Must-see restaurants in Western USA

  • Asanebo

    San Fernando Valley

    Although it's in a strip mall (welcome to the Valley), Asanebo is a Sushi Row standout thanks to dishes such as halibut sashimi with fresh truffle, and…

  • Ember

    Central Coast

    Chef Brian Collins, who once cooked at Alice Waters' revered Chez Panisse, has returned to his roots in SLO County. Out of this heart-warming restaurant's…

  • The Mill

    The Haight & Hayes Valley

    Baked with organic wholegrain stone-ground on-site, hearty Josey Baker Bread sustains Haight skaters and start-uppers alike. You might think SF hipsters…

  • Heartwood Provisions

    Downtown, Pike Place & Waterfront

    Cocktails are having a moment as the alcoholic libation du jour in Seattle and nowhere is that more clear than at Heartwood, a handsome restaurant and bar…

  • Hook Fish Co

    San Francisco

    There's a reason you packed that puffy coat: to visit this delightful fish joint out in the windy abyss also known as the Outer Sunset. Order over a small…

  • Tiger Town Brewing

    Northeastern Oregon

    'Tiger Town' was the nickname for modern-day Mitchell's Main St, a lively stretch that was frowned upon by those on Piety Hill (where the churches are)…

  • Ramos House Café

    Coastal Orange County

    The best spot for breakfast or lunch in Los Rios Historic District, this Old West–flavored, wood-built house from 1881 (with brick patio) does organically…

  • Cowgirl Creamery

    Marin County

    Perhaps the best cheeses made in Northern California, Marin, and probably beyond. Reserve in advance for an artisanal cheesemaker’s demonstration and…

  • Mammoth Hot Springs Dining Room

    Yellowstone National Park

    There are a few surprises in this elegant place, including a delicious dinner starter of Thai-curry mussels. Dinner is a serious affair, with Montana…

  • Taos Cow

    Central New Mexico

    During research this beloved ice cream shop and cafe had closed and was selling scoops from a kiosk while finalizing new digs in Arroyo Seco. The longtime…

  • Lost Lake Cafe & Lounge

    Seattle

    It would be one thing if Lost Lake was merely a loving homage to David Lynch's hit TV mystery hour Twin Peaks, but the food is also fantastic – much…

  • SAME Café

    Denver

    This nonprofit cafe was founded by two former food-bank workers who wanted to provide organic and locally sourced meals for people struggling to make ends…

  • Union

    Pasadena & the San Gabriel Valley

    A cheerful, sophisticated energy animates James Beard–nominated chef Bruce Kalman's restaurant, offering California interpretations of northern Italian…

  • Republique

    West Hollywood & Mid-City

    A design gem with the gourmet ambition to match. The old interior of LA's dearly departed Campanile is still an atrium restaurant with stone arches, a…

  • SweetHeart Bake Shop

    Columbia River Gorge

    It seems like you've walked into the most adorable living room ever, because in fact, you have – the friendly owners live upstairs and lovingly bake all…

  • Officine Brera

    Downtown Los Angeles & Boyle Heights

    Hidden down a seemingly barren street is this stylish northern Italian restaurant, an expansive industrial space with rustic wooden accents. Stacked logs…

  • Backyard

    Russian River Area

    This relaxing, alfresco spot gets every fruit, vegetable and animal from local farmers or fishers and the chef knows just what to do with all of it…

  • RT Rotisserie

    The Haight & Hayes Valley

    An all-star menu makes ordering mains easy – you'll find bliss with entire chickens hot off the spit, succulent lamb and pickled onions, or surprisingly…

  • Wolfdown

    Silver Lake & Echo Park

    Young Korean-American chef Jason Kim has created a buzz with his latest venture, a snug, discreet restaurant with a 'deconstructed farmhouse' design,…

  • Jaleo

    Las Vegas

    The Vegas version of pioneering Spanish chef José Andrés' flagship restaurant in DC brings modern tapas to a light-hearted setting with a rustic-chic look…

