Everyone likes to eat out from time to time. However, there are a handful of restaurants in the U.S. reserved for those willing to shell out hundreds on a meal. For most of us, a dinner at one of the following restaurants is a once in a lifetime experience. These are the most expensive restaurants in the United States.
Victoria & Albert’s (Lake Buena Vista, FL)
What makes this restaurant special is the variety of ingredients from around the world in use. The menu has Italian truffles, fresh herbs from Ohio, Japanese meat and Poulet Rouge chickens from North Carolina. Chef Scott Hunnel’s menu is versatile, and he mixes a variety of ingredients to create flavors. Two people can expect to dine at Victoria & Albert’s for $550.
Guy Savoy (Las Vegas, NV)
The iconic chef has his namesake restaurant inside the Caesar’s Palace hotel. Nestled right in the middle of the strip, this fine dining establishment is perfect for French cuisine lovers. While several menus are available, two people will spend about $550 for dinner. If you care to dine à la carte, entrées average around $110.
Saison (San Francisco, CA)
Boasting exquisite seafood, Saison has earned three Michelin stars for its superb quality. While its reputable chefs and trendy SoMa location may make the restaurant seem extravagant, visitors often describe its casual California feeling. Dinner for two will run at about $570.
Joël Robuchon (Las Vegas, NV)
This Art Deco gem is located inside the MGM Grand in Vegas. Pierre-Yves Rochon designed the restaurant, while Robuchon designed the kitchen himself. The menu is rich in truffle-based recipes and an 18-course degustation (tasting) is available. Two people can expect to spend $640 at Joël Robuchon.
Alinea (Chicago, IL)
Grant Achatz’s three-Michelin-star flagship will make all of your taste buds dance with joy. Creativity is the name of the game here, as Achatz uses things like helium to create his delicious masterpieces. An average dinner for two at Alinea will be in the $700 range.
The Restaurant at Meadowood (St. Helena, CA)
When you make a reservation at The Restaurant at Meadowood, you’ll specify allergies, tastes and preferences. Chef Cristopher Kostow makes sure to assemble a unique menu for every visitor, and needs to know how to tailor every experience. Plus, The Restaurant at Meadowood is known for its large selection of wines, so pairing your unique meal to the appropriate bottle shouldn't be a challenge. An evening here costs about $750 for two people.
The French Laundry (Yountville, CA)
In this exclusive French restaurant, it’s recommended that you book a table a whole year in advance. Chef Thomas Keller insists that his meals are a sensory experience which will appeal to a guest’s feelings. Critics say he established a new standard for fine dining in the country. It’s not a huge surprise, then, that an average dinner for two at The French Laundry will cost $800.
Per Se (New York, NY)
Per Se is known for its small portions so that guests can experiment with a bit of everything. You can expect to try nine different small courses throughout the evening in this Thomas Keller gem. Dinner for two will be around $850.
Urasawa (Beverly Hills, CA)
With two Michelin stars to its name, Urasawa is one of the finest Japanese restaurants in the country. It boasts a daily-changing menu which delights everyone with the finest ingredients and techniques. The average check will come to approximately $1,100 for two people.
Masa (New York, NY)
Centrally located in Manhattan’s Columbus Circle, Masa is the country’s most expensive dining experience. Chef Masayoshi Takayama uses the finest ingredients in his dishes, which critics agree are incredible creations. The restaurant only has 26 tables, so it’s important to book at least three weeks in advance to have one of the best dinners of your life. An evening here will cost about $1,300 for two people but gratuity is (thankfully) included.