From long-running delis and old-school barbecue joints to fine dining spots loved by celebrities, America is home to a wealth of legendary restaurants that people clamor to get a table at. Here we take a look at the most famous restaurants in every state that everyone should visit at least once. 

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover the most celebrated restaurants in every US 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.

Legend has it that John 'Big Daddy' Bishop opened the first Dreamland Café in Tuscaloosa after praying for guidance: that night God appeared in a dream and told him that he should build a café next to his home – and so John did. Some 60 years on and Dreamland has multiple locations in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida (not to mention numerous concessions) and it remains famous for its good old-fashioned hospitality and lip-smacking ribs. 

This restaurant wasn't established until the 1950s, but its building dates to the 1920s, having served time as both a funeral home and a furniture store. Today, though, the steaks are the main draw. Cut and aged on site, they're an enduring hit with Anchorage residents – if your wallet allows, splash out on the famous 4-inch-thick filet mignon. The iconic neon sign is an instantly recognizable feature of this legendary steakhouse too.

A legendary steakhouse in Phoenix, Durant's – all dim lighting and red leather booths – is the type of place that never changes. Part of the appeal is the man behind the restaurant: the late Jack Durant, who is rumored to have had connections with mobster Bugsy Siegel. Whatever the truth, the storied spot has been feeding diners exceptional steaks – and perfect Martinis – for over half a century.

McClard's Bar-B-Q was opened in 1928 by Alex and Alice McClard, who ran a Hot Springs motel. When a traveler couldn't afford to pay for his room, he offered the couple a recipe for barbecue sauce instead, and the rest is history. The restaurant is still in the McClard family today and, besides its famous sauce, is also known for being a favorite spot of Arkansas native Bill Clinton – he even had his 60th birthday party here. 

Famed the world over for its commitment to serving local, seasonal ingredients, Chez Panisse is a must-visit for any foodie. Opened by the now legendary chef Alice Waters back in 1971, the revered spot continues to serve a daily changing four-course set menu featuring dishes made from produce either grown on its organic farm or sourced from within 50 miles of the restaurant. Memorable past options include spit-roasted Stemple Creek Ranch grass-fed beef rib-eye with eggplant fritters and glazed onions, and Sonoma County duck with green lentils, glazed turnips, and garlicky greens.

Prices are high and reservations hard to score at The French Laundry, often described by food critics as the gourmet experience of a lifetime. Thomas Keller has been one of the most celebrated chefs in America for around 30 years, and his California restaurant has held three Michelin stars since 2007. The two nine-course tasting menus change every day, and no ingredient appears more than once during the meal. If you spot the truffle-infused custard on the menu, you're in luck.

In a state bursting with culinary talent, a restaurant must really stand out in order to garner a celebrity following as large as The Ranch House. Founded in 1949, this Ojai-based space has transformed from a boarding house to an acclaimed restaurant, and it’s seen everyone from John Lennon and Yoko Ono to Paul Newman and Reese Witherspoon dine inside. Its menu relies on hyper-seasonal ingredients, with previous highlights such as crab cakes with apple-fennel coleslaw, baked cauliflower with curry aioli, and house-made pâté.

Attracting both locals and tourists alike, My Brother’s Bar is Denver’s oldest continuously running bar. Dating to 1873, its current owners have operated the cozy joint since 1970. The space has become famed for its relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and tasty, pub-style food. Customer favorites include the Ragin’ Chicken (grilled chicken and Cajun mayo sandwich), loaded nachos with red chili, and JCB, a fully stacked burger with jalapeño cream and cheese.

Made famous by the Julia Roberts movie of the same name, Mystic Pizza is in Mystic, Connecticut. ‘A slice of heaven’ is the tagline for this popular pizzeria, and it doesn’t disappoint. As well as pizza, diners can order salads, soups, and chicken wings, and the deep-fried pickles are a hit with regulars. Only the outside of Mystic Pizza features in the movie, and the interior shots were filmed elsewhere – the real-life pizzeria was later redecorated to replicate the set following the movie’s cult success.

Since opening in 1956, the legendary Bern’s has established itself as a go-to spot for both locals and tourists seeking a memorable meal. After feasting on indulgent appetizers such as shrimp cocktail, oysters, or caviar (there’s an entire caviar menu), visitors are encouraged to sample one of the cut-to-order prime steaks, then head upstairs to the dessert room where over 40 sweet options, 15 different flavors of ice cream, and an array of artisan cheeses await. The restaurant promises dining here is ‘an experience to remember' – and they're not wrong.

