Finding a good restaurant to dine in can be a chore, considering there are thousands, but only a few offer quality. Fortunately, as always, we are up to the task. These legendary establishments have stood the test of time and etched their names in the hearts (and stomachs) of gastronomes worldwide. So, prepare your taste buds for this exploration of culinary excellence as we highlight 25 famous restaurants to dine in in the U.S.
1. Higgins — Portland, Oregon
If you seek an otherworldly dining experience relatively cheaply, then Higgins is your golden ticket. Nestled in the foodie town of Portland, Oregon, this exquisite restaurant boasts a delectable seasonal menu, including various mouthwatering delicacies, and an indoor and outdoor bistro.
A plus: everything is homemade and fresh, and the customer service is unmatched. You certainly do not want to miss their signature gumbo and beignets!
2. The Golden Fork — Glendale, CA
As wide as your imagination can go, picture an intimate space crowned with golden hues and servers who treat you like royalty. Does feels good to imagine, right? Welcome to The Golden Fork, a haven where modern American fare meets class. Their truffle-infused mac and cheese will make you float!
3. Casa de la Abuela — McAllen, Texas
In the land of enchantment (McAllen, Texas) lies Casa de la Abuela, a humble adobe building that oozes Southwestern charm. In Casa de La Abuela, you can savor their green chili stew from a secret recipe (we’re talking krabby-patty-level secrecy!) passed down through generations. The warm hospitality here is the cherry on top!
4. Swizzle Stick Lounge — Fort Walton Beach, Florida
If cocktails are your calling, The Swizzle Stick Lounge is a haven you must visit. Step into this retro paradise and sample their legendary martinis, mixed to perfection by skilled bartenders. An interesting fact is that you can strike a pose at the restaurant’s vintage photo booth.
5. Trattoria Gianni — Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s culinary scene wouldn’t be complete without Trattoria Gianni. Trattoria Gianni is a family-owned Italian restaurant founded in 1988. The restaurant has been dishing out its legendary homemade pasta for decades. Here, you get to be embraced by the warm flavors of the restaurant’s lasagna, for which it is most known.
6. The Crab Shack — Charleston, South Carolina
The Crab Shack reigns supreme in Charleston, where the ocean breeze meets Southern hospitality. Dive into a seafood extravaganza as you feast on the freshest food in town. The friendly atmosphere also makes you feel you’re part of the coastal community. There are also special diets that are vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free.
7. The Big Texan Steak Range — Houston, Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes their steaks! The Big Texan Steak Range boasts juicy cuts of prime beef that will weaken any foodie’s knees. This steakhouse was founded by R.J. Lee in 1960 in the old Underwood’s Bar-B-Q location on Route 66. Today, it is located somewhere in the heart of Houston, Texas.
8. Sushi Zen Downtown — Los Angeles, California
For a taste of the Far East in the City of Angels, look no further than Sushi Zen Downtown. This iconic sushi joint rolls out exquisite nigiri, sashimi, and maki that would make any sushi master proud. Let their expert chefs take you on a culinary journey across Japan. A reviewer calls it their “favorite hand roll place all around — with the decor, servers, and staff.”
9. French Market Bistro — Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Transport yourself to the streets of Paris without being in Paris at French Market Bistro, a cozy spot serving up classic French cuisine with a Louisiana twist. This experience allows you to indulge in their escargot and crème brûlée with a tall glass of fine red wine.
10. Texas Pit Stop BBQ — Galveston, Texas
The BBQ Pit Stop stands tall as a smoky shrine to meaty perfection in the land of barbecue. This Austin hotspot has earned its stripes by serving up slow-cooked brisket, tender ribs, and tantalizing sausages. Everyone deserves a chance to experience the exquisite perfection of this place. When next you’re in Austin, Texas, do drop by.
11. Wharf House — Capitola, California
Wharf House offers a culinary voyage with a breathtaking view. The restaurant is perched on the scenic Capitola, CA. It provides a variety of fresh seafood platters, Margheritaeggs served with home fries or fruit and organ muffins, and a coastal ambiance. From succulent oysters to buttery Dungeness crab, this seafood paradise will leave you wanting more.
12. Gumbo Pot — New Orleans, Louisiana
Gumbo Pot is in New Orleans, Louisiana, and with Southern cuisine, you can always trust Gumbo Pot to take the crown. Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, this eatery serves up steaming bowls of gumbo capable of transporting one straight to the bayou. Regular visitors always recommend trying the restaurant’s spicy jambalaya.
13. The Pizzeria Napoletana — New York City, New York
One thing for sure is that Brooklyn’s food scene would only be complete with a taste of The Pizzeria Napoletana. This iconic pizza joint serves up thin-crust masterpieces straight from the wood-fired oven. Whether you’re a fan of classic Margherita or adventurous toppings, this place has your pizza cravings covered.
