoy a spontaneous, often humorous set menu where dishes change weekly and conversation flows freely. It’s warm, personal, and totally unforgettable.
- Must-Try: Whatever’s on that night—it’s all comforting and clever.
- Vibe: Homey, high-energy, communal.
15. Langbaan – Portland, OR
Tucked behind a Thai street food bar, Langbaan is Portland’s worst-kept secret. This intimate restaurant delivers a rotating tasting menu that dives deep into different regions of Thailand each season. Chef Earl Ninsom’s approach is as scholarly as it is bold, offering food that’s fiery, fragrant, and packed with depth.
- Must-Try: Northern Thai sausage, green curry with duck confit.
- Format: Prepaid tasting menu, limited seating.
16. Husk – Charleston, SC
Husk isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a movement. Located in a historic Charleston home, Chef Ben Norton continues the legacy of celebrating the South’s deeply rooted food traditions. Every ingredient on the menu comes from the South, with heirloom grains, heritage meats, and hyper-seasonal produce taking center stage.
- Must-Try: Heritage pork with sorghum glaze, Carolina Gold rice pudding.
- Philosophy: “If it doesn’t come from the South, it’s not coming through the door.”
17. Eleven Madison Park – New York City, NY
After going fully vegan in 2021, Eleven Madison Park entered a bold new chapter—one that’s still surprising and delighting in 2025. Chef Daniel Humm has shown the world that luxury dining doesn’t need animal products to be deeply indulgent. The experience remains world-class, with elegant service, stunning plating, and flavors that celebrate vegetables with reverence.
- Must-Try: Smoked beet with horseradish, sunflower butter bread, and the savory granola.
- Michelin Stars: ⭐⭐⭐
- Website: Experience Eleven Madison Park
18. Zahav – Philadelphia, PA
Zahav means “gold” in Hebrew—and this restaurant truly shines. Chef Michael Solomonov’s celebration of Israeli cuisine has won hearts nationwide. In 2025, it’s still impossible to talk about top US restaurants without mentioning Zahav’s creamy hummus, charcoal-grilled lamb, and ever-evolving mezze that showcase Middle Eastern depth with a Philly edge.
- Must-Try: Hummus with laffa, lamb shoulder with pomegranate glaze.
- Awards: James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant
- Website: Visit Zahav
19. L’Oursin – Seattle, WA
Tucked into Seattle’s Central District, L’Oursin is effortlessly cool, charmingly French, and fiercely local. Chef JJ Proville’s menu fuses coastal French fare with seasonal, regional ingredients—think oysters, chanterelles, nettles, and buttery sauces that sing. Add in biodynamic wines and dreamy ambiance, and you’ve got a low-key gem that locals swear by.
- Must-Try: Duck confit with wild mushrooms, sea urchin tartine.
- Ambiance: Part wine bar, part Parisian bistro, fully delightful.
- Website: Explore L’Oursin
20. Scratch Bar & Kitchen – Encino, CA
Located in a strip mall in the San Fernando Valley, Scratch Bar is one of L.A.’s most underrated treasures. Chefs Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee make every single element of their 20+ course tasting menu from scratch—including salt and vinegar. The result? An ambitious, playful, and absolutely wild ride through inventive flavors and textures.
- Must-Try: House-aged cheese course, wagyu beef with onion ash, and Margarita’s epic desserts.
- Bonus: Ask about the hidden sushi bar upstairs…
21. Rose’s Luxury – Washington, D.C.
Rose’s Luxury has been winning over hearts (and taste buds) with its warm hospitality, bold flavors, and family-style service since day one. The menu changes constantly, but every dish feels both familiar and adventurous. You’ll likely wait in line—but that’s part of the fun. In 2025, it still nails the sweet spot between neighborhood hangout and bucket-list restaurant.
- Must-Try: Lychee salad with pork sausage and peanuts, and the off-menu pasta.
- Awards: James Beard Best New Restaurant (2015) and still a foodie favorite.
- Website: Check out Rose’s Luxury
22. Minetta Tavern – New York City, NY
Minetta Tavern is a New York institution blending old-school French bistro vibes with downtown cool. Though the menu features elevated classics like côte de boeuf and escargots, it’s the Black Label Burger—made with dry-aged prime beef—that draws food lovers, chefs, and celebrities alike.
- Must-Try: Black Label Burger, bone marrow, pommes frites.
- Vibe: Classic, moody, literary—a real NYC throwback.
- Website: Visit Minetta Tavern
23. Komodo – Miami, FL
Located in Miami’s Brickell district, Komodo combines Southeast Asian flavors with high-end design and Miami’s iconic after-hours energy. It’s where crispy duck meets celebrity spotting—and it works. Perfect for those who love bold flavors, sushi towers, and vibey interiors (plus that three-story “bird’s nest” dining lounge is unforgettable).
- Must-Try: Peking duck, Wagyu dumplings, and the truffle lo mein.
- Scene: Where food meets fashion and luxury meets flavor.
- Website: Dine at Komodo Miami
24. Estela – New York City, NY
Hidden above a wine bar on Houston Street, Estela continues to be a downtown NYC favorite. Chef Ignacio Mattos creates Mediterranean-inspired dishes with bold textures and inventive combinations. It’s intimate, a little edgy, and just sophisticated enough without being stiff. Perfect for a date night or food-focused solo visit.
- Must-Try: Endive salad with walnuts and anchovy, ricotta dumplings.
- Michelin Star: ⭐
- Website: Visit Estela NYC
25. Ox – Portland, OR
Ox blends Argentina’s open-fire cooking tradition with Oregon’s freshest ingredients. This Portland hotspot is known for its wood-fired meats, smoky vegetables, and housemade chimichurri. Whether you’re going for ribeye, short ribs, or a whole grilled trout, every bite hits with primal, flame-kissed satisfaction.
- Must-Try: Asado Argentino (mixed grill), bone marrow clam chowder.
- Tip: Come hungry. Portions are big, flavors even bigger.
- Website: Explore Ox
Final Bite
These 25 restaurants represent the culinary heartbeat of the USA in 2025—where tradition meets innovation, and every bite tells a story. Whether you’re a seasoned food traveler or someone looking to treat yourself on a special night out, these picks are worth every mile, dollar, and reservation alert.
Want to save this list for your next foodie road trip? Bookmark it, share it, and taste your way through the country’s best—one unforgettable dish at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the #1 restaurant in the USA in 2025?
Based on reviews and critic rankings, Atomix in NYC leads for its bold fusion of Korean tradition and modern tasting menu finesse.
Are reservations required at these places?
Yes, especially for French Laundry and Atomix. Book weeks—if not months—in advance.
Do these restaurants offer vegetarian or vegan options?
Most offer vegetarian tasting menus with advance notice. Pineapple and Pearls and Canlis are particularly accommodating.
What’s the average cost per person?
Expect $200–$400 per person for full tasting menus at these fine-dining spots.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
