Some restaurant experiences stay with you long after you've taken your last bite of food. Whether it's because of the wacky decor, pinch-yourself views, or an elaborate tasting menu booked months in advance, plenty of America’s dining spots are utterly unforgettable. From swish mountain boltholes to down-home mom-and-pop barbecue joints, we've sought out the most memorable restaurant in each state.
Click or scroll through our gallery to discover where to find America's most unforgettable restaurants, state by state.
Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards, and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.
You need only throw a stone in the South to hit a great barbecue restaurant – but there's something extra special about Dreamland BBQ. The beloved joint started out in Tuscaloosa in 1958, after proprietor John 'Big Daddy' Bishop was purportedly visited by God in a dream and instructed to open a barbecue shop. Fast-forward more than six decades and it's still impossible to forget any visit to the original Tuscaloosa location, with its delightfully ramshackle interiors and melt-in-the-mouth hickory-smoked meats.
There's plenty that's memorable about this swish spot in southern Alaska. First, of course, is the food. Seven Glaciers bills itself as a fine-dining restaurant (something of a rarity in The Last Frontier state), with a four-course prix fixe menu featuring dishes such as scallop bisque or Alaskan smoked salmon with celeriac. And then there are the views; the restaurant sits atop Mount Alyeska and offers sweeping panoramas of the surrounding peaks and icy waters.
Home to arguably the best sunset views across North Mountain in Phoenix, it’s easy to fall in love with this award-winning spot. Alongside the expansive dining room and striking floor-to-ceiling windows, the menu invites visitors to enjoy a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience; devour dishes such as Iberico pork belly with black fried rice, lemon garlic brined chicken breast, or black truffle risotto.
It's not hard to see why this imaginative restaurant in northwestern Arkansas might stick in your memory. The spot is built into a restored Gothic Revival–style church that dates back to 1904 and features impressive patterned-glass windows, a beamed ceiling, and an eye-catching grid of gold bells in the soaring tower. Executive chef Neal Gray whips up delicious dishes such as a punchy Thai green curry with tofu and shiitake mushrooms, and pork chop with garlic cheese grits.
Few American restaurants carry as much weight as The French Laundry. The fine-dining establishment is famous the world over, carrying three Michelin stars and executing classic French cuisine to the highest of standards. It's led by lauded chef Thomas Keller, who conceived the idea in 1994, taking over an existing restaurant run from a quaint cottage-like building. The elaborate tasting menus are the stuff of culinary legend.
Jump aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train and you’ll be greeted with mesmerizing landscapes, gourmet dishes, and a sommelier-selected wine pairing experience. This once-in-a-lifetime journey will see you riding the rails and dining in style; there are various foodie experiences to choose from, with the option of a daytime departure or an evening under the stars.
Dining destinations don’t get much more magical than this Colorado spot. Here you’ll enjoy an impressive array of New American– inspired dishes, while seated some 6,000 feet above the Rocky Mountains. The impressive four-course tasting menu features delights such as monkfish en croute with banana prawns, Alaskan halibut with wild rice, and spiced carrot cake with candied walnuts and ginger. If the weather allows, book a table out on the terrace for some of the most picturesque views in America.
If you've seen the 1988 film Mystic Pizza, you'll definitely need to schedule a visit to this cheerful pizza parlor in Mystic – the setting for the movie, which is based on the stories of three young servers at the joint. Film fans will love poring over nostalgic photos of the cast and stocking up on themed merch. The imaginative pizzas will make an impact too; the 'moussaka' pizza, for example, is generously dressed with eggplant and meatballs.
This quirky spot was once a blacksmith shop – but now it's a funky restaurant with interiors that will leave an impression. As the name suggests, the decor is cat-themed, with tongue-in-cheek portraits of sharply dressed kitties mounted in gilded frames offset by leopard print chairs and a pressed tin ceiling. If you can tear your eyes away long enough to study the menu, you'll find a solid list of classic high-end entrées, from pan-seared scallops to filet mignon.
