World-class flavours don’t always come with world-class price tags. Get acquainted with our shortlist of affordable Michelin-awarded restaurants across the United States!
With the cost of living increasing each year, it may seem like indulging your palate at an award-winning restaurant is now something reserved for the rich — but it doesn’t have to be that way!
We’re back with a new edition of Affordable Michelin Eats, and this time, we’re taking on the United States! If you didn’t already know, the U.S. is home to some of the most amazing restaurants and casual food joints, thanks to its melting pot of culture and pool of insanely talented people. And with the democratisation of pleasure pursuits, you may start to find more and more restaurants serving up Michelin food without the crazy price tags.
So for those of you planning your trip to one of the many states in America this September, we’ve shortlisted some of the most revered Michelin restaurants that won’t break the bank and will send you on a multi-sensorial journey through Flavourtown!
Read on for the shortlist 👇
💜 Stay Up To Date:
– The Best South Korea Autumn Destinations 2023
– The Ultimate 10 Days In Italy Itinerary 2023
– YouTrip’s Ultimate Guide To Student Exchange 2023
📍 California:
1. State Bird Provision
Image Credits: The New York Times
A three-course meal at a one-star Michelin restaurant meal for under 50 USD? It’s available for one and all at State Bird Provision in San Francisco. This fine dining meets casual concept got its first star back in 2014, and is still impressing guests with its quality and spread, nine years on.
In true Californian fashion, expect nothing but the use of fresh seasonal, regional produce and products, and by extension, a menu that changes and evolves with the seasons. And unlike the Michelin fine dining restaurants we’ve grown accustomed to, stream of plates are passed between guests dim sum-style here, with waiters wandering around with trays and trolleys. Highlights include their pan-seared guinea hen dumplings, corn mochi with a refreshing side of gouda, Fresno Chile and cilantro, and their namesake CA state bird with provisions.
Michelin Rating: ⭐
Address: 1529 Gilmore St., San Francisco, CA 94115, United States
Operating Hours: Sun to Thurs, 5:30 PM – 10 PM. Fri & Sat, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Affordable Michelin Food In The U.S. 2023: Learn more about State Bird Provisions here.
2. Los Carnalitos
Image credits: Los Carnalitos
USA is known for its melting pot of culture, which is why it comes as no surprise that this family-run Mexican food truck has won the hearts of foodies and food critics alike. Its brick-and-mortar restaurant located just 30 minutes from the Bay Area, serves up some of the most authentic huaraches and quesadilla de huitlacoche, which are typically not found on menus of the more mainstream Mexican restaurants in the U.S.
If you’re game, brave the lunch crowd to try their tacos and tortas for a meal that truly hits the spot. As reservations are not available at this chain, just be sure to plan ahead. But as with all things in life, good things come to those who wait (in line).
Michelin Rating: 😋 (Bib Gourmand)
Address: 30200 Industrial Pkwy. SW, Hayward, CA 94544, United States
Operating Hours: Mon to Sat, 9 AM – 9 PM. Closed on Sundays.
Affordable Michelin Food In The U.S. 2023: Learn more about Los Carnalitos here.
3. Camphor
Image credits: Forbes
Over in Los Angeles, while you’d be able to find something delicious at every highway exit, for a menu that’s been lauded by professional food critics, Camphor is a must-visit. This one-star French restaurant located in the bustling Arts District pays homage to Asian cuisine in the most subtle of ways, thanks to the brains and heritage of co-head chefs, Max Boonthanakit and Lijo George.
From reimagined lentils and lamb to its spiced tomato chicken, expect the perfect balance of French culinary techniques with uniquely South Asian flavours, all under 100 USD!
Michelin Rating: ⭐
Address: 923 E 3rd St #109, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
Operating Hours: Thurs to Mon, 5 PM – 10 PM. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Affordable Michelin Food In The U.S. 2023: Learn more about Camphor here.
📍 New York:
4. The Four Horsemen
Image credits: New York Magazine
A New York icon, this chic and minimalistic joint is known for its wide variety of natural wines, and a pretty small food menu (read: highly curated) — all things considered, its one-star status is a pretty mighty feat.
And as with most world-class restaurants, their menu is constantly changing, and yet time and time again, they are very well-received by patrons. Unlike the stereotypical tiny fine dining portions, The Four Horsemen focuses on shareable plates, with standouts like cured Montauk scallops, chicken liver mousse, omelette soufflé, and a strawberry, rhubarb, and custard tart.
