A laid-back, New York-style pizzeria, Bibb Street Pizza Company opened in April 2018 in Alabama's capital. It's the work of brothers Ian and Patrick Walters, who already own successful Auburn-based Italian joint Little Italy. They've revamped an old industrial building downtown for their latest project, and the exposed pipes and bare-brick walls stay true to the venue's original form. Order pizza by the slice or a full pie. Tasty toppings include spicy sausage and Canadian bacon, or you could try the Italian Supreme Sub with smoked deli meats and provolone cheese.

"The American table reimagined" is the strapline of this modern fried-chicken joint, opened in May 2018. The onus is on nostalgic comfort food, made from scratch and shared among friends. If you're feeling hungry, plump for the Full Shack, which is four pieces of crispy fried chicken with a choice of two sides – the house biscuit with honey butter is a crowd-pleaser. If you like things spicy, sample the Hot Tennessee Burger (pictured) for zingy breaded chicken in a brioche bun.

The desert city of Tucson became America's first UNESCO City of Gastronomy back in 2015, and its creative culinary output shows no sign of abating. In summer 2018 came Beaut Burger, an entirely plant-based burger joint, and one of the first of its kind in the state. "Food you dig" is the spot's playful mantra and its signature patties are packed full of grains, beans, veg and spices, and are served in a home-baked bun. Try yours topped with roasted aubergine, pesto and house-made mozzarella.

A chic all-day café, LOUISE gets its name from Iris "Louise" McPhetridge Thaden, an American aviator and proud Bentonville native. The interior is pared back, with a sleek bar and giant windows, and the menu boasts down-to-earth Southern dishes with modern twists. Stop by for brunch and tuck into the chicken and waffles or a fruity açaí bowl. If you're around for dinner, opt for shrimp and grits with smoky tasso gravy.

You'll never go hungry in the Golden State and last year's standout opening was elevated Indian spot Bibi Ji in downtown Santa Barbara. It's the vision of a standout duo – Australian-Indian chef Jessi Singh (of New York City's popular Babu Ji) and James Beard award-winning sommelier Rajat Parr. Expect a seafood-rich menu with highlights such as oysters, sea urchin and black mussels, and a tasting option if you can't decide. The location also includes a chic wine bar and a bottle shop.

A new Israeli opening has cemented Denver's standing as one of the most exciting foodie cities in the west. Safta opened its doors in August 2018 to much applause. It's the brainchild of James Beard award-winner Alon Shaya whose Israeli heritage has informed the menu of sandwiches and small plates. Try dishes such as shakshouka, a slow-cooked egg with Jerusalem artichokes and punchy zhoug, and be sure to sample the classic hummus. Find Safta at The Source Hotel and Market Hall in Denver's hip RiNo district.

A glossy new restaurant opened in November 2018, Brick Walk Tavern touts itself as a "local refuge". The menu is upscale without being intimidating, and the dark wood, leather couch and open fire continue the classy-but-casual vibe. Top menu picks are the veal meatloaf with herby spaetzle (a pasta-like accompaniment hailing from Germany) and the classic jambalaya. If you're feeling flush, you could book the private Chef's Room experience, where you'll be invited to work with the Executive Chef to create a menu perfect for your party. 

One of the latest culinary offerings from sunny St Petersburg, The Peabody is a grand restaurant inspired by Baltimore's George Peabody Library. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves laden with more than 7,000 volumes helps channel the theme. It's not a case of style over substance, though. Morning diners love the Peabody Classic Breakfast, including farm-fresh eggs, crispy potatoes and crunchy bacon, while evening guests can plump for simple yet superbly executed classics. Try the roast chicken with lemony butter or steak with parmesan truffle fries.

The Grey Market is both a Southern lunch counter and a well-stocked bodega. Opened by restaurateur Johno Morisano and chef Mashama Bailey, it follows the giant success of The Grey, an upscale Southern restaurant the pair established in 2014. Grey Market is more laid-back with a small capacity and a menu of French toast, biscuits and gravy, and gourmet sandwiches. Pick up the Sizzlin' Smoky Pig Kaiser roll with tender pulled pork, egg and a pleasing pepper relish.