Columbia wears its status as Florida's oldest restaurant as a badge of honor. It’s been going strong since the early 1900s, when it first opened as the Columbia Saloon, and today it's still operated by the same family (the descendants of Spanish-Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez Sr). Come by the original location (there are now several others across the state) in Tampa's Ybor City to try what's billed as the 'Original Cuban Sandwich' – a meat and cheese–filled stack that’s the restaurant's signature.
A Miami favorite since 1913, no visit to this beach-lined city is complete without stopping off here. The dining room is beautiful, with high ceilings, wooden accents, and black-and-white checkered tablecloths. While the menu is bountiful, no order is really complete without crab; choose between the stone crabs, which are chilled, cracked, and served with mustard sauce, or opt for the giant king crab legs with roasted garlic oil.
Savannah, the 'Hostess City of the South', is rich in historic restaurants and yet this one stands out above the rest. It's housed in a graceful mansion that dates back to 1771, with a head-turning salmon pink façade and striking columns. The grandeur continues inside, with period paintings in heavy frames and glittering chandeliers. Fittingly, the menu heaves with brilliantly executed Southern classics: try crispy fried lobster tails with bacon buttermilk mashed potatoes, or pecan-crusted chicken breast with blackberry bourbon glaze.
It's not hard to guess the specialty of this celebrated mom-and-pop joint on Maui's North Shore. Mama's Fish House is one of the best-loved restaurants across the archipelago, opened back in the 1970s by an adventurous traveling couple named Floyd and Doris Christenson. More than half a century later, it regularly tops lists denoting Hawaii's landmark restaurants and focuses on serving fresh island fish either broiled, baked, poached, or sautéed.
The lovely resort city of Coeur d'Alene noses up to its namesake, a glittering water body encircled by mountains. And this brochure-worthy restaurant milks both the peak and lake views with its giant windows and prime location. Bag a table and soak in the vistas as you feast on wild mushroom arancini, goats’ cheese gnocchi, or truffle-honey fried chicken.
When it comes to American fine dining, Alinea is one of the country's big names. The luxurious Windy City spot deals in elaborate and imaginative tasting menus, with artfully plated courses filled with color and flair. The restaurant describes its offering as 'modernist cuisine' and offerings are elaborate and creative – examples include cured veal cheek with puffed wild rice, pineapple taffy and palm hearts, all served up in sleek, minimalist surrounds.
St Elmo's significant legacy helps make it one of the region's most memorable dining spots. Its history stretches right back to 1902, and locals and tourists alike still love the classic decor – think pressed tin ceilings, exposed brick, and dark wood – and the traditional menu. Dine on perfectly cooked steaks, chops, and chicken, or seafood from sesame chive-crusted tuna to lobster tail.
You won't forget Iowa's oldest restaurant in a hurry. It prides itself on its incredibly long history, having opened way back in 1852, and the fact that it's been destroyed by fire and rebuilt not once, but twice, makes it all the more special. The down-home dishes are sure to leave as much of an impression as the story; dine on country ham steak, Iowa pork chop, and battered catfish.
Feasting on Kansas City barbecue is a bucket-list foodie experience, and barbecue lovers swear by Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que. Its offering is described as 'world famous,' with celebrity fans including actor Paul Rudd and the late, legendary chef Anthony Bourdain. You can't go wrong with anything on the tried-and-tested menu, which includes classics like ribs, burnt ends, and meat-filled sandwiches.
Kentucky produces 95% of the world's bourbon, and a stop at a distillery promises to be one of your finest memories of the Bluegrass State. Pair some world-class whiskey with an unforgettable dinner at the stellar restaurant at Bardstown Bourbon Company. Graze on the likes of Brussels sprouts with maple glaze and Stilton cheese, or enjoy a grilled Nashville chicken sandwich in an airy room with floor-to-ceiling glass.
The Big Easy has a handful of legendary restaurants, and looming large among them is Commander's Palace, a self-described 'New Orleans' landmark’. You can’t miss the striking exterior, with its gables, turrets, and wash of electric blue interrupted by white-striped awnings. But it's the menu that's truly unforgettable; here you can sample delectable offerings from Japanese scallop tostadas to bronzed Texas redfish.
