
If you dine at a high-end restaurant, you’ll likely not forget the experience quickly. This is because such restaurants usually make efforts to make the experience worth each penny: creations worth an Instagram story and your entire wallet! Whether the food and experience are worth the amount will eternally remain a debate for many, but while it rages on, let’s walk you through restaurants where the bill soars by hundreds.
Nobu Downtown (New York, NY)

This restaurant bears the name of one of its founders—the well-known and well-rated Nobu Matsuhisa. The restaurant’s Manhattan’s Financial District also makes it quite valuable. But that’s not it. The ‘it’ is Nobu’s menu, which covers various food options. Another ‘it’ thing that makes their prices even higher is the 15% service charge they add to bills.
The French Laundry (Yountville, CA)

The French Laundry restaurant has existed since 1978, and visitors have always talked about the beautiful treatment and great food. As a French restaurant, you can expect to find French food there, but their menu also flaunts the city where they’re based, Cali—three Michelin stars and other awards back up their high prices.
Per Se (New York, NY)

Thomas Keller, the owner of The French Laundry, also owns Per Se, a restaurant that can brag three Michelin stars too! This high-end spot has been in existence for 20 years, welcoming anyone who literally fits the bill. Its valuable appeal is that it stays open for only four hours daily, and it only sells meals that cost hundreds of dollars.
CUT by Wolfgang Puck (Beverly Hills, CA)

CUT has built a reputation for steak but offers more options for those who want something else. You can find them at the Four Seasons Hotel Beverly Wilshire, and its open kitchen makes the ambiance more interesting. People say their prices are high, but that’s what you get for 5-star hospitality.
Nusr-Et Steakhouse (Miami, FL)

Miami is one of the five places in the U.S. and 18 places in the world where you can fund a Nusr-Et Steakhouse. The restaurants sell steaks for hundreds of dollars, and many say they expect larger sizes for the prices than what they offer. They have variety, though, including some that go for tens of dollars.
Le Bernardin (New York, NY)

This French restaurant is co-owned by Fresno chef Eric Ripert, who also serves as the executive chef. Their menu covers lunch, dinner, and vegetarian options, and the chef’s tasting options start at over 300 dollars. Many say they’re among the best in the world, and Restaurant Magazine agrees.
Masa (New York, NY)

When you’re in Masa, you can expect to spend over 700 dollars on a meal, and you won’t even get a menu. This spot is one of many, and unlike Bar Masa, another of the chef’s places, you have more control over what you eat. The other food joint, Kappo Masa, is a more affordable pick.
Atelier Crenn (San Francisco, CA)

Atelier Crenn is owned by Chef Dominique Crenn. This joint, which has been in operation since 2011, focuses on French food where lovers of literature fancy its poetic menu. Eating from the first female U.S. chef to get three Michelin stars definitely doesn’t come without a huge price tag.
Spago (Beverly Hills, CA)

The flagship restaurant of Wolfgang Puck’s is Spago. It was born in West Hollywood in 1982, and fifteen years later, they opened in the infamous Beverly Hills. Many wealthy people come together to eat there, so many of their customers are okay with it even though they are expensive.
Jean-Georges (New York, NY)

Jean-Georges’ menu takes you on a trip through Asia, America, and France. The dining space is beautifully designed, brightly colored, and opulent. People often debate whether the hundreds of dollars spent there are worth it, and anyone who wants to have a say can find the restaurant at 1 Central Park West.
The Polo Bar (New York, NY)

As an establishment backed by the Ralph Lauren name, we expect their prices will be on the high side, but your taste buds will thank you better in many more affordable places. This doesn’t mean the place isn’t beautiful, though. You can find them on New York’s 55th Street if you want to judge that for yourself.
Peter Luger Steakhouse (Brooklyn, NY)

We speak for many when we say their steak is good. However, before heading there, you may want to know that it may cost more than your budget. The restaurant has existed for over 13 decades and is among the oldest steakhouses still in operation in New York.
Cipriani Downtown (New York, NY)

One place you can enjoy an intimate dining experience is Cipriani. The chairs arranged in rows facing each other are unexpected, but the bar reminds you that you’re here to order and not for a family meeting. People think they should improve their service to match their prices, however.
Alinea (Chicago, IL)

When going to Alinea, ensure you have hundreds of dollars to spend. Both its salon and gallery menus cost that and more. Only two Chicago restaurants have three Michelin stars; Alinea is the first among them. Chef Grant Achatz, this restaurant’s owner and head chef, ensures you get the best.
Victoria & Albert’s (Orlando, FL)

Many will argue it’s the most expensive place to grab a bite in Florida. The restaurant’s name seems to indicate its target market—the royal, the high, and the mighty. This locale is a Victorian-era-themed restaurant, so the price may be worth it for those fascinated with that era: drapes, reds, and deep greens!