Michelin-Starred Restaurants in the USA

Article by: Tripsavvy

Michelin-starred restaurants are dining experiences worth traveling for. Getty Images 

01 of 04 Michelin Restaurants in the USA

Earning a Michelin star is what every gourmet chef aspires to. Ever since 1900 when the first Michelin Red Guide was released to help the newly mobile citizenry in France (thanks to the availability of the automobile) find unforgettable meals, chefs have clamored to be included in the tire manufacturer’s restaurant guide.

For more than 100 years, Michelin-starred restaurants could only be found in France and various cities in Europe. In 2005, Michelin crossed the Atlantic, allowing for the first time its inspectors to review fine-dining options in New York City. Today, independent Michelin inspectors review restaurants in New York, San Francisco and the Bay Area, and Chicago.

What the Michelin Stars Mean
Michelin stars are ranked using the following criteria:

***Three Stars
The Best. “Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.”

**Two Stars
“Excellent cuisine, worth a detour.”

*One Star
“A very good restaurant in its category.”

***

We hope these lists will help you plan a culinary itinerary for visiting New York City, Chicago, or the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information on Michelin-starred restaurants as well as restaurants that have earned the Michelin “Bib Gourmand,” an honor bestowed on restaurants serving exceptional meals for less than $40, visit Michelin’s site.

• Michelin Restaurants in New York City
• Michelin Restaurants in San Francisco, Bay Area and Wine Country
• Michelin Restaurants in Chicago

02 of 04 Michelin Restaurants in New York City

A sous-chef at Per Se restaurant in New York. Owen Franken / Getty Images

Please contact restaurants directly to make reservations.

***Three Star Restaurants

1. Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare, Chef César Ramirez: The restaurant is described as “inspired by Japanese cuisine and French technique.” They offer a communal dining experience and a tasting menu.
2. Eleven Madison Park, Chef Daniel Humm: This restaurant focuses on seasonal ingredients and the menu changes based on what is fresh and local.
3. Jean Georges, Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten: Chef Jean-Georges focuses on a unique combination of French, Japanese, and American cuisine.
4. Le Bernardin, Chef Eric Ripert: This restaurant is owned by a sibling duo from France and they are known for their fish.
5. Masa, Chef Masa Takayama: Inspired by his work in Japan, Chef Masa Takayama focuses on the beauty of eating and incoporating all elements and senses into his food.
6. Per Se, Chef Thomas Keller: Per Se offers a nine-course tasting menu daily using classic French technique. They also offer a nine-course vegetable tasting menu for vegetarian guests.

**Two Star Restaurants

1. Aquavit (previously one star): Aquavit is famous for their seasonal tasting menu and fresh, local cuisine.
2. Aska: Aska is a restaurant inspired by nature that often offers multi-course meals.
3. Atera: Their website describes their menu as “a highly seasonal and continuously sensory tasting menu experience.”
4. Blanca (previously one star): They offer a tasting menu on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for specific hours.
5. Daniel, Chef Daniel Boulud (previously three stars): Daniel offers seasonal meals and world class wine pairing with each dish.
6. Jungsik (previously one star): Jungsik offers a unique tasting and full menu specializing in Korean cuisine featuring meat and fish.
7. Momofuku Ko: Ko serves a tasting menu based on local market availability. Each menu features several courses.
8. Marea: Marea focuses on dishes featuring fresh seafood in Manhattan.
9. The Modern: The Modern is a contemporary American restaurant at the MOMA that offers the ability to enjoy delicious food while looking out at the works of famous artists such as Matisse and Picasso.

