If you have been following The Whet Palette for a while, you know I have always kept close tabs on the U.S. Michelin Guide rankings, especially Miami’s path to its own guide for the last ten years. So how do all the restaurants compare throughout the country and abroad? Well, that’s one of the top questions I often receive. My travels this year brought me to 18 new restaurants and back to 13 tried and true-starred experiences. I learned the real meaning of “worth a detour” when a guide listing took me to a small town of 220 residents in Italy with its very own Michelin-starred restaurant. And one I found remarkable enough to place on this Top Ten list.
To find out which others I loved the most and why, I evaluated the 31 Michelin-starred restaurants I visited in 2022:
CHICAGO: Alinea ***, Ever **, Oriole **
ITALY: Borgo Santa Ana *, Ca Vittoria *, Da Vittorio ***, Reale ***, Le Calandre ***, Fre *, Guido *, Massimo Camia *, 21.9 *, All’Enoteca *
MIAMI: Ariete *, Boia De *, Stubborn Seed *, Cote *, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon **, Los Felix *, The Surf Club *
NEW YORK: Atomix **, Jungsik **, Le Coucou *, Rezdora *, Noz 17 *
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Bresca *, Jont **, Fiola *, Imperfecto *, Sushi Nakazawa *, Xiquet *
Despite many naysayers, I discovered that Michelin-starred restaurants in the United States can compete with those in Italy (at least based on the ones I visited this year).
Truth be told, it can be overwhelming to notice every dinner detail while remaining in the moment. Enjoying back-to-back lunches and dinners of the same caliber makes it even more difficult. Often, I can relive the experiences by returning to my photos, videos, and menus. For me, what always makes a dinner impressive is how the overall experience makes me feel once it’s over. Were those bites special enough to stay with me forever? For total transparency, I will admit three restaurants from this list disappointed me: Chicago’s Alinea (fourth visit), New York’s Rezdora, and Miami’s Los Felix. I found the rest pretty spectacular in their own way, making this exercise incredibly challenging.
The list posted below reflects my favorite Michelin experiences, regardless of price. Without a doubt, the following restaurants captured my full attention and stole my heart. These are the unforgettable ones.
1. Oriole Chicago **

The first greeting, welcome tea in the atrium, and snacks and cocktails at the bar set the tone for the evening. An epic Foie Gras bite (easily my top bite of ’22) in the kitchen while having a front-row look at the impressive behind-the-scenes action won our party over. And we still had not even taken the 12-course journey where every single dish hit the right note! Every. Single. One: Perfectly sized courses with exciting flavors, surprising textures, beautiful execution, and thoughtful plating. The staff moved in unison as a choreographed team. They presented each course with knowledge and confidence, provided excellent wine service, and exchanged napkins and plates plus silverware without commotion. The hospitality provided, even while formal, felt caring, welcoming, and genuine. If there is ever a deserving candidate to break through and be the new three-star in Chicago, Oriole is it.
2. Jont D.C. **

The entire chef’s counter experience was close to four hours. Dinner flowed so perfectly that I didn’t even notice the clock. Attention to detail does not begin to explain the complexity and execution of this epic 30-course tasting menu. The last hour alone was reserved for desserts in another room.
As if that wasn’t special enough, the ‘F*ck It‘ wine pairing offered by the JONT team is unlike any I’ve ever seen. It has been five months, and I am still decompressing from it all.
3. Atomix NYC **

4. Le Calandre Italy ***

We tried the Clasico menu featuring a lineup of signature dishes. The Cuttlefish Cappucino, Smoked Tagliolini, Scorched Bone Marrow with Sea Urchin, and Caviar Bruschetta bite all resulted in a flawless dinner worthy of its long-standing three Michelin stars!
5. Fiola D.C. *

6. Ever Chicago **

The experimental and forward-thinking food (hello, frozen holy hamachi) hit every right note. There was always a surprise ingredient or element that wasn’t the norm but made sense. Sometimes restaurants go to great lengths to shock and be different. But too often, they forget the meal has to also taste great. Not here. This was the complete package.
Service was on the formal side, but still welcoming and inviting. Just when I thought I needed more wine or water or napkin or ….. it was replaced and poured before I could even finish my complete thought. Were they listening to our conversation? How did they know?
I look forward to seeing Ever evolve further and reach that ultimate three-star goal. Chicago, it’s time for new star power. Next to Oriole, they certainly have my vote.
7. Ca Vittoria Italy *

“We aren’t typically open during this time of the year, but since you requested this reservation, we opened for you.” Say what? If that doesn’t explain the type of hospitality there, I don’t know what will. Sadly, a family emergency sent our group on a quick exit at the end of this lunch, and cut the last moment short. I am now left dreaming of a return visit, complete with a stay at the hotel.
8. Jungsik NYC **

9. Fre Italy *

10. All’Enoteca Italy *

What is it with these Italian gems and their bread game? Pure bliss. All’Enoteca is what happens when dinner is of Michelin caliber, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously despite its expected pedigreed menu and flavors. A palette of muted warm greys and stark whites and seven tables became the backdrop to a lively dinner progression where the diners and dishes took on the leading roles. Chef Palluda kept a close eye on every detail from the kitchen to the dining room and simultaneously welcomed back regulars and charmed newcomers: a pro at work. The sweets cart at the end swept me off my feet, but the citrus and vanilla souffle solidified my allegiance. I’ve never had a better one.
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