We go out to eat for every meal, splurge on appetizers and desserts, and get more adventurous with our orders. Going out to eat on vacation is the best. Especially when you find the best restaurants. And you can’t beat having a trust-worthy recommendation when you are in a new city.
From pizza to pasta to BBQ and seafood, these restaurants knocked it out of the park. They are all restaurants that I recommend and, when talking about, immediately crave. If you are heading to any of these cities, make sure to check them out.
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Washington
Bruciato—Pizza
We’ll start with pizza because everyyybody loves pizza. Especially wood-fired pizza at hip, new-age restaurants. You know, the thin pizza that still has a puffy crust with out-of-the-box toppings like sunny-side-up eggs or honey or potatoes. Plus, they include that slight fire taste full of flavor. Know what I’m talking about? This place does it right. Their pizzas are cooked to perfection and their ambiance is there to match. High ceilings. Exposed wood planks. Rustic, clean colors.
A quick 30-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle (don’t let that deter you, it’s such a fun experience) will have you at an authentic Italian restaurant full of fresh ingredients. You can’t go wrong with their menu. And a finishing touch? Use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut your pizza. Which means you can make the pieces as big as you want!
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota
Young Joni—Pizza
Let’s keep the pizza train rolling. We’re moving over to the Midwest in an unassuming spot in Northeast called Young Joni. The dark ambiance is sophisticated and warm. It has a bit of an upscale feel, though still welcoming and laid-back. A wide range of ingredients are used for their wood-fired pizzas, but it doesn’t stop there. This award-winning menu goes deeper with Korean beef short ribs, Japanese sweet potatoes, plus chicken wings and cauliflower—with a twist.
Whether you sit at a communal table, one for yourselves, at the bar, or in their back bar speakeasy, your experience will not disappoint. Certainly, order a pizza, but make sure to get adventurous and order a few extra small plates to enjoy a culinary masterpiece! Oh, and tip: on their dessert menu, they have what’s called a “Church Plate,” complete with tiny desserts, including chocolate chip cookies and a mini glass of milk!
CHICAGO, Illinois
Volare Ristorante Italiano—Pasta
Okay, so when the topic of “best pizza” comes up—Chicago does it best. Hands down. Sorry, Seattle, Minneapolis, and even you NYC. But that’s just how it is. That said, I’m going to shift gears here because Chicago not only does pizza well (Lou Malnati’s wins if you need an answer), it does FOOD well.
My #1 restaurant in the Windy City is Volare Ristorante Italiano, located downtown on Grand Ave. It’s a few blocks removed from all of the chaos of the Magnificent Mile and you may not find it by simply Googling “places to eat in Chicago.” But trust me. This Italian restaurant is old school, authentic, and the place to be for pasta. There is no formal dress code but you’ll receive formal service in a sophisticated space—without the pretentious feel. Choose from an extensive wine list, pick your favorite pasta, and don’t skip dessert. Volare introduced me to Linguine Arselle e Bottaraga—linguine sautéed with clams in olive oil and garlic, and now it’s my go-to pasta order. ButI have yet to try one as rich and savory as theirs…
SEDONA, Arizona
Elote Café—Mexican
Unlike Volare, which flies more under the radar, Elote Café is going to come up in every single Sedona restaurant article you read. And it’s well deserved because it’s the best restaurant in the city. Home to Mexican and American Southwest-inspired cuisine, this restaurant has a line out the door every single day. And their dishes will stick with you for a long time. Seasonal, locally-grown ingredients. Fresh guacamole. The finest tequilas. Is there anything else you really need? One more thing actually—brisket enchiladas. You don’t even know how much you need those.
Note: I was at their old location and they have since been closed to move spots! They are scheduled to open this spring. And I won’t be surprised to see a line out the door no matter where they are located. If it’s not open by the time you are there, read Where to Eat in Sedona.
AUSTIN, Texas
Leroy and Lewis–BBQ
Austin might be known for its to-die-for tacos, and that’s all warranted. But their other claim to fame: BBQ. And while there might be restaurants in the area that get all the hype and rave reviews, you can save yourself the two-hour wait and make your way to Leroy and Lewis, a food truck on South Congress.
You know when you take a bite of something and immediately know it’s out of this world? Like you barely need to chew before you are already looking forward to the next bite? Well, this locally sourced, smoked, juicy meat is that. Every single bite. You have to get the beef cheeks and the rest of the creative and tasty sides are your call. And just to come full circle here, you can get a taco. As a side.
NASHVILLE, Tennessee
Hatti B’s—Hot Chicken
Hot chicken! Can’t come to Nashville and leave without it. And Hatti B’s is the place to get it. Mild to spicy crispy chicken. Classic southern sides. And a laid-back taste of Nashville. It’s a crowded place where you will very likely stand in line and wait to order at the counter before sitting down at a picnic table with your number. I’ll admit this place is a bit touristy, but the chicken is awesome. Tip: Skip breakfast and get here at about 10:30AM on a weekday. You should be one of the first few in line and once it opens at 11:00AM, things will move quickly.
BOSTON, Massachusetts
Legal Sea Foods—Lobster Rolls
My mouth salivates the moment I start thinking about this place. Fresh lobster. Buttery bread. A slight crunch. You can’t spend time in Boston without a lobster roll. And don’t forget a cup of New England Clam Chowder to go with it. Both of these Boston-staples from Legal Sea Foods will satisfy the craving that started on your way east. I’m not one to recommend a chain (there are 30+ locations across the east coast) but this one does it right and was confirmed to be high on the list from a Boston local.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Barcelona Wine Bar—Tapas
Wine and tapas. You shouldn’t stay away! By bringing together Mediterranean, Spanish, and South American influences, their tapas are unique, delicious and erupt with flavor. The inside is modern yet rustic with beautiful wood interior and a dim ambiance. The courtyard is full of fresh flowers and plants, string lights, and standing heat lamps where you can enjoy the outdoors while sipping a glass of red. Located on 14th Street in Logan Circle, make your way over for a great dining experience!
MAUI, Hawaii
Paia Coffee Bar—Acai Bowls
This small, tropical garden seating café bar in Maui is a hidden oasis and the perfect jumpstart to any morning—or evening! Fresh, local ingredients are offered in the form of the best breakfast bowls you can find. Their acai bowls and yogurt bowls, paired with a strong cup of coffee, give you the energy for an adventure-filled day in Maui. And your mood is set right by their adorable atmosphere that makes you feel as if you’re in the jungle with all your artsy, surfer, and yoga friends. Who wouldn’t love a spot that sells specialty coffee by morning and hand-crafted cocktails by night? I wish I could be considered a regular. Let the food bring you in and the atmosphere keep you!
Maui food is exceptional. Read more in Where to Eat in Maui.
Finding the best restaurants isn’t easy.
So take it from me. Any place on my Best Restaurants list is going to leave you full, happy, and telling the next person all about it!
