Top 10 Most Expensive Restaurants in the USA

by Ivan Samkov

1. Masa, New York City

Restaurant Masa is a three-Michelin-starred sushi located in the Time Warner Center in New York City. It is widely considered to be one of the best sushi restaurants in the world and is known for its unique omakase experience, which involves the chef selecting and presenting a series of dishes to the diners.

The restaurant was opened by Chef Masa Takayama in 2004 and features an intimate dining room with only 26 seats. The decor is minimalist and elegant, with natural wood accents and a calming, serene atmosphere.

Masa’s omakase menu is priced at $595 per person, making it one of the most expensive dining experiences in the United States. However, the price is justified by the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the chef. The menu typically features over 20 courses, each of which is crafted with precision and care.

The ingredients used in the omakase menu are some of the finest and rare in the world, including uni from Hokkaido, Kobe beef, and caviar. The sushi is served one piece at a time, allowing diners to savor and appreciate each bite. The experience is a true celebration of the art of sushi and Japanese cuisine.

In addition to the omakase menu, Masa also offers a la carte options, including a selection of sushi rolls and sashimi. However, these options are still priced at a premium and can be quite expensive.

Overall, Masa is an incredible dining experience for those with the means to indulge in it. The restaurant’s limited seating and high price point make it a truly exclusive and unique culinary experience, has attracted praise from several famous people in America. Here are some examples:

Food writer and critic Ruth Reichl once called Masa “the most expensive meal in America, and the most exquisite.”

Chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain visited Masa on an episode of his show “Parts Unknown,” calling it “the best sushi restaurant in the world.”

Musician and producer Pharrell Williams have also praised Masa, calling it his “favorite restaurant” and saying that he’s “never had a better meal in [his] life.”

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld is a fan of Masa and has been known to frequent the restaurant with fellow comedian and friend Larry David.

 

By masanyc.com

 

2. The French Laundry, Yountville, California 

The French Laundry is a highly acclaimed restaurant located in the Napa Valley town of Yountville, California. The restaurant is known for its fine dining and inventive cuisine, which is created using only the freshest ingredients sourced from local farms and producers. The French Laundry was established in 1978 by chef Thomas Keller, who has since become a culinary icon in the United States.

The French Laundry is a small restaurant, with a maximum capacity of 62 diners at a time. The restaurant has an intimate and elegant atmosphere, with a focus on personalized service and attention to detail. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, and reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant’s popularity.

The main dish at The French Laundry is the chef’s tasting menu, which features a selection of 9-10 courses. The menu changes frequently based on the availability of ingredients and the creativity of the chefs but always includes a mix of meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. The cost of the tasting menu is $375 per person, making it one of the most expensive meals in the United States.

The French Laundry has received numerous accolades and awards since its inception, including a three-star rating from the Michelin Guide and a spot on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The restaurant has also been visited by numerous celebrities and notable figures, including former President Barack Obama and numerous high-profile chefs and food critics.

The French Laundry has received numerous accolades and has been praised by many famous people in America. Here are some notable quotes:

Thomas Keller, the owner and head chef of The French Laundry, has been widely praised for his culinary skills. He has won multiple James Beard Foundation awards and has been named “America’s Best Chef” by Time magazine.

President Bill Clinton dined at The French Laundry in 2001 and called it “the best restaurant in the world.”

Chef Anthony Bourdain once said that dining at The French Laundry was like “dining at the Vatican.”

Chef Gordon Ramsay has described The French Laundry as “one of the best restaurants in the world.”

Actor George Clooney has called The French Laundry “the greatest restaurant in the world.”

Musician Dave Matthews has also been known to frequent The French Laundry and has praised its food and service.

 

By thomaskeller.com

3. Per Se, New York City

Per Se is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant located in the Time Warner Center in New York City. It was opened in 2004 by celebrated chef Thomas Keller, who is also the owner of The French Laundry in California. Per Se is known for its contemporary American cuisine and innovative cooking techniques.

The restaurant features a main dining room with stunning views of Central Park and can accommodate up to 64 guests at a time. The interior design of the restaurant is modern and sleek, with elegant furnishings and artwork on the walls.

The main dish on the menu is the chef’s tasting menu, which features nine courses and costs $355 per person. The menu changes daily based on the availability of seasonal ingredients and the chef’s inspiration. Some of the dishes that have been served in the past include Oysters and Pearls, which is a dish of sabayon of pearl tapioca with Island Creek oysters and white sturgeon caviar, and Hudson Valley Moulard Duck Foie Gras, which is served with glazed kumquats, roasted hazelnuts, and brown butter.

Per Se has been widely praised by food critics and celebrities alike. The restaurant has received three Michelin stars every year since 2006 and has been ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world by various publications. Oprah Winfrey has called it her favorite restaurant in the world, and President Obama has dined there on multiple occasions.

Per Se has been widely praised by famous people in America. Some of the notable names include the late Anthony Bourdain, who praised the restaurant for its attention to detail and exceptional service. Food critic and writer Ruth Reichl called Per Se “the best restaurant in America,” while former President Barack Obama has also dined at the establishment.

