America's bucket-list restaurants you might wish were in Britain

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 cosy 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 in every state, counting down to the one everyone needs to visit at least once.

Read on to discover America's best 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 on platforms like Yelp, awards and accolades, and on the opinions of our well-travelled (and well-fed) team. The list is unavoidably subjective.

66. South Carolina: City Limits Barbeque, West Columbia

If you're ever in West Columbia at the weekend, head to City Limits Barbeque – and go early. Latecomers will likely miss out on the joint's sensational sausages, brilliant beef ribs and perfect chopped pork sandwiches. And that's just on Saturdays. The Sunday menu is dedicated to scratch-made beef brisket hot dogs and brisket chilli, with a few smoked items such as pork steaks, chicken and wings. Return customers are rewarded with a weekly revolving menu, meaning no weekend is ever the same.

65. New York: Stissing House, Pine Plains

Nestled in the sleepy village of Pine Plains lies one of the state’s most charming restaurants. Opened by English chef Clare de Boer in 2022, Stissing House was quickly singled out by the James Beard Foundation as one of the 30 best new restaurants in the United States. The historic building is one of the oldest taverns in America and the food here is simple but sensational, with practically everything cooked over a wood fire. The menu changes daily, but expect British-inspired dishes like hearth-smoked hake with hollandaise, rabbit and tarragon pie and sticky toffee ice cream sundae.

64. Tennessee: Prince's Hot Chicken, Nashville

Hot chicken is a Nashville obsession and Prince's Hot Chicken claims to serve the 'original and gold standard for chicken'. The special recipe was invented during the Depression era when, apparently, Thornton Prince's scorned lover tried to take revenge on him by adding a significant amount of chilli and spice to his favourite fried chicken. However, Thornton loved the dish so much that he perfected the recipe and opened a restaurant dedicated to it. Around a century later, the joint is run by his great niece, and continues to be named among the country's most important restaurants by publications including Food & Wine, Thrillist and Eater.

63. Michigan: Al Ameer Restaurant, Dearborn

The first Michigan restaurant to receive a James Beard America's Classics gong, Al Ameer has been serving consistently exceptional and authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes since it opened in 1989. The family-run restaurant also features an in-house butchery and now has two other locations in the area. For those in the know, the Lebanese weekend brunch is a real highlight.

62. Rhode Island: White Horse Tavern, Newport

The oldest tavern in America, the White Horse Tavern has been serving hungry customers since 1673. Entering the beautifully preserved dining room is like stepping back in time, but it's not just the history of this place that makes it worth a visit. The menu is full of classic dishes executed to perfection and highlights include beef Wellington with a foie gras mousse and steak frites with a filet mignon and Parmesan truffle frites.

61. West Virginia: Jim's Steak and Spaghetti House, Huntington

Jim's Steak and Spaghetti House has been a family restaurant since 1938 and was named a James Beard Classic in 2019. A Huntington icon, Jim's has largely remained unchanged since the very first service, and its signature steak and spaghetti dish hasn't altered much either. However, come here in May and you'll see more than 10,000 wedges of strawberry pie being devoured during Strawberry Pie Week – a sweet tradition that's been going on for years.

60. Wyoming: Snake River Grill, Jackson

Jackson's Snake River Grill has been serving food with a wow factor for more than 25 years. The dining room is rustic, with wood and brick details, roaring fireplaces and flickering candles, and the menu is seriously imaginative. A particular highlight is the steak tartare pizza (pictured), topped with Black Angus New York beef, garlic aioli, capers, parsley and red onion. This brand of creativity has earned Snake River Grill TV appearances, accolades and a raft of exceptional reviews.

59. Oklahoma: Cattlemen's Steakhouse, Oklahoma City

Generally acknowledged as the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Oklahoma City, the historic Cattlemen's Steakhouse opened in 1910, serving the ranchers, cowboys and cattle hauliers working in the area. Over the years, the steakhouse has become the top spot to sample some of the Midwest's prized beef. Featured in Southern Living magazine's Off the Eaten Path column, as well as on TV shows such as Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and Man v. Food, it's one legendary spot you can't miss when in pursuit of exceptional American steak.

58. California: The Beachcomber Cafe, Newport Beach

Oceanfront dining doesn’t get more idyllic than at The Beachcomber Cafe, where you can feast on fresh lobster rolls while you watch the sunset. The relaxed all-day restaurant is situated right on the sandy beach, with breathtaking views of the Newport coastline and Catalina Island, but it’s the incredible food that keeps locals coming back. For breakfast, popular dishes include crab cake Benedict and coconut macadamia pancakes, while shrimp carbonara is a must-order for dinner.