Michelin Rating: ⭐
Address: 295 Grand Street, New York 11211, United States
Operating Hours: Mon to Sun, 5:30 PM – 11 PM, with additional lunch service from Fri to Sun, 11 AM – 4 PM.
Affordable Michelin Food In The U.S. 2023: Learn more about The Four Horsemen here.
5. Claro
Image credits: The New York Times
For a taste of Oaxaca, a visit to Claro is necessary. When chef-owner TJ Steele chose to share his love for their food and culture with the world, he decidedly went all out and passed with flying colours. Today, his one-star restaurant not only features stunning works from Oaxacan artists but also a huge variety of mouthwatering dishes.
Brunch starts at just 48 USD, and dinner at 80 USD, which is extremely affordable by East Coast standards. Highlights from their sample menu include their masa pancakes topped with blueberry conserve, the Tostada de Atun, and the Tuetano de Mole Negro. As always, the menu is seasonal, so you can expect fresh ingredients in every dish. And in authentic Mexican hospitality, you’ll also get to enjoy a dizzying array of mezcal to cap off the night.
Michelin Rating: ⭐
Address: 284 Third Ave, New York, 11215, United States
Operating Hours: Mon to Thurs, 2 PM – 4 PM, 5:30 PM – 9 PM. Fri, 12 PM – 4 PM, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Sat, 11:30 AM – 3:45 PM, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Sun, 11:30 PM – 4 PM, 5:30 PM – 9 PM.
Affordable Michelin Food In The U.S. 2023: Learn more about Claro here.
6. Phayul
Image credits: The Infatuation
One thing we love about New York is how international its food scene is. Case in point? It’s never easy finding good Tibetan food, but Phayul is as good as it gets outside of Tibet. Located in Jackson Heights, this unpretentious restaurant serves a wide variety of traditional Tibetan dishes.
Must-tries include their fried Momos (we hear the beef and pickled vegetable varietal is best), their fried lamb ribs, and noodle soups for the ultimate comfort meal.
Michelin Rating: 😋 (Bib Gourmand)
Address: 37-59 74th St, New York 11372, United States
Operating Hours: Mon to Thurs, 2 PM – 4 PM
Affordable Michelin Food In The U.S. 2023: Learn more about Phayul here.
📍 Chicago:
7. North Pond
Image credits: Foodle
Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, this one-star restaurant has brought out the best of what Chicago has to offer, with a subtle Latin and Asian flair. The restaurant is located in a former warming house for ice skaters and offers a stunning view of the city skyline from the park’s eponymous north pond.
Here, their menu is centred around the use of seasonal ingredients from small local farmers, so you know that you’re paying for unparalleled quality, from farm to table. Go for the 59 USD Sunday Brunch for a taste of quality without the price tag. Highlights include the snapper ceviche, gumbo, and peach pepper glazed pork belly. If you’re thinking of forking out a bit more, 125 USD will get you a four-course seasonal tasting menu which includes dishes like bluefin tuna tartare, agnolotti with squash, and an assortment of delicious desserts.
Michelin Rating: ⭐
Address: 2610 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago 60614, United States
Operating Hours: Thurs, 5:30 PM – 8 PM. Fri & Sat, 5:30 PM – 9 PM. Sun, 10:30 AM – 1 PM, 5 PM – 8 PM. Closed from Monday to Wednesday.
Affordable Michelin Food In The U.S. 2023: Learn more about North Pond here.
8. Sepia
Image Credits: Sepia
What makes a meal memorable goes beyond the dishes; it’s all about creating a multi-sensorial experience. Housed within a 19th-century print shop, Sepia’s unique interior design is an amazing mix of modernity and old-world charm, with dramatic chandeliers and exposed brick walls. It is also pretty representative of the type of cuisine one can expect to find here — a delicious amalgam of American cuisine with hints of Southeast Asian, Korean, and Mediterranean cuisine.
For under 100 USD, you can treat yourself to a four-course meal with highlights like chilled king crab chowder, dry-aged Rohan duck, sourdough cavatelli, and a selection of unique fusion desserts that’s got us drooling.
Michelin Rating: ⭐
Address: 123 N. Jefferson St., Chicago 60661, United States
Operating Hours: Mon to Thurs, 5 PM – 9 PM. Fri & Sat, 5 PM – 10 PM. Closed on Sundays.
Affordable Michelin Food In The U.S. 2023: Learn more about Sepia here.
