Summer is well and truly upon us and the new season has brought with it a fresh crop of restaurants to try. From chic bistros in Miami to Italian spots in Minneapolis, we bring you the best new dining options for the summer.

Vegetables are the star of the show at this French-influenced restaurant in Manhattan's Midtown neighbourhood, opened in May. The "vegetable-driven" menu is the work of Michelin-starred chef Alain Verzeroli, and the venue itself is described as an "indoor garden", with huge windows and oodles of plants. Plates are fresh and thoughtful, with combinations including melon, burrata, figs and almonds, or lobster with cherry-smoked potatoes and coralline bisque.

With its offering described as "seafood and sushi with a Latin beat", Shark is the brainchild of celebrity chef Bobby Flay. Opened in April, it enjoys a sought-after location in Vegas' Palms Casino Resort and comes complete with a famed artwork by Damien Hirst, featuring a bull shark split over three tanks. Menu highlights include the made-to order purple-corn tacos with beef or fish, and the whole-grilled lobster with basil, garlic and red-chilli butter.

A long-awaited new arrival, Santa Monica's Birdie G's opened at the end of June to much applause. Cleveland-born chef Jeremy Fox is committed to bringing a taste of the Midwest to California, while making the most of the Golden State's bounty of high-quality produce. And it's going down well so far. Try the Texas toast with Santa Barbara sea urchin (when available) or tuck into mains such as the spicy tripe and chickpea stew.

Tipped to open in early August, this Philly venue will be the latest from Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The sleek spot will sit on the 59th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia and vast windows will grant diners impressive city panoramas. Few details about the menu have been revealed just yet, but it's sure to match the quality of the lauded chef's other offerings: his existing restaurants range from fine steakhouses to venues serving modern American, farm-to-table cuisine.

Tongues were setting wagging when James Beard Award-winning chef Zach Engel broke the news that he would be opening a Middle Eastern restaurant in Chicago this year. And, since its opening in early April, the place has very much lived up to the hype. Diners can see dishes prepared before their eyes in the open kitchen, and can feast on delicacies such as hummus with brisket, smoky cinnamon and braised carrots, or punchy shakshuka with coal-roasted sweet potatoes.

Dubbed a "wood-fired American bistro", this new spot in Miami's Design District offers elevated versions of comforting US classics. Opened in May, it's the vision of Brad Kilgore, who already boasts numerous revered restaurants in the city, including Japanese-influenced Kaido. His latest concept serves a warming menu with favourites including Kilgore's "fire-roasted" lasagne with maitake bolognese and Gruyère fondue.

This fine-dining restaurant in the nation's capital is dedicated to bringing Punjabi flavours to the USA. The glittering interior resembles that of an Indian palace, with pink sandstone, carved wood and a white-marble bar – in fact, the entire venue was crafted in India, then shipped over to America. The menu is equally regal, with dinner options such as tandoori tiger prawns and brunch choices including "Patiala Benedict", with pulled jackfruit or lamb and Punjabi hollandaise.

Following the success of Sushi | Bar in Los Angeles, which opened in 2017, this omakase restaurant debuted in Santa Barbara's Montecito Inn in April 2019. It's a dinky spot with 10 chef's-counter seats, and two tasting menus available. Settle in and choose between the 17-course "full omakase" option, or the nine-course "lite omakase" menu, each packed with fresh sushi and meat dishes. The cocktails are top-notch too.

Meat and three with a twist is dished up at this quirky new spot in Portland. Maya Lovelace, the award-winning chef behind this concept, was born in Beaufort, North Carolina and has a passion for bringing Southern classics to the Pacific Northwest. Yonder does just that, with zingy chicken, fried catfish and belly-busting sandwiches all on the menu. Winning sides include the biscuit with sorghum butter and the creamy slaw, while there's a winning wine list with local options too.

This Korean joint, whose name roughly translates as "welcome" or "please come in", popped up in East Austin in May 2019. Korean-American owner Lynn Miller was inspired by her mum's home cooking and the restaurant serves traditional dishes in industrial-chic surrounds. Plump for wood-grilled meat and fish dishes such as mackerel with lemon and ginger, or try staples such as bibimbap: rice with veggies and kicking gochujang sauce.