  • Bestia

    Downtown Los Angeles & Boyle Heights

    In a once-abandoned Arts District corner, this loud, buzzing, industrial dining space is one of the most sought-after reservations in town; book at least…

  • Ciccio

    Napa Valley

    The small, frequently changing menu at this family-owned Italian place is dependent on the season and likely to include just a couple of veggies, pastas,…

  • Liberty Public Market

    San Diego

    The culinary heart of a 1920’s-era naval training center turned artistic urban playground, this hip food hall presents around 30 local artisan vendors who…

  • Border Grill

    Las Vegas

    With colorful murals and views over Mandalay Bay Beach, this festive eatery dishes up modern Mexican fare designed by chefs from Bravo's Top Chef Masters…

  • Pour Vida

    Anaheim

    Chef Jimmy, who has worked in some of LA's top kitchens, returned to his Mexican roots to make some of the most gourmet tacos we've ever seen: pineapple…

  • Kai Restaurant

    Greater Phoenix

    American Indian cuisine – based on traditional crops grown along the Gila River – soars to new heights at Kai ('seed'). Expect creations such as grilled…

  • Restaurant at the Boonville Hotel

    Along Highway 101

    Food-savvy travelers love the constantly changing, adventurous tasting menus dreamed up by renowned chef Perry Hoffman. His distinctive haute cuisine is…

  • Belton Chalet Grill & Taproom

    Glacier National Park

    West Glacier's finest dining option, housed in one of its most historic buildings, has evolved with the times, the faux Swiss milkmaid waitress uniforms…

  • Bouchon

    Las Vegas

    Napa Valley wünderkind Thomas Keller's rendition of a Lyonnaise bistro features a seasonal menu of French classics. The poolside setting complements the…

  • Lark

    Santa Barbara

    A top spot to savor SoCal's bountiful farm and fishing goodness, chef-run Lark was named after an antique Pullman railway car and is based at a former…

  • Arigato Sushi

    Santa Barbara

    Phenomenally popular Arigato Sushi always has people milling around waiting for a table (no reservations taken) but it's worth the wait. Traditional and…

  • Kantine

    San Francisco

    Brunch is served with a side of hygge (cozy happiness) at Kantine. Take your pick of five to seven seasonal Scandinavian-inspired dishes – velvety bay…

  • Sunday Marin Farmers Market

    Marin County

    Nowhere else in Marin County do as many farmers, ranchers, fishers and gourmet-food makers gather than at this Sunday-morning farmers market, happening…

  • Handline

    Russian River Area

    Housed in a former Foster's Freeze, this local's favorite seafood restaurant is over-the-counter casual but undeniably elegant. The stylish interior is…

  • Absolute Baking & Cafe

    Southwest Colorado

    The screen door is always swinging open at this town hot spot with giant breakfasts. Try the green chili on eggs – it’s made from scratch, as are the…

  • Gio Gelati

    The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf & the Piers

    Gelato chef Patrizia Pasqualetti was well-known in Italy for her family's gelato shop, and here in SF she's re-creating those tried-and-true flavors, only…

  • Musso & Frank Grill

    Hollywood

    Hollywood history hangs in the thick air at Musso & Frank Grill, Tinseltown’s oldest eatery (since 1919). Charlie Chaplin used to knock back vodka gimlets…

  • Erna's Elderberry House

    Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada

    With wall tapestries, oil paintings and ornate chandeliers, the Californian-French restaurant at Château du Sureau could be a castle. But you don't have…

  • Avatar’s

    Sausalito

    Boasting a cuisine of ‘ethnic confusions,’ the Indian-fusion dishes here incorporate Mexican, Italian and Caribbean ingredients and will bowl you over…

  • Hog Island Oyster Company

    Marin County

    Ten miles north of Point Reyes Station you’ll find the salty turnout for Hog Island Oyster Company. There’s not much to see: just some picnic tables and…