It's no surprise that Delaware's most famous restaurant can be found in one of the state's most famous buildings: the landmark Hotel Du Pont. The Green Room, known for its lavish design and oak detailing throughout, first opened over a century ago. It's now fresh from renovations, having been reimagined as Le Cavalier at The Green Room. The menu has remained classic, and diners can still embrace the history, feasting on much-loved dishes like the Hotel Du Pont shrimp cocktail, oysters, and French onion soup.

A Miami Beach institution, Joe's Stone Crab dates to 1913, when Joe Weiss opened a small lunch counter serving fresh seafood to locals. Still in the same family, it now has several locations, but the original spot remains as popular as ever. The restaurant is most famous for its stone crabs, just as the name suggests. Often visited by celebrities, it's also reportedly referenced in Ian Fleming's Goldfinger as Bill's on the Beach – the best meal James Bond ever had in his life.

Since opening in 1945, Mary Mac's Tea Room has grown from one dining room to six, but much else is the same as it ever was, from the order notepads on each table and the complimentary cornbread muffin for first-time diners, to the menu itself, which includes Southern favorites like fried chicken and peach cobbler. Over the years, it's welcomed visitors including the Dalai Lama, Beyoncé, James Brown, and Hillary Clinton. 

Housed inside a former boarding house, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is a must-try when visiting Savannah. Set up by Sema Wilkes in 1943, the restaurant is famed for its communal table–style dining, inviting guests to chat and get to know each other over a shared love of Southern home-style food. Expect hearty classics such as fried chicken and meat loaf, and endless sides like mac ’n’ cheese, coleslaw, baked beans, and collard greens.

Many Hawaiians will tell you 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 also one of the first restaurants to bring poke into the mainstream. Signatures include the blackened ahi, plus exciting creations such as butterfish with sweet ginger and wasabi beurre blanc.

Big Jud's, which has three locations in the state, reckons its burgers aren't just known all over Idaho – they're world famous. It might have something to do with the size of them: this is the home of the one-pound burger. If that's still not enough for you, try the Big Jud's Challenge: finish a 2lb burger, large plate of fries, and large drink in under 30 minutes, and get your name on the Wall of Fame (and your meal free).

Led by groundbreaking chef Grant Achatz, Alinea has become one of the most influential restaurants in the world since opening in 2005, picking up countless awards and a coveted three Michelin stars. Alinea is all about immersive dining, focusing on smells, colors, and textures, as well as incredible tastes. Famous for bending the rules of fine dining, one of the restaurant's signature dishes is its tabletop dessert (pictured), prepared by chefs directly onto the table in front of you.

It's quite a feat to be more than 100 years old and still appearing on lists for the country's best steakhouses, but St. Elmo Steak House, which opened in 1902, manages it rather easily. In addition to the extensive steak menu, people still come for St. Elmo's famous (and spicy) shrimp cocktail. The spot's other claim to fame is that it's one of Parks and Recreation character Ron Swanson's favorite steak houses. In an episode of the TV comedy called Two Parties, he celebrates the bachelor party he never had there, attracting many of the show's fans to the restaurant.

This famous steak house opened in 1920 and continues to delight guests with steaks sizzling in extra virgin olive oil, butter, and a special Greek seasoning blend. Opened by Greek immigrants Pete Maduras and Tony Papouchis, the Mason City restaurant is now owned by Papouchis' son Bill and his wife Ann, who are keen to preserve the Greek legacy. To this day, the dishes largely remain faithful to the original recipes. 

Revered for its burnt-end sandwiches, this restaurant (previously known as Oklahoma Joe's) has a humble origin story. It began life in a gas station, yet today it's the recipient of countless accolades, including being named as one of Anthony Bourdain's '13 places you must eat before you die.' It also gained national attention in 2014, when President Barack Obama's team ordered $1,400 worth of takeout food to eat on Air Force One.

Established in 1933, Jack Fry's is a Louisville landmark that retains much of its historical charm. The fine dining restaurant showcases Southern flavors using French cooking techniques, with dishes such as roasted chicken with Brussels sprouts, country ham hash, and walnut Parmesan crema. Customers love both the food and the atmosphere here. 

In a city bursting at the seams with culinary delights, Commander's Palace remains one of New Orleans' most notable landmarks – and not just for its striking turquoise Victorian façade. Established in the city's beautiful Garden District in 1893, this elegant restaurant has been the training ground for several notable chefs, including Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse. It serves haute Creole cuisine in a charming setting, and the seafood gumbo is an absolute must-order.

