From timeless eateries loved for generations to stylish fusion spots making a buzz, the US is home to some seriously special fine dining restaurants. Here, we’ve scoured the country to discover the very best worth seeking out in every state, including some surprisingly affordable places.

Tucked away in Birmingham’s creative district, Hot and Hot Fish Club is a local favorite, loved for its innovative and colorful dishes made with seasonal produce. The restaurant, established in 1994, is known for blending Southern, French, and Californian styles of cooking, creating a fresh new approach. Perfect for a special occasion dinner or stylish date night, expect dishes such as short rib pappardelle, grilled flounder, and pumpkin crème brûlée. 

Crow’s Nest, located inside Anchorage’s sleek Hotel Captain Cook, is loved by locals for its world-class menu and 360-degree views across the city. Sat atop Tower III, the restaurant is complete with white tablecloths and breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows showering the room with natural light. The team specializes in French and New American cuisine – menu highlights include the lobster roll with caviar and venison with roasted butternut squash.

Sat atop North Mountain in Phoenix, this stylish restaurant offers guests a different perspective on fine dining. A popular spot for over 40 years, Different Pointe of View boasts striking floor-to-ceiling windows with views across the desert landscape, making for a prime sunset location for special occasions. The menu is vast with mouthwatering options such as bone marrow with chimichurri, lemon chicken with Parmesan dauphinoise potatoes, and black truffle risotto.  

Those looking for upscale modern American cuisine should book into Little Rock favorite, Table 28. Guided under the watchful eye of executive chef Scott Rains, the menu champions locally grown produce, so expect dishes to be bursting with fresh ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. Popular items include pistachio-crusted halibut, 12-hour braised oxtail curry, and a fancy take on classic meatloaf, served with glazed carrots, potato casserole, and veal demi.  

The Golden State may be brimming with restaurants worthy of a mention, but renowned chef Thomas Keller has garnered a colossal reputation for his storied spot, The French Laundry. Located in Yountville, the three-Michelin star eatery is fine dining at its absolute finest. The tasting menu changes daily, serving French classics made with exquisite seasonal ingredients. Previous dishes include hand-cut tagliatelle with shaved white truffle, poached Nova Scotia lobster, and charcoal-grilled Japanese wagyu. 

Led by James Beard Award–winning restaurateurs Erika and Kelly Whittaker, The Wolf’s Tailor has grown into a Denver hotspot. The space is stylish yet rustic, with cozy outdoor tent-style seating available. The menu changes with the seasons, but previous highlights include braised lamb neck, bison tartare, and black cod yakitori skewers. 

Consistently voted one of Connecticut’s best restaurants, it’s little surprise that this legendary spot has garnered a reputation for its exquisite dishes and excellent service. Set within the heart of New Haven’s theater and entertainment district, Union League Cafe is a French-inspired brasserie, complete with dark green accents, wooden detailing, and a grand fireplace taking center stage. Menu favorites include scallop ceviche, dry-aged duck breast, and peach Melba pavlova.

You could easily mistake this homey spot for an ordinary house from the outside, but that’s because technically it is; in fact, chef-owners Merry Catanuto and Bill Hoffman live on site with their children. The family ethos and coziness echoes through the restaurant’s interior, while the food wows guests every evening. Expect refined dishes done brilliantly, including shiso-glazed pork belly, Alaskan sablefish, and passion fruit and Tahitian vanilla crème brûlée. 

Classic Italian dishes are given the fine dining treatment at Rocca, a stylish Michelin-starred restaurant in Tampa. Set up in 2019 by chef-owner Bryce Bonsack, the restaurant pays homage to old-school Italian dishes, adding a unique, modern spin. The space is beautifully decorated with hanging plants, vintage-style paintings, and banquette seating. Guests can tuck into everything from brown butter gnocchi to blue crab spaghetti – and there’s even a mozzarella and caviar service available.

