Every year dozens of new restaurants pop up in cities around the country. Some fail within months, others struggle to hang on until they become community stapes, and others just seem to have something special about them. They excel – providing excellent customer service and, of course, serving amazing food.

Anyone looking for something new to tickle their taste buds should make it a point to check out some of these incredible restaurants. They each have something special about them – serving cuisine on a level unlike any you’ve ever tasted in your life. Get started with a few of these.

10. L20 – Chicago, Illinois

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The head chef at L20, Laurent Gras, is one of the most skillful chefs you’ll ever encounter. Running his kitchen with an iron fist, his seafood infused menu includes tastes that range from Gallic to Japanese. Your snapper, shrimp, and raw fish dishes will be paired with wines from an incredibly developed in an atmosphere that is simply to die for. The average cost of dinner for a couple is $180.

9. Corton – New York City, New York

In New York City you’ll find the spectacular Corton restaurant where you might want to call ahead to reserve a table unless you don’t mind waiting in line for one to free up. British chef Paul Liebrandt runs the kitchen and has created a menu full of luxurious dishes like squab in chestnut sauce, foie gras, and a number of other decadent surprises. Corton is the place to be if you’re celebrating a special occasion. Couples can eat here for approximately $150.

8. Moss Room – San Francisco, California

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The Moss Room isn’t your average restaurant. It’s actually located inside the California Academy of Natural Science in Golden Gate Park – an incredible backdrop. The mid-range menu created by chefs Loretta Keller and Charles Phan includes several delicious California-inspired dishes, including lamb and cavatelli. The average lunch for two here costs $65 – a reasonable price but even better if you spend the extra cash to explore the museum while you’re there.

7. Dynamo Donuts and Coffee – San Francisco, California

Looking for something light and unique? Head on over to Dynamo Donuts and Coffee and grab a sweet treat for breakfast or to keep you going throughout the rest of your long day. Those who have found themselves swept up in the “bacon craze” will want to try the bacon-apple-maple doughnuts but don’t worry – there are dozens of less adventurous options to choose from as well. Average cost? $5.

6. Feast – Houston, Texas

One of the newest restaurants in the Houston area, Feast is owned by two British chefs who had a brilliant idea. They managed to bring London-style cuisine to Texas, introduce it to the locals, and it actually caught on. Now Texans from all over the city are flocking to Feast to try black pudding, rutabaga dishes, and pork cheeks with dandelion leaves. Everything on this delicious menu is worth checking out. Couples can eat here for around $75.

5. Spring Hill – Seattle, Washington

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The menu at Spring Hill isn’t what you’d expect. In this area, it’s not uncommon to find duck eggs on the menu and at Spring Hill you’re likely to find decadent duck-egg ravioli on your plate. Don’t worry, though. Spring Hill serves up some of the meanest luxury cheeseburgers you’ll ever enjoy as well. Couples who dine here usually pay around $90 for dinner.

4. Izakaya at the Borgata – Atlantic City, New Jersey

Restaurants in the Borgata in Atlantic City have been receiving a ton of attention lately, especially with news of the latest winner of the head chef position for the new Gordon Ramsay hotel set to open there announced on Hell’s Kitchen mere weeks ago. One outstanding, and currently thriving, restaurant already existing within the Borgata, however, is Izakaya. The restaurant atmosphere reminds one of a lounge but the small Pan-Asian dishes created by chef Michael Shulson are simply to die for. Make sure you try the shrimp dumplings while you’re there! The average couple pays approximately $105 for dinner.

3. Tei/An – Dallas, Texas

Teiichi Sakuri, the master chef at Tei/An, spent years mastering his craft. He even spent extra time studying in Tokyo to ensure that his soba dishes would be nearly perfect. The buckwheat noodles are decadent both warm and cold and the dishes, which have incredible taste, are affordable as well. The average lunch for two people here costs around $30.

2. Scarpetta – Miami, Florida

Inside the newly renovated Fontainebleau hotel you’ll find Scarpetta, sister to the New York restaurant previously opened under the same name. Inside, chef Scott Conant creates rustic Italian dishes with a nautical twist. Pasta al pomodoro, anyone? Dinner for two here averages around $135.

1. Heidi’s Minneapolis – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Those entering Heidi’s Minneapolis for the first time are usually astounded by the elegant atmosphere. The small restaurant features only 48 tables which, combined with the unique wine list, give visitors a feeling as if they’re right at home. Created by chef Stewart Woodman, the menu features elegant dishes you might expect to be nearly unaffordable – but they’re not. The average couple can dine here for approximately $70.

These are, of course, only a handful of some of the newest restaurants that have opened in the United States over the past year. We’ll be back with more incredible dining establishments for you to explore but in the meantime – bon appetit!