As New Orleans’ oldest restaurant, Antoine’s has quite the story to tell. Founded in 1840, the establishment has moved locations, lived through many wars, and welcomed countless celebrities during its time. It’s now owned and operated by the fifth-generation relatives of its original founder and has become renowned for its iconic décor and menu classics. An order of Oysters Rockefeller is a must when visiting. The seafood gumbo and mushroom bourguignon also come highly recommended.

A 19th-century mill in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere might seem an unlikely setting for one of the hardest-to-book restaurants in the country (it only takes reservations by notecard, and they receive 20,000 a year), but that's where you'll find The Lost Kitchen. Chef Erin French opened her farm-to-table joint in 2014 and since then it's become a phenomenon, spawning a cookbook, TV show, and memoir. If you can't score a restaurant reservation, there's a shop and farmers' market on site, too.

There are several notable restaurants in Maryland, so it's hard to single out just one – but Baltimore's Woodberry Kitchen has surpassed its trendy status to become an enduring foodie destination. With many celebrity customers, including Michelle Obama, who dined here with daughter Malia in 2016, the restaurant is known for its American farm-to-table cuisine, and is often praised for its commitment to sourcing locally. 

Opened in 1826, Union Oyster House is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States. Over the course of its history, it has counted JFK, American statesman Daniel Webster, and even Louis Philippe, King of France among its regulars (the king lived above the restaurant during his exile in the late 18th century). As the name suggests, it specializes in seafood, and the clam chowder is rightly famous. 

One of Michigan's most unique and well-loved restaurants is the incredible Bavarian Inn. Opened in 1888, in the Bavarian-themed town Frankenmuth, the restaurant claims that more than 20 million guests have come to feast on its world famous, all-you-can-eat, German family–style dinners. And while Bronner's, tipped as the world's largest Christmas store, is the town's main draw, it's rare that visitors don't stop by for a meal at the Bavarian Inn, too.

Yes, there are James Beard Award–winning restaurants and plenty of incredible steakhouses in the North Star State, but the most iconic food here is the Jucy Lucy or Juicy Lucy. There's a fiercely fought rivalry between Matt's Bar and The 5-8 Club over the origin of the revered burger, a thick meat patty filled with oozing melted cheese. Matt's – which has seen the likes of Barack Obama swing by for a burger – nudges it for the most well-known spot, but why not try both?

Opened in 1935 by Greek immigrants, the Mayflower Cafe is a firm local favorite for steak and seafood mains. However, it's their famous comeback sauce that's earned them a place on this list. The distinctive dipping sauce and salad dressing specific to this area of Mississippi is made of mayo, chili sauce, ketchup, lemon juice, and other spices and condiments – it's mixed in salads, slathered on fried green tomatoes, and generally eaten with pretty much everything. The café also earned nationwide fame after it was featured in the film The Help. 

Arthur Bryant's started life as an alley stand serving food for Garment District workers in Kansas City. Today, it's one of the most famous barbecue joints not only in Missouri, but in the whole country. Despite being a relatively bare-bones joint – think unpretentious décor and fluorescent lighting – the barbecue restaurant has seen a serious number of notable diners over the years, from Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford to John McCain and Barack Obama. Beef brisket burnt-ends and burnt-end sandwiches are among the top dishes.

Often cited as the state's best restaurant, period, Lucca's is something of a Montana legend, promising punters that 'when you come to Lucca's you're not eating out – you're dining out.' There are impeccably executed Italian classics on the menu – think calamari fritti, veal scallopini, and shrimp fra diavolo (pictured). 

In a town – and state – known for its beef, The Drover in Omaha stands out for its original, whiskey-marinated steaks, served here for over 40 years. The marinade ingredients – aside from the whiskey, of course – are top secret, but the steaks are soaked for just 15 minutes, allowing you to really savor the flavor of the Nebraskan beef. Besides the food, customers love the Western-style interiors and atmosphere. 

Yes, there might be countless celebrity chef owned, Michelin starred, and award-winning restaurants in Las Vegas, but sometimes it's the places that never change that matter the most. The list of famous – and infamous – people who have graced the Golden Steer is impressive: Elvis Presley, Joe DiMaggio, Frank Sinatra, and Muhammad Ali, to name just a few. These days, it delivers a taste of vintage Vegas in the glitzy, modern city, serving up its famous steaks in delightfully old-school surrounds.

Since opening in 2012, small-plates restaurant Moxy has become one of the hottest culinary spots in the Northeastern US. Owner and chef Matt Louis is a four-time semi-finalist for the James Beard Best Chef title, and the restaurant delivers dishes inspired by local farmers, fishmongers, culture, and history. The menu changes regularly, but expect delights like fried clams, crisp pork belly, beef short rib marmalade, and whoopie pie sliders with chocolate dipping sauce.

