Best Michelin Star Restaurants in the USA - Michelin Guide Dining

When it comes to fine dining in the restaurants in the USA, nothing holds more weight than a Michelin star. For over a century, the Michelin Guide has been the gold standard of gastronomy, awarding chefs and restaurants with stars that represent the pinnacle of culinary achievement. In 2025, the list of Michelin restaurants in the US continues to highlight the best of the best, from iconic establishments like Le Bernardin in New York to The French Laundry in Napa Valley.

This article explores the best Michelin star restaurants USA has to offer, breaking down the stars, stories, and dining experiences that make these destinations world-renowned. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or someone who just wants to celebrate special occasions, here’s a guide to the best eateries in the U.S.

What a Michelin Star Means

Before diving into the restaurants list, it’s important to understand the significance of a Michelin star.

• One Michelin star: A very good restaurant in the United States, worth a stop.
• Two Michelin stars: Excellent cooking, worth a detour.
• Three Michelin stars: Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.

Each year, a Michelin inspector evaluates restaurants based on consistency, local ingredients, cuisine, technique, and the dining experience. Receiving an accolade from the Michelin Guide is one of the most coveted honors in the world of food.

Le Bernardin: Seafood Elegance in New York

No list of Michelin-recognized restaurants would be complete without Le Bernardin, a three Michelin star restaurant led by legendary chef Eric Ripert.

• Known for its sophisticated seafood-focused cuisine.
• Offers a multi-course tasting menu or an à la carte menu.
• Considered one of the most expensive yet refined places to dine in the U.S.

Founded in 1986, Le Bernardin has been awarded three stars consistently, maintaining its reputation as a fine dining experience unlike any other. This New York restaurant is also where diners encounter true elegance in plating and service.

Eleven Madison Park: Plant-Based Innovation

Another New York restaurant that consistently ranks among the best restaurants is Eleven Madison Park. Once known for lavish meat-based dishes, the chef’s counter here pivoted to a fully plant-based tasting menu, making headlines across the culinary world.

• A multi-course approach showcasing creativity.
• Diners experience seasonal ingredients at their peak.
• This three-star restaurant proves that plant-forward food can achieve five-star acclaim.

Run by chef Daniel Humm, Eleven Madison Park is a Michelin-starred restaurant that’s both controversial and admired for redefining what fine dining can be in 2025.

Atera: An Intimate Chef’s Table

Atera is a New York restaurant that offers one of the most unique dining experiences in the country. With only one seating per night, this Michelin-starred gem provides an intimate chef’s table at Brooklyn Fare–style vibe.

• Led by Atera’s talented kitchen team.
• Known for its immersive 10-course and multi-course tasting menu.
• Guests sit close to the action, watching chefs perfect every dish.

Atera may not be as famous as Le Bernardin, but it is worth a visit for anyone searching for one of the hottest restaurants in Manhattan.

Momofuku Ko: David Chang’s Trailblazer

David Chang’s Momofuku Ko remains a hallmark of innovation in the world of Michelin-starred restaurants. Known for pushing boundaries, the chef’s counter format allows diners to interact directly with the chefs, creating an engaging dining experience.

• Features an ever-changing multi-course tasting menu.
• Emphasizes modern twists on traditional culinary traditions.
• Recognized as a korean restaurant that reshaped perceptions of good food in fine dining.

For foodies, Momofuku Ko is a must-try among restaurants in the U.S., blending energy, creativity, and precision.

Read more at Momofuku Ko.

The French Laundry: Thomas Keller’s Icon in Napa

Few names carry the same weight in the Michelin Guide as The French Laundry in Napa Valley. Founded by chef Thomas Keller, this three Michelin-starred restaurant epitomizes perfection.

• Known for its multi-course tasting menu and impeccable service.
• A true gastronomic pilgrimage for anyone who loves fine dining.
• Chef Thomas Keller’s emphasis on local ingredients and detail makes it one of the most expensive restaurants in California.

Located in Napa, The French Laundry remains one of the most celebrated restaurants in the US and an essential stop for those looking to discover the best.

Plan your visit.

The Inn at Little Washington: Virginia’s Crown Jewel

Nestled in Virginia’s countryside, the Inn at Little Washington is the first restaurant in the United States outside of major metropolitan areas to earn three stars.

