The Special Occasion Restaurant Residents Highlight in Each State
When life calls for something special – an anniversary, a milestone birthday, or just a reason to dress up – every state has that one restaurant locals swear by.
These aren’t your everyday spots; they’re the places where memories get made over perfectly plated dishes and candlelit tables.
1. Alabama: Highlands Bar and Grill
Frank Stitt’s culinary masterpiece has been wowing Birmingham diners since 1982, earning national acclaim and a James Beard Award along the way.
The Southern French cuisine here transforms regional ingredients into edible art that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Expect impeccable service, an award-winning wine list, and dishes that change with the seasons. Located at 2011 11th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205.
2. Alaska: Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill
Perched above the water in Anchorage, this place serves up killer views of Cook Inlet alongside some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste. The prime rib is legendary, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything from the ocean here.
Locals book weeks ahead for window seats during sunset – trust us, it’s worth the planning. Find it at 420 L Street, Anchorage, AK 99501.
3. Arizona: Kai Restaurant
Arizona’s only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond restaurant sits on the Gila River Indian Community, blending Native American ingredients with modern techniques.
Chef Ryan Swanson crafts tasting menus that tell stories through cholla buds, tepary beans, and local game.
It’s fancy without being stuffy, and every dish feels like discovering something entirely new. You’ll find this gem at 5594 West Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, AZ 85226.
4. Arkansas: The Hive
Tucked inside the 21c Museum Hotel in Bentonville, The Hive buzzes with creative energy and Southern-inspired dishes that punch way above their weight.
Chef Matthew McClure sources from local farms, turning Arkansas ingredients into plates that could hold their own in any major food city.
The honeycomb design details are Instagram gold. Located at 200 Northeast A Street, Bentonville, AR 72712.
5. California: The French Laundry
Thomas Keller’s Yountville icon needs no introduction – it’s been the holy grail of American fine dining for decades. Scoring a reservation feels like winning the lottery, but that nine-course tasting menu is basically edible poetry that’ll ruin you for regular restaurants.
Dress codes apply, wallets beware, and memories guaranteed. The address is 6640 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599.
6. Colorado: Flagstaff House
Boulder’s most romantic restaurant clings to a mountainside 1,000 feet above the city, offering views that’ll make you forget your date’s name for a second. The contemporary American cuisine matches the scenery—bold, refined, and absolutely stunning on the plate.
Sunset reservations disappear fast for good reason. Located at 1138 Flagstaff Road, Boulder, CO 80302.
7. Connecticut: Union League Cafe
New Haven’s French brasserie has been the go-to celebration spot since 1993, serving classic bistro fare in a gorgeously restored Beaux-Arts building. Chef Jean-Pierre Vuillermet keeps things authentically French—think coq au vin, duck confit, and a soufflé that demands applause.
The wine list is formidable and very Francophile-friendly. Find them at 1032 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06510.
8. Delaware: The Back Burner
Hockessin’s hidden treasure has been quietly impressing Delaware diners for years with its seasonal American menu and seriously impressive wine cellar. Chef-owner David Twining changes the menu constantly, so every visit feels like a brand-new adventure for your palate.
The intimate space fills up quick – especially on weekends. You’ll find it at 425 Hockessin Corner, Hockessin, DE 19707.
9. Florida: Victoria & Albert’s
Disney World’s crown jewel isn’t about mouse ears – it’s about Michelin stars and a multi-course experience that rivals anything in New York or Paris. The Queen Victoria Room ups the ante with personalized menus and a level of service that borders on telepathic.
Adults only, jackets required, magic definitely included. Located at 4401 Floridian Way, Orlando, FL 32830.
10. Georgia: Bacchanalia
Atlanta’s most acclaimed restaurant has been setting the standard for Southern fine dining since 1993, when chef-owners Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison decided to blow everyone’s minds.
Their farm-to-table philosophy was revolutionary then and remains impeccable now, with ingredients from their own Summerland Farm.
