Looking for a memorable meal in 2026?

USA TODAY’s Restaurants of the Year list highlights 39 standout dining destinations across the country — from roadside barbecue joints to chef-driven tasting menus earning national recognition.

Chosen by USA TODAY Network food journalists, these restaurants are praised not just for exceptional flavors, but for hospitality, heart, and community impact.

USA TODAY’s 2026 Restaurants of the Year list stands out for what it resists: flash over substance. Rather than centering only on elite tasting counters, it balances chef-driven destinations with deeply rooted community institutions — from roadside barbecue to historic seafood houses. The common thread is not luxury, but identity. Many selections emphasize regional sourcing, cultural heritage, and hospitality as much as technical execution.

Notably, casual formats dominate: BBQ joints, pizzerias, and neighborhood spots sit comfortably alongside ambitious seasonal kitchens. This broadens accessibility while reinforcing credibility. The limitation is a lack of transparent ranking criteria or performance metrics such as price range or consistency. Overall, the list functions less as a hierarchy and more as a highly reliable national dining roadmap.

Below is the full list of USA TODAY’s Best Restaurants in the US 2026, with essential details and short expert insights.

Why These Restaurants Stand Out in 2026

USA TODAY’s 2026 selections represent:

• Chef-driven tasting menus

• Community-focused institutions

• Historic diners

• Regional barbecue masters

• Global cuisines rooted in local sourcing

These are the restaurants reporters return to and recommend — and now you have the full list.

1. Huarachis | Phoenix, Arizona

Best Restaurants in the US 2026 (Ranked by USA TODAY) – Full List of 39 Must-Visit Spots
Huarachis

  • Address: 814 N. Central Ave.

  • Phone: 602-773-1413

  • Website: https://huarachis.com

  • Quick review: The first solo project from James Beard Award winner Rene Andrade, Huarachis blends bold Mexican flavors with an energetic, music-filled atmosphere. The menu focuses on tacos, tortas, vampiros and standout sides like papas al disco, layered with crema, chiltepin heat and cotija. The playful vibe, thoughtful agave cocktails and strong community presence make this one of Phoenix’s most exciting dining rooms.

2. Indibar | Scottsdale, Arizona

Best Restaurants in the US 2026 (Ranked by USA TODAY) – Full List of 39 Must-Visit Spots
Indibar

  • Address: 6208 N. Scottsdale Road

  • Phone: 480-219-9774

  • Website: https://theindibar.com

  • Quick review: Indibar presents Indian cuisine through a polished, modern lens. Signature lamb chops and kheema dosa showcase technical skill while retaining comfort and familiarity. The cocktail program is equally serious, featuring spice-forward and nonalcoholic options with layered flavors. It strikes a careful balance between refined presentation and warm hospitality.

3. The Stand | Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Arizona

  • Address: 3996 N. Alma School Road

  • Phone: 480-519-1108

  • Website: https://facebook.com/SRTheStand

  • Quick review: A literal roadside stand serving deeply traditional Indigenous frybread, The Stand proves that excellence does not require polish. Handmade frybread topped with green chili, beans or meat delivers one of Arizona’s most authentic culinary experiences. Humble setting aside, this is culturally significant, honest food worth the stop.

4. El Mexicali Café II | Indio, California

  • Address: 43-430 Monroe St., Suite A

  • Phone: 760-342-2333

  • Website: https://elmexicalicafe2.com

  • Quick review: A regional institution known for its shrimp-stuffed yellow peppers (Chiles Gueritos Rellenos de Camarón), this restaurant combines family legacy with consistently bold flavors. The grilled skirt steak with sautéed cactus reflects traditional border-town roots. Casual and welcoming, it remains a reliable stop for travelers crossing Southern California.

5. Postcard Pizza | Fort Collins, Colorado

  • Address: 133 Remington St.

  • Phone: 205-920-2988

  • Website: https://postcard.pizza

  • Quick review: Operating inside Equinox Brewing, this Detroit-style pizza concept has pushed Fort Collins beyond standard pie expectations. Weekly global specials, such as banh mi-inspired creations, complement strong staples like hot honey pepperoni with whipped ricotta. Creative yet approachable, it feels fresh without being gimmicky.

6. Lewes Oyster House | Lewes, Delaware

  • Address: 108 Second St.

  • Phone: 302-644-7258

  • Website: https://lewesoyster.com

  • Quick review: Set in a historic downtown building, Lewes Oyster House delivers coastal nostalgia with polish. A rotating selection of fresh oysters anchors the menu, alongside boardwalk-style fries and seafood classics. The atmosphere is relaxed but refined, making it ideal for both casual visits and celebratory dinners.

