Stunning surroundings make a meal even more enjoyable, whether you're dining in a restaurant steeped in history, a chic, modern space, or a joint with a gorgeous view. The US has more than its fair share of wow-factor restaurants – and here, we’ve rounded up the best ones in every state.
Click or scroll through our gallery to discover the most beautiful restaurant near you.
Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.
It’s the floor-to-ceiling windows and incredible views across Mobile Bay that give this restaurant – housed in a skyscraper – the wow-factor. The chef’s table at Dauphin’s (pictured) particularly benefits from some beautiful vistas, while the rest of the restaurant is stylishly decorated, with cool blue tones, rich fabrics, abstract artwork, and crisp white tablecloths. There’s also a slick wood-paneled lounge bar area where you can enjoy a drink after you’ve feasted on the menu of Southern-influenced seafood and steaks.
Part of the Alyeska Resort, Seven Glaciers is named after the seven stunning ice formations that can be seen from this mountaintop restaurant. But it's not just the views here that are beautiful; the inside of the restaurant is lovely too, set inside a charming wood cabin with chic decor and glossy wood-paneled walls. The restaurant is accessed via tram, and the journey is well worth it for the delicious four-course fine-dining set menu and award-winning wine collection.
Colorful flowers, ornate fountains, intricate mosaic tiling, outdoor fireplaces, and string lights surround diners at Lon’s, part of the boutique Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley. The menu uses the region’s freshest ingredients in dishes such as Himalayan salt–seared ahi tuna, served with cilantro, pickled onion, and ceviche sauce (a fan favorite). There’s also private dining available in the atmospheric wine cellar, complete with 19th-century Chicago brick, reclaimed beams, and trusses.
Housed in a converted church, The Preacher’s Son is simply stunning, with exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and stained-glass windows. The light, airy restaurant also has striking artwork displayed on its white walls, and there's an impressive-looking bar built into a massive alcove complete with gold-painted brickwork. The pièce de résistance is the jaw-dropping installation of 288 gold bells hanging from the roof of the former bell tower.
The Marine Room has been wowing guests with its elegant dining room and amazing sea views since 1941. At high tide, the water comes so close to the restaurant's huge picture windows that it can feel like you're dining on a glamorous cruise ship. The seafood-driven menu perfectly complements the views, which are glorious at any time of day – but especially at sunset. There's also a lounge area serving cocktails and small plates.
Dining here is a very special experience indeed. Located 6,000 feet high in the Rocky Mountains, Flagstaff House not only offers breathtaking views, but it’s also decorated beautifully, with calming neutral tones and elegant table settings. The restaurant serves New American cuisine, focusing on the region’s rich ingredients. Highlights include Maine lobster with pecorino risotto, and Colorado lamb rack.
There are many elements that make this British-style pub beautiful, from the flower-filled patio overlooking a bubbling stream to the cozy, romantic interior, complete with wooden beams, historic artifacts, and roaring open fireplaces. The building itself features gorgeous stonework and curved wooden doors, making it look like something out of a fairy tale. The restaurant serves a wide breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menu of traditional dishes with a modern twist.
French brasserie Le Cavalier in Wilmington’s Hotel Du Pont first opened the early 20th century – and it exudes historic splendor, with a few modern touches. Think oak paneling, gilded Spanish chandeliers, plush velvet banquette seating, a stunning, ornate ceiling, and beautiful original terrazzo flooring, plus a striking marble bar, all of which make for a glamorous dining experience.
Florida’s oldest restaurant, Columbia, is also its most beautiful, with gorgeous artwork on the walls, pretty fountains, sculptures, mosaic tiling, arched windows, and stained glass. It opened as a small café in 1905 and is still run by the same family, although now it’s grown into a restaurant stretching along the whole block. It’s a popular spot thanks to its Spanish-Cuban menu, impressive flamenco shows, and great service.
Tucked away on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, Canoe is the perfect spot to swing by if you want to really feel like you’re getting away from it all. With a beautiful riverside location, the restaurant is surrounded by colorful gardens, for alfresco dining with a view. Inside is equally striking; the decor combines impressive ironwork, exposed brick walls, and a wooden ceiling, creating a casually elegant atmosphere.
Restaurant locations don't get more paradisiacal than Mama’s Fish House, on Maui’s North Shore. Located right on the sandy, palm-tree strewn beach, this family-owned seafood joint boasts intricate local woodwork, tropical flower displays, and the most amazing views out across the ocean. Diners say sitting back with a colorful cocktail and soaking up the atmosphere while traditional Hawaiian music plays in the background is the best experience in the world.
