I love food, and I love trying new restaurants, especially when I’m traveling to a different town or city. I’m the girl who will read different restaurant reviews and check out the menus before I go. I just enjoy good food, whether it’s a small dive, a local joint, or fancy restaurant. Good food is good food and when you combine it with a unique and interesting atmosphere, it makes dining an incredible experience. In no particular order, here are my recommendations for must-try restaurants around the U.S. From Sonoma, California to San Antonio, Texas to Lewisburg, West Virginia, if you find yourself in one of these locations, make sure to add it to your to-do list. Bon appetit!
- CHARLESTON, South Carolina: Josephine – We stumbled on this restaurant during a stay in Charleston, SC in 2018. Recently opened then, we found this restaurant to be a highlight of our week. The decor is beautiful, chic, and absolutely charming, but the food is fantastic. With an ever changing menu designed around the locally available ingredients, the innovative starters or mains are absolutely delicious. Although it was originally described as a wine bar, it’s an incredible bistro that has everything from a wide ranging wine menu to innovative craft cocktails to delectable starters and savory main dishes. In a city that is renown for its food, it is hard to stand out, but Josephine does just that.
- CHARLESTON, South Carolina: Chubby Fish – Do you like seafood? If so, this is a must. Using local sustainable seafood and produce, it’s a self-described chef-driven seafood concept that focuses on low country cuisine. That translates to amazing food. Since its opening in 2018, it’s received tons of accolades, to include Bon Appetit’s Top 50 Best New Restaurants in 2019. It’s comfortable, it’s welcoming, but best of all, the food is absolutely delicious.
- LEWISBURG, West Virginia: French Goat – Nestled in the adorable town of Lewisburg, WV, this lovely French restaurant offers delectable food, a great wine selection, and friendly WV service. Always busy but never overcrowded, whether you are a local or just visiting, they welcome you as if you’re a regular. Always offering special event dinners, you can come for dinner or try their brunch on Sundays, and you won’t be disappointed. Their chic but not overdone decor is refreshing yet simple, but their food is what makes this restaurant a mainstay in Lewisburg.
- WASHINGTON, Virginia: Inn at Little Washington – This is a once in a lifetime kind of restaurant. It’s a 3 star Michelin restaurant in the small town of Washington, Virginia. From the moment you arrive, you are greeted like royalty. Starting with the valet, to the front desk, to the multiple servers you have and the personalized menu, your dining experience is like no other. Each course is a work of art, and it tastes as perfect as it looks. Life is about experiences, and this is one to enjoy and cherish. Book a reservation VERY early (possibly months early if you want a certain day or time) and plan to spend A LOT of money. You come here for the experience, so dress up, come hungry, and savor every morsel. Ensure you get a kitchen tour after dinner to round out your night.
- SOUTHERN PINES, North Carolina: Ashten’s – Always a favorite of mine since the first time I ate there in 2013, this restaurant is a great place to dine while in Southern Pines, North Carolina. If you’re a golf fan and find yourself at the nearby Pinehurst Resort, make sure to book a reservation at this restaurant for a great meal. With locally sourced ingredients, the menu is fresh, locally inspired, and delicious. A must-try is the Reuben egg rolls off the Pub menu. They are to die for and not to be missed. Enjoy a lovely meal in this adorable town.
- RALEIGH, North Carolina: Irregardless Cafe, This unassuming restaurant is a surprise. Described as a restaurant for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike, there is something for everyone here. Since its opening in 1975, Irregardless has been a local favorite with its fresh from the farm innovative meals. Before “farm to table” restaurants were a thing, Irregardless was doing it with perfection. Its cool and casual vibes bring a warmth to the atmosphere, but it’s their food that truly shines. If you’re in the area, make sure to book a dinner here for a fun and relaxed evening.
- SONOMA, California: St. Francis Winery – Although this place is not your traditional restaurant, it’s definitely worthy of a recommendation. If you’re in the Napa/Sonoma area, book a reservation for this multi-course food and wine pairing. Offered at 11am, 1pm, or 3pm, you will not leave hungry. Every course you have has been perfectly paired with a gorgeous wine. The menu is constantly changing and is top notch in every respect. If you’re a wine and food lover, this is a must-try experience. You’ll enjoy the education you receive on the wine while you savor the delicious morsels of food. We loved the wine and food so much, we became wine club members. Book your reservations early!
- SAN ANTONIO, Texas: Cured – For those that think of San Antonio, Texas, you may only think of BBQ or TexMex, but Cured is changing that mentality and making the city a foodie hot spot. This is a must-try restaurant in the lively and vibrant Pearl District. Cured has remained a mainstay since its opening in 2013. As you walk in, you’re welcomed with a larger than life charcuterie case, which of course means that you need to order a charcuterie plate. However, don’t stop there. Their deliciously crafted cocktails and scrumptious main courses fit perfectly in this authentic, chic, farm-to-table restaurant. It’s a great restaurant to swing in for a cocktail during happy hour or reserve a table for a special occasion on a busy Saturday night. The service is impeccable as well, and with more and more restaurants popping up in this city, Cured has remained at the top of its game. You will leave dinner happier than when you came.
- AUSTIN, Texas: Uchi – In a city known for its food scene, Uchi stands alone, and not just because it’s a Japanese restaurant. Uchi is an innovative modern take on Japanese food that will either make you love Japanese food or confirm your already devoted following to the cuisine. Located in an adorably refurbished bungalow, this restaurant is a prime example of the diversity of cuisine you can find in Austin, Texas. It focuses on sustainability and combines traditional Japanese methods with innovative techniques. Truly a must-try while you’re in Austin.
- OXFORD, Mississippi: City Grocery – During a work trip in Oxford, City Grocery was the number one recommendation I received for places to eat. When I asked what they recommended, as I often do at new places, my server suggested the shrimp and grits. I thought to myself, well, when in Mississippi… and my culinary experiences have never been the same. The shrimp and grits were to die for, and I immediately developed a love for the famous Southern dish, and it has set the bar for others to fail, unfortunately. Located in the middle of this small but really cute college town (home to Ole Miss University), this two-story old building with exposed brick, white linens, and old wood plank floors, offers a charming and authentic experience. City Grocery put this small town on the culinary map and paved the way for other restaurants to blossom here. If you’re new to shrimp and grits, ask for the lunch portion (no matter what time of day), and you will thank me. Make sure to try the Food Group’s other restaurants, Snackbar, Boure, and Big Bad Breakfast.
