Jean-Georges's Seven Favorite Restaurants

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The French Laundry Yountville, California Fine dining isn't just about great food, it's also about creating an environment in which diners can lose themselves and forget the outside world. That's why I love Thomas Keller's restaurant. It accomplishes both ideals in the heart of California's wine country. Le Bernardin New York City Quite simply the best seafood in Manhattan, and not only because chef Eric Ripert adds an Asian touch to his dishes. Order the sea urchin ravioli or the Chilean turbot in a lemon miso broth. Either one will blow your mind.
Masa New York City This is the best Japanese food outside of Japan. Chef Masa Takayama imports many of his ingredients, including sushi-graded tuna, directly from the famous Tsukiji market in Tokyo. Don't miss the kobe beef sukiaki or the maitake mushroom fried rice with truffles. Irma's Southwest Grill Houston Whenever I visit Houston, I always head over to Irma's. Their spicy pork tacos are outstanding. Mezzaluna New York City This is where I go when I need a pasta or tiramisu fix. The homemade pasta is prepared fresh twice a day, and the spaghetti pomodoro and the linguine vongole are particularly good. 112 Eatery Minneapolis I make a habit of heading here after I'm through with work at Chambers Kitchen, my restaurant in the Chambers Hotel. It's a favorite hangout of local chefs, and if you've never dined there, do what I do: Compose a meal of several appetizers, including their amazing gnocchi, one of their simple salads, and lamb scottadito with herbed goat's milk yogurt. Joe's Stone Crab Miami I go here as much for the people watching as I do for the food. Order the jumbo claws with Joe's mustard sauce. Be sure to visit soon though. Stone-crab season only lasts from October to May.