Refined Scottish classics might not be what you’d expect to find in Atlanta, but chef and restaurateur Kevin Gillespie is determined to change that. Nàdair is inspired by his time spent in New England, the American South, and Scotland, reinventing classic Scottish flavors through woodfire cooking. The result? Truly sensational dishes worth shouting about. Popular choices include cured steelhead, vegetarian haggis pie, and a Scottish-inspired trifle.  

This Honolulu hotspot launched in 2017 and quickly became the place to be seen at. Senia specializes in regional American cuisine, celebrating local Hawaiian ingredients and gastronomy. Mix and match with a selection of sharing plates like venison tartare, roasted bone marrow with Hawaiian sweet rolls, confit duck, and triple-smoked salmon. There’s also a tasting menu available at the weekend, which is just perfect for special occasions.

Fine dining doesn’t come much better than Boise’s Chandlers, a premium steakhouse and seafood joint renowned for its high quality. Established in 1994, the restaurant has been at the heart of the local food scene for three decades and continues to impress with its brilliant selection of meat cuts; think corn-fed Midwest prime rib-eye, Japanese A5 wagyu, and prime Colorado racks of lamb. More into your seafood? Look forward to the likes of Maine lobster, Hawaiian ahi tuna, and fresh daily catches.  

The Windy City isn’t short of excellent restaurants, but three-Michelin-starred Alinea is the one to beat. The restaurant, complete with striking artwork and multi-floored dining levels, is renowned for its innovative tasting menu experience. Guided by chef Grant Achatz, the team showcases the best of New American cuisine. It certainly doesn’t come cheap, so save it for a truly special blow-the-budget kind of occasion. 

Having received a coveted AAA Four Diamond award every year since opening in 2016, Vida is one of Indianapolis’ best restaurants. Working in harmony with local farmers and producers, as well as boasting an in-house hydroponic wall of greens, the dishes served here are both hyper-seasonal and fresh. Opt for the tasting menu and enjoy dishes such as smoked pork belly with roasted beets, wagyu rib-eye with chanterelle mushrooms, and chocolate zucchini cake with smoked pineapple jam.  

Set up in 2005, Joseph’s Steakhouse is one of Iowa City’s most popular special occasion destinations. Start with cheese-topped French onion soup or smoked pork belly with mustard cream, before making way for the main event: the prime certified Angus beef. Choose between filet mignon, rib-eye, or New York strip, all served with whipped potatoes, steamed asparagus, and house-made demi-glace. This is fine dining for meat lovers. 

Situated inside the striking 1900 Building, this chic restaurant is led by award-winning chef Linda Duerr and draws on her New England background, with influences from French and Italian cuisine. The interior is just as captivating, with every wall decked out with beautiful artwork. On the menu, expect dishes such as razor clams in smoked paprika butter, rhubarb-honey fried pheasant and leek waffles, and duck Bolognese. The restaurant also has an airy, covered outdoor roof terrace, perfect for the warmer months. 

Volare Italian Ristorante opened its doors in 2004 and continues to be a local favorite for celebratory dinners. The staff are attentive, the interior is smart, and the food is excellent. Italian classics have been given the fine dining treatment, with dishes such as seafood linguini, lobster risotto, and veal parmigiana proving popular with guests. 

Arguably New Orleans’ most iconic restaurant, Commander’s Palace is the place to go for fine dining in the city. Its bright blue and white, fairytale-esque exterior is hard to miss, while the interior is equally beautiful, with chandeliers lining the ceilings and white tablecloths draped across the tables. The restaurant specializes in refined Creole cooking, with dishes like pecan-crusted gulf fish, chargrilled pork chop, and slow-cooked gumbo available.

Nuzzled inside The Press Hotel, this stylish restaurant showcases the best Maine produce. From the seafood, meat, and vegetables used to the honey that’s harvested from its own rooftop garden, Union offers a range of menus bursting with vibrant, fresh flavors. Choose between scallops in apple butter, cider-brined chicken, and braised chuck ragù – and absolutely save room for the chocolate layer cake with cocoa nibs.