There are plenty of things that make this place a hard one to forget. First, there's the decor, with its striking log wall and tangle of fairy light–strewn branches. Then there's the glittering pond outside, illuminated by flickering bonfires. Finally, there's the food, with highlights including rabbit fettuccine, and strip loin with veal jus.
The recipient of rave reviews and endless awards, it’s easy to see why diners return to this Baltimore waterfront spot again and again. The interiors are wonderfully homey, with exposed brick walls and antique furniture, though the real star of the show is the food. Headed up by chef Eric Houseknect, diners can look forward to an authentic taste of New England: think lobster rolls, Maine lobster with polenta, and East Coast blue crab cakes.
The reputation of this Boston institution precedes it. The Union Oyster House has been operating since 1826 and is even credited as the first place a toothpick was ever used. Many presidents have passed through the historic threshold over the years, including Bill Clinton, John F. Kennedy, and Barack Obama, as well as legendary actors such as Robin Williams. Unsurprisingly, the menu mainstay is oysters – don’t leave without ordering half a dozen, freshly shucked and served with the restaurant's signature cocktail sauce.
Set within 15 acres of sprawling gardens, this charming spot evokes a classic English countryside feel from the moment you arrive. Transporting visitors to an English pub, the dining room is truly memorable, complete with wooden paneling, royal green fabrics, and a roaring fire. The menu is just as enticing, showcasing dishes such as French onion soup with caramelized Gruyere, and beef Wellington with a red wine reduction.
Minnesota is known for its Scandinavian culture, and the American Swedish Institute is a cradle for that heritage. It's also home to FIKA Café, a glossy restaurant dealing in Nordic cuisine. The menu offers a tasty lesson in Scandinavian food; tuck into smörgås (open-faced sandwiches) with shrimp and lemon dill aioli or opt for the Swedish meatballs with potato purée.
This down-home joint might not look much from the outside, but its cockle-warming 'meat and three' plates have won it a James Beard Award – a marker of excellence in the American restaurant world. Bully's regularly tops lists of the country's best soul food spots, and it serves up a failsafe menu in a tiny space. Daily specials, such as liver and onions or catfish, are doled out alongside tasty sides like fried green tomatoes and mac 'n' cheese.
For the best farm-to-fork experience in Missouri, book a table at Claverach Farm. Set amidst a 1,000-acre property with 15 acres of bountiful fruits, vegetables, and grape vines, the food here is simply breathtaking. A slow-food experience, the dining room is located within a 120-year-old renovated barn filled with communal tables, allowing guests to interact with one another while tasting the best seasonal and sustainable produce available. Expect dishes such as fried green tomato and zucchini with basil aioli, and pork roulade stuffed with Thai sausage.
Train aficionados – and anyone else, for that matter – won't forget a dinner on the tracks. The imaginatively named Charlie Russell Chew Choo train chugs through Montana's epic wildernesses, traversing sprawling, flat ranchlands and grassy mounds, with guests treated to a luxurious dinner along the way. Expect to feast on the likes of tender brisket with all the trimmings, an indulgent dessert, and a side of live music.
Dinner and a show always make for a good time, and this family-focused Lincoln standby has plenty of practice. Restaurant staff don't just wait on you here – they take to the stage and belt out toe-tapping musical numbers, before returning to the dining floor to serve up plates such as roasted Brussels sprouts (an 'opening act') and a 'headlining' New York strip steak.
There are many restaurants in Las Vegas that it'd be hard to forget, but Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace might just top them all, not least because of the price tag – this swanky spot is one of the most expensive restaurants in America. The place deals in elevated French fine dining, with an à la carte menu featuring delicacies such as lobster, Wagyu beef, and seared duck breast.
The epic views at Carriage House Restaurant will remain etched into your memory. Look out from the terrace and see panoramas of glittering Lake Winnipesaukee and the thrusting surrounding peaks. If you can tear your eyes from the sights, study the menu and choose between dishes such as New England clam chowder or cranberry walnut chicken salad.
