Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. 2018
Best Restaurants in America for 2018
To reach the upper echelons of gastronomy is a truly stunning feat requiring years (decades, more accurately) of dedication in the kitchen, a constant thirst for culinary knowledge, and passion to achieve the next creative break-through.
We salute these stalwart chefs across America who continually exceed expectations with their cuisine, seeking out the finest ingredients from near and far to please our palates.
GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurant in the U.S. are presented in alphabetical order.
> This list is part of GAYOT’s 2018 Annual Restaurant Awards.
1. Addison | Chef William Bradley
San Diego, CA
Addison at Fairmont Grand del Mar features exceptional, seasonal haute cuisine in a lavish setting. Executive chef William Bradley continues to create innovative recipes, delighting guests with dishes like foie gras pot de crème with passionfruit gelée and chocolate brioche.
> Addison has previously been featured on GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. list from 2009-2014 and 2016-2017.
• Read the full review of Addison restaurant.
• Watch our exclusive video interview with chef William Bradley.
2. Alinea | Chef Grant Achatz
Chicago, IL
Chicago’s Alinea is not for the faint of heart, or the timid eater; this restaurant delivers an entirely different experience. Chef Grant Achatz presents culinary wizardry with a playfulness that belies the exceptional quality and presentation of the dishes.
> Alinea has previously been featured on GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. list since 2005.
• Read the full review of Alinea restaurant
3. Atelier Crenn | Chef Dominique Crenn
San Francisco, CA
At her intimate San Francisco restaurant Atelier Crenn, chef Dominique Crenn takes diners on a poetic culinary journey. Her creative tasting menu highlights noble ingredients like caviar, foie gras, truffle, sea urchin and Wagyu beef.
> Atelier Crenn has previously been featured on GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. list since 2016.
• Read the full review of Atelier Crenn restaurant.
• Chef Dominique Crenn was one of GAYOT’s 2017 Best Female Chefs in the U.S.
• Watch our exclusive video interview with chef Dominique Crenn.
4. Atera | Chef Ronny Emborg
New York, NY
At Atera in New York, Danish chef Ronny Emborg presents a seasonal 18-course tasting menu that remains exciting and satisfying from start to finish. His dishes are creative without being fussy and abundant without being over-the-top.
> Atera makes its debut on GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. list.
• Read the full review of Atera restaurant.
5. Aubergine | Chef Justin Cogley
Carmel, CA
Aubergine, a tiny, enchanting restaurant with just nine tables, is situated inside L’Auberge Carmel, a luxury inn originally built in 1929 in California’s coastal town Carmel-by-the-Sea. Executive chef Justin Cogley’s creativity with top-tier local products leans towards the playful and beautifully executed.
> Aubergine has previously been featured on GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. list since 2014.
• Read the full review of Aubergine restaurant.
6. Blue Hill at Stone Barns | Chef Dan Barber
Tarrytown, NY
Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Tarrytown, New York, is truly unique as it encompasses a working farm, education center, and bar and restaurant. Much of the food served comes straight from the grounds, as well as other local farms. Add to that the experimental culinary activist in chef Dan Barber and the result is impossibly fresh tasting fare with little complication.
> Blue Hill at Stone Barns has previously been featured on GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. list in 2008 and 2016-2017.
• Read the full review of Blue Hill at Stone Barns restaurant.
7. Chef Mavro | Chef George Mavrothalassitis
Honolulu, HI
The year 2018 marks the 20th anniversary for Chef Mavro, the Honolulu fine-dining restaurant of chef-owner George Mavrothalassitis. One of the founding members of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine culinary movement, he not only features the finest ingredients Hawaii has to offer, but also supplements them with luxurious imported items like caviar and fresh truffles from France.
> Chef Mavro has previously been featured on GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. list since 2007 and in 2004.
• Read the full review of Chef Mavro restaurant.
8. Daniel | Chef Daniel Boulud
New York, NY
Chef Daniel Boulud’s eponymous NYC fine-dining establishment is the crown jewel of his global restaurant collection. The cuisine of Daniel and executive chef Jean-François Bruel beguiles as a blend of informed hominess and truffle-steeped excess.
> Daniel has previously been featured on GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. list since 2004.
• Read the full review of Daniel restaurant.
9. Eleven Madison Park | Chef Daniel Humm
New York, NY
Eleven Madison Park in New York is chef Daniel Humm and Will Guidara’s stage to demonstrate theatrical flair, such a fine dining experience. Careful consideration has been put into every aspect, including ales and spirits produced exclusively for the restaurant.
> Eleven Madison Park has previously been featured on GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. list since 2006.
• Read the full review of Eleven Madison Park restaurant.
10. Everest | Chef Jean Joho
Chicago, IL
Everest has maintained its 40th-floor perch above Chicago’s Loop since 1987. Guests enjoy skyline views along with chef-proprietor Jean Joho’s French fare with Alsatian flair. The food, even through seasonal changes, is never without creativity and unquestionable goodness.
> Everest has previously been featured on GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. list from 2004-2008, 2011-2015 and in 2017.
• Read the full review of Everest restaurant