Barbacoa says it’s more than just a restaurant – it's a 'museum and art gallery promising to stimulate your senses’ while you dine on a menu influenced by the flavors of Mexico, Spain, and the Caribbean. Its interiors are just as eclectic, with a variety of prints, colors, textures, and artifacts all coming together to create some serious wow-factor. There are also amazing views of the Boise Valley from the patio area and rooftop bar.
Lanterns, flower garlands, lush greenery, mosaic tiling, and Persian rugs come together as the perfect backdrop at this Middle Eastern restaurant, which serves great food and craft cocktails. One side of the restaurant is glass, providing a stunning view of the river, and adding to the light and airy feel of this Bohemian-style eatery.
Set in the basement of Greenfield’s historic library, candlelit Carnegie boasts original carved wooden features, with classic artwork on the walls. It’s the actual building that stands out as beautiful, though, with a grand entrance flanked by pillars, huge statement windows, and original stonework. The restaurant also has a patio area, and serves a menu of steaks, seafood, and dishes with Northern Italian flair.
Housed in the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines – and named after the hotel’s original architects, Proudfoot and Bird, who designed the hotel in 1919 – this restaurant exudes glamour. Adorned with marble staircases, intricate gold ceiling inlays, and a grand circular bar, it’s full of the splendor of yesteryear. The menu is equally classy, with dishes including Maine lobster risotto, and butternut squash ragù.
This sophisticated, contemporary restaurant is sleek and beautiful, with frosted glass panels, pretty lighting, and a stunning bar area. There’s also a flower-filled patio for alfresco dining. The menu (from James Beard semifinalist chef Carl Thorne-Thomsen) has the wow-factor too, with delicious dishes including house-made ravioli with parsnips, braised pork, arugula, and pecorino romano.
The manor house that is now home to the Merrick Inn restaurant was built before the Civil War. Now its historical grandeur is reflected in its impressive staircase, roaring fireplaces, artwork, and glittering chandeliers. It’s a cozy, charming spot serving Southern cuisine, with menu highlights including fried chicken, crab cakes, and fried green tomatoes.
This restaurant, located in New Orleans’ French Quarter, stands out thanks to its pink façade – but it’s the inside that really wows. There’s a striking green and pink color scheme, with trellises on the walls framing stunning painted murals inspired by 19th-century parade floats. One side of the restaurant features a glass wall overlooking a lush courtyard, which is an equally beautiful spot to enjoy the Creole-inspired menu.
Located inside a renovated 19th-century grist mill, The Lost Kitchen can be found in Freedom – chef and founder Erin French's hometown. Open from spring until the end of the year, the restaurant is a gorgeous space, with wooden tables made from reclaimed barn boards, and an open kitchen where the chef and her team create an ever-changing tasting menu based on locally sourced produce. The setting, with the building accessed via a bridge that crosses a babbling brook, is magical.
This stunning Latin-American restaurant is found inside Baltimore’s Four Seasons Hotel, and boasts beautiful stone architecture, wood and marble furniture, and lush greenery throughout. Tall archways are decorated with traditional plates, while bright tiling adds pops of color in both the restaurant and bar area. Maximón also has a delightful Spanish-style courtyard, featuring fountains, an outdoor bar, and Inner Harbor views.
Resplendent in pink, Ladyfinger’s Tea Lounge has customers clamoring to sample its famous afternoon tea and pose for pictures. You must book well in advance, but it’s more than worth it for the delicious finger sandwiches and sweet treats, tea served in fine china cups, pink velvet seating, Elizabethan portraits and gilt mirrors on the walls, and Art Deco chandeliers.
This historic red brick building dates back to 1891 – and it's one of Detroit’s most beautiful spaces, with impressive panoramic views of Downtown. Here, industrial-style touches like exposed brick walls and pipework, and a shiny, metallic ceiling are combined with vintage glamor (think sparkling chandeliers, bold murals, and red leather banquette seating). It’s a popular joint serving a menu of innovative sharing plates.
A chic venue with stunning views across to Loring Park, Lurcat’s decor is incredibly elegant, with a navy and gold ceiling, classic checkered flooring, white leather seating, and glamorous chandeliers. It’s so beautiful that couples often book out the restaurant for weddings. Aside from the gorgeous surroundings, Lurcat’s menu is special too, featuring dishes such as Korean barbecue salmon, smoked duck leg, and poached oysters.
Established in 1936, Giardina’s is timelessly beautiful – with classic decor, white tablecloths, and doors leading out to a pretty patio. As well as the stunning main dining room, there are several private, curtained-off dining booths, which are perfect for a quiet, romantic meal. The restaurant serves steaks, seafood, pasta, and regular chef’s specials.
Part of Big Cedar Lodge’s Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve, Osage Restaurant has a breathtaking setting on a bluff overlooking the mountains and Table Rock Lake, plus rustically elegant decor. Chunky wooden tables surround a cylindrical fireplace, which forms the glowing heart of the circular room, while artwork decorates the walls. Huge windows bring the outside in, with the views especially spectacular at sunset. The chef’s signature lobster mac ‘n’ cheese is a must-try.
