AMERICA’S 100 BEST WINE RESTAURANTS OF 2019
This list isn’t a ranking, nor is there a matrix of number of bottles, price or types of food. Instead, it is a selection of restaurants where wine is shared and celebrated, and where, in our experiences, the selection, food, service and atmosphere are all exceptional. This year’s selection features more new restaurants and more locations than ever before. We’re excited by how many wine lists have something to say—a regional or stylistic story, quirky wine descriptions written with approachability and pairability in mind, or a deep respect for obscure and back-vintage offerings. Spots in smaller cities continue to raise the dining profiles of their communities, while restaurants in the big cities continue to push the creative envelope. With an eye toward sheer pleasure at a range of price points, we selected the 100 restaurants that best represent the way we’re drinking and dining now.
Addison at the Grand Del Mar
San Diego
For over a decade, this restaurant has been luxury top to bottom. Executive Chef and Creative Director William Bradley creates an ever-changing seasonal menu that plays on classic dishes from around the world. To accompany, Director of Wine and Beverage Rafael Sanchez draws from a deep cellar.
Adega
San Jose, CA
A destination for modern Portuguese fare, this venue boasts more than 500 Portuguese wines. Hard-to-find back vintages provide rare pairing opportunities, like ’88 Bical with carabineiro shrimp or ’85 Baga with arroz de pato (duck rice).
Alinea
Chicago
This modernist restaurant is a perennial on “best” lists, but it never rests on its laurels. With three different tasting menu options, Alinea provides consistently new and interesting dishes and exquisitely selected pours by the wine team.
Angler
San Francisco
anglerrestaurants.com/san-francisco Joshua Skenes, owner of the three-Michelin-starred Saison, opened this sea-centric restaurant last fall. Wine Director Mark Bright shows clear favoritism toward Burgundy and grower Champagnes for a list designed with seafood in mind.
The Antler Room
Kansas City, MO
Husband-and-wife owners Chef Nick Goellner and Wine Director Leslie Newsam Goellner (above) serve small plates inspired by Mediterranean, East Asian and Midwestern cuisine. The wine list boasts an array of international natural wines, including varietal pét-nats and grower Champagnes.
Ario
Marco Island, FL
jwmarco.com/Marco-Island-Restaurants/Ario-27.html
Chef Gerald Sombright’s globally inspired food meets a wine list that recently became all-American. Monthly “Sommelier Picks” are chosen to complement the season’s dishes, or you can select from almost 30 by-the-glass options.
Atelier Crenn
San Francisco
The last year and a half has been big here—it became the first restaurant run by a woman to earn three Michelin stars; wine-centric Bar Crenn celebrated its one-year anniversary; and, along with Beverage Director Courtney Olson, Chef Dominique Crenn embarked on a partnership to produce a Bandol rosé with Château de Pibarnon.
Atlas
Atlanta
With more than 70 wines by the glass (including Madeiras back to 1908), you may never make it to
