Nashville, TN: Catbird 2.0 is Nashville’s best restaurant, and somehow even better than the original. Go if you like new flavors in wild combinations, and the idea of Disneyland for food nerds.

Los Angeles, CA: The most expensive restaurant in LA is also one of the very best. Go if you like meticulously prepared seafood, trompe l'oeils, El Bulli, and flying across the world for a fine dining experience.

Washington DC: From the chef behind our highest-rated NYC restaurant, Dōgon is worth every bit of hype. Go if you like Tatiana, dressing up a little, and rooms that feel like planetariums.

Miami, FL: Miami’s ambassador of Ecuadorian flavors and the world’s strongest advocate for plantains. Go if you like banana lamps, tropical fruit-infused sauces, Edan Bistro, Manu Chao, and plantain in all its sweet, salty, and crunchy forms.

Philadelphia, PA: A lamb (and duck and foie) destination restaurant. Go if you like Zahav, mood lighting, aleppo honey, garlicky tahina, and red meat of all kinds (even in your drinks).

New York, NY: A New England restaurant that’s less seaside cottage, more sexy submarine. Go if you like Penny, Claud, and freaky fish. You won’t find plain raw oysters on this menu.

Austin, TX: Classic Texas barbecue gets the Cajun treatment. Go if you like Texas barbecue that’s a little different. Or if you just really like Louisiana boudin and smoked ham.

San Francisco, CA: Verjus rises again, with freaky good small plates and a flawless pain perdu. Go if you like L’Ardoise, impressing someone you hope likes you back, $25 glasses of wine, and flattering lighting.

Chicago, IL: A new favorite tavern-style pizza, served in an old-school space. Go if you like Kendrick Lamar soundtracks paired with checkered floors and “leave the gun, take the cannoli” energy.

Atlanta, GA: Madre Selva has a no-skips menu, a ceviche bar, and year-round summer energy. Go if you like seafood in a space that feels beachy, no matter the season.

Seattle, WA: These Detroit-style pan pies show off Seattle’s thriving pizza scene. Go if you like right angles, gooey cheese, and caramelized edges.

Houston, TX: This diner pulls off stunty mash-ups like crab rangoon nachos in a loud, lively room. Go if you like Chinese takeout from the ’90s, with cocktails.