One of the most exciting parts about traveling is trying out a bunch of the local restaurants. However, it can be difficult to choose which ones to visit, especially when your time in a location is limited and you’re in a large city—we aim to help you enjoy the best restaurants during your trip.
Before we cover some of the best restaurants to visit in the United States, we urge you to be responsible. Many of the following locations have alcohol on the menu and while it’s fine to indulge and drink a bit while on a trip with family and friends, do not drive after doing so.
There are over 10,000 DUI fatalities annually, so when you’re enjoying these restaurants, make sure that you drink responsibly and know how you’re getting to your booked room before any alcohol is ordered or drunk.
Tatianna by Kwame Owuachi in New York City
As proven by the large number of “best restaurant” lists, you have a lot of options in New York City. The restaurant we decided to include here is Tatianna by Kwame Onwuachi. The menu showcases many deliciously rich dishes served in smaller portions such as curried goat patties, oxtail and crab rangoon and tuna kitfo.
There are just as many offerings for large groups as well including take-out mushrooms and Mom Duke’s shrimp. Pair your main dish with a lovely dessert like the bodega special and one of their many drinks and you’ll have a lovely experience.
If you can find a reservation, that is. Tatianna by Kwame Ownuachi is an incredibly popular spot for both locals and tourists alike, so snap up a reservation quickly or you may miss out.
Bazaar Meat in Las Vegas
Las Vegas may be mostly known for its casinos, but it’s culinary scene should not be overlooked. Just as with NYC, Las Vegas has a large number of restaurant options and narrowing it down to just one was difficult as a result. Bazaar Meat by José Andrés ultimately won out with its focus on meat.
The highest quality ingredients combine to create many savory dishes that make the mouth water just to think about. There are many dishes to choose from in this Spanish cuisine laden menu.
From José’s taco to a classic sloppy Joe, you’re likely to find something that piques your interest on the small snack menu. If not then you could always consider the jamón experiences, where you’ll enjoy freshly cut ham. The raw bar menu may contain a few items of interest, especially if you enjoy seafood—and don’t forget to consider some soups, salads, vegetables or potatoes.
There are still plenty of menu options we haven’t touched on such as the more seafood focused dishes or those whose star ingredient is wagyu. To put it simply, if you love meat and are planning a trip to Las Vegas, make sure to include Bazaar Meat in your travel plans.
Monteverde in Chicago
Chicago is a large city in the Midwest that you may not have considered when talking about the best restaurants.
Even if you did expect it, the existence of the Chicago deep dish pizza may have led you to believe that this spot would be for a pizza restaurant. With that in mind, it is hopefully a pleasant surprise to instead learn about an Italian restaurant called Monteverde.
Make sure to peruse the menu after making your reservation to get yourself excited for what’s to come. They have separate menus for lunch, dinner and aperitivo or cocktail hour. There is also a wine menu to allow you to find the perfect drink for your pasta and a dessert menu for those with a sweet tooth. The lunch menu provides main dishes, snacks, drinks with and without alcohol and more.
While the dinner menu is similar to the lunch menu, the difference should be noted, as some slightly different options are reserved for either lunch or dinner. Don’t forget about the gluten free menu, either, which isn’t much different from the dinner menu. There’s a lot to choose from here so try and get a reservation if you can.
Acre 41 in Austin
Austin, Texas may not be the capital of its state but it’s just as busy as Houston. Austin tries to embrace as many different cultures and identities as possible and the art and music scene is bustling as a result.
Don’t ignore the food world, though. While you can find all kinds of unique and interesting restaurants in Austin, some try to put a new twist on a classic. Enter Acre 42, a contemporary steakhouse.
On top of offering classic steakhouse dishes such as prime ribs, they also spice it up with unique offerings such as tuna wonton tacos, roasted bone marrow and blue crab and artichoke dip.
Maybe you’ll enjoy a wedge salad or Faroe Islands salmon. They also offer steaks, as you’d expect from a steakhouse, as well as some sides to round out the meal and extras to make any dish a bi more unique. You can add a scallop to any steak, for example. Don’t hesitate to try it out if you’re interested in a unique steakhouse experience.
Rossoblu in Los Angeles
The final entry in this article comes from Los Angeles, the bustling California city. There are quite a few restaurants to choose from, as you’d hope for such a populated location. You may be surprised then to discover that this entry is for Rossoblu, another Italian restaurant. However, further inspection reveals this one to be different from Chicago’s Monteverde. Rossoblu also requires a reservation but has a vastly different menu.
From starters of marinated olives and rosemary focaccia to pasta dishes like tortellini and lasagna bolognese, you’re sure to have a delightful time as you enjoy the offerings of this traditional Italian eatery.
You may also choose to indulge in a second course to enjoy some hanger steak or you may instead choose to enjoy a pizza. Maybe one of the dishes in beef and chicken broth suits your fancy. You may even be able to get your meal ordered for takeout if you weren’t able to score a reservation.
Enjoy the Best Restaurants Across America
To Enjoy the Best Restaurants in the United States, it helps to treat dining as part of the journey rather than just a place to eat. From New York’s bold flavours to Las Vegas showmanship, Chicago’s pasta scene, Austin’s steakhouse culture and Los Angeles’ Italian charm, each city brings something different to the table. The best meals often come from planning ahead, booking early and choosing restaurants that reflect the personality of the destination.
Turning Every Meal Into a Travel Memory
A great restaurant can shape how you remember a city. It might be the dish you still talk about months later, the atmosphere that made the evening feel special or the service that turned dinner into an experience. Whether you are drawn to fine dining, casual favourites or regional flavours, America’s dining scene offers endless ways to explore through food. With the right reservations and a little curiosity, every trip can become a culinary adventure.
Enjoying The Best Food in America
The United States is full of different cultures, which results in the restaurant industry being bustling and diverse. Everyone has a favorite type of cuisine and has a wide number of restaurants to choose from to enjoy it.
Those listed above are only a few of the best restaurants in these locations. Feel free to explore and hopefully find your new favorite along the way.