This neighborhood restaurant looks as though it’s been plucked off the streets of Vienna, complete with striped awning, café-style curtains, and bistro chairs out front. Bas Rouge is inspired by traditional Viennese and European classics, while still highlighting local farmers and producers through its dishes. The menu changes seasonally, though you can always guarantee excitement from the guéridon dessert trolley service.

Boston has a famously thriving restaurant scene, and O Ya is where locals go for an authentic Japanese omakase experience. Diners embark on a 20-course tasting menu chosen by the chef, with a variety of expertly prepared nigiri, sashimi, and cooked dishes on offer throughout the course of the evening. O Ya is on the pricier side, so it’s worth bookmarking for a special occasion.  

Set within acres of sprawling green space, just outside of Lansing, this beautiful estate is a popular wedding venue and looks like something from an English fairytale. The on-site restaurant is equally evocative of an English restaurant, with charming wooden features, gold-framed paintings, and a roaring fireplace. The menu is on the fancier side, too, with seared Scottish salmon, beef Wellington, and a caviar service all available.  

Brought to life by James Beard Award–winning chef Gavin Kaysen, Demi is a sophisticated fine dining spot loved for its innovative flavors and original cooking. Set inside a former 19th-century coffee warehouse, the restaurant champions the best local produce and complements it with rare ingredients from across the globe. The space seats just 20 guests around an unusual U-shaped counter, so you can watch the kitchen staff prepare your seven or 11-course menu in front of you.

A popular downtown Ocean Springs establishment, this multi-James Beard nominated restaurant offers a market-driven tasting menu, where guests are guided through an ever-changing series of dishes chosen by the chef. Set inside a converted house, Vestige still evokes that homey coziness through its interior, while serving up a sensational, wholly seasonally inspired feast for both the eyes and belly.

A celebration of its Midwestern heritage, Vicia in St. Louis has firmly become a local favorite since launching in 2017. Its unfussy, laidback approach is what draws people in, but it’s the hyper-seasonal, vegetable-forward menu that keeps them coming back for more. Choose between Icelandic cod (served with romanesco, similar to cauliflower) and beef two ways, or opt for a three-course family-style offering chosen for you.

For an upmarket steak night guaranteed to impress, J.W. Heist Steakhouse is the one to bookmark in Bozeman. The restaurant features a wood-lined dining room filled with white tablecloths and grand, gold-framed paintings, and has garnered a reputation for its wood-fired cuts. You can expect classic steakhouse dishes cooked to perfection, from blue crab bisque to beef tartare. The main event is, of course, the meat, with options including rib-eye, tomahawk, and sirloin.

What started out as a casual café in the 1970s has since transformed into a cozy fine dining restaurant worthy of a visit. Located in Omaha’s Old Market neighborhood, the space features exposed brick walls, low lighting, and copper accents, making it the ideal date night destination. On the menu, expect wagyu beef carpaccio, coffee-crusted venison, and chicken roulade, or opt for a five-course tasting menu to really be wowed.

It’s no secret that Sin City has a slew of outstanding fine dining establishments, with every cuisine and situation catered for. Those booking for a special occasion, though, should visit Restaurant Guy Savoy. Led by the celebrated chef (who is known for his inventive flare) the restaurant specializes in delicate French classics with a modern twist. The space feels super fancy, too, with white tablecloths, bold artwork, and views over the city.  

Steakhouses can vary in quality, but Manchester’s Hanover Street Chophouse is a cut above the rest. The staff are attentive, the interior is stunning, and the meat comes expertly prepared. Opt for baked oysters or the giant crab cocktail for your appetizer, before tucking into a choice of filet mignon, bone-in rib-eye, or New York sirloin.

Ranking at number 37 on Yelp’s Top 100 US Restaurants 2024 list, Jessica’s Restaurant is a loved local spot showcasing French Italian fusion. The interior, featuring dark grey furnishings and textured design, is stylish, while the seasonally changing menu is hard to beat. Look forward to dishes such as wood-fired meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, buttery white mussels, and shrimp rigatoni.

