If there’s one thing epicureans and casual foodies can agree on, it’s that the culinary scene in the U.S. is as diverse as it is delicious. Whether you’re dreaming of a ten-course Japanese omakase or a mind-bending molecular gastronomy experience, the best restaurants in the United States promise unforgettable dining adventures.
In this playful yet sophisticated roundup, we’re diving into the top 50 Michelin-starred restaurants that have redefined the fine-dining experience. Let’s savor the journey.
1. Ogawa (Miami, Florida)
Cuisine: Japanese
Nestled in Miami’s Little River neighborhood, Ogawa translates to “little river,” but the flavors here are anything but small. Crowned the highest-rated fine-dining restaurant in the U.S., this one-Michelin-star gem boasts a near-perfect 98.70% five-star review rate. With sushi so delicate it practically floats to your mouth and a minimalist aesthetic that lets the food shine, Ogawa is a zen paradise for your palate.
Under the meticulous craftsmanship of Master Sushi Chef Masayuki Komatsu and Sushi Chef Royce “Gaja” Appling, the menu showcases the finest seasonal ingredients sourced directly from Japan. Complementing the culinary delights is a curated selection of sake and wines by Sommelier Luis Martinez. Ogawa’s serene ambiance is further enhanced by its thoughtfully designed artwork and garden, providing a tranquil dining experience that transports guests to Japan.
2. Uka (Los Angeles, California)
Cuisine: Japanese Contemporary
If art could be eaten, it would taste like Uka’s modern Japanese dishes. Ranking second with a stellar 98.36% five-star rating, Uka dazzles with flavors as vibrant as its LA locale. Don’t skip their uni toast—it’s like a beach vacation for your taste buds.
3. Soseki (Winter Park, Florida)
Cuisine: Fusion
Soseki reimagines Japanese fusion with locally sourced Floridian produce in an intimate ten-seat setting. With a 97.12% five-star review rate, every course feels like a whisper of perfection. Expect surprises, like tiny citrus bursts that remind you Florida is more than just oranges.
Located in Winter Park, Florida, Soseki—which translates to “cornerstone” in Japanese—offers an intimate 10-seat dining experience that reimagines traditional omakase. Under the guidance of Chef Michael Collantes, the multi-course menu showcases a modern interpretation of Japanese cuisine, emphasizing local Floridian ingredients sourced through collaborations with regional farmers, fishermen, and artisans.
The beverage program, curated by Benjamin Coutts, recipient of the Michelin Guide Florida Sommelier Award 2023, features a global selection of sake and wines designed to complement and elevate each dish.
4. Essential by Christophe (New York, New York)
Cuisine: French Contemporary
Manhattan gets a Michelin moment with Christophe’s artful plates that scream sophistication. At 92.16% five-star reviews, this restaurant is the definition of French elegance with a playful twist. Situated at 103 W 77th Street in New York City, Essential by Christophe is the culinary vision of Chef Christophe Bellanca, who brings over 35 years of experience to this French restaurant. Croissant-buttered lobster, anyone?
The menu highlights beautiful ingredients and vibrant sauces, all crafted with French technique to present a refined dining experience. The restaurant also offers private dining experiences in an 18-seat room designed by Parisian designer Caroline Egasse, perfect for occasions ranging from celebratory gatherings to intimate dinners.
5. n/naka (Los Angeles, California)
Cuisine: Japanese
Mastering kaiseki-style dining, n/naka is where tradition meets innovation. It’s no wonder this Michelin-starred haven has a 92.02% five-star rate. Each course feels like a chapter in a delicious novel you never want to end.
6. Hiden (Miami, Florida)
Cuisine: Japanese
Tucked behind an unassuming taco shop, Hiden lives up to its name as Miami’s hidden treasure. With 91.89% of reviewers raving, this exclusive omakase experience is like discovering the secret level in a video game—only tastier.
7. Ever (Chicago, Illinois)
Cuisine: Creative
Ever’s dishes are so artistic you’ll feel guilty eating them—until you taste the layers of flavor. With a 91.13% five-star rate, it’s where Chicago’s bold culinary imagination takes flight. Bring your appetite and your Instagram.
8. Lazy Betty (Atlanta, Georgia)
Cuisine: Contemporary
Lazy Betty is anything but lazy, delivering precision-crafted dishes with Southern charm. Boasting a 91.13% five-star review rate, their tasting menu is like a love letter to modern comfort food.
9. Noda (New York, New York)
Cuisine: Japanese
Noda takes sushi to the stratosphere with a carefully curated omakase experience that has earned a 90.98% five-star review rate. Each bite feels like a perfectly timed drumbeat in a culinary symphony.
10. Kadence (Orlando, Florida)
Cuisine: Japanese
Kadence proves that Orlando is about more than theme parks. With 90.74% of diners giving it five stars, this nine-seat sushi bar is a masterclass in intimacy and precision.
Exploring More of the Best Restaurants in the United States
From here on, the Michelin-star magic continues across 40 more restaurants that push boundaries and redefine indulgence:
11. Frevo (New York, New York)
Cuisine: Contemporary
Step through an art gallery into a secret dining room where Frevo’s imaginative dishes await.
12. minibar (Washington, D.C.)
Cuisine: Contemporary
José Andrés turns molecular gastronomy into edible theater.
13. Oriole (Chicago, Illinois)
Cuisine: Contemporary
Oriole’s tasting menu is as smooth and sophisticated as a Sinatra tune.
14. Victoria & Albert’s (Orlando, Florida)
Cuisine: Contemporary
Luxury dining meets fairy tale charm at this iconic Disney property.
15. EL Ideas (Chicago, Illinois)
Cuisine: Contemporary
Playful yet profound, EL Ideas transforms dinner into an interactive experience.
16-50. Additional Michelin Stars Worth Dining For
Here’s a quick peek at other exceptional spots that didn’t just earn their Michelin stars—they earned our admiration:
- Soichi (San Diego, California)
- Bell’s (Los Alamos, California)
- The Shota (San Francisco, California)
- Atomix (New York, New York)
- Beckon (Denver, Colorado)
- Blue Hill at Stone Barns (Tarrytown, New York)
- SingleThread (Healdsburg, California)
Wrapping Up the Culinary Tour
The best restaurants in the United States are more than just places to eat—they’re destinations that capture the soul of cuisine. Whether you’re craving Japanese precision, French flair, or bold American innovation, these Michelin-starred gems offer transformative experiences for every epicurean. Pack your fork, and let your taste buds explore.
