150 Most Legendary Restaurants (and their iconic dishes)

[WillTravelForFood]

Here's a collection of 150 legendary restaurants and their associated iconic dishes.

These are not necessarily the best restaurants or the best versions of the particular dish. But these are restaurants that have survived and stood the test of time to become iconic in their own way to become destinations themselves.

We've been talking about Bern's Steakhouse in a different thread -- one would consider that place to be a legendary wine destination, for example, based on their high-quality and well-regarded wine cellar.

Happy to see Salt Lick representing BBQ on this list. At least somebody made sure BBQ was represented.



We've eaten at... let's see... looks like 12 of the 150 places. And we're making notes of places to try for future travel adventures.

source: https://www.tasteatlas.com/iconic-di...ry-restaurants

[STEbbq]

What is your favorite of the 12 and why?

[WillTravelForFood]

That's like picking your favorite Monopoly token. It's about the game and dominating over the opponents, not whether you're the race car or the iron.

[texastweeter]

Surprised Bluebird Cafe and Cafe du Monde not on there.

[texastweeter]

Or St.Elmos at Indy

[Johnny Booth]

Mmmmmmm. Cafe du Monde…. Nuff said.

[SheilaAnn]

I’ve been to 4:
peter Luger
Commanders palace
union oyster house
joes stone crab (the boca location)

5 if you count Katz’s in Vegas.

[texastweeter]

Salt lick, mother's, commanders, Peter L, and Katz here

[SheilaAnn]

How is Dario Cecchini’s place not listed? Amiright theroc ?!

[LA Pork Butt]

I am sure there many places missing, but I have eaten at Hyman’s Seafood, Salt Lick BBQ, and Commanders Palace. I think there are many places that could compete with Salt Lick BBQ and probably Hyman’s Seafood since seafood restaurants and BBQ joints are plentiful across the country and world. Probably less so with Commanders Palace since its style of food isn’t as common.

[WillTravelForFood]

It's not that Salt Livknir Hymans are the best, but that they have transcended to become iconic by themselves. It's like Space Mountain at Disneyland. It's not the best Rollercoaster, but its iconic in the industry

[LA Pork Butt]

WillTravelForFood I see your point about being Legendary, but I still wonder about the iconic dish. The iconic dish fits Heyman’s, but while I can attest to Commanders Turtle Soup I wonder if it fits the title of the dish everyone associates with Commanders. Lastly, I think that while Salt Lick may very well be the name that everyone associates with Texas BBQ I am not sure it is representative of Texas BBQ. So, in many ways the rankings are more about what wide spread reputation.

[texastweeter]

Salt licker is good, not great. Anyone around here ever been to Sheps BBQ in Palestine, TX?

[BourBonQ]

Really surprised, shocked even, by Hymans at #6 on a "global" list. A lot of places in Charleston would protest that ranking! But as you said, this isn't necessarily for the "best" restaurant, or version, even, of their famous dish (not to say Hymans is doing anything wrong... they are just perceived as a "touristy" restaurant in these parts).

You could probably apply the same methodology to bourbon or scotch, or any number of regional/national gastronomic treasures... there are "benchmark" examples that define what that item "is", and by that measure a lot of us would probably agree on what is presented here. Still, happy to see some recognition for a hometown icon on a list such as this!

[Bkhuna]

+1. Always seek were the locals go.

[WillTravelForFood]

Don't think the numeric rankings are anything more than an index. We wouldn't put any hierarchy on the presented order.

[JLR]

I think it would be important to verify this list. Perhaps I’ll set up a GoFundMe account so the Mrs. and I can fly to each place in person. Think I would get any donors?

[wu7y]

Is this a private game or can anyone get in??

[acorgihouse]

I've been to 5, but there are great places I've been to in the past that I don't know the names of. Also, it should be classified better, ie. is the fantastic ceviche bar in Peru considered in best overall? Even if fantastic ceviche? Same with tapas in Madrid? Or is the list done by comparing steak or chicken? I like trying odd places, and holes in the wall, rather than setting my sights on someone else's "best list." Not trying to be contrary, but my slant.

[WillTravelForFood]

It's not a Best list. It's a list of iconic destinations for that dish

[Alan Brice]

Our dive crew in Belize, made our group ceviche. my first! Manna from heaven!

[WillTravelForFood]

A different example of a place that's missing from a list like this: Trader Vics in Hollywood.

They invented the mai tai, and many other tiki bar concepts.

Other tiki bars around the world might do things better, but the place where it started would qualify as an iconic destination for the purposes of this list.

(Plus, would be another checkmark of places we've been )

[WillTravelForFood]

Similarly, bananas foster at Brennans in New Orleans. Invented there, an iconic place known for that dish... ... ... and we've eaten there too.

[bbqLuv]

Heart Attack Grill is missing so I believe the list is fake, or at the very least inaccurate.
Yelp got Heart Attack almost correct, 4/5 stars, but should be 6/5 stars.

[Johnny Booth]

WillTravelForFood We go to Bern’s every few years since the early 80’s. We are within 30miles or so. Truly iconic. They have their own huge seawater tanks for fish. The dessert room is awesome, the booths are made out of old wine barrels and all are private. IMO dessert was better when they allowed cigars. 😬

To work there, you start at the farm where they grow their own produce. Waiters have to apprentice for years before taking the lead role. This makes The Service truly knowledgeable and magnificent.

The tour allows a look behind the scenes in the kitchen, including the world renowned wine cellar. You can get virtually any vintage and style of fermented grape you want; if you have the $$.

Have not been in a few years, but the experience was always as great as the food.