• Led by visionary chef Patrick O’Connell.
• Known for whimsical, theatrical touches that elevate the dining experience.
• Combines culinary traditions with imaginative modern flair.

This three Michelin-starred restaurant proves that excellence can thrive far from big cities, making it a top entry on the restaurants list for 2025.

Saison: San Francisco Fire and Flavor

Saison, a San Francisco gem, has earned praise for its inventive use of fire and smoke in its dishes.

• Led by chefs who focus on elemental cooking.
• Known for offering a multi-course tasting menu that evolves nightly.
• This three-star restaurant redefines what fine dining experience means.

As one of the leading Michelin-starred restaurants in California, Saison delivers an unforgettable dining experience that blends innovation and tradition.

Atelier Crenn: Dominique Crenn’s Artistry

Atelier Crenn in San Francisco is the creation of Dominique Crenn, the first female chef in the U.S. to earn three stars.

• Known for poetic presentations and storytelling through food.
• Features a multi-course format highlighting Californian artistry.
• Delivers a five-star level of service with true creativity.

Atelier Crenn demonstrates how one visionary chef can transform a restaurant into a three Michelin-starred restaurant that celebrates both art and food.

Benu: Corey Lee’s Fusion of East and West

Chef Corey Lee’s Benu in San Francisco pushes boundaries by blending American and Asian cuisine.

• Recognized as a three-star restaurant in the Michelin Guide.
• Known for inventive dishes like “thousand-year-old quail egg.”
• Balances local ingredients with refined gastronomic technique.

For diners eager for something innovative, Benu is a Michelin-starred must. Chef Corey Lee has built a reputation for turning his restaurant into one of the hottest spots in the Bay Area.

Addison: San Diego’s Michelin Highlight

Southern California doesn’t just belong to Los Angeles and San Francisco—Addison, in San Diego, is a rising star.

• Helmed by chef William Bradley, delivering a multi-course tasting menu.
• Recently awarded three stars in the 2025 Michelin Guide.
• Combines refined technique with local ingredients from the region.

Addison proves that San Diego has become home to Michelin-starred brilliance, making it one of the restaurants in the US you won’t want to miss.

Visit Addison.

Michelin Star Restaurants USA: The Full Spectrum

When exploring Michelin star restaurants USA, the Michelin Guide highlights not only the iconic three-star restaurants but also emerging gems with one-star and two-star accolades. These Michelin-starred restaurants represent the diversity of restaurants in the U.S., proving that culinary excellence can be found coast to coast.

SingleThread: Farm-Driven Perfection in Healdsburg

In California wine country, SingleThread has carved out its place as one of the most unique Michelin star restaurants in the world.

• Earned three stars in the 2025 Michelin Guide.
• Features a multi-course tasting menu rooted in Japanese and Californian influences.
• Combines a working farm, inn, and restaurant for a holistic dining experience.

SingleThread is guided by chef Kyle Connaughton, who sources from his own farm to create dishes that embody seasonality and local ingredients. For many diners, it’s not just dinner—it’s a journey through Sonoma County’s land and culture.

Explore SingleThread.

State Bird Provisions: A Casual Twist on Michelin Dining

In San Francisco, State Bird Provisions breaks the mold of traditional fine dining. Instead of formal tasting menus, chefs Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski serve inventive small plates dim-sum style.

• Awarded one-star status by the Michelin Guide.
• Known for its namesake fried California quail (“state bird”).
• Considered one of the hottest places to eat in the Bay Area.

By combining casual energy with high-level creativity, State Bird Provisions shows how the list of Michelin highlights not just luxury but also innovation and accessibility.

Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare: Intimate Luxury in New York

Another standout on the list of Michelin is Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare, one of New York City’s most exclusive venues.

• A coveted three Michelin-starred restaurant.
• Features an intimate counter seating where diners interact directly with the chef.
• Known for Japanese-influenced French cuisine and seafood.

Reservations are notoriously hard to get, but for those lucky enough to experience it, Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare represents the pinnacle of modern Michelin star luxury in a restaurant in the United States.

Learn more at Chef’s Table.

