Restaurant Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. 2004 Reviews

TOP 40 RESTAURANTS IN THE U.S. 2004

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.	LA TOQUE RUTHERFORD The remarkable and committed Ken Frank has taught generations of cooks how to do it right. After relocating from Los Angeles to the quaint La Toque in the Napa Valley, chef-owner Frank is happy playing with outstanding products and leveling with patrons.

LE BERNARDIN
NEW YORK
If there is a fish in the sea that chef Eric Ripert has not cooked to perfection, you can bet he will find it for his next menu. The New York establishment, founded by the late Gilbert Le Coze and managed by his sister Maguy Le Coze, is a benchmark when it comes to seafood.

LE REVE
SAN ANTONIO
Chef-owner Andrew Weissman's dream is one we happily share, although his is a reserved reverie. But the conservative dining room comes to life with the food Weissman turns out. Don't stop by when you're in a rush—Weissman's brigade prefers from-scratch preparations that are worth the time.

MARY ELAINE'S
SCOTTSDALE
Among Bradford Thompson's early experiences was a stint with Vincent Guerithault at Vincent's on Camelback in Phoenix. He then went on to work under the talented Alessandro Stratta at Mary Elaine's before honing his talents at Daniel in New York. He's now back in familiar territory, but this time—as chef de cuisine—he leads the show.

MASA
NEW YORK
In a calculated gamble, Masayoshi Takayama packed up his jewel box of a restaurant on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, CA, and relocated to the Time Warner Center. His intimate, innovative creations have left New Yorkers awed.

MICHAEL MINA BELLAGIO
LAS VEGAS
The young and determined Michael Mina has been in the cooking vanguard for many years, all the while building his restaurant empire in Las Vegas, San Francisco and San Jose. His Aqua at Bellagio—which changed to this eponymous moniker earlier this year—has proven so successful that it spawned a namesake sibling in the City by the Bay at the landmark The Westin St. Francis hotel.

MICHEL RICHARD CITRONELLE
WASHINGTON, DC
Chef Michel Richard’s ingenious modern French cooking has, hands-down, made Citronelle one of the best restaurants in America. The master adds a touch of genius to his ever-changing and evolving creations.

NOBU NEW YORK
NEW YORK
If you're lucky enough to snag a reservation at this inimitable New York outpost of Nobuyuki Matsuhisa’s Los Angeles original, you must try the omakase menu. This is the real deal, the original trendsetter for New Age Japanese cuisine.

PATINA
LOS ANGELES
At the heart of Los Angeles' downtown cultural center, maestro Joachim Splichal conducts his dining empire, crowned by this work of art. The restaurant, relocated to the Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall, allows Splichal to step back in the kitchen and harmonize with executive chef Theo Schoenegger.

PICASSO
LAS VEGAS
Julian Serrano has lead the way to Las Vegas' culinary revolution. At the mindblowing Picasso you'll see and taste art from the masters. And yes, unlike at some of Vegas' other celeb chef venues, you'll actually find the chef in the kitchen!

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