Michael's Genuine Food & Drink, the flagship restaurant of James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz, has been feeding the folks of Miami since 2007. And now Schwartz has taken the concept to Cleveland's new Van Aken District. Established in April 2019, the Cleveland location shares the same ethos as its Miami counterpart: fresh, unpretentious dishes served with a smile. Top picks include the duck confit with green mango chutney and the baby kale pizza with fontina and sweet caramelised onions.

Orlando is best known for its theme parks, but its dining scene packs a punch too. One of the city’s most anticipated new openings is that of The Hampton Social, which already has locations across Illinois and in Naples, Florida. Tipped to open this summer, the restaurant is inspired by the East Coast, with plenty of seafood (think pan-seared crab cakes and scallop risotto), plus pizza, burgers and lobster rolls.

With a menu "rooted in Ozark cuisine", this St Louis spot elevates regional dishes using seasonal ingredients and contemporary techniques. The kitchen is spear-headed by Rob Connoley (a James Beard semi-finalist), who serves a multi-course "Ozark tasting experience", as well as some fine bar food. The tasting menu changes daily, but bar dishes include options such as pork with braised bacon, pear miso, pickled okra and broth. The desserts (such as the acorn dacquoise) are especially tasty too.

An upscale seafood restaurant by revered French-American chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, The Fulton was opened in New York's Seaport District in May 2019. In homage to the area's maritime past, the restaurant is named for the historic Fulton Fish Market. Diners can expect innovative seafood dishes such as warm octopus and fresh mozzarella, or a Maine crab roll with yuzu aioli, served up in chic surrounds.

Advertised primarily as a sake bar, this Japanese joint in LA's Echo Park has earned rave reviews for its food menu too. Serving what's described as "Japanese drinking food", the spot has a huge selection of sake, plus shōchū and Japanese beer too. Prop up at the bar and pair your sake with delicacies such as kaki fry, a traditional dish of fried oysters.

Chef Stephanie Izard, winner of Bravo TV series Top Chef in 2008, is the brains behind this Peruvian-inspired restaurant on the rooftop of Chicago's Hoxton Hotel. The set-up is uber modern – think pendant lights, hard-wood floors and plenty of greenery – and the food is as colourful as the décor. You'll find a sizeable menu consisting of ceviche, tiradito and larger plates such as shrimp tacu tacu, a Peruvian rice dish.

A trendy spot opened in May 2019, Woodie Fisher is located in a former fire station. The emphasis here is on creating fresh, flavourful dishes that are packed to the gills with seasonal ingredients. Woodie Fisher's menu combines European influences with American classics and the results include dishes such as fettuccine with smoked tomato sauce, corn and mushrooms, and a house burger with Havarti cheese, smoked bacon and Worcestershire aioli.

Dubbing itself as a "rustic-refined beach getaway", this south Tampa restaurant specialises in Caribbean-inspired seafood dishes and cocktails. The waterfront location draws in the crowds, but they stick around for the inventive menu. Top dishes include the coconut curried shrimp, the island grilled chicken with banana chutney, and the jerk burger. Wash it all down with a Salt Shack mai tai or margarita.

This pancake restaurant in Atlanta's Ponce City Market caused quite a stir when it opened in March 2019. Diners flock here for all-day breakfast and brunch, courtesy of chef Anne Quatrano, a James Beard Award-winner and owner of Atlanta's celebrated American restaurant Bacchanalia. Pancakes dominate the menu, from classic buttermilk with maple syrup to a buckwheat stack with dark-chocolate sauce, or you can plump for waffles, bagels or a burger too.

Labelling itself "Charleston's first Mexican Sushi concept", Mesu, set to open its doors this summer, promises "exotic plates" and "well-crafted cocktails". The restaurant will be located on Charleston's King Street and will fuse Mexican cuisine with sushi, with plenty of tequila and sake on offer as well. Special care has been taken over the design of the venue too: it will feature bright interiors with works from renowned artists such as Alec Monopoly.

Mucci’s Italian already made an impression in Saint Paul, and in early July a second location opened in neighbouring Minneapolis. The new joint is set to be just as popular as its predecessor, serving rib-sticking Italian dishes in a sleek venue. Feast on all your favourites from bucatini with punchy red sauce, pancetta and pecorino to pizza with garlic butter, fried chicken and mozzarella. 

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Osaka, an acclaimed South American restaurant chain, will make its debut in the USA when it opens its doors in Miami's Brickell neighbourhood in July 2019. Like its South American sisters, the Miami restaurant will serve Nikkei cuisine, which mixes Peruvian flavours with Japanese techniques. Diners can look forward to a large ceviche and Nikkei bar at the restaurant's heart, izakaya-style sharing plates and Kobe beef dishes.