Tasting menus only – surrender and enjoy. Find them at 1460 Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30318.
11. Hawaii: La Mer
Perched in the iconic Halekulani Hotel, this is Hawaii’s only Forbes Five-Star restaurant, serving French cuisine with island influences against a backdrop of Waikiki Beach.
The dress code is strict – collared shirts and long pants – but the sunset views and neoclassical French dishes make it worth digging out your fancy clothes.
Located at 2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu, HI 96815.
12. Idaho: Chandlers Steakhouse
Boise’s premier steakhouse has been the special occasion standard since 1996, dry-aging their beef in-house and grilling it to absolute perfection. Beyond the spectacular steaks, the seafood flown in fresh daily and the 10,000-bottle wine cellar keep food lovers coming back.
The downtown location makes pre-theater dinners extra convenient. You’ll find them at 981 West Grove Street, Boise, ID 83702.
13. Illinois: Alinea
Grant Achatz’s molecular gastronomy temple in Chicago consistently ranks among the world’s best restaurants, turning dinner into performance art.
Edible balloons, courses served on custom-designed serviceware, and flavors that’ll make your brain short-circuit in the best possible way – this isn’t dinner, it’s a revolution.
Book months ahead. Located at 1723 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60614.
14. Indiana: St. Elmo Steak House
Indianapolis has been celebrating at this legendary steakhouse since 1902 – yes, you read that right. The shrimp cocktail is criminally famous, with horseradish so potent it’ll clear your sinuses from across the room, and the steaks are thick, perfectly charred, and absolutely worth the splurge.
Reservations essential, appetites mandatory. Find them at 127 South Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46225.
15. Iowa: Proof Restaurant
Des Moines’ farm-to-table darling occupies a beautifully restored space downtown, where Midwestern ingredients get the gourmet treatment they deserve.
Chef Nick Thornton’s seasonal menus celebrate Iowa’s agricultural bounty with creativity and finesse that surprises first-timers who underestimate Iowa’s food scene.
The cocktail program is equally impressive. Located at 1721 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309.
16. Kansas: The Rieger
Kansas City’s beloved gastropub elevates comfort food to celebration-worthy status in a historic building with serious character.
Chef-owner Howard Hanna sources obsessively from local farms, crafting a menu that changes daily but always delivers big, bold flavors that honor the Midwest’s culinary traditions.
Weekend brunch is legendary too. You’ll find them at 1924 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64108.
17. Kentucky: Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse
Louisville’s glitziest steakhouse brings Vegas-level glamour to bourbon country, with crystal chandeliers, live piano music, and steaks that could make a vegetarian reconsider.
The seafood tower is Instagram-famous, the bourbon list is predictably excellent, and the whole experience screams special occasion from the moment you walk in.
Located at 325 West Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202.
18. Louisiana: Commander’s Palace
New Orleans’ grand dame has been the setting for celebrations since 1893, serving haute Creole cuisine in a gorgeous Victorian mansion. The jazz brunch is legendary, the 25-cent martini lunch is a dangerous tradition, and Emeril and Paul Prudhomme both got their starts here—that pedigree speaks volumes.
Jackets preferred at dinner. Find them at 1403 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130.
19. Maine: Fore Street
Portland’s rustic-chic temple to open-fire cooking has been packing the house since 1996, with chef Sam Hayward turning Maine ingredients into smoky, perfectly charred masterpieces.
The wood-fired oven and grill dominate the open kitchen, and watching your dinner get cooked over actual flames adds serious theater to the meal.
Located at 288 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101.
20. Maryland: Charleston
Baltimore’s most sophisticated dining room has been Cindy Wolf’s stage for French-influenced Low Country cuisine since 1997.
The she-crab soup is silky perfection, the service is ballet-level precise, and the whole experience feels like being transported to a Charleston mansion – minus the Maryland humidity trade-off.
Wine pairings are exceptional. You’ll find them at 1000 Lancaster Street, Baltimore, MD 21202.