57. South Carolina: Husk, Charleston

You can expect to find the best of Southern cuisine at this much-loved restaurant. With a daily-changing menu influenced by deliveries from regional suppliers, dining here is always an exciting experience. The menu has offered delights like Nashville hot prawn toast with peanut tartar sauce, cornmeal fried catfish with dirty rice and Blue Ridge rabbit roulade with white grits. Elevated versions of fast food classics like fried chicken and cheeseburgers are also not to be missed at brunch.

56. Florida: Joe's Stone Crab, Miami

A Miami Beach institution, Joe's Stone Crab has opened several other outlets, but the original location remains a Florida icon. Serving foodies and celebrities alike since 1913, Joe's is, as the name suggests, famous for its stone crabs and was awarded the American Classics gong by the James Beard Foundation in 1998. Not only is it one of the most visited restaurants in the country, it's also referenced in Ian Fleming's novel Goldfinger as Bill's on the Beach – the place where James Bond had the best meal of his life.

55. Georgia: The Deer and the Dove, Decatur

Chef Terry Koval was named the James Beard Best Chef Southeast 2023, making The Deer and The Dove a serious foodie hotspot. With awards for sustainability and using local produce also under its belt, the restaurant has plenty of accolades. The menu doesn't disappoint, with a selection of platters and small dishes to share, as well as larger plates like a truly delicious pappardelle pasta with morel mushrooms, whipped lemon ricotta, herb Parmigiano Reggiano and shaved Burgundy truffles. Sister coffee shop B-Side is also well worth a visit.

54. South Dakota: Minervas, Sioux Falls

Minervas is a Sioux Falls institution, serving happy customers since 1977. It was named South Dakota Retailers Association’s Restaurant of the Year 2023, thanks to its 'historic prominence and dedication to hospitality'. The menu of hand-cut, in-house aged steaks, fresh seafood, chops, classic pasta dishes, salads and tasty desserts wins the restaurant rave reviews from customers time and time again.

53. New Hampshire: Moxy, Portsmouth

Modern American tapas restaurant Moxy takes its inspiration from ingredients grown by nearby farmers, with a menu of interesting dishes that tell the story of the local area. Chef-owner Matt Louis has an impressive list of awards and nominations to his name, including Food & Wine's Best New Chef and the James Beard Best Chef Northeast Award, for which he has been a semi-finalist four times.

52. Washington: Canlis, Seattle

Known for being at the cutting edge of New American cuisine, this family-owned landmark was founded in 1950 in the city’s Queen Anne neighbourhood and has been Seattle’s top spot for a special occasion feast ever since. It’s worth a visit to see the striking architecture alone. The building is a modernist treat with angled glass and a wood frame and offers amazing views of the city, Lake Union and the mountains beyond. Diners feast on delights like duck with celeriac, fig and black vinegar.

51. Maryland: Woodberry Kitchen, Baltimore

Woodberry Kitchen is often praised for its commitment to working with local producers and, since 2012, the restaurant has returned $25 million to regenerative food producers in the Mid-Atlantic. Set in an old factory, this rustic-chic restaurant has an ever-changing menu featuring tasty delights like crab and asparagus galette and Cape May scallops with miso savoy cabbage. In 2015, the founder, Spike Gjerde, became the first chef in Baltimore to receive a James Beard Award.

50. California: Chez Panisse, Berkeley

A pioneering restaurant back when it opened in 1971, Chez Panisse was serving a menu based on local and seasonal ingredients way before doing so was trendy. Iconic chef and founder Alice Waters has received countless accolades, including the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award for being one of the most influential figures in American cooking over the past 50 years. The daily-changing set menu, featuring dishes such as grilled Sonoma County duck with green lentils, glazed turnips and garlicky greens, is as impressive as ever.

49. Connecticut: Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, New Haven

In New Haven, you're either a Frank Pepe kind of person or you stick to Sally's Apizza. The friendly rivalry between Frank Pepe and Sally's Apizza, opened by an uncle and a nephew, respectively, has been going on for close to a century now. Named an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation in 1999 and cited as one of the best pizzas in the US by Food & Wine magazine, Frank Pepe's pizzas haven't changed since opening in 1925. All cooked to perfection in coal-fired brick ovens, the pizzas can now be found in several other locations, but it's the original spot that has foodies lining up.