This quirky brunch spot is taking over Arizona one city at a time. With locations already established in both Scottsdale and Chandler, Hash Kitchen opened its fourth spot in Phoenix's Arcadia in June 2019. Open from 7am–2pm on weekdays and until 3pm at the weekend, the restaurant answers your breakfast prayers with pancakes, waffles, egg plates and crispy hash potatoes. It also boasts a build-your-own bloody mary bar with more than 50 craft toppings.

Sold as a "tribute to Calabria and the allure of the Mediterranean", this new concept in San Diego's Bankers Hill comes from Italian brothers Dario and Pietro Gallo, who already saw success with Civico 1845 in Little Italy. Their latest endeavour is a celebration of their Calabrian roots and fine Californian produce. Menu items include seafood gnocchi with mussels, clams, calamari and rapini (broccoli raab), and mains such as chamomile-smoked lamb.

The brains behind 3rd & Court have given the concept of the old-school diner a modern update. The new restaurant is a joint effort between chef Ryan Trimm, Roger Sapp and Craig Blondis, all of whom have already enjoyed success in the Memphis restaurant scene. Opened in June, in Hotel Indigo downtown, the diner serves belly-busting sandwiches (think pork belly reuben and an all-American burger), plus salads, soups and breakfast dishes.

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An unexpected find in Las Vegas, this restaurant picks you up and drops you in the heart of New York City’s SoHo district. The entire venue is a salute to the artsy Big Apple neighbourhood, with an arcade, head-turning murals and even artwork by Banksy. In keeping with the venue itself, the food appears like a work of art, with thoughtfully arranged dishes such as grilled octopus with romesco and confit potatoes. You'll find the restaurant at the Palms Casino Resort.

Serving "bounty as fresh and bold as the sea", this restaurant is located in tourist-focused Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard. It opened at the end of May 2019 in the popular Harbour View Hotel, serving breakfast, Sunday brunch and dinner from Thursday through to Monday. Coastal views, rustic interiors and a seasonal menu making the best of the island's produce have impressed diners so far. Dishes include wok-fried lobster and duck-leg confit, and there are also two chef's tasting menus to choose from.

Coming soon to the city of Raleigh is Jolie, a Parisian-style bistro spearheaded by classically trained local chef Scott Crawford. The restaurant is named after Crawford's young daughter, and will serve classics such as steak frites and rabbit cassoulet with a modern flourish. Future diners can also expect a fine choice of French beer and wine. Jolie is set to debut this summer, in a location next to Crawford's existing restaurant, Crawford and Son. 

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A hotly anticipated new arrival to NOLA's food scene, Gianna opened in April 2019 with a menu inspired by southern Italy. The super-sleek venue can be found in the New Orleans Warehouse District, and the kitchen is steered by chef Rebecca Wilcomb, who takes inspiration from her mother's Italian roots. Plump for comforting dishes such as slow-roasted pork shoulder with fennel and orange, or try small plates such as eggplant casserole or oyster and artichoke gratin.

Held up as San Francisco's hottest new restaurant opening, Noosh is an Eastern Mediterranean spot in the Lower Pacific Heights neighbourhood. Husband-and-wife duo Laura and Sayat Ozyilmaz, originally from Mexico and Turkey respectively, are behind the restaurant, which serves a fuss-free yet flavour-packed menu in a laid-back venue. Try a "chubby pita sandwich" laden with fried calamari, hummus and eggplant or aleppo chicken or graze on small plates like falafel and lamb meatballs with hazelnut dukkah.

Though it's a bar by name, this Mexican restaurant and drinking hole has an impressive menu. Opened in April, the spot boasts a lengthy cocktail list featuring margaritas and cantaritos, as well as a vast choice of tortas, burritos and snacks. Begin with queso fundido (melted Mexican cheese and chorizo), then follow it up with a burrito bursting with your choice of shrimp, pork, chicken, beef or veggies.

Oquirrh Restaurant, opened in March 2019, is a new fine-dining concept in Salt Lake City's downtown area. The restaurant gets its name from Utah's Oquirrh Mountains and offers diners an upscale experience with options such as confit chicken pot pie with mirepoix and house-made pasta with butter-poached lobster. You can dine from Wednesday to Sunday and it's recommended that you book. 

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