If you’re hunting for must-try restaurants right now, you’re really chasing a specific feeling: the place locals keep recommending, the dish people won’t stop talking about, the room that somehow makes a random Tuesday feel like an event.
This guide is built for that. It’s city-by-city, major-metro-by-major-metro, with picks that are either iconic for a reason or new-school favorites that already feel inevitable. (Quick reality check: restaurants change fast—always confirm hours, reservation rules, and menus before you go.)
Along the way, you’ll also get a few “what to order” nudges—because the difference between “good meal” and “core memory” is often one smart choice.
What “must-try right now” means (and what it doesn’t)
I’m not trying to predict the internet’s mood this week. “Right now” here means:
- Places with strong local love and consistent demand
- Restaurants with a signature dish (or style) that defines the city’s current cravings
- Spots that travel well as recommendations: you can send them to a friend and feel confident
It does not mean “only brand-new openings,” because half of the best meals in America come from places that have been quietly great for years.
How to use this guide like a pro
Pick your city, then pick your lane:
- One iconic institution (the “I can’t believe I finally did it” meal)
- One modern classic (the place people book early)
- One casual legend (the line might be long; the joy is longer)
If you’re planning a trip, try to do one restaurant that’s deeply local (regional cuisine, old neighborhood staple) and one that’s chef-driven (tasting menu energy, seasonal menus, serious technique). That combo gives you the city’s personality and its ambition.
Northeast powerhouses
New York City, NY
Katz’s Delicatessen
Yes, it’s famous. Yes, it’s crowded. And yes—the pastrami really is that good. Order the pastrami on rye, keep it simple, and treat it like a cultural landmark you can chew.
Via Carota
NYC has endless Italian, but this one nails the “effortless” vibe that’s actually very hard to pull off. Go for vegetables that taste oddly luxurious and pastas that feel like they’ve been tested a thousand times.
Los Tacos No. 1
For a city that debates everything, the love here is unusually unanimous. It’s fast, focused, and built around tacos that taste clean, bright, and properly obsessed-over.
Boston, MA
Neptune Oyster
A small room with big seafood energy. If you’re into lobster rolls, this is a benchmark—warm butter or cold mayo style, both done with confidence.
Toro
Spanish tapas with a lively pace and flavors that land hard: char, salt, acid, smoke. It’s one of those places where ordering “a little of everything” is actually the correct strategy.
Philadelphia, PA
Zahav
Modern Israeli cooking with serious influence on how America eats right now. If you can get in, do it. The textures and spice profiles are the kind you think about later.
Reading Terminal Market
Not a single restaurant, but absolutely a must-try food experience. The smartest Philly move is to snack your way through: something Amish-baked, something fried, something sweet, then circle back for what you couldn’t stop staring at.
Washington, DC
Ben’s Chili Bowl
A classic that functions as a city symbol. Go for the half-smoke, lean into the mess, and enjoy how DC can feel both political and deeply local in the same bite.
Rose’s Luxury
Inventive without being precious. The cooking feels playful but sharp, like the kitchen is trying to surprise you and make sure you leave happy.
Baltimore, MD
Ekiben
A modern Baltimore obsession—big flavors, bold sauces, and food that hits like comfort and celebration at once. It’s casual, but the devotion is real.
Thames Street Oyster House
Seafood with a sense of occasion. It’s the kind of place that makes you understand why coastal cities develop strong opinions about oysters.
Pittsburgh, PA
Primanti Bros.
The sandwich with fries and slaw inside is both practical and philosophical. It’s not trying to be delicate; it’s trying to be Pittsburgh.
Meat & Potatoes
A contemporary favorite that still respects the city’s hearty instincts. Great for when you want something polished but not fussy.
Buffalo, NY
Anchor Bar
The origin story meal. Even if you’ve had wings everywhere else, it’s worth tasting them where the legend began.
Gabriel’s Gate
A strong local alternative for wings with a pub vibe that feels like a real neighborhood gathering point.
The South: bold flavors, deep comfort, serious craft
Miami, FL
Joe’s Stone Crab
A Miami ritual. It’s classic, it’s bustling, and it’s built around seafood that feels like a season you can schedule your life around.
Versailles Restaurant
Cuban food as cultural anchor. Get something slow-cooked, something pressed, and a coffee that reminds you Miami runs on espresso and momentum.