Dating back to 1942, this East Newark spot is something of a legend in New Jersey – and beyond. There’s a reason for that; this is far from your average diner. The interiors are sleek, and the food is exceptional. In addition to the usual stalwarts of milkshakes, burgers, and meatloaf, you can expect delights like English-style fish and chips, and Cajun shrimp with chicken jambalaya.

It's hard to believe that New Mexico's largest Mexican restaurant (it can seat more than 1,200 people at one time) started out as just one room with only a handful of tables. Open since 1962, Albuquerque's El Pinto still serves up some of the best Mexican food in the state, and its brand of sauces and salsas is now sold nationwide. The restaurant is particularly worth visiting in summer, when you can enjoy a leisurely meal out on one of the leafy patios.

New York is a city full of iconic restaurants, from Peter Luger to Grand Central Oyster Bar, but no spot is better known than Katz's. Founded in 1888, the deli has appeared in countless movies and TV shows – most famously, When Harry Met Sally (the table at which the scene was filmed now has a plaque that reads: 'Where Harry met Sally...hope you have what she had.') You'll probably have to wait in line, but the legendary pastrami sandwiches are worth it. 

A buzzy New York City joint, Carbone is one of the country’s best-loved Italian restaurants. The space – complete with stylish artwork, white tablecloth–lined tables, and red and white curtains that are almost always drawn shut – is a hit with celebrities, so you shouldn’t be surprised to find an A-lister dining next to you. The menu is equally impressive, with baked clams, lobster ravioli, and chocolate hazelnut terrine popular with customers. Carbone also has locations in Dallas, Miami, and Las Vegas.

Having started out in 1916 as a small hot dog stand, Nathan’s Famous is now a culinary juggernaut, with outposts all over the world and branded products sold in grocery stores. While these days the menu has also grown to include chicken, burgers, and shakes, there’s a reason why fans still make a pilgrimage to the original location on Coney Island and inevitably end up ordering a famously juicy hot dog.

In an idyllic setting just outside of Chapel Hill, Fearrington House Restaurant has been feeding happy diners since 1980. Combining the culinary traditions of the American South and the techniques of European cooking with locally sourced ingredients, the restaurant was doing the farm-to-table thing before it was a buzz phrase. 

North Dakota is renowned for its beef, and Peacock Alley makes the most of the state's bounty. It's held up as one of the best spots for steak in the state and has several awards and accolades to its name. The burgers, including the Ultimate Burger with smoked bacon, Gorgonzola cheese crumbles, caramelized onions, and sautéed mushrooms on a pretzel bun, are always a winning choice.

Built in 1803, this old Colonial building has welcomed an impressive 12 US presidents over the years. Today, The Golden Lamb – purportedly Ohio's longest continually operated business – remains a popular resting point for travelers, serving comfort food such as burgers, fried chicken, shrimp, and ribs.

First opened in 1910 as a café, Oklahoma City's Cattlemen's was set up to serve the ranchers, cowboys, and cattle haulers working in the region. It became Cattlemen's Steakhouse in 1945, when it changed hands following a high-stakes dice game, and over the years has served everyone from John Wayne to George Bush Senior (who favored the T-bone here). It doesn't just trade on its history, though; the steaks are as good as ever.

The clue is in the name at this Portland institution, which dates all the way back to 1892 and is both a beloved local spot and a must-visit for tourists. Dine here and you'll join the likes of Humphrey Bogart, Madonna, and Michael Jordan, who have all enjoyed the fresh seafood at Jake's Famous Crawfish. The crawfish is the specialty, of course, but the Dungeness crab and bay shrimp cakes are also real favorites. 

Opened in 2008, this Israeli restaurant in the heart of Philadelphia slowly gained popularity – then, a few years ago, it started winning big awards and demanding attention on a national level. Named Outstanding Restaurant at the 2019 James Beard Awards, it's consistently ranked among the best in America. The restaurant's signature dish – pomegranate lamb shoulder with chickpeas – is a whole lamb shoulder that's been dry-aged, smoked, and glazed with pomegranate molasses for an incredibly intense yet sophisticated flavor.

Believed to be the USA’s oldest tavern building, Newport’s White Horse Tavern is a real slice of history. Established in 1673, it was run by a pirate in the 18th century, then served as accommodation for loyalists and British troops during the Occupation of Newport in the Revolution. Today the focus is fresh, local food: fish, clams, and lobsters caught in Narragansett Bay, and artisan cheese, honey, and beef sourced from nearby farms.