With beautiful views of Yellowstone River and Paradise Valley, the Grill at Sage Lodge resort is a stunning spot to enjoy a meal. Huge windows showcase the landscape, while dark wood and earthy tones provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxed meal. Menu highlights include grilled half chicken with garlic mashed potatoes, and Thai pork pasta.
Housed in a converted boiler room in the Bemis Bag building, built in 1896, The Boiler Room restaurant is industrial chic at its finest. Exposed brick walls, steel staircases, pipework on display, and bright artwork all come together to create a stunning effect. Ask for a table on the mezzanine overlooking the open kitchen for a memorable evening – and dine on dishes such as yellowfin tuna crudo and pan-roasted pork shoulder.
A gorgeous fire pit, vintage Italian-style murals, and colorful flowers greet you on arrival at Bottiglia – and the beauty continues inside. The light and airy space, overlooking the Las Vegas desert, features pink and floral-print chairs, a chic tiled floor, and stunning light fixtures. The house special, pappardelle Bolognese with braised short ribs, truffle ricotta, and piquillo pepper gravy, is a must-try.
The Orchard Grille is part of Applecrest Farm – so you can expect dishes made from the freshest ingredients, as well as stunning views across the surrounding fields. Inside, the dining room is full of rustic charm, while outside there's a sprawling patio looking out across the lush countryside. It serves brunch, lunch, and dinner menus including burgers, pizzas, and sandwiches.
Located on the Hudson River, Chart House boasts unrivaled views of the glittering New York City skyline across the water. Aside from the panoramic views out of its enormous windows, this slick seafood restaurant is decorated in chic, cool tones, and has a glamorous tiled bar, with stunning pink-and-white striped bar stools providing a focal point.
This stylish, warm, incredibly chic James Beard award–winning Mexican restaurant is the most calming, beautiful place to grab a bite to eat. Bathed in earthy tones, with portraits of Frida Kahlo on the walls, Sazón also has several stunning ceramic pieces and sculptures on display, creating a rather special dining room. The chef’s tasting menu comes highly recommended.
This Greenwich Village stalwart is set in a historical carriage house, and it’s easy to see why it’s often voted the most romantic restaurant in New York City. Diners are bathed in candlelight with impressive chandeliers hanging overhead, creating a truly special atmosphere. The sumptuous surrounds include navy leather seating, exposed brick walls, a beautiful stained-glass feature window, and stunning flower displays.
As well as sampling the award-winning wines on offer at the JOLO Winery & Vineyards, you can also dine at the on-site restaurant, which serves a lunch, dinner, and snack menu. Diners can soak up both the stunning surrounding views and the cozy, charming ambience of the dining room, which features beautiful stonework and wood paneling, classy navy velvet seating, and huge chandeliers.
Based in a historical building built in 1917, Mezzaluna's decor combines original features with modern touches, giving the restaurant a chic yet relaxed atmosphere. There are high-backed booths, a calming neutral color scheme, industrial elements such as exposed pipes, beautiful artwork, and a glamorous horseshoe-shaped bar, as well as a delicious menu featuring dishes such as shrimp fettucine, and duck breast with five-spice carrot purée.
This upscale Italian restaurant looks like something out of a fairy tale. The wooden-fronted building is surrounded by pretty flowers, shrubs, trees, lanterns, and the gorgeous scenery of the vineyard itself. Inside is just as impressive, with sweeping wrought-iron staircases, high ceilings, chandeliers, and open fireplaces. Top menu choices include the prosciutto fig pizza and the Parmesan risotto.
This restaurant was once an active railcar on the Kansas City Southern Line, and it was known as the ‘sweetheart of American trains’ during its 1940-1969 service. Oozing 1940s elegance, it features a beautifully restored dark wood and tiled ceiling, and there are historical photographs on the walls. It may not have a fancy menu – think burgers, salads, and fried chicken – but dining in the Southern Belle is a special experience, nonetheless.
Part of a hotel resort, this restaurant makes the most of its location overlooking the sandy shores of Cannon Beach. Huge arched windows provide glorious vistas, giving diners a wonderful backdrop while they enjoy dishes such as Dungeness crab salad and marinated rack of lamb. The Dining Room itself is calm and cozy, with a relaxing atmosphere, comfortable seating, and a beautiful domed wooden ceiling.
With huge windows overlooking a cascading waterfall known as Paupack Falls, diners love to gaze out at the bubbling mountain waters from this gorgeous eatery in Hawley. Part of the historic Ledges Hotel, which dates to the 1890s, the restaurant is all clean, modern lines, with chic gray padded chairs and booth seating. There’s also a stunning neon-lit bar with exposed ceiling beams, and armchair seating perfect for a relaxed after-dinner drink.