7. Tide Tables | Bradenton, Florida

  • Address: 12507 Cortez Road West

  • Phone: 941-567-6206

  • Website: https://tidetablescortez.com

  • Quick review: A waterfront favorite that prioritizes freshness above all, Tide Tables cuts fish directly on the dock. Blackened grouper sandwiches and Thai chili grouper bites highlight Gulf Coast flavors. The flip-flops-friendly setting and sunset views complete a quintessential Florida seafood experience.

8. Oceano | Lake Worth Beach, Florida

  • Address: 512 Lucerne Ave.

  • Phone: 561-400-7418

  • Website: https://oceanolwb.com

  • Quick review: Technique-driven but understated, Oceano focuses on seasonal, ingredient-forward New American cuisine. Dishes are composed and confident, with thoughtful desserts to match. It avoids theatrics and instead relies on skill, balance and consistency — a quiet benchmark for the region.

9. Bluebeard | Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Address: 653 Virginia Ave.

  • Phone: 317-686-1580

  • Website: https://bluebeardindy.com

  • Quick review: Named after the Kurt Vonnegut novel, Bluebeard combines literary charm with inventive seasonal cooking. Expect creative pasta dishes, vibrant salads and an expansive wine list. The cozy brick-and-wood setting encourages lingering, making it both intellectually and gastronomically satisfying.

10. Prime & Providence | West Des Moines, Iowa

  • Address: 595 S. 60th St.

  • Phone: 515-644-6805

  • Website: https://primeandprovidence.com

  • Quick review: A modern steakhouse centered on live-fire cooking, Prime & Providence feels cosmopolitan without losing Midwestern warmth. The 15-foot hearth imparts smoky depth to Wagyu steaks and even the Caesar salad. Elegant design and a strong wine wall elevate the experience.

11. Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew | Luther, Iowa

  • Address: 403 Iowa Ave.

  • Phone: 515-257-7490

  • Website: https://whatchasmokinbbq.com

  • Quick review: Central Texas-style barbecue executed with discipline and patience. Brisket smoked 12–14 hours develops deep bark and tenderness. Rustic and straightforward, this is destination barbecue that earns its lines.

12. Volare | Louisville, Kentucky

  • Address: 2300 Frankfort Ave.

  • Phone: 502-894-4446

  • Website: https://volare-restaurant.com

  • Quick review: A long-standing Louisville staple delivering classic Italian fine dining. House-made pastas, braised short ribs and polished desserts anchor the menu. It remains a go-to for special occasions, combining tradition with steady refinement.

13. Lea’s Lunchroom | Lecompte, Louisiana

  • Address: 1810 Highway 71 South

  • Phone: 318-776-5178

  • Website: https://leaslunchroom.com

  • Quick review: Founded in 1928, this diner helped earn Lecompte the nickname “Pie Capital of Louisiana.” Expect straightforward Southern cooking and a rotating selection of classic pies. It is less about reinvention and more about preserving culinary memory.

14. Sarma | Somerville, Massachusetts

  • Address: 249 Pearl St.

  • Phone: 617-764-4464

  • Website: https://sarmarestaurant.com

  • Quick review: A vibrant Mediterranean small-plates restaurant led by James Beard-nominated chef Cassie Piuma. Bold flavor combinations — including dukkah fried dates with goat cheese and jalapeño honey — define the menu. Lively atmosphere, strong cocktail program and consistent execution make it one of the Northeast’s most compelling dining rooms.

15. Spencer | Ann Arbor, Michigan

  • Address: 113 E. Liberty

  • Phone: 734-369-3979

  • Website: https://spencerannarbor.com

  • Quick review: By day it’s a natural wine shop; by night it turns into an intimate, seasonal fine-dining spot. The menu follows Michigan farm availability and smart preservation (think pickles and preserves showing up out of season). Great for a relaxed but special meal, especially if you like natural wines and a tasting-menu vibe without stiffness.

16. Mayflower Cafe | Jackson, Mississippi

  • Address: 123 W. Capitol St.

  • Phone: 601-355-4122

  • Website: https://themayflowercafe.com

  • Quick review: A revived 1935 classic and a slice of Jackson history. Known for fresh seafood picked directly from the display case and a no-nonsense, old-school atmosphere. Go for the “catch of the day” energy and the legacy feel.

17. Esther’s Kitchen | Las Vegas, Nevada

Best Restaurants in the US 2026 (Ranked by USA TODAY) – Full List of 39 Must-Visit Spots
Esther’s Kitchen

  • Address: 1131 S. Main St.