No barbecue for South Carolina? Surprising, maybe, but not unexpected when it's also home to one of the most critically acclaimed restaurants in the Southeast. Charleston's multi award–winning Husk (which now has locations in Savannah and Nashville, Tennessee) has one guiding philosophy: if an ingredient isn't from the South, it's not coming in the kitchen. Expect dishes like slow-smoked pork ribs, crispy catfish, and fried cornbread panzanella on the frequently changing menu. 

Established in 1949, the family-run Pheasant became the first restaurant in South Dakota to win a James Beard Award when it scored an America's Classics gong in 2024. It started life as a gas station and café and is now an upscale casual dining destination serving dishes such as bison burgers and steaks, local lamb, duck wings, and house-made ice cream. 

The Loveless Cafe's huge neon sign is almost as iconic as the place itself and means you can't miss this Nashville stalwart. Serving up Southern comfort food favorites since 1951, it's lost none of its rustic charm, from the red checkered tablecloths to the friendly service. Taylor Swift, Martha Stewart, and Dolly Parton are among the celebrities who have dined here, and the joint makes up to 10,000 biscuits a day to satisfy hungry customers. 

Given that Fayette County has such a small population, it might seem strange to suggest that it’s also home to one of the most famous restaurants in Texas, and yet Royers Round Top Café has a state-wide reputation for dishing up incredible food in a brilliantly quirky atmosphere. People travel from far and wide to sample the gourmet, Southern-style comfort food and delicious pies at this unique bistro – the customer favorite pie is the Sweet 'N Salty, a combination of chocolate fudge and caramel sprinkled with sea salt, but really, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here.

In a state known for its barbecue, it takes a lot for one restaurant to stand out – but plenty of meat-lovers make the pilgrimage to this sprawling ranch, half an hour outside Austin. The famed pit here has been cooking up delectable meat since 1967, with brisket, pulled pork, and bison ribs among the favorites. 

Ruth's Diner originally opened in downtown Salt Lake City in 1930, but moved to its current, leafier location on Emigration Canyon in 1949, where it still sits in one of the city's old trolley cars. The eponymous Ruth started out as a cabaret singer before turning her hand to the diner – and the food still has an excellent reputation. The breakfasts are especially popular and can be enjoyed on the patio in warmer months.

When it opened in 2005, Waterbury's Hen of the Wood ushered in a new era of farm-to-table dining in Vermont – and quickly became one of the hottest tables around. The dishes are simple and down-to-earth, but exquisitely crafted from local ingredients. In 2013, an equally lauded sister restaurant opened in Burlington, and both spots continue to be hugely popular.

This beautiful village inn was established in 1728, back when Middleburg, Virginia was called Chinn's Crossroads. The historic property has seen an incredible number of notable people pass through its doors, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Tom Cruise, Paul Newman, and Elizabeth Taylor. Today, The Red Fox Inn & Tavern's history is apparent throughout, but there are modern menus showcasing local produce too.

When Peter Canlis wanted to build a restaurant back in the 1950s, central Seattle locations were all too expensive, so he settled for a venue way up on the edge of a cliff outside of the city. Years later the seemingly awkward location has paid off, because diners rave about the breathtaking views alongside the exceptional food. Now with numerous James Beard Awards and Wine Spectator Grand Awards, Canlis is one of Seattle's most fascinating places to eat. 

Tipped as America's first resort, Greenbrier has also welcomed diners for over a century. The Main Dining Room hasn't changed much throughout the resort's existence, and a sense of historic charm can be very much felt within the walls. The fine dining restaurant serves impressive, albeit old-school, dishes such as roasted hen and glazed pork loin, and it remains one of the most famous dining rooms in the whole country.

With a history dating back to 1902, Mader's is a typically German restaurant, serving traditional dishes such as pork patties, wiener schnitzel, and a Bavarian platter with different types of sausage, potato dumplings, and sauerkraut. Over the course of its long history, Mader's has gained popularity with countless celebrities too. Presidents John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Gerald Ford have all dined at the historic joint and it's also a top choice for musicians: everyone from Britney Spears and Katy Perry to Kanye West and Eric Clapton have been spotted here.

As far as storied histories go, it's hard to beat Wyoming's The Irma – or Buffalo Bill's The Irma, as it's often known. The hotel was built by William F 'Buffalo Bill' Cody, who named it after his daughter, and the famous bar is made from cherrywood that was a gift from Queen Victoria. Just as when it first opened, The Irma is a bustling social hub, and the restaurant serves up classic American fare like steaks, burgers, seafood, and chicken pot pie. 

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Last updated by Lottie Woodrow.