48. Colorado: Frasca, Boulder

Inspired by the foodie traditions of the sub-alpine region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia in northeast Italy, executive chef and founder Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson brings an exquisite Italian dining experience to Colorado. Praised for its warm service, Frasca frequently features in 'best restaurant' lists and is particularly loved for its four-course Quattro Piatti menu, featuring elegant dishes like raw red tail deer with huckleberry, tagliolini with duck ragù and a risotto of salt cod, chives and Ossetra caviar butter.

47. Nevada: Best Friend, Las Vegas

Gourmet food truck revolutionary Roy Choi has carved himself a unique standing in the culinary world, thanks to his LA-based Korean Mexican taco truck Kogi. Often cited as the pioneer of the gourmet food truck movement, Roy is also revered for bringing this style of fusion cuisine into the limelight. Best Friend is an extension of his food truck, serving up an eccentric mix of dishes that best showcase his unique cooking and humble beginnings.

46. Indiana: St. Elmo Steak House, Indianapolis

It's quite an achievement to be more than 100 years old and still appear on lists of the country's best steakhouses, not to mention continuing to bag awards. But St. Elmo Steak House manages it rather easily. Named one of America's Classics by the James Beard Foundation, it also featured on the Travel Channel series Food Paradise. People pile in for the famously spicy prawn cocktail as well as the extensive steak menu.

45. Oklahoma: Noche Woodfired Grill & Agave Bar, Tulsa

Noche Woodfired Grill & Agave Bar aims to bring the flavours and energy of Mexico City to Tulsa's Greenwood district – and it does so with aplomb. But the thing that really sets it apart from the rest is the authentic cuisine. Here, the tortillas (and the tortilla chips) are made in-house, and the salsas are bursting with flavour. The Yucatán-style pork shoulder is a thing of beauty, but the wood-fired fajitas and crushed tamales are just as exciting.

44. Massachusetts: Mei Mei, Boston

Boston's well-loved dumpling restaurant Mei Mei made a welcome return to the food scene in 2023, after becoming online only and hosting 'how to make your own dumplings' classes on Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic. Owner Irene Li, who won a James Beard Award in 2022, continues to serve up creative – and delicious – dumplings with fillings such as the signature lemongrass and pasture-raised pork. The spot also hosts classes and offers a takeout service.

43. Ohio: Mita's, Cincinnati

Mita's is a Spanish and Latin-American tapas restaurant renowned for creating dishes packed with flavour. Named after chef Jose Salazar's Colombian grandmother, the restaurant serves ceviche, cured meats, cheeses and large plates and receives rave reviews for its outstanding service as well as its delicious food. A menu highlight is the signature paella served family-style to share among the table.

42. Montana: Tupelo Grille, Whitefish

Consistently named one of the best restaurants in Montana, Tupelo Grille serves up fresh seafood, high-quality steaks and award-winning drinks. Established in 1995, this local favourite was launched by Pat and Missy Carloss, who were keen to share their passion for Southern cooking. In 2024, the restaurant was taken over by new owners, who promised to 'carry on the tradition and spirit of what Tupelo Grille represents'. The varied menu includes roasted cauliflower with burnt ends, fried prawn and crawfish cakes and elk meatloaf sliders.

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 ambience and the 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

New Orleans has a famously buzzy restaurant scene and one of the most sought-after reservations is at Compère Lapin. This sophisticated restaurant mixes Caribbean and European influences with classic New Orleans–style flavours. Its unusual approach has earned the restaurant and its chef Nina Compton several best restaurant and best chef accolades, including a James Beard Best Chef Award. Expect dishes like curried goat with sweet potato gnocchi and bread pudding with rum caramel sauce.

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

Dock’s Oyster House truly is a restaurant that has stood the test of time. Run by the Dougherty family since 1897, the late, great chef and food writer Anthony Bourdain once remarked on 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.

36. Maine: Eventide Oyster Co., Portland

Loved for its inventive seafood dishes and a regular on 'best of' lists of Maine's food scene, 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 roll. 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 cosy 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

Renowned chef Gavin Kaysen's Spoon and Stable restaurant has a roster of awards to its name. Set in a carriage house dating back to 1906, the hip restaurant showcases a menu based on Midwest seasonality, inspired by French cuisine and local culture. As a result, diners can look forward to dishes like halibut with squid ink brioche and grilled beef striploin with a parsnip-potato pavé and black truffle vinaigrette.

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 Open Table. 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 the Louisiana crawfish with guanciale, ground cherry, yuzu kosho, togarashi and smoked roe.

31. New York: Atomix, New York City

Diners looking for a special meal in NYC have endless options, but you can’t go wrong with arguably the best restaurant in the whole of North America. Atomix wowed the judges on the most recent World's 50 Best Restaurants list, coming sixth 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 previously included sea urchin with steamed carrot cake and kohlrabi with yellow beetroot and mussels.