*One Star Restaurants

1. Agern: Agern is a seasonal-driven restaurant that features local ingredients in the Nordic tradition.
2. Ai Fiori: This menu features hand-made pastas, seasonal ingredients, and traditional regional dishes from France and Italy.
3. Aldea: Aldea focuses on seasonal cuisine and their menu changes with each season. They also offer smaller bites at their bar.
4. Andanada (new): They feature brunch, dinner, and a tasting menu. They focus on bringing new Spanish cuisine to the Big Apple.
5. Aureole: Self-described as “progressive American cuisine”, the restaurant offers many tasting menus and an intimate dining area.
6. Babbo: Babbo is one of critics’ favorite Italian restaurants in New York, featuring Italian cheese, meats, game, and seafood in traditional Italian dishes. The wine lists is also one of the most extensive collections in New York.
7. Batard (new): Batard offers fixed priced menus for two, three, or four courses and has a large variety of meat and fish.
8. Betony (new): Betony has a warm, inviting atmosphere and features modern American cuisine.
9. Blue Hill: Blue Hill offers American cuisine from local farmers and occupies a historic speakeasy in Manhattan.
10. The Breslin: The Breslin’s biggest attraction is variety—they serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and late-night meals with expansive menus of American cuisine.
11. Café Boulud: Cafe Boulud is a unique combination of classic French dishes and country cooking.
12. Café China: Cafe China offers traditional Chinese dishes. They are especially famous for their dim sum.
13. Cagen: Cagen has an “unwavering commitment to striking the perfect balance between classic and contemporary” sushi and Japanese cuisine.
14. Carbone: The restaurant offers Italian-American cuisine paying homage to the “great Italian-American restaurants of mid-20th century in New York.”
15. Casa Enrique: (new) This Long Island City, Queens hotspot serves up some of the best Mexican food in New York in an unassuming atmosphere.
16. Casa Mono: Casa Mono is a tapas restaurant inspired by Spain’s Costa Brava.
17. Caviar Russe: Caviar Russe is known as the best caviar restaurant in New York.
18. Contra: Contra has an ambitious menu with local and seasonal ingredients.
19. Delaware and Hudson (new): Delaware and Hudson offers delicious American cuisine from the Mid-Atlantic states.
20. Del Posto: Del Posto boasts exquisite Italian cuisine and a world-renown wine list.
21. Dovetail: Dovetail offers unique dishes with local, fresh, seasonal ingredients in American cuisine.
22. Faro: Faro is known for their homemade pasta and American dishes made with local farm ingredients.
23. The Finch: The Finch is passionate about hospitality and creating a unique, welcoming space for their guests.
24. Gabriel Kreuther: Described as “a comfortably luxurious, Alsatian-inspired dining experience with a distinctly New York spirit.”
25. Gotham Bar and Grill: Gotham Bar and Grill was a restaurant created by four men who wanted to bring the feeling of a Parisian cafe to downtown Manhattan.
26. Gunter Seeger NY: Gunter Seeger creates a daily tasting menu that features local and seasonal ingredients.
27. Hirohisa: Hirohisa delivers countryside regional Japanese cuisine to New York City.
28. Jewel Bako: Jewel Bako offers traditional sushi in a contemporary way with “a seasonally focused assortment of exotic and local fish that is presented with delicate artistry and balance.”
29. Junoon: Junoon offers diverse Indian food from all areas of India. They attempt to “satisfy all aspects of fine cuisine” including wine, service, and atmosphere.
30. Kajitsu: This Japanese restaurant offers shojin cuisine, a traditional “type of vegetarian cooking that originates in Zen Buddhism.”
31. Kyo Ya: In a unique fusion of several cultures, Kyo Ya is a French restaurant that uses local New York produce and Japanese ingredients.
32. L’Appart: L’Appart is a French restaurant with the feel of a “chef’s living room”. Each night the restaurant will serve one-of-a-kind, multi-course meals.
33. La Sirena: La Sirena is best known for their fresh pasta. You can’t go wrong with any of their pasta dishes.
34. La Vara (new): La Vara is a Spanish restaurant that combines Jewish and Moorish traditions in regional Spanish cuisine.
35. Luksus at Tørst (new): Luksus is known for their seasonal tasting menu and incredible beer pairings.
36. Meadowstreet (new): Meadowstreet focuses on being a comfortable restaurant with good food, good service, and a good atmosphere for all their guests.
37. Minetta Tavern: Minetta Tavern is a steakhouse in New York. Minetta first opened in 1937 and is known for its long history in Greenwich Village.
38. The Musket Room: The Musket Room brings food and the spirit of New Zealand to NYC.
39. Nix: A vegetarian and vegan restaurant that hopes to make going vegan or vegetarian “feel more celebration than sacrifice.”
40. NoMad: Chef Daniel Humm was inspired by his travels through Switzerland, California, and New York to create a refined but welcoming menu.
41. Peter Luger: Peter Luger steakhouse is known for their daily specials so be sure to test out whatever the special of the day is should you visit.
42. Piora (new): Piora pays homage to two cultures– Italian and Japanese–with unique modern American dishes.
43. Public: Public offers a variety of dishes in many sizes (snack, small, and large plates) with unique ingredients.
44. Rebelle: Rebelle is best known for their meat.
45. The River Cafe: The River Cafe’s atmosphere is what it makes it so memorable: Located under the Brooklyn Bridge with views of the Statue of Liberty, it is an unforgettable experience.
46. Semilla: Semilla describes itself as a “vegetable-forward restaurant,” meaning they focus on (you guessed it!) the vegetables in their dishes.
47. Sushi Ginza Onodera: This New York sushi spots offers the unique promise of creating drama with each sushi dish.
48. Sushi Inoue: Sushi Inoue focuses most on staying true to Japanese tradition.
49. Sushi of Gari: Chef Gari became a chef in Japan at the age of 19 and has never stopped making sushi.
50. Sushi Yasuda: Sushi Yasuda focuses on classic sushi and purity of each meal.
51. Sushi Zo: Sushi Zo is all about balance and believes that the most important aspect of sushi is the balance between fish and rice.
52. Take Root (new): Take Root has only twelve seats. If you are lucky enough to grab one of those seats, you’ll be able to enjoy their contemporary American cuisine.
53. Tempura Matsui: Tempura Matsui is an authentic tempura restaurant in the heart of New York.
54. Tori Shin: Tori Shin specializes in a specific type of skewered chicken and using that traditional style of cooking in other meats.
55. Tulsi: Chef Eric McCarthy has worked at several Indian restaurants throughout his career and is credited with taking Indian food in New York to another level.
56. Uncle Boons: Uncle Boons offers traditional Thai cuisine with a unique modern spin.
57. Ushiwakamaru: This spot is best known for their Ochazuke, a simple, traditional Japanese dish.
58. Wallse: Wallse is most known for their delicious fresh fish dishes.
59. ZZ’s Clam Bar (new): ZZ’s Clam Bar has a small menu with various clam and fish dishes.