Perched on a bluff jutting out over Mount Hope Bay, the Boat House has a wraparound terrace, as well as rows of picture windows from which diners can enjoy the stunning scenery. The rest of the decor is sleek, chic, and simple, combining with the vistas to make a beautiful dining spot. The menu focuses on seafood – with popular dishes including chargrilled swordfish with a white bean ragù, and pan-roasted cod.
Part of Charleston’s iconic Wentworth Manor, Circa 1886 is set in the original carriage house – and it retains plenty of historic charm, coupled with fresh, modern touches. Beautifully restored, the restaurant features the original windows, doors, and wood paneling, with a calming palate of neutrals throughout. It’s a fine-dining place where locals come to celebrate special occasions, enjoying dishes such as lobster risotto, and peanut butter and banana gateau.
Farm-to-table restaurant Parker’s is a real gem in historic Downtown Sioux Falls. The beautiful space features ornate windows at the entrance, with dark blue walls adding to the cozy vibes. Further into the restaurant, you’ll find exposed brick walls, picture windows, plush green velvet banquette seating, and huge windows, all of which come together to bring the wow-factor.
This gorgeous light-filled space is beautifully designed, with glossy white tiling, gleaming wood tables, touches of marble, high ceilings, black-and-white photos on the walls, and pendulum lighting. It’s chic and sleek, and the perfect backdrop to the meat-heavy menu (which also features craft tacos and killer Margarita cocktails). There’s also a large, very pretty patio area.
Located on the historic Commodore Perry Estate, Lutie’s brings the concept of outdoor/indoor living to life. The decor is a sea of lush greens, with a plant-filled ceiling interspersed with globe lights and sparkling chandeliers, green floral banquette seating, and embossed wallpaper. The greenery also spills out onto the chic patio area overlooking the estate’s beautiful gardens. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the menu of innovative small plates and tasty cocktails.
La Caille is part of a 20-acre estate complete with beautiful gardens and a vineyard. The restaurant opened in 1975 and is reminiscent of a stunning French chateau, with four charming 18th-century themed dining rooms, featuring open fireplaces, stone flooring, intricate woodwork, and plush furniture. There’s also a gorgeous glass atrium used for private events and weddings. It serves a French-inspired menu filled with dishes such as bouillabaisse, spiced duck breast, and beef Bourguignon.
The Mill at Simon Pearce is tucked inside a 19th-century wool mill that’s also home to a glass and pottery workshop – and the dining rooms certainly display an artist’s touch. Exposed brick, lofty ceilings, and arched windows are complemented by polished floors, warm wooden furniture, potted plants, and pieces of glass art. The most spectacular part, though, is the mill’s dramatic perch above Ottauquechee River’s waterfall.
This retro diner is the perfect example of classic Americana done right. The beautiful pink building exudes nostalgia, from the pink Cadillac parked outside to the checkered flooring and baby-blue leather seating – not to mention the jukebox and walls filled with memorabilia. It’s the perfect spot to step back into the 1950s and enjoy a hamburger, fries, and milkshake.
This beautiful brasserie oozes art-deco style glamour, with huge, curved windows, a mirrored ceiling, striking light fittings, abstract artwork, and tiled flooring. The restaurant opened in 1924 – and while it retains some original features, it's been given a modern overhaul in more recent years. It serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with standout dishes including the signature carbonara with salmon roe and crab.
Located in a former railroad depot, Laury’s has been renovated into a beautiful restaurant with views of Downtown Charleston and the Kanawha River. Intricately carved wood-paneled booths provide cozy dining spaces, while glittering chandeliers and gilt mirrors add glamour to the room. A restaurant since 1979, the contemporary American menu includes classic dishes such as crab cakes, rack of lamb, and steak Diane.
Overlooking Lake Michigan, this place boasts great views as well as stunning modern interiors. While dining on dishes such as scallops with peanut fried black rice and filet mignon, customers can enjoy sleek decor including brown leather banquette seating, tables draped with white tablecloths, a striking wine wall, and a marble-topped bar. There’s also a beautiful, light-filled conservatory, which can be hired out for special occasions.
Set in a beautiful log cabin, Snake River Grill combines elegant touches with a relaxed, cozy feel. The pretty deck area, complete with white tablecloths and umbrellas, has incredible views of the river, while inside you’ll find a candlelit restaurant with huge mirrors, wood paneling, and a shiny oak bar. The restaurant has several 2024 James Beard nominations under its belt, and offers a classy menu featuring dishes such as steak tartare pizza with garlic aioli, and Atlantic halibut with eggplant yogurt.
Now discover America's bucket-list food experiences, state by state