Brandon Hayato Go: A Rising Los Angeles Star

Among restaurants in the U.S., few have generated as much buzz as Hayato, led by chef Brandon Hayato Go. This restaurant in Los Angeles offers kaiseki-inspired dining, with a focus on tradition and meticulous attention to detail.

• Earned two stars in the 2025 Michelin Guide.
• Known for intimate settings and precise multi-course menus.
• Chef Brandon Hayato Go is celebrated for keeping Japanese culinary traditions alive in California.

Hayato shows how two-star excellence can thrive outside the typical dining capitals like New York or Chicago.

Chicago Restaurant Excellence: From Alinea to Ever

When it comes to the Midwest, no city stands taller than Chicago for Michelin star restaurants.

• Alinea remains Chicago’s only three-star establishment, famous for its avant-garde dining and theatrical presentations.
• Ever, run by chef Curtis Duffy, quickly earned acclaim with a two-star designation.
• Other Chicago restaurants like Smyth and Oriole also rank high on the restaurants list.

Chicago proves that Michelin-starred innovation extends far beyond the coasts, making it a must-stop for foodies in 2025.

Discover Chicago’s Michelin restaurants.

Michelin Guide Chefs Who Shape the Future

The Michelin Guide isn’t just about restaurants; it’s about the visionary chefs who shape modern gastronomy.

• Thomas Keller – a legend behind The French Laundry and Per Se.
• Dominique Crenn – trailblazer as the first female chef in the U.S. to hold three stars.
• Eric Ripert – seafood master at Le Bernardin.
• David Chang – modern innovator with Momofuku Ko.
• Corey Lee – East-West fusion pioneer at Benu.
• Brandon Hayato Go – rising star in Los Angeles.

Each chef brings unique vision and style, ensuring the Michelin Guide reflects the evolving landscape of restaurants in the U.S.

Best Restaurants to Celebrate Special Occasions

For travelers and diners, knowing the best restaurants to book for milestones matters. Here are some Michelin-starred restaurants that are worth a visit:

• Le Bernardin – perfect for anniversaries and business dinners.
• French Laundry – iconic spot to celebrate special occasions in Napa Valley.
• Eleven Madison Park – a bold choice for plant-based luxury.
• Atelier Crenn – an artistic dining experience in San Francisco.
• Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare – ultimate exclusivity for small gatherings.

These are more than eateries; they’re landmarks of culture, creativity, and fine dining.

List of Michelin Star Restaurants: 2025 Highlights

Every year, the Michelin Guide updates its list of Michelin star recipients. For 2025, standouts include:

• SingleThread (Healdsburg) – farm-driven, three Michelin star restaurant.
• State Bird Provisions (San Francisco) – casual, innovative one-star.
• Hayato (Los Angeles) – kaiseki-focused, two-star.
• Alinea (Chicago) – avant-garde, three-star.
• Le Bernardin (New York) – seafood elegance, three stars.
• Inn at Little Washington (Virginia) – countryside three-star gem.

This dynamic restaurants list shows how widespread excellence is across the restaurants in the U.S.

Why Michelin Star Restaurants Are Worth a Visit

If you’re looking to discover the best in gastronomy, the Michelin star remains the ultimate benchmark. While some may be considered one of the most expensive, each offers a fine dining experience that combines artistry, elegance, and meticulous technique.

For travelers, seeking out Michelin star restaurants USA provides not only a chance to eat incredible food but also to understand regional culinary traditions, meet visionary chefs, and enjoy unforgettable moments.

Conclusion: Michelin Guide Dining in 2025

From Le Bernardin in New York to SingleThread in Sonoma, from The French Laundry in Napa to Hayato in Los Angeles, the Michelin Guide continues to shape the conversation about the best restaurants in America. The 2025 list of Michelin stars celebrates diversity: East Coast elegance, West Coast creativity, and Midwest innovation.

Whether you book a table at Michelin-starred restaurants like Eleven Madison Park or take a more casual route at State Bird Provisions, these are more than meals—they’re cultural events.

• They showcase local ingredients.
• They preserve and evolve culinary traditions.
• They offer unforgettable dining experiences for diners.

For foodies, the Michelin Guide is still the most reliable compass to discover the best. From three Michelin star restaurants to promising one-star venues, each has a story, a vision, and a reason why it is worth a visit.