21. Massachusetts: O Ya
Boston’s premier sushi temple serves omakase that’ll ruin supermarket sushi for you forever—fair warning. Chef Tim Cushman’s Japanese-influenced plates incorporate unexpected ingredients like foie gras and truffles, creating flavor combinations that somehow make perfect sense once they hit your tongue.
Intimate, expensive, and absolutely worth it. Located at 9 East Street, Boston, MA 02111.
22. Michigan: The Lark
West Michigan’s finest restaurant sits in downtown Bloomfield Hills, where chef James Rigato crafts seasonal American menus that celebrate Great Lakes ingredients with creativity and precision.
The space feels like dining in a sophisticated friend’s home—if your friend happened to be an incredibly talented chef with impeccable taste.
Find them at 6430 Farmington Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322.
23. Minnesota: Spoon and Stable
Minneapolis’ most acclaimed restaurant occupies a converted horse stable, where chef Gavin Kaysen serves French-influenced dishes that earned him national recognition.
The space mixes industrial bones with warm hospitality, and the menu changes with Minnesota’s dramatic seasons – root vegetables in winter, fresh produce when summer finally arrives.
Located at 211 North 1st Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401.
24. Mississippi: Restaurant Tyler
Columbus’ fine dining gem sits in an intimate Victorian cottage, where chef Austin Sumrall serves modern Southern cuisine that’s earned serious regional acclaim.
The tasting menus change frequently based on what’s fresh and local, and the wine pairings show serious thought and sophistication.
Reservations are limited and essential. You’ll find them at 1007 Main Street, Columbus, MS 39701.
25. Missouri: Tony’s
St. Louis has been celebrating at this Italian fine dining institution since 1946, where the Bommarito family continues to set the standard for elegance. The Northern Italian menu is classically executed, the wine cellar is legendary with over 100,000 bottles, and the service makes you feel like restaurant royalty.
Located at 410 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63102.
26. Montana: Plonk
Missoula’s wine bar and restaurant brings serious sophistication to Big Sky Country, with a globally-influenced menu and one of Montana’s most impressive wine lists.
The space feels European-cool, the small plates are perfect for sharing, and the whole vibe says special occasion without stuffiness.
Weekend reservations book fast. Find them at 322 North Higgins Avenue, Missoula, MT 59802.
27. Nebraska: The Drover
Omaha’s legendary steakhouse has been whiskey-marinating their beef since 1893—a technique that sounds weird but produces impossibly tender, flavorful steaks.
The cabin-like atmosphere feels appropriately Old West, and locals have been celebrating here for generations, passing down the tradition like a delicious family heirloom.
Located at 2121 South 73rd Street, Omaha, NE 68124.
28. Nevada: Joël Robuchon
Las Vegas’ most opulent restaurant serves the late chef’s French haute cuisine in a space that looks like a jewel box exploded – in the best way. The 16-course tasting menu is a commitment of time and wallet, but every dish demonstrates why Robuchon earned more Michelin stars than any chef in history.
Located at 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109.
29. New Hampshire: Black Trumpet
Portsmouth’s intimate bistro punches way above its small size, with chef Evan Mallett crafting globally-influenced dishes from local ingredients.
The menu changes constantly based on what’s fresh, the wine list favors natural and biodynamic bottles, and the whole experience feels like discovering a delicious secret.
Cash only – plan accordingly. You’ll find them at 29 Ceres Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801.
30. New Jersey: Nicholas Restaurant
Red Bank’s fine dining destination has been earning accolades since 1989, with chef Nicholas Harary serving contemporary American cuisine that changes with the seasons.
The tasting menus showcase impeccable technique and beautiful presentations, while the service strikes that perfect balance between attentive and unobtrusive.
Located at 160 Route 35 South, Red Bank, NJ 07701.
31. New Mexico: Geronimo
Santa Fe’s romantic gem occupies a 250-year-old adobe building, where global cuisine meets Southwestern ingredients in dishes that taste like edible art.
