Most lists of top restaurants are crowd-sourced from diner reviews or compiled by anonymous editors. Samir Arora, a former Apple employee and the founder of Glam Media, decided to go a different route with his new global restaurant guide: "Foodie Top 100 Restaurants Worldwide."
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He asked a handful of notable food critics, including former New York Times food writer Patricia Wells, former New York Magazine food critic Gael Greene, former Gourmet editor-in-chief Ruth Reichl, and top critics from France, Japan, and India to share their picks for the world's best restaurants.
The guide focuses foremost on food, looking at factors like service and decor as complementary. As Arora writes in the introduction, "The food must be spectacular; everything else is secondary."
France and Japan are the big winners in the Foodie guide, each with 29 restaurants selected by the critics and Foodie's editors. We're taking a closer look at the 20 U.S. restaurants picked by critics (presented here in alphabetical order); the full list is available on Glam Media's website. Click here to buy the guide.
Alinea, Chicago
Chef Grant Achatz of Alinea is known for his creative modern cuisine and artistic presentations, with dishes like squab inspired by Miró.
Critic's tip: "If it's on the menu, try the Lamb 86, an 86-ingredient dish served with 64 composed garnishes — all colorful, all fantastically delicious, and served in little dots like old-fashioned ribbon candy."
Benu, San Francisco
Korean-born Chef Corey Lee serves inventive contemporary American cuisine in his restaurant in San Francisco's South of Market district.
Critic's tip: "Even if you don't order wine pairings, ask Yoon Ha for drink recommendations. You won't regret it."
Blanca, Brooklyn
Blanca is technically a 12-seat "tasting room" tucked behind Brooklyn's famed pizzeria Roberta's. Chef Carlo Mirachi serves a parade of innovative, Italian-inspired dishes throughout the meal.
Critic's tip: "With few seats, the restaurant books well in advance and reserves only one month out. For the best shot at securing a seat, call the first day of the month."
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