It's all about the weird and the wonderful at Rio Grande's Menz Restaurant. The first thing that greets you is a giant effigy of a bear – a sign of things to come. Inside there are more curios, from animal heads mounted on the walls to loud patterned carpets and colorful light fittings. There's regular live music from the front porch and patio, and the menu is filled with classic dishes, think seafood, burgers, and steak.
The Land of Enchantment is heavy on excellent Mexican restaurants, so this top-notch Japanese joint might seem a surprising find. Located at Ten Thousand Waves Spa and Lodgings, the restaurant serves up seasonal small plates such as 'onigiri' rice balls or ahi tuna tostadas, alongside an impressive sake list. There are sweeping mountain views from the deck, too.
Made famous by Nora Ephron's 1989 rom-com When Harry Met Sally, Katz's Deli, an old-school Jewish joint, has more than stood the test of time since opening in 1888. Today tourists flock to the iconic yet resolutely down-to-earth restaurant to feast on bulging corned beef, pastrami, or Reuben sandwiches, matzoh ball soup, or chopped liver. You shouldn't leave without trying the New York–style cheesecake, either.
For a truly memorable New York City steakhouse experience, it’s got to be Gallagher’s Steakhouse. This expansive restaurant has been serving USDA prime dry-aged beef since 1927, and continues to deliver expertly cooked cuts, excellent cocktails, and superb service in a brilliantly buzzy atmosphere. Choose between sirloin, filet mignon, or chops, then turn your attention to the list of sides, which features everything from sautéed mushrooms to creamed spinach and French fries to roasted corn.
Possibly North Carolina's most sought-after attraction, Biltmore Estate captures tourists' interest thanks to its sumptuous tangle of rooms and swooping, manicured grounds. But it should also draw foodies in too; the mansion's Dining Room serves a fine roster of dishes, all set out on neat white tablecloths. Embrace the opulence and plump for options such as chicken roulade with wild mushrooms and confit potatoes, or pistachio-crusted lamb loin with pea risotto.
Set inside a historic building dating to 1917, this expansive dining room mixes its original warehouse features with modern finishes, from the beamed ceiling to the airy windows. The food is where this restaurant really shines; dine on the likes of salmon with spring pea risotto, pork tenderloin in a zingy green curry, and citrus-lavender crème brûlée.
A meal at this restaurant could well be a bit overwhelming – the decor practically screams 'look at me.' Do exactly that and you'll see hanging sharks, colorful clowns, string lights, balloons, and all sorts of other intriguing knick-knacks. The menu is simple yet solid with sandwiches, salads, and burgers. For those who enjoy a little (or maybe a lot) of kitsch and chaos with their meals, it's a fun spot to spend a few hours.
Cattlemen's Steakhouse has plenty of colorful stories to tell. It's the oldest operating restaurant in Oklahoma City, having opened in 1910 when ranchers and cowboys would pour through the doors. It stayed open through Prohibition, too, luring travelers with its home-brewed concoctions. Now it remains one of the best-loved steakhouses in the region (there's fierce competition) and has played host to the likes of actor John Wayne and former president Ronald Reagan.
Portland is crammed full of top-notch restaurants, from funky noodle bars to cult donut shops – but Huber's Cafe, the oldest restaurant in the city, still holds its own. The old-timey vibe is one you won't forget in a hurry; settle in at the dark-wood bar with its vaulted mirrors, gaze up at the stained-glass skylights, and feast on delights such as roasted turkey with sage dressing, baked sugar-glazed ham, and cioppino (fish stew).
For an eating experience filled with flames and flavor, this Pittsburgh favorite is guaranteed to impress. While this place only opened in 2018, it quickly gained a reputation for serving brilliant farm-to-flame dishes. The focus is on small and large plates, with simple ingredients given smoky undertones; enjoy everything from roasted cauliflower with chipotle yogurt to double cut pork chop with red curry yams.
Newport's glittering Gilded Age mansions are the city's pride and joy, and there are plenty of places to get some fine eats too. Make for the Chinese Tea House at Marble House, whose soaring, Chinese-inspired architecture will turn your head before you even get through the door. Once in, a feast of vaulted wood ceilings and vast, patterned glass windows awaits, as does a light menu of salads, sandwiches, and snacks.