Up Next: Michelin Restaurants in San Francisco, Bay Area and Wine Country

03 of 04 Michelin Restaurants in San Francisco, Bay Area and Wine Country

Justin Lewis / Getty Images

For more information, order the Michelin Red Guide San Francisco, Bay Area and Wine Country.

Please contact restaurants directly to make reservations.

***Three Star Restaurants

1. Benu: Benu is a Korean restaurant with a unique full tasting menu.
2. The French Laundry: This restaurant’s menu changes daily but they are always committed to creating excellent, traditional French cuisine.
3. Manresa: Manresa offers an ever-changing nightly tasting menu with the finest seasonal produce.
4. Quince: Quince offers Italian and French dishes made with local produce.
5. The Restaurant at Meadowood: This restaurant hopes to create relationships with the locals–those that eat there and those that help to create the food.
6. Saison: Saison is a cozy and intimate restaurant with an incredible wine cellar.

**Two Star Restaurants

1. Acquerello: Acquerello offers unparalleled Italian food in San Francisco’s Nob Hill.
2. Atelier Crenn: Atelier Crenn is best known for making their cuisine poetic and artistic.
3. Baumé: Baume plates “tell the story of traditional French dishes in a new, evocative, distinct way.”
4. Campton Place: Campton Place offers a unique blend of Cal-Indian cuisine.
5. Coi: Coi offers a tasting menu each night of the freshest seafood.
6. Commis: Commis offers a nightly tasting menu with eight courses and beverage pairings.
7. Lazy Bear: Lazy Bear is self-described as an “American dinner party.”

*One Star Restaurants

1. Adega: Adega features authentic Portuguese cuisine with fresh fish and seafood.
2. Al’s Place: Al’s offers a unique combination of fresh vegetables, meats, and local grains.
3. Aster: Aster offers a four-course menu with wine pairings and they are best known for their fresh vegetable dishes.
4. Aziza: Aziza has a warm, welcoming feeling. They feature Moroccan cuisine.
5. Bouchon: Bouchon is Chef Thomas Keller’s French bistro that features a seasonal menu and raw bar.
6. Californios: Californios focuses on using pure and simple ingredients that are full of flavor.
7. Chez TJ: Chez TJ offers contemporary French cuisine in a beautiful Victorian home.
8. Commonwealth: Commonwealth is a progressive American restaurant in the heart of San Francisco.
9. Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant: Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant is best known for their artisan farmers. Their food focuses on small details.
10. Gary Danko: Gary Danko features classic French cooking with local ingredients and impeccable service.
11. Hashiri: This restaurant focuses on the Japanese tradition of utilizing fresh ingredients from each season.
12. Ju-Ni: Ju-Ni is committed to “crafting moments that transcend.”
13. Keiko à Nob Hill*: This restaurant features some of the freshest fish in San Francisco.
14. Kin Khao: Kin Khao features unique Thai food with various vegan and vegetarian options.
15. La Toque: La Toque is famous for their incredible wine pairings with each delicious plate.
16. Lord Stanley: Lord Stanley offers simple European cuisine in a casual atmosphere.
17. Luce: Luce features seasonal and local ingredients in each dish but they are best known for their wine program.
18. Madera: Madera focuses on the culinary traditions of the Bay Area and the history of American cuisine.
19. Madrona Manor: Madrona Manor is the most romantic restaurant in the Bay Area.
20. Michael Mina: Michael Mina is known for their “bold yet balanced” flavors and their perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, spice, and richness.
21. Mister Jiu’s: Mister Jiu’s chef focuses on delicious meats and inspiration from all over the world.
22. Mosu: Mosu is a contemporary American restaurant with Asian influences.
23. Mourad: Mourad is a modern interpretation of historical and traditional Morocco food.
24. Nico: Nico is committed to creating modern French food with local, fresh ingredients.
25. Octavia: Octavia features food in an elegant but relaxed setting.
26. Omakse: Omakse traditional Edomae-style sushi with the finest seafood.
27. Plumed Horse: Plumed Horse focuses on modern California Cuisine.
28. The Progress: The Progress is all about banquet cuisine with perfect wine pairings.
29. Rasa: Rasa is a contemporary South Indian restaurant.
30. Solbar: Solbar focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients that “reflect the best Napa Valley has to offer.”
31. Sons & Daughters: Sons & Daughters is most influenced by the seasons and the surrounding Bay Area culture.
32. SPQR: SPQR is an Italian restaurant with possibly the best wines in the USA.
33. Spruce: Spruce is all about meat and wine and creating a neighborhood atmosphere.
34. State Bird Provisions: State Bird Provision has perfected serving quail.
35. Sushi Yoshizumi: “Chef Yoshizumi is a strong believer in making sure the food he serves represents the waters he is surrounded by. Only the freshest and best ingredients, prepared with dedication, love, and passion find their way to your plate.”
36. Terra: Terra features fresh pasta and meat dishes.
37. Terrapin Creek: Terrapin Creek is a casual neighborhood spot with both local and international cuisine.
38. The Village Pub: The Village Pub is a warm, relaxing environment with the freshest possible ingredients.
39. Wako: Wako features traditional Japanese cuisine in all of its forms.
40. Wakuriya: Wakuriya has a fixed-price menu with the best local ingredients.