📍 Washington, DC:
9. Tail Up Goat
Image Credits: The Washingtonian
This Mediterranean restaurant has been on the radar ever since its inception in 2016 and is still a must-visit for many over at the capital. Located in the historic Adam’s Morgan neighbourhood, Tail Up Goat is a one-star joint that is known for being casual yet refined.
We love Tail Up Goat for its rather affordable menu, and more importantly, for its healthy, vibrant and delicious lineup of food. Highlights of its four-course dinner menu include the freshest zucchini bread, poached halibut, and tomatillo panna cotta topped with a generous dose of horchata.
Michelin Rating: ⭐
Address: 1827 Adams Mill Rd, NW, Washington 20009 United States
Operating Hours: Tues, 5:30 PM – 8 PM. Wed, Thurs & Sun, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Fri & Sat, 5:30 PM – 9:15 PM. Closed on Mondays.
Affordable Michelin Food In The U.S. 2023: Learn more about Tail Up Goat here.
10. Toki Underground
Image Credits: Toki Underground
Contrary to popular belief, DC does have some cheap and delicious eats too. Step inside this small and cosy nook, and you’ll find yourself almost transported to the small, hidden izakayas that line the laneways of Japan. With just 30 seats in this Michelin-awarded establishment, be prepared to wait — or come by at lunchtime for a better chance of claiming a seat.
Must-tries include its hearty and rich tonkatsu ramen, as well as its steamed buns and dumplings of all stripes. Toki Underground also serves up daily specials — giving it that omakase-like surprise at just a fraction of the cost.
Michelin Rating: 😋 (Bib Gourmand)
Address: 1234 H St. NE, Washington DC 20002, United States
Operating Hours: Sun to Thurs, 5 PM – 9 PM. Fri & Sat, 5 PM – 10 PM. Lunch service is available on Sat & Sun from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM.
Affordable Michelin Food In The U.S. 2023: Learn more about Toki Underground here.
📍 Florida:
11. Ariete
Image Credits: PROFILE Miami
For a taste of New American, Cuban-French cuisine, Ariete is the place to be. Wonder what that means? Think dishes like the classic Cuban Tamale en Cazuela topped with truffle chicken, foie gras with a plantain pave, and even venison tartare with bone marrow sabayon — a touch of distinctly different flavours delicately combined into dishes of epic proportions.
While it’s located in the upscale Coconut Grove neighbourhood, this charming joint isn’t a stickler about how dressed up you are — all you need is to bring your appetite. A three-course prix fixe menu will set you back just 95 USD, a very decent price to pay for an experience this unique.
Michelin Rating: ⭐
Address: 3450 Main Hwy, Miami 33133, United States
Operating Hours: Sun to Thurs, 6 PM – 9:30 PM. Fri & Sat, 6 PM – 10 PM
Affordable Michelin Food In The U.S. 2023: Learn more about Ariete here.
12. Ravenous Pig
Image Credits: The Ravenous Pig
Ravenous Pig is reinventing the world of gastropubs on all fronts, and we’re here for it.
This casual joint is really pulling out the stops by turning classic pub dishes into works of art. What we love about this place is how balanced the menu is — you’d find classics like oysters and pub burgers, but also more artisanal flavours like ahi tuna tostadas and cured pastrami brisket with pickled cabbage puree and cauliflower giardiniera. Of course, as with many Michelin-awarded restaurants, expect seasonal menu changes.
Don’t forget to order a pint or two — after all, they have their very own brewery just next door, so you can expect to enjoy a nice variety of beers on tap.
Michelin Rating: 😋 (Bib Gourmand)
Address: 565 W. Fairbanks Ave., Orlando 32789, United States
Operating Hours: Tues to Fri, 4 PM – 10 PM. Sat, 11 AM – 11 PM. Sun, 11 AM – 9:30 PM. Closed on Mondays.
Affordable Michelin Food In The U.S. 2023: Learn more about The Ravenous Pig here.
Eat Your Way Through The United States
From Los Angeles to San Francisco, and Miami to New York, there are plenty of great eats out there, Michelin-awarded or not. But we hope that this list will come in handy as you begin to plan your foodie itinerary — after all, travelling is indeed a luxury and if you’re already making the trip out, why not splash out a little? Whatever it is, just remember to make use of your YouTrip card to enjoy the best rates all day, because every cent counts!
As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with promo code <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account! For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.
And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group @YouTripSquad? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! 💜
Rock out!
Related Articles
Affordable Michelin Food Around Europe 2023
Affordable Michelin Food In Asia 2023
The Ultimate Tokyo Halal Food Guide 2023