 

By relaischateaux.com

 

4. Urasawa, Beverly Hills, California

Urasawa is a renowned sushi restaurant located in Beverly Hills, California, and is considered one of the best sushi restaurants in the United States. The restaurant is helmed by Chef Hiro Urasawa, who is widely regarded as a master sushi chef and has a capacity of only 10 seats, ensuring an intimate and exclusive dining experience.

The chef creates a personalized tasting menu based on the freshest ingredients available. The menu features a selection of sushi and sashimi, including exotic and rare ingredients such as uni, toro, and ankimo. The main dish is the omakase sushi, which is a chef’s choice of the freshest and most premium cuts of fish. The price for the omakase menu is $400 per person, making it one of the most expensive sushi experiences in the United States.

Urasawa is known for its impeccable attention to detail, exquisite presentation, and unparalleled quality of ingredients. The restaurant has won numerous accolades, including a three-star rating in the Michelin Guide. Due to the exclusivity of the restaurant and its limited seating, reservations are required well in advance.

Several celebrities have dined at Urasawa, including George Clooney, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z. Renowned chef Joël Robuchon has called Urasawa “one of the best Japanese restaurants in the world” and chef Eric Ripert has praised the sushi as “perfection on a plate.”

 

By la.eater.com

5. Alinea, Chicago, Illinois

Alinea is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant located in Chicago, Illinois, that has become famous for its unique and innovative approach to fine dining. The restaurant was opened in 2005 by Chef Grant Achatz, and it quickly became one of the most highly-regarded restaurants in the country.

Alinea’s dining experience is highly interactive and theatrical, with dishes that are designed to engage all of the senses. The restaurant is divided into three floors, with the main dining room on the second floor and private dining rooms and a kitchen laboratory on the third floor. The capacity of the restaurant is limited to around 64 guests, and reservations are often difficult to come by due to the restaurant’s popularity.

Alinea’s menu changes frequently, with new dishes and presentations being developed regularly by Chef Achatz and his team. The restaurant’s most famous dish is likely the “Hot Potato, Cold Potato,” which features a warm potato soup served in a cold potato sphere. The dish is presented to the diner on a bed of hay, which is lit on fire to create a smoky aroma.

The current price for the tasting menu at Alinea is $395, with an additional $175 charge for the wine pairing. While the restaurant is undoubtedly expensive, its guests often describe the experience as worth the cost due to the innovative and engaging approach to fine dining that Alinea offers.

Here are some celebrities:

“My favorite restaurant in America, hands down, is Alinea in Chicago.” – Aziz Ansari, comedian, and actor.

“There’s a sense of mystery about what you’re eating, so it feels like you’re doing more than just eating a meal. It’s a performance, it’s theater.” – Mindy Kaling, actress, and writer.

“Alinea is simply the best restaurant in America right now. It’s an immersive, multi-sensory experience that will completely upend your expectations of what a meal should be.” – Anthony Bourdain, celebrity chef, and author.

“It’s quite incredible, the level of creativity and dedication that goes into every dish.” – Taylor Swift, singer-songwriter.

“I’m in awe of what they do at Alinea. It’s unlike anything else out there.” – Neil Patrick Harris, actor, and producer.

 

By alinearestaurant.com

 

6. Chef’s Table, Brooklyn, New York

Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in Brooklyn, New York. The restaurant was opened in 2009 by Chef César Ramirez and features modern American cuisine with a focus on seafood. The restaurant has a very intimate and exclusive dining experience, with only 18 seats around the chef’s counter.

The tasting menu at Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare is a unique and personalized experience, with the chef using the freshest and highest quality ingredients to create an unforgettable culinary journey. The menu changes frequently and is based on the season and availability of ingredients.

The price of the chef’s tasting menu at Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare is $395, which includes approximately 20 courses. This price does not include beverages, tax, or gratuity.

The restaurant has received numerous accolades, including three Michelin stars, and has been recognized as one of the best restaurants in the world. The dining experience at Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with patrons marveling at the artistry and attention to detail in each dish.

Famous people who have dined at Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare include actor Hugh Jackman, chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain, and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

Famous people who have praised the restaurant include Anthony Bourdain, who once referred to it as “the best restaurant in America,” and New York Times food critic Pete Wells, who praised the “sheer power and joy” of the restaurant’s dishes.

Other famous diners have included former President Barack Obama, who celebrated his birthday at Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare, and Chef Gordon Ramsay, who has called the restaurant “amazing.”

 

By #chefstableatbf

7. SingleThread, Healdsburg, California

SingleThread is a restaurant located in Healdsburg, California that has been recognized for its innovative and inventive cuisine. The restaurant is owned and operated by Chef Kyle Connaughton and his wife, Katina Connaughton, who has a background in farming and agriculture. The restaurant features an 11-course tasting menu that highlights the best of Sonoma County’s seasonal ingredients, as well as a wine pairing to complement the meal.

SingleThread has received numerous accolades and awards, including three Michelin stars, and was named one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2019. The restaurant has a capacity of 52 guests, with seating at the kitchen counter, tables, and private dining areas.