Up Next: Michelin Restaurants in Chicago

04 of 04 Michelin Restaurants in Chicago

Please contact restaurants directly to make reservations.

***Three Star Restaurants

1. Alinea: Alinea focuses on being a juxtaposition between traditional, classic architecture and contemporary, modern design.
2. Grace: Grace offers the perfect combination of fresh meat and fish with local vegetables.

**Two Star Restaurants

1. Acadia: Acadia features contemporary American cuisine and five and 10-course tasting menus.
2. 42 Grams: 42 Grams is a chef-driven restaurant in the heart of Chicago with a daily tasting menu.
3. Oriole: Oriole is a hidden gem of a restaurant in downtown Chicago. They feature an extensive tasting menu.
4. Sixteen: Sixteen calls itself a study in ingredients and focuses on the versatility of unique ingredients.
5. Tru: Tru is a restaurant with a lot of ambiance, best known for their signature caviar dish.

*One Star Restaurants

1. Band of Bohemia: Band of Bohemia is the first Michelin rated brew pub in the world.
2. Blackbird: Blackbird is famous for their “elegant and imaginative midwestern cuisine”.
3. Boka: Boka is known for their exquisite chefs, beautiful design, and warm hospitality.
4. Dusek’s Board & Beer: Dusek’s offers a variety of snacks and small plates for ideal tastings.
5. EL Ideas: EL Ideas is attempting to redefine fine dining by bringing a casual, comfortable vibe to upscale meals.
6. Elizabeth: Elizabeth is a self-taught chef who emphasizes the fresh farm ingredients from her upbringing.
7. Everest: Everest features many vegetarian and seasonal tasting dishes.
8. Goosefoot: “Carefully sourced ingredients and perfectly executed technique are the basis for exceptional dishes.” Each menu is seasonally inspired.
9. GreenRiver: GreenRiver focuses on American cuisine. They are best known for their exceptional cocktails.
10. Longman & Eagle: Longman & Eagle features traditional cooking techniques with modern American cuisine.
11. NAHA: NAHA is a mix of Mediterranean and American influences and their dishes are meant to be paired with balanced wines.
12. North Pond: North Pond has one of the best views of Chicago and offers delicious seasonal tastings.
13. Parachute: Parachute’s menu changes daily and offers fresh seafood dishes.
14. Roister: Roister focuses on making the restaurant and the kitchen one. Each of their chefs is integral to the tasting experience.
15. Schwa: Schwa has a fluid menu with multiple courses. It’s a hole in the wall spot that once you enter, you’ll never forget.
16. Sepia: Sepia is an instant classic with a warm and inviting but upbeat atmosphere that focuses on the quality and purity of their ingredients.
17. Smyth: Their website describes Smyth as: “When it comes to Smyth, expect surprises. It is a confluence of warmth, vitality and artistry.”
18. Spiaggia: Spiaggia sets a new standard for creative Italian cuisine. The restaurant creates a sense of Italy’s heritage and culture.
19. Topolobampo: Topolobampo is a serious and elegant Mexican restaurant with unique, regional Mexican dishes.

Source: https://www.tripsavvy.com/michelin-starred-restaurants-united-states-3300928