  • Phone: 702-570-7864

  • Website: https://estherslv.com

  • Quick review: A locals-first antidote to Strip formality: casual, attentive service, and elevated Italian-American cooking that doesn’t show off. The housemade sourdough and pasta alla chitarra are the move. Rotating seasonal dishes make repeat visits worth it.

18. The Pasta Shop | Denville, New Jersey

  • Address: 13 First Ave.

  • Phone: 973-253-4143

  • Website: https://thepastashopdenville.com

  • Quick review: Expect lines and waits, and expect to understand why. Hand-rolled pasta and wood-fired entrées with rich, made-to-order sauces. The sweet corn and mascarpone ravioli with truffle butter is the signature “worth it” dish.

19. Ram & Rooster | Metuchen, New Jersey

  • Address: 83 Central Ave.

  • Phone: 732-662-1041

  • Website: https://ramandroosternj.com

  • Quick review: The only Chinese prix fixe restaurant in New Jersey, opened in 2025 by chef Sean Yan. Elegant, intimate (28 seats), and built around a set menu with creative, high-end dishes like lotus root croquettes and honey shrimp toast.

20. Anjelica’s Restaurant | Sea Bright, New Jersey

  • Address: 1070 Ocean Ave.

  • Phone: 732-842-2800

  • Website: https://anjelicas.com

  • Quick review: Old-school Italian hospitality with from-scratch pasta and a reservation book that fills fast. The twinkle-lit alley seating is part of the charm. Insiders ask for the off-menu spicy rigatoni.

21. Pizzeria La Rosa | New Rochelle, New York

  • Address: 12 Russell Ave.

  • Phone: 914-633-0800

  • Website: https://pizzerialarosa.com

  • Quick review: A cozy neighborhood pizzeria with a nostalgic vibe and a serious oven (often credited as the secret weapon). Pizza is the headline, but Thursday smashburgers, chicken parm, meatballs, and roasted veggies keep locals coming back.

22. Swan Market | Rochester, New York

  • Address: 231 Parsells Ave.

  • Phone: 585-288-5320

  • Website: https://swanmarket.com

  • Quick review: A German meat market turned beloved lunch spot with communal tables and hearty, Oktoberfest-style plates year-round. The sampler platter is the best intro. Bonus: an accordion player on the last Friday of the month.

23. Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ | Asheville, North Carolina

  • Address: 135 Coxe Ave.

  • Phone: 828-505-7088

  • Website: https://bearsbbq.com/asheville

  • Quick review: Downtown BBQ with big personality and a real community mission. Don’t leave without trying the famous “Bear’s Balls” (pulled pork, mac-and-cheese, cornbread). Noted for its relief work with World Central Kitchen after Tropical Storm Helene.

24. Luminosa | Asheville, North Carolina

  • Address: 20 Battery Park Ave., Floor 1

  • Phone: 828-271-9808

  • Website: https://luminosaavl.com

  • Quick review: Italian techniques meet Appalachian ingredients inside a historic landmark turned boutique hotel. The menu changes often, but regular favorites include lemon pizza and bone marrow tater tots. Ideal for adventurous diners who like surprise-and-delight menus.

25. Manna | Wilmington, North Carolina

  • Address: 123 Princess St.

  • Phone: 910-763-5252

  • Website: https://mannaavenue.com

  • Quick review: Fine dining that isn’t stuffy, with daily-changing menus based on what local farmers and purveyors have available. The twice-monthly omakase dinner is a standout. Serious wine program, too.

26. Mita’s | Cincinnati, Ohio

Best Restaurants in the US 2026 (Ranked by USA TODAY) – Full List of 39 Must-Visit Spots
Mita's Restaurant

  • Address: 501 Race St.

  • Phone: 513-421-6482

  • Website: https://mitas.co

  • Quick review: A warm, stylish dining room and a menu that travels from South America to the Mediterranean with confidence. Start with empanadas inspired by the chef’s grandmother. Expect playful, high-skill plates like poached shrimp with crunchy toppings and a strong story behind the food.

27. Veritas | Columbus, Ohio

  • Address: 11 W. Gay St.

  • Phone: 614-745-3864

  • Website: https://veritasrestaurant.com

  • Quick review: A chef’s tasting menu concept that reinvents itself several times a year, sometimes inspired by travel, themes, or even color. Pairings are designed to match each course. Go when you want a “new restaurant” experience in the same space.

28. Sedalia’s Oyster & Seafood | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

  • Address: 2727 NW 10th St.

