What are some of the best restaurants in the US? Let’s see what the expert chefs, restaurateurs and celebrities have to say. After seeing such helpful advice from our last two round-up posts on travel savings tips and inspirational travel advice, we could hardly wait to see the words of wisdom that we would hear from a new batch of travelers. So, in an effort to learn from some of the world’s most experienced industry professionals, we reached out to them to hear their response to this one simple question:

What’s your favorite restaurant in America and why?

We got loads of great advice, as these travelers reflected back on their many years of dining and really gave us some tips from the heart. So without further ado, here are their responses, which are shared in the order that they were received:

1. “It’s impossible for me to have one favorite restaurant. I have a special place in my heart for my Emeril’s restaurant in New Orleans because that’s where it all started. Nearly 25 years later many of my classic dishes are still favorites, like barbecued shrimp and banana cream pie, but at the same time our menu continues to creatively evolve under my chef de cuisine David Slater.”

Chef Emeril Lagasse, Chef-proprietor of 13 restaurants, Named “Chef of the Year” by GQ magazine, @Emeril

2. “One of the best meals I’ve had in the last year came from a sort of secret sushi restaurant in West LA called Yamakase. To secure a reservation you need to fill out a form on the restaurant’s website, and you’ll notice that that website doesn’t list an address or phone number. Once you actually show up at Yamakase, there’s a sign outside that always says ‘Closed’ and the window curtains are drawn. Inside, the tiny unadorned eatery is littered with empty bottles of expensive wine, Champagne, and booze — this is a special occasion place. For the next four and a half hours you will dine on kaiseki and pristine sushi — some of the best I’ve had in the seven years I’ve lived in Los Angeles.”

Kat Odell, Bravo’s Eat, Drink, Love, Eater LA, @Kat_odell

3. “Mari Vanna… It’s the Russian version of The Ivy..I’m addicted to it and sit there for hours when I’m in LA.. I love the Blini with black caviar!!”

Jonathan Cheban, Kim Kardashian’s BFF, AMA Host, Sushi MiKasa Owner, @JonathanCheban

4. “When asked your question, Pastis came instantly to mind. I mean, without hesitation. And there are a few reasons why. First, I’ve enjoyed many cocktails and “bites at the bar” after long days of shooting Quick Fix Meals in Food Network’s studios just 2 blocks away. The trendy, uber-friendly bar is the perfect place to unwind after a day on set. Next, the location: New York’s meat-packing district is about as fashionable as it gets. Funny thing is, I don’t care about that – I just love the cobblestone streets and Old New York feel of the neighborhood. The place is always bustling and as you nibble on items from their simple, yet expertly crafted menu, you hear laughter and chatter from every corner of the lively room. On a recent trip, I brought my two boys (ages 10 and 11) and experienced the place in a completely different way. That sealed the deal for me; no matter what my day has been like , I adore cozying up to the vibe, food and company of Pastis.”

Robin Miller, Author of “Robin Takes 5” and host of Food Network’s Quick Fix Meals, @RobinVMiller

5. “Saw’s Juke-Joint in Birmingham, AL is a quintessential Southern barbecue and soul food restaurant. From the sweet tea fried chicken sandwich to the best smoked wings in the country, I love coming back to my old stomping grounds and sitting in with some fabulous Southern blues artists. The Heart of Dixie has the best food in the world – hands down.”

Taylor Hicks, American Idol 5th Season Winner, Headliner at Paris Las Vegas, Named People magazine’s “Hottest Bachelor of the Year,” Restauranteur, @TaylorHicks

6. “My favorite restaurant in America would be Husk in Charleston South Carolina. The food is amazing and they are doing America a service by remembering the cuisine of our earliest roots as a nation. The line Cooks and chefs drop the food off at your table and can explain all of the dishes. Chef Brock is truly cooking American Cuisine.  Every restaurant in America should take a page from Brock’s book.

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