The candlelit dining rooms ooze historic charm, and the menu manages to feel both sophisticated and welcoming – a tricky balance that Geronimo nails.
Perfect for anniversaries and proposals. Find them at 724 Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501.
32. New York: Eleven Madison Park
Manhattan’s Art Deco palace consistently ranks among the world’s best restaurants, where chef Daniel Humm serves plant-based tasting menus that somehow make you forget about meat entirely.
The service is choreographed perfection, the space is breathtakingly beautiful, and every course tells a story about New York itself.
Located at 11 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010.
33. North Carolina: The Fearrington House
Pittsboro’s five-star restaurant sits in a picture-perfect village setting, serving contemporary American cuisine that’s earned AAA Five Diamond status.
Chef Colin Bedford’s seasonal menus highlight North Carolina ingredients with refined technique, and the whole experience feels like a special occasion from the moment you arrive at the charming property.
Located at 2000 Fearrington Village Center, Pittsboro, NC 27312.
34. North Dakota: Mezzaluna
Fargo’s upscale dining destination brings big-city sophistication to the Northern Plains, with contemporary American cuisine and an impressive wine program.
The space feels modern and elegant without being intimidating, and the seasonal menus prove that excellent ingredients and skilled cooking transcend geography – even in January when it’s negative-forty outside.
You’ll find them at 3720 13th Avenue South, Fargo, ND 58103.
35. Ohio: Orchids at Palm Court
Cincinnati’s most elegant restaurant sits inside the historic Hilton Netherland Plaza, under a stunning Art Deco ceiling that’s worth the visit alone.
Chef Todd Kelly’s contemporary American cuisine matches the glamorous setting, with dishes that look like art and taste even better than they look.
Dress codes apply. Located at 35 West 5th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
36. Oklahoma: Vast
Oklahoma City’s sky-high restaurant sits on the 49th floor of Devon Tower, serving contemporary American cuisine with panoramic views that stretch forever.
Chef Kurt Fleischfresser’s seasonal menus highlight local ingredients, and watching the sunset from this height while eating expertly prepared food is pretty much the definition of special occasion.
Find them at 333 West Sheridan Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.
37. Oregon: Le Pigeon
Le Pigeon is an intimate, James Beard–decorated restaurant on East Burnside where French-inspired tasting menus are treated like little works of art, pairing seasonal Pacific Northwest ingredients with rich sauces, creative textures, and smart wine pairings.
The cozy room, chef’s counter seating, and multi-course menus give it that special-occasion, “this is a splurge night” feel that makes it one of Oregon’s most talked-about fine dining spots.
Find it at 738 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214, United States.
38. Pennsylvania: Vetri Cucina
Philadelphia’s intimate Italian jewel box serves chef Marc Vetri’s personal take on rustic Italian cuisine, with a tasting menu that changes nightly.
The space only seats 35 people, creating an exclusive feel that’s still somehow warm and welcoming, and the handmade pastas alone are worth the splurge.
Reservations open one month ahead. You’ll find them at 1312 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
39. Rhode Island: Al Forno
Providence’s legendary Italian restaurant has been packed since 1980, when chefs Johanne Killeen and George Germon pioneered wood-fired cooking and made grilled pizza a thing.
The rustic dishes are deceptively simple but explosively flavorful, and the no-reservations policy means you might wait—but it’s absolutely worth it.
Located at 577 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02903.
40. South Carolina: Husk
Charleston’s New Southern cuisine pioneer occupies a beautiful Victorian townhouse, where the menu literally changes daily based on what’s available from local farms.
Chef Sean Brock’s obsession with heirloom ingredients and Southern culinary traditions created a restaurant that feels both innovative and deeply rooted in place.
The bourbon list is equally impressive. Find them at 76 Queen Street, Charleston, SC 29401.
41. South Dakota: The Minervas
Sioux Falls’ upscale dining destination has been the celebration spot since 1977, serving steaks, seafood, and classic American fare in an elegant setting.