Merriman’s is the latest venue from Peter Merriman, a Pittsburgh-born chef who has spent the last three decades making his mark on Hawaii's food scene. Merriman is a champion of local produce and the farm-to-table movement, an ethos he has poured into this new restaurant, which opened its doors in June 2018. The menu oozes Hawaiian flavour with highlights including the sustainable catch-of-the-day, the "wok-charred" ahi and, for meat lovers, crispy cast-iron chicken with Yukon Gold potatoes.

Hip Honey Eatery And Social Club opened in Coeur d'Alene in June 2018. Its lengthy craft-cocktail list, onus on local produce and hearty modern American dishes have been drawing the crowds ever since. The venue's exposed brick walls feature works by local artists. Admire them while you tuck into Idaho trout with green-apple slaw and crisp potato cakes, or a towering beef burger with melting beer cheddar and honey-bacon jam. Afterwards, head to the social club downstairs for a drink and some live music.

This little basement sushi bar set tongues wagging when it opened in Chicago's West Loop in summer 2018. It's located underneath the already famed Ramen Takeya restaurant, and has a minuscule seven seats, so you'll need to book well in advance. You'll be served a fixed-price "omakase" or "chef's choice" menu that will include a string of carefully selected Japanese vegetable and seafood plates. Once the tasting menu is finished, you can choose more options from the á la carte menu if you've got room. 

Beholder is the latest from local chef Jonathan Brooks, who is something of a celebrity in Indianapolis after the runaway success of his brunch restaurant Milktooth. In his new endeavour, Brooks refuses to be beholden to a single cuisine or style, with items on the ever-shifting menu ranging from wild boar bolognese to pan-roasted Atlantic cod. The venue has also been praised for its wines, so be sure to sample a glass or two.

This easy-going spot, opened in April 2018, is proud to bring a taste of times gone by to Iowa City. Black-and-white photos paper the walls, including some of the restaurant's namesake, Burch the Bear, the nearby University of Iowa's one-time mascot. The food is classic with elegant touches. Sample Iowa's pork-tenderloin sandwich with shaved white onion and aioli in a sesame-seed bun, then slip downstairs to The Den, the tavern's cocktail bar (pictured), for a nightcap.

The sumptuous 6S Steakhouse opened in early 2018, is all plush leather seating and floor-to-ceiling windows with a sophisticated menu to boot. The restaurant's owner, local business man Brandon Steven, has employed lauded chef Kayson Chong, who cut his teeth in fine venues in Las Vegas and his hometown of LA before moving to Wichita. Menu highlights include Brandon's Filet Mignon, an 8oz steak with a peppercorn crust and creamed corn, and the house-made pasta with Waygu meatballs. Oenophiles will appreciate the impressive wine list too. 

This upscale restaurant in Louisville's Harrods Creek neighbourhood is something of a blast from the past. In spring 1977, the original, and extremely popular, Pine Room restaurant was devastated by a fire and never reopened. Now, some four decades later, it has been reimagined in a new location. Enjoy your meal to the sound of tinkling piano music and there's a cocktail named after Mable, the original and beloved Pine Room pianist. The menu features timeless classics such as buttermilk-fried chicken and pesto-tossed pasta, while entrées such as the veg-packed grain bowl bring the venue into the 21st century. 

A little slice of Spain in the Big Easy, Estaño has been serving Basque-style small plates since August 2018. Swing by at brunch and graze on Spanish tortilla with homemade crème fraîche or eggs finished with black truffle oil and served with asparagus. Evening guests can enjoy a tapas-style dinner with dishes such as tuna-stuffed piquillo peppers and serrano ham croquettes with Dijon cream.

The original Bob’s Clam Hut was established way back in 1956 in Kittery, a seaside town in Maine. It has been renowned for its fresh, local seafood ever since. More than 60 years later, the folks at Bob’s Clam Hut decided it was time to open a second location. The city of Portland became the lucky spot in 2018, serving the same fried clams, lobster rolls and chowders as the original. If you're sharing, opt for a Seafood Basket, which includes enough clams, scallops, white fish, fries and coleslaw for two or three hungry diners.

A swanky spot at the top of Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore, The Bygone is styled on the roaring twenties, with low lighting, gold-rimmed plates and a dark-wood bar. The menu brims with luxurious options, from a range of caviar to lobster tail with rainbow cauliflower and hollandaise sauce. For a special treat, opt for the chef's tasting menu, a carefully curated string of Bygone dishes with wine pairings and table demonstrations. Sweeping views across Baltimore are another reason to visit.