14. El Rancho Grande — San Antonio, Texas
When it’s time for a fiesta, El Rancho Grande is the place to be. This vibrant Tex-Mex gem serves up sizzling fajitas, cheesy enchiladas, and refreshing margaritas that will transport you to the heart of Mexico. A reviewer points out that the Mexican meals have improved since their last visit and that the restaurant’s customer service is top-notch.
15. Diner’s Delight — St Louis, Missouri
There are several places and things you’d find interesting in Compton Ave, St Louis, and Diner’s Delight is one of those places. One person describes it as a small soul food restaurant in Compton Heights with big flavors and the taste of home. This cozy diner has satisfied foodies for years with its mouthwatering sandwiches piled high with tender steak and melted cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest.
16. Canlis — Seattle, Washington
Nestled in the heart of Seattle, Washington, is Canlis, described by many as a classic fine dining establishment and a treasure trove of oceanic delights. Started by two brothers, Mark and Brian Canlis, in 1950, their menu at Canlis celebrates the bounty of the Pacific Northwest. Canlis is where you get to savor the flavors of the sea as you listen to soul-soothing music from live performers.
17. The Vegan Garden — Portland, Oregon
Portland’s culinary landscape embraces all dietary preferences, and The Vegan Garden takes the vegan experience to a new level. This plant-based haven delights taste buds with creative and flavorful dishes that showcase the versatility of vegan cuisine.
18. The Southern Belle Café — Charleston, South Carolina
Southern hospitality and down-home cooking take center stage at The Southern Belle Café. This charming eatery serves hearty Southern classics, including crispy fried chicken, fluffy biscuits, and creamy mac and cheese. It’s comfort food that warms both your stomach and your soul. Many praise the restaurant’s ambiance, delicacies, and extraordinary customer service.
19. The Sushi Train — Romeoville, Illinois
Sushi, Sushi, Sushi… We all love it but rarely find a restaurant that makes it to our satisfaction. The Sushi Train should be your next bus stop if you love sushi. At The Sushi Train, you get culinary craftsmanship and good entertainment.
20. The Maple Tree Inn — Chicago, Illinois
The Maple Tree Inn is situated in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, where it constantly brings a taste of the Big Easy to the Midwest since the 1970s. This Cajun and Creole establishment delights diners with flavors that transport them straight to the streets of New Orleans. From mouthwatering crawfish étouffée to spicy jambalaya, every bite celebrates Southern comfort.
21. The Farmhouse Kitchen — Pahrump, Nevada
Nestled inside the Gold Town Casino, The Farmhouse Kitchen is a farm-to-table haven showcasing the region’s bountiful produce. There are only a few places in the world where you can get food made with such fresh quality with locally flavored and seasonal ingredients, and this restaurant makes proud to call itself one. If you’re in Nevada, you should totally check this out.
22. The Crab Pot — Seattle, Washington
Prepare to roll up your sleeves and dive into a seafood feast at The Crab Pot. It’s a large pot, as the name goes, and it’s open to everyone who can afford it. And don’t panic — it is affordable. Known for its iconic Seafeast, this restaurant presents a glorious pile of crab, shrimp, clams, mussels, and more, all steamed with fragrant spices. It’s messy, it’s fun, and it’s a seafood lover’s dream come true.
23. Vintage Prime Steakhouse — St James, New York
Are you thinking about going on an intimate date night, where all you dream of is a walk away from the regular hustle and bustle of everyday life? Then, think Vintage Prime Steakhouse. Vintage Prime Steakhouse has featured exquisite cuisines in a luxurious atmosphere for over two decades. The Steakhouse is dedicated to providing customers with the best possible dining experience.
24. The Pecan Grove Café — Leona, Texas
How ready are you to experience a culinary experience filled with varying sandwiches, pancakes, tea, coffee, and more for breakfast? In the heart of Leona, Texas, The Pecan Grove Café is a hidden gem serving traditional Southern breakfast since its opening. The restaurant offers fluffy pecan pancakes, savory shrimp and grits, and more that keep light-eaters returning every morning.
25. Vera’s Backyard BBQ — Brownsville, Texas
Lastly, let’s talk about Vera’s Backyard BBQ, an exquisite restaurant in the heart of Brownsville, Texas. Here in this city named after Major Brown, you get assorted barbecues of all kinds, from barbecued cow’s head to barbacoa de cabeza. The meat served here of succulent, given that they are cooked for a half-day underground. The fun part is that you can build your tacos from different meat.
From the spicy flavors of New Orleans to the fresh seafood of the coast, the diverse culinary landscape of America never fails to amaze.
