Somehow both homey and upscale, these farm-to-table dynamos offer seasonal menus incorporating innovative takes on American classics such as skillet cornbread with radish/kimchi butter or a wagyu burger adding mushroom, pickled peach, and chèvre. Creativity extends to dessert, with intriguing combos like sourdough ice cream with pecans, tarragon, and peaches.
Finalists: Birdie’s, Chez Zee, Hestia, Swift’s Attic