Tampa, FL
Bern’s Steak House
Part steakhouse, part institution, part culinary theme park—in the best way. Even if you don’t go huge, the experience is the point.
Columbia Restaurant (Ybor City)
Florida history on a plate, with Spanish-Cuban influences and a room that feels like it’s been hosting celebrations forever.
Orlando, FL
Domu
Ramen that’s earned cult status, with the kind of richness and depth that makes you stop talking mid-bite.
Victoria & Albert’s
A special-occasion destination that leans into classic fine dining craft. It’s for when you want the full “we planned this” feeling.
Atlanta, GA
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
Smoke, fat, salt, and time—BBQ as devotion. Order a spread, don’t rush, and accept that leftovers are part of the plan.
Bacchanalia
A long-running high-end favorite that keeps its standards high. Great if you want Atlanta’s elegant side instead of its loudest one.
Charlotte, NC
Haberdish
Southern comfort cooking with modern polish. The kind of place where familiar dishes show up sharper, crispier, and better seasoned.
Kindred (Davidson)
Just outside the city, but close enough to count for any serious Charlotte food trip. Creative, chef-driven, and worth the short ride.
Raleigh, NC
Poole’s Diner
A modern classic that helped define contemporary Southern cooking—comfort food, upgraded with technique and care.
Bida Manda
Laotian-inspired flavors that feel bright, layered, and genuinely exciting. A reminder that “Southern food city” doesn’t mean one-note.
Durham, NC
M Sushi
Precise, clean, and focused. If you’re sushi-motivated, this is a Durham standout.
Mateo Bar de Tapas
Spanish tapas energy in a room that feels social. Great for shared plates and that “order one more” momentum.
Nashville, TN
Prince’s Hot Chicken
The reference point. Hot chicken isn’t just spicy—it’s a style, and this is part of the city’s culinary backbone.
The Catbird Seat
A chef-forward tasting experience for when you want Nashville’s most ambitious cooking, not just its most famous heat.
Memphis, TN
Central BBQ
Memphis takes BBQ personally, and this is a reliable way into the conversation. Smoked meat, strong sauces, no apologies.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Crisp, juicy, addictive. It’s the kind of fried chicken that makes you understand why people plan routes around specific meals.
New Orleans, LA
Commander’s Palace
The grand classic—service, tradition, and a menu that tells a story about the city’s taste and confidence.
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
Food as culture, community, and history. New Orleans isn’t just about flavor; it’s about legacy, and this place carries it.
Willie Mae’s Scotch House
For fried chicken that feels like it has its own gravity. It’s a “keep it simple, trust the legend” kind of meal.
Louisville, KY
The Brown Hotel (Hot Brown)
A dish that’s basically a Louisville postcard you can eat. Rich, comforting, and proudly over-the-top.
Jack Fry’s
Old-school charm with a menu that keeps people coming back. A strong pick for a date night or a “we’re celebrating” dinner.
Birmingham, AL
Saw’s Soul Kitchen
BBQ with personality and sides that refuse to be background characters. Casual, loud, and deeply satisfying.
Hot and Hot Fish Club
A Birmingham staple for Southern cooking with range—seafood, seasonal ingredients, and a real sense of craft.
Charleston, SC
FIG
Charleston cooking that feels refined but grounded. It’s about ingredients, technique, and letting the region speak clearly.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ
A pilgrimage-worthy BBQ stop. Smoke and sauce done with purpose.
Savannah, GA
The Grey
A destination restaurant in a beautiful space, with cooking that feels modern, Southern, and thoughtfully expressive.
Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room
A classic communal-style experience that’s as much about the ritual as the food.
Midwest icons and modern classics
Chicago, IL
Au Cheval
One of America’s most famous burgers for a reason: rich, indulgent, and extremely Chicago in its confidence.
Girl & the Goat
Big flavors, shareable plates, and a menu that encourages curiosity. It’s been a modern staple because it keeps the excitement high.
Lou Malnati’s
Deep dish as a city identity. Whether you’re Team Deep Dish or Team “Not Pizza,” you should still try it in Chicago at least once.
Detroit, MI
Buddy’s Pizza
Detroit-style pizza: airy crust, crispy edges, and a style that’s become national for good reason.
