Dream Dining Destinations by Brian Lindo

Eleven Madison Park is a three Michelin starred restaurant once named Best Restaurant in the World, and it remains a dream dining destination that many feel set the standard for new-age hospitality and service. As a New Yorker it is one of those iconic fine dining rooms that feels like a true bucket list experience, and with the recent return of meat to the menu it moved right back to the top of my dream dinners.

Tracy’s King Crab Shack serves some of the freshest king crab you can eat in the United States, caught straight from nearby Alaskan waters. It is not fancy, but it is absolutely iconic and the kind of place people fly across the country to try.

Atomix holds two Michelin stars and consistently ranks on the World’s 50 Best list, making it one of the most influential modern Korean restaurants in the world. The tasting menu is deeply thoughtful and design driven, turning dinner into an experience where food, culture, and creativity move in sync.

Dakar NOLA was named one of America’s Best New Restaurants and is led by James Beard nominated chef Serigne Mbaye. The menu brings Senegalese cuisine into the spotlight while incorporating local New Orleans ingredients, creating an experience rooted in culture, history, and the chef’s own story, which makes it feel truly special .

Vespertine is a two Michelin starred experience known for serving one of the most creative and artistic tasting menus in the country. The team puts real care into sustainability and seasonal sourcing, and the building itself is an architectural dream.

Franklin Barbecue is led by James Beard Award winning chef Aaron Franklin and is often called the best barbecue in America. People line up for hours, sometimes as early as 5:30 in the morning, to try his brisket. Franklin’s detail-driven approach shows in the precision of his technique and the patience it takes to get it perfect.

Dōgon is chef Kwame Onwuachi’s newest restaurant, inspired by West African traditions and the broader flavors of the African diaspora. He brings those influences together in a way that feels modern and imaginative, making Dōgon one of the most exciting new openings in Washington, D.C.

Kalaya recently earned national recognition as one of America’s Best New Restaurants, and chef Nok Suntaranon brings an energetic, deeply personal style of southern Thai cooking to every dish. Her food is rooted in family recipes and tradition, which gives the entire experience a warm and unforgettable feel.

Kann is led by Gregory Gourdet, a James Beard Award winner and “Top Chef” alum who brings Haitian flavors to the national stage. The wood-fired cooking and the focus on his heritage make it one of the most distinctive and personal dining experiences in the country.

Quince is a three Michelin starred restaurant built around a farm-driven menu that highlights peak-season California ingredients. The vibe is elevated but never stuffy, and many consider it one of the most memorable dining experiences in the country.