2016 Best New Restaurants in the U.S.

Spring, Los Angeles
By Gayot Editors

From exciting debut solo ventures to solid new concepts from stalwart chefs, discover the restaurants that have recently made a splash on America’s dining scene.

These establishments are presented in alphabetical order.

> This list is part of GAYOT’s 2016 Annual Restaurant Awards.

1. Alter

Alter, MiamiMiami, FL

At this hip Miami restaurant, Bradley Kilgore reinvents casual dining as something finer. Prior to his first solo venture, Kilgore worked under Jean-Georges Vongerichten (J&G Grill), Grant Achatz (Alinea) and Laurent Gras (at now-closed L20). Here, the décor is grunge, the music loud, cocktails are strong and the food is delectable. See more…

2. Gabriel Kreuther

Gabriel Kreuther, New YorkNew York, NY

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With a culinary pedigree most chefs would envy (The Modern, Jean-Georges, Atelier at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, La Caravelle), Gabriel Kreuther now has his own luxe restaurant in Manhattan. Each dish is meticulously designed to wow and surprise. See more…

3. Helen Greek Food and Wine

Helen Greek Food and Wine, HoustonHouston, TX

Sommelier Evan Turner, who once lived in Greece, has finally realized his vision of a Greek tavern with this Houston restaurant, which boasts the second largest all-Greek wine list in the country. Chef William Wright blends locally sourced produce with Greek recipes, resulting in a surprisingly approachable menu. See more…

4. Kindred

Kindred, DavidsonDavidson, NC

Chef Joe Kindred presents seasonal, eclectic small bites in an old-meets-new setting in Davidson, North Carolina. Located in an old pharmacy (the original door acts as the mantelpiece over the bar), the restaurant has an interior shaped by crisp white tiles juxtaposing exposed brick walls and hardwood floors. See more…

5. Kinship

Kinship, WashingtonWashington, D.C.

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Chef Eric Ziebold made his local fame in the now-closed CityZen at the Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. When he left, the hope and the expectation were that he would open his own place, which he has done. Called Kinship – a name he used to link the culinary connections from one culture to another – the restaurant has a setting that is quietly glamorous. See more…

6. Monteverde

Monteverde, ChicagoChicago, IL

With Monteverde in Chicago, chef Sarah Grueneberg somehow makes Italian food new again, striking out on her own for the first time after appearing on “Top Chef” and leading the kitchen at Spiaggia. Her dedication to pasta both traditional (tipica) and new (atipica) is apparent. See more…

7. Rivea

Rivea, Las VegasLas Vegas, NV

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Revered chef Alain Ducasse may have transitioned his former miX into a more approachable Mediterranean tapas restaurant, but the incredible view of the Las Vegas Strip from the 64th floor of the Delano hotel is unchanged. See more…

8. Spring

Spring, Los AngelesLos Angeles, CA

Enjoy an elegant culinary trip to the cuisine of Southern France at Spring, the downtown L.A. restaurant from chef Tony Esnault and restaurateur Yassmin Sarmadi. You cannot bypass the risotto au saffron, which is one of the best versions that we’ve had. See more…

9. Taylor Railworks

Taylor Railworks, PortlandPortland, OR

Portland’s Central Eastside is steadily gentrifying while staying true to its industrial roots. The same features of proximity to the central city, river and railroad that attracted businesses to this area a century ago now draw a new breed of artisan cooks and craftspeople. At Taylor Railworks, chef Erik Van Kley turns out a small, frequently changing menu that is unclassifiable and always tasty. See more…

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