Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. 2018
21. Le Bernardin | Chef Eric Ripert
New York, NY
Le Bernardin’s attention to detail, stability and quest for perfection still elicit great admiration. Chef Eric Ripert works his Neptune-like charms at this landmark restaurant, which has enlightened diners with a revolutionary approach to seafood since Maguy Le Coze and her late brother, Gilbert, brought the concept to New York in 1986.
> Le Bernardin has previously been featured on GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. list since 2004.
• Read the full review of Le Bernardin restaurant
22. Manresa | Chef David Kinch
Los Gatos, CA
Nestled at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains in the quaint town of Los Gatos, California, Manresa showcases chef David Kinch’s hyper-meditated, progressive cuisine. He composes each night’s tasting menu from seasonal ingredients, perhaps utilizing seaweed, green tea, bay scallop or venison.
> Manresa has previously been featured on GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. list since from 2005-2006, 2008, 2011-2014 and 2016-2017.
• Read the full review of Manresa restaurant
23. Mélisse | Chef Josiah Citrin
Santa Monica, CA
After 19 years, we’re honoring Mélisse in its current incarnation for the final time. Chef Josiah Citrin’s enclave of French-inspired gastronomy in Santa Monica, California, will transition into a new concept. Expect three dining experiences, one of which will be fine dining to carry on the reputation Mélisse has built throughout the years.
> Mélisse has previously been featured on GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. list since 2006.
• Read the full review of Mélisse restaurant
24. Menton | Chef Barbara Lynch
Boston, MA
Chef/restaurateur Barbara Lynch’s adoration for the cuisines of Italy and France are evident at Menton in Boston. For a more intimate experience, eschew the main dining room for the chef’s table, complete with a view of the sleek kitchen.
> Menton has previously been featured on GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. list from 2012-2014 and in 2017.
• Read the full review of Menton restaurant
• Barbara Lynch was one of GAYOT’s 2017 Best Female Chefs in the U.S.
25. Michael Mina
San Francisco, CA
Drawing inspiration from his Egyptian roots, chef/restaurateur Michael Mina infuses his cuisine with Middle Eastern flavors at his eponymous San Francisco restaurant. Executive chef Raj Dixit and the kitchen team present dishes like include glazed Egyptian mango with foie gras, candied ginger and MINA spice (photo above).
> Michael Mina has previously been featured on GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. list from 2005-2010 (previous location) and 2013-2017.
• Read the full review for Michael Mina restaurant
26. NAOE | Chef Kevin Cory
Miami , FL
Just eight diners per seating are treated to the omakase (chef’s choice) experience at the diminutive NAOE Japanese/sushi restaurant in Miami. It’s pretty much a one-man show with chef Kevin Cory sending out roughly 20 constantly changing courses distinguished by painstaking preparations.
> NAOE has previously been featured on GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. list since 2015.
• Read the full review of NAOE restaurant
27. Patina | Chef Joachim Splichal
Los Angeles, CA
Downtown LA’s Grand Avenue is an aptly named location for Patina, as it is a grand restaurant offering an overall gourmet and luxurious experience. Chef/founder Joachim Splichal entrusted Andreas Roller with running the kitchen, and he has risen to the culinary challenge.
> Patina has previously been featured on GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. list from 2004-2012 and 2015-2017.
• Read the full review for Patina restaurant
28. Per Se | Chef Thomas Keller
New York, NY
Thomas Keller’s Per Se in New York has the ingredients that restaurant legends are made of: understated but elegant décor, a gorgeous location overlooking Central Park and Columbus Circle, service that establishes a new high, plus a wealth of creativity and meticulousness. Classics from both The French Laundry (Keller’s restaurant in Yountville, California, which is also on GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S.) and Per Se mingle with new choices, with menus changed daily.
> Per Se has previously been featured on GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. list from 2007-2015 and 2017.
• Read the full review for Per Se restaurant
29. Picasso | Chef Julian Serrano
Las Vegas, NV
Spanish-born chef Julian Serrano steadfastly masterminds this marriage of art and food at Picasso at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. What’s on the plate is straightforward, but presentations are dramatic, rich in vivid and contrasting colors, as well as delicious.
> Picasso has previously been featured on GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. list since 2004.
• Read the full review of Picasso restaurant
30. Providence | Chef Michael Cimarusti
Los Angeles, CA
Chef Michael Cimarusti, who co-owns Providence with Donato Poto, continues to maintain the reputation of this fine-dining destination in Los Angeles while operating more casual venues, like the successful Connie and Ted’s, and promoting sustainable seafood.
> Providence has previously been featured on GAYOT’s Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. list since 2006.
• Read the full review of Providence restaurant