  • Phone: 405-626-8249

  • Website: https://sedaliasokc.com

  • Quick review: A family-driven seafood destination with global influences and an unpretentious feel. Oysters are essential, and pasta dishes like crab fat risotto and clam linguine are highlighted as can’t-miss orders.

29. Yardy Rum Bar | Eugene, Oregon

  • Address: 837 Lincoln St.

  • Phone: 458-240-7564

  • Website: https://yardyrumbar.com

  • Quick review: Caribbean comfort food in a cozy, colorful space that feels like a getaway. Known for fried chicken, doubles (chickpea flatbreads), and rum-forward drinks like sorrel punch. A perfect “rainy-day vacation” meal.

30. Hamir’s Indian Fusion | York, Pennsylvania

  • Address: 24 S. George St.

  • Phone: 717-430-4173

  • Website: https://hamirs.com

  • Quick review: A small, warm, personality-driven restaurant where the chef visits tables and hospitality is part of the point. Indian cuisine with creative fusion touches. Butter chicken and mango curry are the safest “order these” picks.

31. Nicks on Broadway | Providence, Rhode Island

  • Address: 500 Broadway

  • Phone: 401-421-0286

  • Website: https://nicksonbroadway.com

  • Quick review: A true local favorite with serious sourcing credibility: the chef tracks where fish is caught and lists farms on the menu, plus grows produce on the roof. The cassoulet is a signature, and the crudo plates shine.

32. White Wine & Butter | Greer, South Carolina

  • Address: 2299 E. Gap Creek Road

  • Phone: 864-417-4106

  • Website: https://whitewineandbutter.com

  • Quick review: Southern comfort meets French and coastal influences, set inside a golf course clubhouse. The Front Porch Fried Chicken (sweet-tea brined) is the headline, with creative bites like deviled egg oysters.

33. Skogen Kitchen | Custer, South Dakota

  • Address: 29 N. Fifth St.

  • Phone: 605-673-2241

  • Website: https://skogenkitchen.com

  • Quick review: A 50-seat gem mixing Norwegian inspiration with California polish in a small-town setting. Expect playful, high-end dishes (lobster steam buns, goat cheese shishito peppers) and cozy details like blankets and lambskin.

34. J.C. Holdway | Knoxville, Tennessee

  • Address: 501 Union Ave.

  • Phone: 865-312-9050

  • Website: https://jcholdway.com

  • Quick review: Owned by Knoxville’s only James Beard Award-winning chef, with a daily-changing menu built around peak seasonal ingredients and wood-fire cooking. Best for reservations and special occasions, especially the “Chef’s Tasting” style experiences.

35. Junior | Nashville, Tennessee

  • Address: 907 Dickerson Pike

  • Phone: 615-964-7077

  • Website: https://juniornashville.com

  • Quick review: A small, confident 50-seat room loved by industry insiders. European technique through a Tennessee lens, with a deep wine program and elegant classics done sharply (steaks, terrines, roasted chicken).

36. Maíz de la Vida | Nashville, Tennessee

  • Address: 606 Eighth Ave. South, Store 100

  • Phone: 615-499-4248

  • Website: https://maizdelavida.com

  • Quick review: Corn is the backbone here, from tortillas to nixtamal grits. Beyond tacos: polished plates like duck mole, bright ceviche, and steaks done right. Strong mezcal list and Mexico-focused wines.

37. Keystone Grill | Colonial Heights, Virginia

  • Address: 880 W. Roslyn Road

  • Phone: 804-525-9220

  • Website: https://keystonetractorworks.com/restaurant

  • Quick review: A 1950s-style grill inside a museum, with Americana comfort food and a side of tractor-view nostalgia. The Keystone Club sandwich and chicken & waffles are highlighted favorites, and travelers love the easy interstate access.

38. Maude & the Bear | Staunton, Virginia

  • Address: 1106 N. Augusta St.

  • Phone: 540-688-1660

  • Website: https://maudeandthebear.com

  • Quick review: A whimsical restaurant and inn inside a storybook 1926 home, offering a multi-course progressive tasting menu with local sourcing and personal roots. Great for a destination meal and a “special night” feel.

39. Birch | Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Best Restaurants in the US 2026 (Ranked by USA TODAY) – Full List of 39 Must-Visit Spots
Diners at Birch in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

  • Address: 459 E. Pleasant St.

  • Phone: 414-323-7372

  • Website: https://birchonpleasant.com

  • Quick review: New American cooking built around Wisconsin farms and peak-season ingredients, often centered on an open hearth. The rotating seven-course menu is the main event, and the chef’s table is the best seat for the full experience.