Situated inside an 18th century adobe home, this Santa Fe spot is loved for its historic architecture. While the space is adorned with wooden beams and kiva-style fireplaces, it still feels modern thanks to the neutral color palette and leather-bound seats. The menu, guided by executive chef Sllin Cruz, is truly worth shouting about, with highlights including seared Vermont quail, wild mushroom bisque, and grilled beef tenderloin. 

Plenty of New York City restaurants fit beautifully into the category of fine dining, but Daniel has earned its place as a must-visit spot for locals and tourists alike. The two-Michelin-starred restaurant opened its doors in 1993 and continues to impress with its refined European cuisine. It's home to breathtaking architecture, too, complete with grandeur pillars and archways, plus a cozy private dining room offering a bird’s eye view over the kitchen.

Ranked number 12 on TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards 2024 for fine dining in the US, The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge is simply stunning. Diners can expect vibrant seasonal produce and fresh flavors to be enjoyed alongside soaring mountain views. The menu is always changing, but dishes could include mushroom fondue, red snapper with Brazilian-style broth, and leg of lamb with apricot and almond.

Maxwells Restaurant & Bar is on the more casual side, but it’s well worthy of a mention thanks to its award-winning wine cellar, friendly staff, and, of course, excellent food. A Fargo institution, this is the type of restaurant you go to for a special occasion, celebratory dinner, or date night. Customers love the classic escargot, seabass with lobster risotto, and elk tenderloin.  

An Ohio landmark restaurant since 1965, Pier W is renowned for its excellent service, sensational dishes, and soaring panoramic views over Cleveland. It’s one of the state’s most loved spots and continually wins awards over 50 years later. The team sources the freshest seafood available, with customer favorites including the jumbo lump crab cakes, grilled swordfish, and walleye tempura.

Brought to life by James Beard Award–winning chef Andrew Black, Grey Sweater offers a creative dining experience, where (says the website) 'ingredients travel the grey areas of taste.' This stylish space, featuring hanging sculptural lighting, experimental artwork, and banquette seating, hints at the kitchen's innovative offering. The restaurant serves a tiered tasting menu, with previous highlights including chargrilled oysters with Parmesan, lamb ribs with chimichurri, and milk-fed pork belly.

Continually recognized for its innovation, Portland’s Le Pigeon serves up French-inspired classics with a vibrant twist. The spot, complete with exposed brick walls, hanging pots and plants, and an open plan kitchen, takes guests on a theatrical adventure showcased through a seven-course tasting menu. Previous dishes include seared foie gras with lime honey, black cod with mussels, and pear tart with sour cream ice cream.

The moment you walk through the elevated dining space at this Philly favorite, the giant Buddha will catch your eye. Buddakan is a sleek spot, boasting intimate tables, flowing cream curtains, and a snazzy bar. The menu focuses on modern Asian cuisine, with highlights including spicy shrimp bao, lobster egg rolls, lemon sesame chicken, and barbecue pork tenderloin. Eager foodies should also try out the restaurant’s New York City outpost.

Hidden inside the stylish Castle Hill Inn, Aurelia is one of New England’s best dining destinations. Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows over Narragansett Bay, the restaurant is truly breathtaking at sunset. The six-course tasting menu is just as noteworthy, with a vegetarian option available. Customer favorites include the heirloom squash tortellini, and the tuna with yuzu kosho.

This bespoke restaurant is fancy enough for a special occasion, while still bursting with enough Southern charm to make you feel at home. Spotlighting fresh, local ingredients, the menu focuses on refined Southern staples, including fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and excellent prime rib-eye with mouthwatering add-ons like truffle butter and lobster tail. The restaurant often comes coupled with a live music soundtrack.