When it comes to Massachusetts, Boston restaurants usually hog the limelight. But the central city of Worcester has a burgeoning culinary scene too, and it's being dubbed by those in the know as a foodie town to watch. One of the hottest new spots is Maddi’s Cookery and Taphouse, which opened in June 2018. In the kitchen is established Massachusetts chef Adam Hicks, who dishes up "pub-style" meals such as mac 'n' cheese with steak tips. The cajun shrimp tacos with mango salad and cotija cheese are a must-try too.

New restaurants are opening in Detroit at such a pace that it's hard to pick a standout venue. But the aptly named Prime and Proper, a fine steak house with its home in Detroit's historic Capitol Park area, is a sure frontrunner. The restaurant boasts a decadent interior, with gleaming tables, hard-wood floors and plush booths. The sumptuous menu includes supreme cuts of meat, such as Wagyu filet mignon, with accompaniments like wood-fired lobster claws and shaved truffles.

This easy-going Italian spot describes its offering as "comfortably adventurous", having opened in Minneapolis in April 2018. Handmade pastas and classic cocktails are served in simple yet modern surrounds. Choose from fresh cannelloni with braised lamb and ricotta, or agnolotti stuffed with sweet potato and sage salsa verde. Larger plates include sustainable rainbow trout with braised leeks, and smoked "shawarma-spiced" chicken.

Discover the best Italian in your state here. 

Aplόs means "simple" in Greece, and the emphasis of this Mediterranean spot is fine, no-fuss food served fast. The restaurant, spearheaded by respected Jackson chef Alex Eaton, is inspired by no-frills venues found throughout Greece, Italy and the Middle East. Graze on grape leaves stuffed with Egyptian rice, tomatoes and tzatziki, and crisp falafel with marinated cabbage. If it's pizza you're craving, opt for the artichoke pie with sun-dried tomato, red onion and olives.

This fiery addition to St Louis opened in August 2018 at the Four Seasons hotel. James Beard award-winning chef Gerard Craft, who already has a string of sought-after restaurants in the city, is the brains behind Cinder House. Many of the South America-inspired dishes here are cooked using the restaurant's giant wood hearth. Taste fired meats from a Colorado lamb rack to filet mignon, or opt for the lighter seafood stew.

The Sassy Biscuit "bruncherie" is a family affair, the vision of local Jilan Hall-Johnson and her husband DeMarco Johnson, whom she met in culinary school. It's all about breakfast, brunch and lunch here, with creative takes on homemade waffles, pancakes, biscuits and sandwiches all available. A favourite is "The Sassy Pressed Shortcake", a waffle-pressed biscuit flavoured with cinnamon and vanilla and served with sweet buttermilk gravy. It's a popular spot, so expect to queue at weekends.

Omaha is often overlooked in the foodie stakes, but a slew of new restaurants, including sushi bar Butterfish, are putting it on the map. Butterfish opened in summer 2018 in the city's revitalised Blackstone District, an historic neighbourhood that now has no shortage of hip indie restaurants. Choose options from the sushi bar, such as a classic California roll or seared salmon nigiri, or tuck into a bigger plate, such as chicken katsu and Asian slaw in a soft brioche bun.

In true Sin City style, new seafood restaurant Catch is glitzy, glamorous and larger than life, complete with hanging foliage, fairy lights and a real tree growing in the middle of the dining room. It opened in October 2018, in Vegas's swish ARIA Resort and Casino, and has been pulling in well-heeled diners ever since. An impressive menu includes oysters from the raw bar, a vast selection of sushi rolls and sashimi, and larger plates such as Cantonese lobster cooked with sake and oyster sauce.

The first location of this family-run, Hawaiian-inspired restaurant opened in Portsmouth in 2017. It was such a hit that the Exeter branch was born in October 2018. Husband-and-wife owners Jay and Stacy Krecklow spent time living in Maui, and it was here that they fostered their love of poké, a Hawaiian delicacy of raw fish. You can build your own "no-limits" poké bowl at Ohana. Start with a grain or kale base, then layer with a protein such as ahi tuna, toppings like edamame beans and Ohana's signature sauce of Tamari soy and sesame oil. 