Selden Standard
Seasonal, modern, and consistently praised—Detroit’s contemporary dining scene in a single reservation.
Columbus, OH
Northstar Cafe
A local favorite for casual, high-quality comfort: the kind of place people keep as a weekly habit.
The Guild House
Polished American dining that’s flexible for dates, groups, and “we want something nice but not stiff.”
Indianapolis, IN
St. Elmo Steak House
A classic steakhouse experience that feels like a rite of passage. The famous shrimp cocktail brings real heat.
Milktooth
Brunch, reimagined—creative dishes that make you stop and actually pay attention to breakfast.
Cleveland, OH
Slyman’s Restaurant
Deli sandwiches that are unapologetically huge. Cleveland comfort, served loudly.
Lola Bistro
Chef-driven, approachable, and a solid pick when you want something modern without losing warmth.
Cincinnati, OH
Boca
Refined and inventive—Cincinnati’s “we’re doing serious dining” moment.
Findlay Market
Another market that functions like a city’s stomach. Great for grazing, discovering local specialties, and building your own food crawl.
Milwaukee, WI
Sanford
A longtime fine-dining anchor with careful cooking and a calmer, more intimate vibe.
SafeHouse
Not subtle, extremely themed, and oddly memorable. Sometimes the must-try is the experience, not the elegance.
Minneapolis–Saint Paul, MN
Spoon and Stable
One of the Twin Cities’ most celebrated spots—seasonal, chef-driven, and consistently excellent.
Matt’s Bar
For the Juicy Lucy debate. Go in knowing it’s a local ritual and the best bite is the first one.
St. Louis, MO
Pappy’s Smokehouse
Serious BBQ energy. Order what you like, but don’t skip the ribs if they’re calling your name.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
A classic dessert stop that’s practically part of the city’s summer identity.
Kansas City, MO
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
KC BBQ with legendary status. It’s the kind of meal that makes you understand why cities argue about smoke.
Q39
A more modern, chef-forward take on BBQ, with a menu built to impress both purists and newcomers.
Oklahoma City, OK
Café Kacao
Brunch that feels like a party, with Guatemalan-inspired flavors and a line that proves it’s not a secret.
Nic’s Grill
A burger stop with local devotion. Simple format, serious satisfaction.
Texas: where “casual” can still be world-class
Houston, TX
Truth BBQ
Houston’s BBQ scene is competitive, and this is one of the loudest answers. Brisket, sides, and the kind of smoke that sticks in your memory.
Hugo’s
Mexican cooking with depth and range—regional flavors, beautiful plates, and a menu that rewards curiosity.
Dallas, TX
Pecan Lodge
A big-name BBQ spot that still delivers when you want that smoked-meat fix in the city.
Lucia
A more intimate, chef-driven option—great for a “we planned ahead” dinner and a menu that feels carefully composed.
San Antonio, TX
Mi Tierra Café y Panadería
A full sensory experience—bright, historic, and perfect for Tex-Mex cravings in a space that feels like a celebration.
Cured
A modern, ingredient-driven spot that shows San Antonio’s more contemporary dining voice.
Austin, TX
Franklin Barbecue
The line is part of the myth, but the brisket is the reason it survives. If you go, commit to the ritual.
Uchi
Austin’s modern dining scene in one reservation: sushi and Japanese-inspired plates with creativity and polish.
Veracruz All Natural
Tacos that feel fresh and focused. A strong reminder that “must-try” doesn’t need white tablecloths.
Fort Worth, TX
Heim Barbecue
Beloved for a reason—smoke, comfort, and a menu that’s easy to go overboard on.
Lonesome Dove Western Bistro
A more adventurous, chef-driven Western vibe when you want Fort Worth’s bold personality on the plate.
El Paso, TX
L&J Café
A classic El Paso stop—straightforward, local, and built on flavors that feel lived-in.
Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant
Another city favorite with a loyal following. Go hungry and let the regional style do the talking.
Mountain West and Southwest
Phoenix, AZ
Pizzeria Bianco
A landmark for pizza lovers. It helped define the modern American pizza conversation, and it still holds up.
Fry Bread House
A must-try for a taste rooted in local Indigenous foodways—comforting, filling, and genuinely distinctive.