Originally set up by acclaimed local chef Pete Franklin in 2007, Delmonico Grill has garnered a reputation for its grilled meats and excellent service. Now owned by his neighbor and friend, chef Benjamin Klinkel, the restaurant has only gone from strength to strength. It's the type of place you visit on celebratory occasions or in big groups, and the menu offers a wide selection of dishes, from clam toast with lemon-tarragon aioli to a sharing bone-in rib-eye. 

A city highlight, Husk is a beautiful restaurant housed inside a refurbished 1880s home with heaps of history; in fact, it was once the residence of a 19th-century Nashville mayor. These days, its legacy lives on through its bespoke design, with striking chandeliers, high ceilings, and wooden furnishings throughout. The menu celebrates the best of its Southern soul, offering elegant takes on home-style classics. Fans love the pimento cheese with chow-chow, New Orleans–style barbecue shrimp, and Mississippi catfish with clams.

Specializing in authentic soba noodles, Tei-An is a Dallas hotspot. Set up by renowned local legend Teiichi Sakurai (the chef behind Tei Tei and the now-closed Teppo), the Japanese restaurant has been satisfying locals since opening in 2007. Over a decade later, customers continue to love the array of soba styles, which are served cold, in soups, or with dipping sauces as part of a wider omakase offering.

A pioneering restaurant in Salt Lake City’s farm-to-table and natural wine scene, Pago has been a must-visit for local foodies since 2009. With sustainability at the forefront, the spot celebrates small production and local ingredients through its New American cuisine. Due to seasonality, the menu regularly changes but always offers something fresh and exciting.

Set inside a 19th-century farmhouse just outside of Stowe, Michael’s on the Hill is more than just a restaurant – it's an experience. Diners continually rave about the sprawling countryside views across the Green Mountains, as well as the excellent service and farm-to-table offerings. Changing with the seasons, the menu shines a light on local produce, with popular dishes such as wild striped bass with beurre blanc, house-made crab cake with cilantro-lime aioli, and shaved asparagus gnocchi proving popular choices.  

Spotlighting hyper-seasonal ingredients sourced locally, this North Chesterfield eatery only debuted in 2021 but has already gained a loyal customer base. Award-winning chef David Dunlap is at the helm, showcasing his experimentation through regularly changing menus. Previous highlights include pork and shrimp dumplings, seared rockfish with lobster cream, and spiced chocolate ganache with a runny caramel sauce.

This eye-catching glass restaurant has been at the center of the Emerald City’s dining scene since 1950 – and over seven decades later continues to impress with its world-class food and stellar service, both of which have received numerous accolades. Executive chef Aisha Ibrahim leads the kitchen, serving a multi-course tasting menu. It deviates from a classic tasting offering, in that three courses are chosen by the diner, while the rest are left as surprises.

Cozy rooms, a state-of-the-art spa, and a fine dining restaurant all within the same vicinity is always a bonus, and the Hillbrook Inn in Charles Town has earned a loyal customer base for its fancy-yet-relaxed atmosphere. Boasting views over the manor’s grounds, the restaurant is airy and light, with quaint window tables ideal for romantic evenings. The six-course tasting menu is equally impressive; think butternut squash gratin, filet mignon, and apple puff pastry tarts.

Armed with a lakefront location and glowing reputation, Bacchus is a downtown Milwaukee favorite. Named one of the country’s Top 100 Wine Restaurants by Wine Enthusiast in 2017, the restaurant continues to impress locals with its wine selection and dining options. Customers can choose between a three-course menu or go all out with a five-course tasting menu, both highlighting local, seasonal ingredients. The pretty glass conservatory makes for a special venue for bigger groups, too.

As cozy spots go in Jackson, no restaurant quite compares to Snake River Grill. The cabin-style joint, established in 1993, has a warming feel thanks to its wooden walls, stone fireplace, and beamed ceilings. The menu focuses on New American cuisine, and it's done exceptionally well here. Regulars say no order is complete without the steak tartare pizza with garlic aioli, caper, parsley, and red onion.  

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