An unpretentious spot for a filling brunch or comforting dinner, Marcus B&P, from Ethiopian-Swedish celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, is one of New Jersey's latest additions. The curious name comes from the Swedish idea of the "back pocket" restaurant – down-to-earth spots with high-quality food, perfect for meeting friends and family. Come by for the Sunday Jazz Brunch, where you can dig into biscuits and gravy to the tune of live jazz music. At dinner you could sample the Chef's Tasting Menu, complete with a refreshing scallop crudo.

Creative New Mexico dishes from scratch are the USP of this new spot in Albuquerque, opened by lauded local chef Mike W. White. Expect warming dishes with "chef-driven" touches, such as the four-cheese baked artichoke dip or the crisp crab-meat hushpuppies. After 4pm, you'll also have a chance to sample some chef specials. Examples have included seared scallops with charred lemon and chilli, and pork with a red New Mexico chile and maple crust.

As the name suggests, this new brasserie in the Big Apple is one for Francophiles. Opened in March 2018, in the hip industrial-chic TriBeca neighbourhood, it's an effortlessly stylish spot, all cosy red booths and polished wood. It has an elegant menu to match too. Tempting entrées include succulent duck frites or monkfish with lentils and crunchy salsify. Vegetarians will enjoy the warming artichoke tagine, lifted with lemon and served with cous cous.

Sustainability and local produce is the focus of this new restaurant in Charlotte, opened in March 2018. Award-winning chef William Dissen had already made his mark in Asheville with The Market Place restaurant, which celebrates local ingredients. His latest endeavour, Haymaker follows suit with modern "farm fresh fare". Tuck into small plates such as foraged mushrooms on country bread, or large plates like crispy duck confit or juicy New York strip with seasonal veg. 

This is your stop for belly-busting Texas-style barbecue in North Dakota. Following a successful first location in Bismarck, Taylor Made BBQ has partnered with Laughing Sun Brewery to open a new location in the eastern city of Mandan. Sating beer and barbecue lovers alike, the down-to-earth joint oozes cool with an industrial vibe and abstract art. You can order meat by the half-pound, from melt-in-the-mouth brisket to house-made sausage. The barbecue-sauce-smothered pork ribs are a winner too. 

Opened in summer 2018, Nüjoy is the newest Chinese spot in Cleveland. Found in the city's University Circle neighbourhood, it's the concept of two alumni from the resident Case Western Reserve University. Since Nüjoy's opening, the local student crowd, and many more Cleveland residents beyond, have enjoyed the veg-packed noodle soups, soft bao and Szechuan stir fries with a kick.

Discover the best Chinese restaurant in every state. 

Once a popular food truck, Buttermilk now has a funky bricks-and-mortar restaurant in Oklahoma City's Paseo Arts District. Buttermilk biscuits are the order of the day here. You can have them filled with buttermilk-fried chicken and a smoked paprika-honey glaze, or topped with bacon, hash browns and eggs your way. If you're hankering after a sweet treat, try mini biscuits with buttercream frosting and sweet berries. 

Elegant, French-inspired Canard was opened to a fanfare in April 2018. It's the third restaurant from James Beard award-winner Gabriel Rucker, offering creative takes on French staples, as well as American comfort food with a French flair. If you're here for brunch, order the French toast or the innovative duck stack – a little tower of pancakes with rich duck gravy, tabasco-spiked onions and a fresh duck egg. Come evening, expect mains such as dry-fried chicken wings dressed with truffle ranch.

Philly's food scene is ever-evolving, but this brand new Thai spot in Washington Square has garnered particular excitement. The interior is adorned with fine art from Thai artist Channa Chudong, and the chef, Chatayee Venus Kaputhong, was born in Bangkok. Visit at lunch or dinner and start with a soup, such as the po-tak, a spicy seafood broth. Follow it up with a traditional pad thai laced with crunchy peanuts and beansprouts, and be sure to ask about the fish of the day. 

The incredible city views from this new rooftop restaurant, opened in summer 2018, keep the crowds pouring in. But it's the food that they stay for. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is seafood-heavy, with chargrilled octopus and the lump crab cakes as favoured starters. Enticing mains include seared scallops with a blood-orange and port-wine sauce, or a paella packed with shrimp and hunks of spicy chorizo. A selection of pizza and pasta dishes are available too.