Tucson, AZ
El Charro Café
A historic Tucson staple that gives you a direct line to the city’s Sonoran-influenced flavors.
Seis Kitchen
A more modern, casual way to explore regional Mexican styles—great for a quick, flavorful meal.
Denver, CO
Tavernetta
Italian with polish and warmth. Great service, strong pastas, and a room that feels like it’s always in motion.
Safta
Israeli-inspired cooking with bold spices and a lot of shareable joy—perfect for groups or a “try everything” night.
Salt Lake City, UT
Red Iguana
A local legend for Mexican food—especially known for complex moles and big flavor.
Takashi
One of the city’s most loved spots for sushi and Japanese-inspired plates.
Albuquerque, NM
The Frontier Restaurant
A classic, casual stop that feels like part diner, part local ritual. Big portions, fast comfort.
El Pinto
A famous New Mexican experience—go for the regional flavors and the sense of place.
Las Vegas, NV
Lotus of Siam
A longtime essential for Thai food lovers. It’s often cited as one of the city’s true culinary treasures.
Best Friend
Vegas dining with energy—bold flavors, fun atmosphere, and a menu that leans into the city’s love of spectacle.
California and the West Coast: where trends become traditions
Los Angeles, CA
Bestia
Modern LA Italian with a downtown edge. Great for big flavors, shareable plates, and the sense that the city’s dining scene is always evolving.
Guelaguetza
A must-try for Oaxacan flavors—especially mole. It’s one of those places that feels essential to understanding LA’s food identity.
Howlin’ Ray’s
Hot chicken that helped LA fall hard for spice. Expect a wait; enjoy the payoff.
San Diego, CA
Juniper and Ivy
Creative, chef-driven dining that still feels approachable. Great if you want an “LA-level” dinner with a San Diego pace.
Oscar’s Mexican Seafood
Casual and beloved—fish tacos and coastal flavors that fit the city perfectly.
San Francisco, CA
Zuni Café
A modern classic—go for the famous roast chicken if it’s on the menu, and settle into the city’s slower, more intentional dining rhythm.
La Taqueria
A pillar of SF’s taqueria culture. Focused, high-quality, and endlessly argued about (which is how you know it matters).
Tartine
Bread and pastry as craft. Even a quick stop feels like a “this is why people love SF” moment.
San Jose, CA
Adega
A standout for Portuguese-inspired fine dining—great for a special night and a different flavor lane than typical California staples.
Original Joe’s (San Jose)
Classic Italian-American comfort in a timeless format. Sometimes “must-try” is about continuity.
Sacramento, CA
The Kitchen
A full experience meal that’s interactive and celebratory—ideal for a splurge night.
Selland’s Market-Cafe
A local favorite for quality, comfort, and consistency—perfect when you want something reliably good.
Fresno, CA
The Annex Kitchen
Modern Italian-inspired cooking with a strong local following. Great for wood-fired flavors and a lively room.
Dog House Grill
A Fresno staple for casual comfort—BBQ-style plates and a neighborhood vibe.
Portland, OR
Le Pigeon
Chef-driven dining that’s creative without feeling cold. Great for when you want Portland’s “serious food” side.
Screen Door
Southern-inspired comfort that’s become a Portland rite. If brunch is your thing, this is a big one.
Seattle, WA
Canlis
A Seattle institution—service, views, and classic fine-dining confidence.
Sushi Kashiba
For sushi that feels precise and special. A strong choice when you want a meal that’s quiet, focused, and memorable.
Anchorage, AK
Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria
A local legend—casual, fun, and consistently recommended as a “you have to go” Anchorage meal.
Simon & Seafort’s
Seafood with an Alaska sense of place. Great when you want something a bit more classic.
Honolulu, HI
Helena’s Hawaiian Food
A must-try for local Hawaiian dishes—straightforward, rooted, and deeply loved.
The Pig and the Lady
A modern favorite blending Vietnamese-inspired flavors with island energy—bright, bold, and perfect for sharing.
One last move that makes this list even better
If you’re turning this into a trip (or a content series), here’s the cheat code: pair each restaurant with one nearby “micro-adventure.”
- A neighborhood walk
- A market stop
- A bakery/dessert detour
- A local landmark you can do in 30 minutes
Food tastes better when it’s connected to place, not just plate.