:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GT-10-Top-US-Hotels-for-Food-and-Drinks-FT-BLOG0325-02-303f96b0dee54874b952cb5da4062da4.jpg?w=1080&resize=1080,675&ssl=1 "10 Top United States Hotels for Food and Drink")
This year’s Global Tastemakers winners of the Top U.S. Hotels for Food and Drinks show that more than ever, travelers are craving experience. They want to be transported by a hotel with a strong sense of place, and they want one that can deliver these things through its food as much as its rooms. The hotels on this list stand out because they lean into their strengths and immediate surroundings to deliver can’t-get-it-anywhere-else stays.
They take advantage of their proximity to vineyards, mountains, or coastlines to inform the ingredients they source as much as they take advantage of them for views. They build their menus around what they grow seasonally in their kitchen gardens. And while they’re all certainly luxe, nothing feels forced or out of place, or dropped in for unnecessary glitz.
There are other hallmarks among this year’s winners: There’s no denying a strong Asian influence among them, especially from Japan. More than one hotel makes use of Japanese ingredients or techniques to widespread acclaim; several also cite the guest-centric Japanese philosophy of omotenashi — a concept that describes a sense of hospitality and mindfulness — as a driving force in their approach to hospitality. Yet they’re all beautifully distinct from each other.
One final thing these spots have in common? Seclusion. Many are located somewhere a little further away from it all, where there’s a little more privacy, and a little more sense of feeling special. And feeling special, of course, may be the most important ingredient of all.
Winner: Blackberry Farm (Walland, Tennessee)
Courtesy of Blackberry Farm
For the second year running, this scenic escape in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains has nabbed the top spot in our survey. No wonder: It’s a bona fide legend when it comes to dining. In addition to the 150,000 bottles in the wine collection (or 300-plus whiskies, if that’s more your thing), guests at Blackberry Farm have three restaurants to try during their stay, all of which feature rotating menus that make ample use of the on-site kitchen garden. Dinner at The Barn, a James Beard Award winner, is no doubt the pinnacle of any visit. What really draws guests, though, are the special events that run throughout the year. This year, Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush are hosting a Sisterhood Summit that’s guaranteed to draw visitors near and far, while Le Paulée is a dining experience that celebrates wines from Burgundy. Sarah Grueneberg from Chicago’s Monteverde will be making a guest visit, and another weekend event is dedicated to foraging with the hotel’s own pack of truffle-hunting dogs.
Aragosta (Deer Isle, Maine)
Courtesy of Jenny / Aragosta
Tourists may flock to Bar Harbor during Maine’s warmer months, but in-the-know culinary adventurers make their way to Deer Isle in the Acadian region, about an hour south. There, the standout Aragosta on the island’s western shore sits on 21 pristine acres, with coastal panoramic views. Chef Devin Finigan takes full advantage of the region’s bounty, blending in notable international influences while ensuring every plate features Maine ingredients. Spring halibut may be served in a “tidal broth,” a savory lobster stock with dashi; while lobster (served spring through fall) could get the beurre blanc treatment. Duck could come alongside a mole sauce. The meal at Aragosta is the main draw, but there are nine cottages on site to save you the trouble of leaving with any rush. And with views like these, why would you?
Bardessono (Napa Valley, California)
Courtesy of Bardessono
Bardessono sits on its own small vineyard within Yountville, the hub of Napa Valley culinary excellence. Two Italian immigrants founded the 20-acre estate in 1926, and it was wife Lucy who loved farming and gardening, and planted the culinary garden. The main dining experience is named after her, and the menu at Lucy Restaurant & Bar leans California fresh — plates make use of the pineapple quince, yuzu, chocolate mint, and eggplant that grow on-site. This garden-first aesthetic extends to the hotel, which is certified LEED Platinum and looks like a modern imagining of a Tuscan villa, with plenty of natural stone and plantings, plus spectacular views of the valley. Bardessono suites come with fireplaces and courtyards or balconies. As if that wasn’t enough, Yountville’s downtown is steps outside your door.
SingleThread Farm, Restaurant, & Inn (Healdsburg, California)
Courtesy of John Troxell
The husband-and-wife duo who own SingleThread, a charming, intimate spot in Sonoma’s beloved Healdsburg, famously earned two Michelin stars 10 months after opening in 2016. Kyle and Katina Connaughton make their biodiverse farm the central source of their work, growing everything from summer squash and tomatoes to Kyoto carrots, Komatsuna mustard, and yarrow. It supplies their kitchen with fruits, vegetables, honey, herbs, and flowers. They cite the Japanese ethos of omotenashi to describe their approach to hospitality, which speaks to mindful care of anticipating all guest needs. In the restaurant, it’s evident in the styling of the plates, which may feature miyazaki wagyu with kohlrabi, black truffle, and umeboshi, or popovers stuffed with kinako and miso butter. In the guest rooms, it’s present in the soaking tubs, Toto toilets, and complimentary treats from local foragers and artisans. Guests can even borrow a complimentary Audi Q8 to explore the area — an elevated, thoughtful touch that’s especially appreciated when you want to make the most of exploring Sonoma.