The menu covers all the special occasion bases – prime rib, lobster tail, Caesar salad prepared tableside – with the kind of old-school service that never goes out of style.
Located at 301 South Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.
42. Tennessee: The Catbird Seat
Nashville’s most adventurous restaurant seats just 32 people around a U-shaped counter, where chefs prepare a multi-course tasting menu right in front of you.
The cooking style blends Southern ingredients with global techniques, creating dishes that surprise and delight in equal measure – dinner as theater, basically.
Book well ahead. You’ll find them at 1711 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203.
43. Texas: Uchi
Austin’s Japanese sensation transformed Texas dining when it opened in 2003, with chef Tyson Cole serving contemporary Japanese cuisine that’s earned national acclaim.
The sushi is pristine, the hot dishes are creative and bold, and the whole experience manages to feel both refined and distinctly Austin-casual at the same time.
Located at 801 South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78704.
44. Utah: Log Haven
Tucked in Millcreek Canyon just outside Salt Lake City, this mountain lodge restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine in a setting that’s pure Rocky Mountain romance.
The 1920s log cabin sits alongside a waterfall, and in winter with snow falling outside, it’s basically a fairytale – with exceptional food to match the scenery.
Find them at 6451 East Millcreek Canyon Road, Salt Lake City, UT 84109.
45. Vermont: The Kitchen Table Bistro
Richmond’s intimate restaurant only seats 30 people, creating an exclusive feel that’s still wonderfully unpretentious.
Chef Steve Atkins crafts French-inspired dishes from Vermont ingredients, changing the menu constantly to showcase what’s seasonal and fresh, and the whole experience feels like being invited to a really talented friend’s dinner party.
Located at 1840 West Main Street, Richmond, VT 05477.
46. Virginia: The Inn at Little Washington
This Relais & Châteaux property in tiny Washington, Virginia, is basically the pinnacle of American fine dining – Patrick O’Connell’s three-Michelin-star restaurant has been wowing guests since 1978.
The tasting menus are theatrical productions, the dining room is lavishly decorated, and the whole experience is unapologetically over-the-top in the most delightful way.
Located at 309 Middle Street, Washington, VA 22747.
47. Washington: Canlis
Seattle’s mid-century masterpiece has been the city’s premier special occasion destination since 1950, occupying a stunning building designed by Roland Terry.
The Canlis family’s commitment to gracious hospitality and Pacific Northwest ingredients creates an experience that feels both timeless and contemporary, with views of Lake Union that never get old.
You’ll find them at 2576 Aurora Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109.
48. West Virginia: Laury’s Restaurant
Charleston’s fine dining institution has been the celebration spot since 1933, serving steaks, seafood, and classic American fare with old-school elegance.
The space feels like stepping back to when dinner out was always an occasion, and the menu covers all the greatest hits—filet mignon, lobster, Caesar salad—executed with consistency that comes from decades of practice.
Located at 350 MacCorkle Avenue Southeast, Charleston, WV 25314.
49. Wisconsin: Sanford Restaurant
Milwaukee’s most acclaimed restaurant has been chef Sandy D’Amato’s stage since 1989, serving contemporary American cuisine that’s earned the restaurant national recognition.
The seasonal menus showcase Wisconsin’s agricultural bounty – cheese, obviously, but also amazing produce and proteins – with refined technique that proves the Midwest can absolutely hang with coastal fine dining.
Find them at 1547 North Jackson Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
50. Wyoming: The Gun Barrel Steak & Game House
Jackson Hole’s premier steakhouse serves wild game alongside prime beef, with a rustic-elegant atmosphere that perfectly captures Wyoming’s upscale ranch vibe.
The elk, bison, and antelope dishes let you taste the region, while the extensive wine list and impeccable service elevate the whole experience beyond typical Western steakhouse territory.
Located at 862 West Broadway, Jackson, WY 83001.
