Food is one of life’s simple pleasures, as is the thrill of a road trip. Imagine embarking on a scenic drive to a unique restaurant with good food, the wind in your hair, and the open road ahead. That sounds like the perfect adventure, right?
A study recently revealed that more than a third of American travelers say that they researched the food experiences in the place they visited in the past 12 months, showing just how important cuisine is to a vacation.
But which restaurants are the best for grabbing a delicious bite and enjoying a nice long drive on the way? We’ve discovered the most remote foodie destinations in the U.S. that you can only get to by car (and trust us, they’re worth the journey!).
Drive & Dine: Top Foodie Getaways in the U.S.
1. The Harbor House Inn, Elk, CA
A 95.5-mile drive from the city center, the Harbor House Inn in California is a Michelin-star restaurant serving delicious coastal-inspired foods surrounded by breathtaking views. Located on the edge of the Mendocino coastline, diners can take in the stunning scenery on the drive to the restaurant and when seated. Taking first place as the best restaurant you must drive to, taking approximately two hours from the city center, you can whack on your favorite playlist while you work up an appetite.
2. Pekin Noodle Parlor, Missoula, MT
Enjoy 118 miles on the road before reaching Pekin Noodle Parlor, the oldest continually family-operating Chinese restaurant in America. Recipient of the James Beard Foundation American Classics Award, you can enjoy delicious Asian cuisine while driving around Montana. You can soak in the surroundings by taking an approximate 1 hour and a 45-minute drive from the city center.
3. The Inn at Little Washington, Washington, D.C.
This 3-star Michelin restaurant is located in Washington, D.C., and it takes a little over an hour to reach by car from the city center. The Inn at Little Washington serves fresh produce and herbs from a small farm by their farmer-in-residence. With intimate and romantic decor, this American-inspired cuisine is a drive to get to but certainly worth the miles!
4. Maligne, San Jose, CA
California makes another appearance in our top U.S. restaurants to drive to. The Maligne Seaside restaurant is 69.5 miles from the city center and has a Bib Gourmand rating. Serving an array of seafood amongst backyard seating, you can enjoy a drive along the California coast before eating.
5. Kenzo, San Francisco, CA
Kenzo in Napa, San Francisco, serves Japanese cuisine and is just over an hour’s drive from the city center, providing both tasty food and a nice road trip. This one-star Michelin star restaurant is a nice 51.9-mile drive, providing ample opportunity for a long stretch on the road, taking in the Californian sights while heading for some delicious sushi.
6. Southern Table Kitchen & Bar, Pleasantville, NY
Experience peak Southern cuisine at this Bib Gourmand-rated restaurant in Westchester, Pleasantville. Using farm-fresh ingredients and delivering classic Southern cooking, the Southern Table Kitchen & Bar is a 34.3-mile drive from the center, taking just over an hour.
7. Rafele Rye, New York, NY
This Italian restaurant in New York is 32.1 miles from the center and takes just over an hour to reach. If you prefer to drive over taking the subway, you can take in the city skyline on your way to Rafele Rye.
8. Wagner’s Village Inn, Oldenburg, Indiana
A 47-minute drive from Ohio and the only other restaurant on our list that has the James Beard Foundation American Classics Award. Wagner’s Village Inn serves classic American food and is a good drive away from the city hustle and bustle
9. Chutney Masala, Irvington, NY
For those wanting a slightly shorter journey, the Chutney Masala is approximately a 49-minute drive from the city center and is the only Indian restaurant on our list. Boasting a Bib Gourmand rating, you can devour a range of delicious Indian dishes while enjoying a cruise around New York
10. Mentone, San Jose, CA
There’s no question that California is home to some of the best restaurants the U.S. has to offer, and Mentone in San Jose completes our top foodie getaways. The Bib Gourmand-rated restaurant serves French cuisine 39 miles from the city center.
To take your foodie adventure to the next level, check out our road trip tips. Why not take your trip to a Michelin-starred restaurant in ultimate style with one of our premium car rentals? Soak in the surroundings with a convertible or trek up the mountainous terrain in a luxury 4×4.
Methodology
We analyzed U.S. restaurants that currently have Michelin star recognition and were awarded James Beard Foundation awards in 2023 to identify the most awarded restaurants. Data is correct as of May 3, 2024.