Wiki Wiki Sandbar opened in autumn 2018 in Folly Beach, close to Charleston. Its colourful décor is impressive, with five separate rooms each designed by a different local artist – expect bold tropical murals and ample greenery. The menu is infused with Hawaiian flair, from slow-braised Kalua pulled pork to a poké bowl that uses Charleston Gold Rice. Pair your meal with a tropical-themed cocktail such as the Mono Loko, a heady mix of frozen banana and rum.

Never heard of chislic? It's a South Dakota speciality made up of little chunks of seared and seasoned meat, usually beef. While it's often eaten as a quick snack, this casual, graffiti-adorned new restaurant specialises in it. Sit at one of the high tables and order beef, lamb, chicken or pork chislic with sauces such as Asian bourbon or the punchy house rub. Have it over crunchy house chips or enjoy it with French fries or creamy mash. 

An imaginative joint in East Nashville, Folk opened its doors in April 2018. The focus is on fresh, oven-fired, Neapolitan-style pizzas with creative toppings such as kale, fermented potato and raclette. That's not all that's on the menu though. There's also a long list of veggie plates, such as a creative kohlrabi Caesar salad, plus cured meats and delicate fish dishes. The kitchen is open so you can watch the magic as it happens.

Describing itself as a "gathering spot", family-friendly Hearth and Hill opened in December 2018. Menu inspiration is taken from the world over, with standout dishes including blackened cauliflower with a refreshing Moroccan yoghurt sauce, and Korean fried chicken with a potato waffle and zingy maple syrup. A sizeable children's menu means the little ones will be happy, while the lunchtime offering includes a wide selection of hot sandwiches.

If it's real, homemade, all-American cooking you're after then Berda's Restaurant is where you should head. Berda's began life as a food truck, but now it has a cosy location in downtown Essex, near Burlington. The food and the pared-back venue is fuss free with menu items such as golden duck-fat French fries and homemade mozzarella sticks with a rich marinara sauce. The Sticky Icky Burger, with thick-cut bacon doused in Vermont maple syrup, is a top choice.

Longoven made waves as a pop-up concept and, as of June 2018, now has a permanent, uber-modern location in Richmond's Scott's Addition district. A commitment to using local produce results in an ever-changing á-la-carte and tasting menu. You can expect such elevated dishes as miso-glazed beef cheek with celery-root purée, or roasted Jerusalem artichokes with mushrooms and pecorino cream. The seasonal craft cocktails are worth sticking around for too.

A colourful and creative Caribbean spot, Jerk Shack was opened in February 2018 by Seattle-native Trey Lamont. The concept started with a food truck from which Lamont and his partners would dole out warming soul food. Now there's a permanent location in Seattle's hipster Belltown neighbourhood. You can't leave without trying the Shack's signature, tongue-tingling jerk chicken with pistachio rice. The inviting "island" cocktails are not to be missed either. 

This family-run lunch spot opened in November 2018, and is the dream of local chef Jeffrey Toth and his wife Lori. They take their coffee seriously here: make your order a strong and sweet Spanish latte. If you're dining early, you can't go wrong with a waffle, either with blueberries, honeycomb butter and maple drizzle, or with fried chicken seasoned to perfection. Later on, go for the Kiss Burger, a house-made beef patty on a brioche bun that you can layer up with tempting toppings such as bacon and fresh avocado.

Madison has been rising in the foodie stakes for some time, and this new spot is likely to give the city another boost. Opened November 2018, family-owned and operated Nook is proudly eccentric. The venue has only 12 seats, so it has the air of a dinner party or intimate supper club rather than a fine-dining restaurant. The menu is far removed from your average dinner-party food, though, with a five- or nine-course tasting menu featuring delicately plated seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes.

Birch opened in the mountain-hemmed city of Sheridan in June 2018. It's the work of a husband and wife team, California-born Travis and Sheridan-raised Heather Sorenson. After meeting in California, the couple moved their young family to Sheridan to realise their dream of opening their own restaurant. Birch is the result. The passion for local produce and seasonal ingredients is reflected in the modern menu. Larger plates include such delights as red pepper tagliatelle with burrata and braised fennel, or for meat-lovers, pork cheeks with herby polenta, pickled onions and chives. Now read our guide to the best celebrity-owned restaurants in America.