Husk's reputation precedes it. The storied spot (which now also has locations in Nashville, Tennessee and Savannah, Georgia) is known for its elevated interpretations of Southern classics – dishes such as beautifully plated swordfish with zucchini and embered cucumber. The Queen Anne–style building, meanwhile, dates back to the late 19th century.
With a history stretching back to the early 1900s, Legends Steakhouse is one of South Dakota’s oldest restaurants and has entertained many notable figures within its dining room over the years, from former president William Howard Taft to actor, John Wayne. While you soak up the historic atmosphere, feast on dishes such as braised elk gnocchi, and meaty cuts from sirloin to rib-eye.
From its burlesque shows and live music to its award-winning food, Skull’s Rainbow Room is sure to make a lasting impression. Originally set up in 1948, this space was known as the spot to visit before shutting down in 1999. Since reopening in 2015 it’s returned to its former glory, with a revamped space and an excellent menu. Take in the live performances as you dine on the likes of tuna tartare with wonton chips and pan-seared diver scallops with lemon.
A plate of Texas barbecue is a memorable experience wherever you taste it in the state, but The Salt Lick BBQ is something else. A self-professed 'Texas legend', the joint has been going strong since 1967, and dishes up belt-busting portions of brisket, pork ribs, turkey, and sausage. If you're dining with a group, go family-style – for a set price per person, you'll get unlimited meats, potato salad, coleslaw, and beans.
Bringing a little slice of Tuscany to Texas, Trattoria Lisina is a traditional Italian restaurant serving classic family recipes passed down through the generations. Set within picturesque grounds, with an ornate water fountain at the front of the restaurant, the building feels like it’s been plucked from a fairy tale, adorned with wild vines and old brick. Inside is just as magical, with curved archways, giant windows, exposed beams, and brick walls. The menu is noteworthy, too, featuring everything from fresh pastas and risotto to pizzas and grilled meats.
This charming lodge in one of Utah's premier ski regions boasts a lovely special occasion dinner spot. Hole up in the cozy dining room and order fine treats such as grilled king salmon with sautéed spinach and wild rice, or pappardelle with chicken and wild mushrooms. Picture windows look onto the spectacular mountain surroundings, too.
Named for the renowned glassblower and potter Simon Pearce, this refined restaurant doubles as an art showroom and shop. Beyond the art, the restaurant, built into a 19th-century mill, offers sweeping views of the Ottauquechee River and one of its waterfalls. When it comes to the menu, you can expect tempting options such as vegetable gnocchi or a Mediterranean-style lamb burger.
This sophisticated restaurant is the brainchild of Patrick O’Connell, a revered chef who has become known as the 'pope of American cuisine.' Opened in 1978, the imaginative spot occupies a former garage, and is renowned for its elevated American dishes showcased through intricate tasting menus. Standout dishes include grilled king chop of Colorado lamb with chickpeas.
For some seven decades, Canlis has been the Emerald City's destination restaurant. It's known for its striking architecture – the building is a modernist confection with angled glass and a wooden frame – and its world-class food. You'll sit down to a string of courses (some chosen by you, some chosen by the chef) and feast on delights such as venison with sesame, nori, and pickled daikon.
There's an obvious reason behind the name of this Charleston restaurant. The Lookout Bar & Grill looks out over the surrounding mountains, which are emerald in the summer and snow-blanketed in winter – a view you won't forget. The menu is simple but reliable; think classic sandwiches, salads, and pizzas.
The dining scene in Madison, Wisconsin is criminally underrated, and this fancy restaurant is a glittering highlight. Visit for a beautifully curated tasting menu, featuring elevated dishes such as beef rib-eye with new potatoes, carrots, oxtail, and tamarind, or panna cotta with shortcake crumbs, all paired with fine wines.
The name of this seasonal restaurant in Teton Village says it all. The cheerful spot spreads out at the top of the Bridger Gondola, offering epic views across the snowy peaks through giant floor-to-ceiling windows. The menu is a cut above that of your average joint, too, with the chefs working with local suppliers to create an exceptional culinary experience.
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Last updated by Lottie Woodrow.