TOP 40 RESTAURANTS IN THE U.S. 2010

As we compile our top restaurants in the country yet again, we marvel at the veterans that always seem to appear, and delight in the “rookies” that have finally reached the pinnacle. From coast to coast (and beyond, in Chef Mavro’s case), we salute the restaurateurs and chefs that consistently overcome the obstacles and rocky economic environment in order to give us the ultimate in dining. The large coastal cities of New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are well-represented, but metropolises do not hold a monopoly on culinary creativity.

On GAYOT.com, we are proud to present hundreds of restaurants that have earned high ratings. These 40 restaurants were selected by our local writers, regional editors and headquarters staff for this accolade because they provide diners with more than a good meal; rather, they do their best to ensure an unforgettable, unique dining experience.

ATLANTA
• Restaurant Eugene

BOSTON
• L'Espalier
• No. 9 Park

BOULDER, CO
• Frasca Food & Wine

CHICAGO
• Alinea
• Charlie Trotter's
• L2O

HEALDSBURG, CA
• Cyrus

HONOLULU
• Chef Mavro

LAGUNA BEACH, CA
• Studio

LAS VEGAS
• Joël Robuchon
• Picasso
• Restaurant Guy Savoy

LOS ANGELES
• Mélisse
• Patina
• Providence
• Spago Beverly Hills
• Urasawa

NEW ORLEANS
• Commander's Palace

NEW YORK
• Blue Hill
• Corton
• Daniel
• Eleven Madison Park
• Jean Georges
• Le Bernardin
• Le Cirque
• Masa
• Per Se

OGUNQUIT, ME
• Arrows Restaurant

PHILADELPHIA
• Vetri

SAN DIEGO
• Addison

SAN FRANCISCO
• The Dining Room
• Gary Danko
• Michael Mina
• Masa's

WASHINGTON, D.C.
• CityZen
• Michel Richard Citronelle

WASHINGTON, VA
• The Inn at Little Washington

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL
• Vie

YOUNTVILLE, CA
• The French Laundry

Tell us what you think about our picks for the Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S.

2013 Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S.

2012 Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S.

2011 Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S.

2010 Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S.

2008 Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S.

2007 Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S.

2006 Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S.

2005 Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S.

1990 Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S.

Excellent Places to Eat in Your Area Beyond the Top Restaurants

If you can’t make it to one of our best dining establishments, you're still sure to find a wonderful restaurant in your area on GAYOT.com. Start by finding your city in our restaurant reviews guide. You can then search by area, zip code, and rating, type of cuisine, price, or feature. If you need to find a place that is open late or kid friendly, it's easy. Once you find an appealing restaurant, you can read the professional review and make a reservation.

Each area also has its own "best of" list for a wide variety of dining establishments. Craving a steak? Gayot has the list of the best steak places in Los Angeles, New York, and other cities. You can find great ethnic food, frozen yogurt, brunch, and more in your neighborhood. These lists make it easy to find a wonderful place to eat, even if you're too far away to visit one of the establishments in our top 40.

ON TOP OF THE CULINARY WORLD

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The dining room of Jean-Georges restaurant in New York City, one of GAYOT's Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S.

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YEARLY RESTAURANT AWARDS

Reflecting on our dinners, some restaurants have ingrained in our memory an impression to remember stronger than others.
See the Winners.