Harbor House Inn (Elk, California)
Courtesy of Matt Morris
For a true get-away-from-it-all experience, you can’t beat this location in Elk, a lesser-known part of Mendocino County that hasn’t yet been overrun as a Bay Area getaway. Harbor House Inn occupies a lodge originally built by a local lumber company and is set dramatically on the seaside cliffs. The entry may feel a bit rugged and rural, but Matthew Kammerer’s high-end tasting menu offered in the 20-seat restaurant is anything but. Here, the focus is all on North Coast terrain with a preference for steam and fire as cooking methods: Think abalone poached in sake or black cod smoked over Bay laurel. Much of the produce comes from the on-site farm and greenhouse, and visitors can choose from a selection of 1,600 cellared wines to accompany their meal. Guest quarters include six rooms in the main house and five standalone cottages; all come with access to a private cove. Harbor House Inn proudly proclaims cell phone reception is limited on-site — and with this much to occupy your senses, there’s no better reason to log off.
Ocean House (Westerly, Rhode Island)
Courtesy of Chip Riegel
If it’s classic New England vibes you’re looking for, it’s hard to compete with Ocean House. With a range of dining options on offer, the more formal Coast is this iconic seaside resort’s showcase. Take in a sunset over the water as you choose from seasonal prix fixe offerings, which may include an elegant take on a pan roast or seared fresh scallops served with foie gras. Even tuna tartare gets a bump with a silky carrot ginger reduction. During the day, grab a seat outside on the Verandah (available in summer) for selections from the raw bar, or opt for the Bistro for casual dining that includes signature salads, steaks, and sandwiches. Rooms are light and airy, with coastal New England blue accents. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s spa and collection of Ludwig Bemelman paintings.
Twin Farms (Barnard, Vermont)
Courtesy of Claude-Simon Langlois
An adults-only hideaway, Twin Farms excels by helping guests fully immerse themselves in this semi-remote location in southern Vermont’s Green Mountains. Set in an 18th-century farmhouse on 300 acres, it’s easy to pretend it’s your private estate — and there’s a true choose-your-own-adventure approach for whatever vacation you’re craving. Wellness enthusiasts flock to the on-site Japanese onsen for saltwater soaks with views of the forest, while skiers come in winter to hit the private trails for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.
No matter what you’re craving, Twin Farms can supply it, and the dining is the proof. Under the direction of Nathan Rich, lunch can include porcini-poached Vermont chicken and wild mushroom ragu, or a custom picnic for you and your companion to take outside on a walk. This is an all-inclusive resort, which includes alcohol and meals — including the showcase Dining Room’s multi-course tasting menu, which may feature seared foie gras with figs, almond butter, brioche, and honey, or lamb confit with butternut squash gnocchi.
The Setai Miami Beach (Florida)
Courtesy of Kris Tamburello
Serenity isn’t a word typically associated with Miami’s South Beach, but The Setai isn’t your typical South Beach hotel. The resort is fully influenced by Asian culture, from the elegant fusion of Asian Art Deco décor sporting clean lines and teak wood, to the dining options that serve flavors that span Japan, Thailand, China, India, and Bali. Jaya is the stalwart, beloved for years for its South Asian plates like its signature Peking duck and sections of the menu dedicated to curry and tandoori. In fall of 2024, The Setai added Japón, an over-the-top experience focused on Japanese cuisine, from sushi and tempura to robata, as well as a wide range of caviar and raw fish. It’s all elegantly indulgent and soothing, a perfect set-up before you retire to your room to relax on the Duxiana beds with Frette linens.
Espacio The Jewel of Waikiki (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Courtesy of ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki
Hawaii is renowned as a premium luxury destination, and Espacio is exclusive even by these standards. A private hotel of just nine suites — each of which occupies an entire floor, sports expansive ocean views, and comes with a butler — it’s steps from Waikiki Beach. If that’s not enough to entice you, guests get priority seating for dinner at Mugen, the 34-seat restaurant where Colin Sato leads the kitchen with menus created by iconic Hawaii restaurateur Alan Wong. Mugen offers several options for dining, but of course you should opt for the six-course tasting menu, a celebration of the area’s ingredients, where poke is paired with caviar, kona kampachi comes with coconut avocado mousse, and Maui venison is paired with a black garlic blueberry gastrique. A jewel in every bite.
Hotel Emma (San Antonio, Texas)
Courtesy of Hotel Emma
San Antonio’s happening River Walk welcomed the arrival of Hotel Emma, which rounded out the popular Pearl District with a hip, luxe vibe. Roman & Williams designed the 146-room riverfront property, which occupies a grand former brewhouse. It’s romantic and dramatic but doesn’t lose the fun. All the dining options are standouts: Supper offers all-day dining with a focus on open-fire cooking, and we’d gladly start with the Hill Country quail and biscuits for breakfast, move to a short rib grilled cheese for lunch, and finish with Texas steaks and sides for dinner.
If you crave something lighter, Larder serves South Texas-style dishes with a proud selection of local brews. The intrigue ramps up at Sternewirth, the tavern and club, where the cocktails are premium. The signature Three Emmas is made with lager, rose cordial, amontillado sherry, gin, grapefruit, and lemon. It even comes with its own warning, printed on the menu: “One is great, two is sinful, three will kill you.” No doubt plenty of visitors will roll the dice.
To uncover the best food and drink experiences for travelers, Food & Wine polled over 400 chefs, travel experts, food and travel writers, and wine pros from across the globe for their top culinary travel experiences. We then turned the results over to our Global Advisory Board, who ranked the top nominees in each category. For the full list of all 165 winners, visit foodandwine.com/globaltastemakers.