30. Delaware: The House of William and Merry, Hockessin

Owned by husband-and-wife team William Hoffman and Merry Catanuto, this elegant restaurant has been racking up awards since opening in 2011. Set in a charming, centuries-old farmhouse, The House of William and Merry has a regularly changing menu featuring dishes like crawfish bisque with pork belly crackling and herb oil, grilled prime beef steak with potatoes roasted in truffle butter and its famous house-made chocolate truffles.

29. 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 four-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.

28. Oregon: Kann, Portland

Winner of 2023's James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in America, Kann is a must-visit for adventurous foodies. Since opening in July 2022, this Haitian restaurant has been praised by The New York Times and Esquire, thanks to its glamorous dining room and standout menu featuring local meat, fish and vegetables cooked over fire. Chef Gregory Gourdet, who grew up in Haiti, gives traditional dishes a modern twist, resulting in glorious creations like plantain brioche buns with epis butter and scallops with crunchy nut, chilli oil and creamy pepper-plantain sauce.

27. Alabama: Chez Fonfon, Birmingham

Bustling French bistro Chez Fonfon has been one of the most popular eateries in Alabama for over 20 years, 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 clamouring for reservations. Expect comforting French fare and daily specials including hanger steak with pommes frites and peppercorn sauce (pictured).

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

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 it hasn't achieved and the three-Michelin-star establishment is 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 opening and is 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 favourite oldies playing in the background and a second outlet, Shack 2, nearby. The spot closes for the winter season around October, reopening in April.

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, Zahav, an 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 with chickpeas.

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 Barbecue. 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 in style. 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, jokbal and spicy fried chicken are just a few of the options that'll have you longing for 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 flavours.

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 apprenticing in Japanese noodle shops before returning home and venturing out on his own. Pursley opened Menya Rui in April 2022 and this small but perfectly formed restaurant quickly became a local favourite, known for its exquisite handmade noodles. Be prepared for a wait, but 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 is probably the last place you’d expect to find a cosy parlour specialising in traditional British afternoon tea, but The St. James Tearoom has been giving diners the full Downton Abbey-style experience for more than 20 years. This charming spot was named the 89th best restaurant in the US as part of Yelp’s 2024 Top 100 Places to Eat list, so you know it’s going to be special. Look out for the unique themed teas, like the French-inspired La Vie en Rose menu, where you could nibble on dainty strawberry macarons and fragrant rose scones.

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 such as Hokkaido scallops with whipped tofu, finger lime and spruce tips and squid noodles with XO sauce, Parmesan and yuzu yolk.

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 mahi mahi served with polenta cake, pineapple salsa, cabbage slaw and avocado purée. 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 neighbourhood 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 using the highest quality ingredients 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 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 speciality burnt-end sandwiches and BBQ dinners that 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 homely dishes from this region in northern Spain. Despite being open for more than 20 years, it remains packed every night, with diners flocking to try the famous fall-off-the-bone lamb and crispy ham croquetas.

11. Tennessee: Edessa, Nashville

Nashville is home to the Little Kurdistan community, so it makes sense 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 this bustling spot. 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 they have this unique restaurant on their doorstep. Gift Horse is a raw bar with a difference, combining the flavours of South Korea with the finest seafood sourced off the coast of Rhode Island. The New York Times reckons 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, also comes 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 it's still a family-run operation, with founder Joe Beasley at the head. The small chain specialises in Texas-style low-and-slow barbecue, topping Yelp’s Top Brisket Spots in the US and Canada ranking in 2023. But, while the brisket is the star of the show, the chopped pork and ribs come close seconds. 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 colourful 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 (jackfruit carnitas with a garlic-coriander sauce and cashew crema) and exceptional mole.

5. Florida: Fratellino, Coral Gables

Family photos adorn the walls at this cosy, 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 tiramisu, 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 cheesesteak. But diners also rave about the juicy rotisserie chicken sammies and sublime BLTs. It's hard to imagine that the joint used to be a gas station and convenience store. Gino’s incredible reviews recently saw the destination sandwich shop rank ninth in Yelp's Top 100 US Restaurants 2024 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 about 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 and garlic prawn all being popular options.

2. California: Sierra Subs and Salads, Three Rivers

No trip to Sequoia National Park should be complete without a stop by Sierra Subs and Salads. As that 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, Florida

This eight-person, standing-only sushi restaurant made the Michelin Guide just a year after opening 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 the signature Matcha S’more (toasted in front of your eyes) for dessert.

Now discover the surprising bucket-list dishes you probably won’t have tried