The restaurant’s main dish is the 11-course tasting menu, which changes regularly depending on the season and availability of ingredients. The meal typically begins with a series of small bites, followed by a variety of courses that highlight the best of California’s produce and ingredients. Each course is expertly prepared and presented, with a focus on combining unique flavors and textures.

Overall, SingleThread is a unique and innovative restaurant that is well worth the visit for those who appreciate exceptional food, wine, and service. However, with a price tag of $285 per person for the tasting menu, it is certainly a splurge for most diners.

Chef Kyle Connaughton and his wife, Katina, who runs the farm and inn, have also received recognition for their innovative approach to food and hospitality. In 2019, they were named Best Chef and Best Pastry Chef, respectively, by the James Beard Foundation.

The New York Times food critic, Pete Wells, called the experience at SingleThread “extraordinary” and praised the restaurant’s attention to detail and the quality of its ingredients. The San Francisco Chronicle’s Esther Mobley also noted that the “dishes are as beautiful as they are delicious,” and that the “experience is a true sensory journey.”

 

By #singlethreadfarms

8. Atelier Crenn, San Francisco, California

Atelier Crenn is a three-Michelin-star restaurant located in San Francisco, California. It is the brainchild of Dominique Crenn, a French-born chef known for her innovative and artistic approach to cooking. The restaurant is known for its elegant and modernist decor, featuring white walls, wooden tables, and soft lighting.

The restaurant’s capacity is limited to 28 seats, which adds to the exclusivity and intimacy of the dining experience. The restaurant offers a single-tasting menu, which changes frequently depending on the availability of seasonal ingredients.

The main dish, which is part of the chef’s tasting menu, is a carefully crafted and beautifully presented creation that showcases the chef’s skill and creativity. Some of the dishes that have been featured on the menu include lobster with uni and caviar, venison with black garlic and chanterelle mushrooms, and seaweed pasta with oysters and seaweed butter.

The cost of the chef’s tasting menu is $345 per person, and the restaurant also offers a wine pairing option for an additional cost. Atelier Crenn is considered one of the most expensive and exclusive restaurants in San Francisco, and reservations are highly sought after.

As for famous people who have dined at Atelier Crenn, the restaurant has been frequented by numerous celebrities and high-profile guests, including former President Barack Obama, who celebrated his 57th birthday at the restaurant in 2018.

“One of America’s most creative chefs” – Food & Wine.

“Crenn continues to push the envelope of what fine dining can be” – Eater.

“The dining room of Atelier Crenn is not just a place to eat but a destination for lovers of avant-garde gastronomy” – The New York Times.

“The food at Atelier Crenn is simply mesmerizing” – Forbes.

In addition, Atelier Crenn has been awarded three Michelin stars, making it one of the most highly regarded restaurants in the world.

 

By #atelier.crenn

9. Providence, Los Angeles, California 

Providence is a fine dining restaurant located in Los Angeles, California that is renowned for its seafood-centric cuisine. The restaurant was established in 2005 by chef Michael Cimarusti and his wife, pastry chef Cristina Echiverri.

The restaurant’s interior is elegant and minimalist, with an open kitchen and a 30-foot wall of windows that overlooks the beautiful outdoor patio. Providence has a seating capacity of 50 guests.

The menu at Providence changes frequently to reflect the freshest seafood available and features dishes like Santa Barbara sea urchin on avocado toast, Hawaiian abalone with miso and yuzu, and Liberty Farms duck with black garlic and turnips.

The most expensive item on the menu is the chef’s tasting menu, which costs $240 per person.

Providence has earned numerous accolades and has been awarded two Michelin stars. The restaurant has been praised by food critics and famous chefs alike, with Anthony Bourdain calling it “the best seafood restaurant in the country.”

 

By providencela.com

10. Saison, San Francisco, California

Saison is a high-end restaurant located in San Francisco, California, that specializes in contemporary American cuisine using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant is known for its avant-garde and experimental dishes, with a focus on highlighting the natural flavors of the ingredients.

The restaurant’s tasting menu changes frequently based on the season and availability of ingredients. Diners can expect to enjoy a multi-course meal that includes a range of dishes, including raw seafood, vegetables, meat, and desserts. The tasting menu costs $398 per person, making it one of the most expensive restaurants in the United States.

Saison has a small and intimate dining room that can seat up to 18 guests at a time. The restaurant also has a private dining room that can accommodate up to 12 guests. Due to the high demand and limited seating, reservations are required and can be made through the restaurant’s website.

Saison has received numerous accolades and awards for its exceptional cuisine and dining experience. The restaurant has been awarded three Michelin stars and has been recognized as one of the best restaurants in the world by various publications.

Some of the famous people who have praised Saison include Thomas Keller, the chef behind The French Laundry, who called it “a wonderful restaurant” with “extraordinary cuisine,” and Michael Bauer, the former restaurant critic for the San Francisco Chronicle, who named it one of the city’s “most spectacular restaurants” and praised its “inventive and flavorful dishes.”

Other notable fans of Saison include celebrity chefs such as Wolfgang Puck and Grant Achatz, who have both expressed their admiration for the restaurant’s culinary artistry.

 

By #saisonsf