Chefs have become household names in recent years, helped by running their own TV shows or sharing their cooking tips with fans in glossy cookbooks. Travel website TripAdvisor has compiled a list of the top 10 celebrity chef-owned restaurants in the United States to help travelers who want a few celebrity stars with their meals. “With the growing interest in celebrity chefs, it's no surprise that some travelers carefully seek out top restaurants while traveling,” Karen Drake, senior director of communications for TripAdvisor, said in a statement. “Though New York City and Las Vegas are currently the most popular cities for celebrity chef-owned restaurants, we're seeing famous foodies continue to expand their brands across the United States.” The list, compiled on the advice of TripAdviors editors and travelers, is not endorsed by Reuters: 1. Per Se, New York City - Chef Thomas Keller Inspired by Keller's popular restaurant, French Laundry, in Yountville, California, Per Se serves up a taste of Napa in New York City. Travelers rave about the superior level of service, warm atmosphere and sublime cuisine found in the nine-course tasting menus that are created daily. 2. Daniel, New York City - Chef Daniel Boulud Critically acclaimed for his seasonally-inspired contemporary French cuisine, Boulud's restaurant Daniel offers patrons an innovative Upper East Side dining experience. Travelers cite the restaurant's glamorous decor, brilliantly constructed food pairings and thoughtful extra touches like amuse-bouches and fresh madeleines. 3. CUT, Palazzo Las Vegas, Las Vegas - Chef Wolfgang Puck Passionate carnivores will be in gourmet heaven at chef Wolfgang Puck's CUT at The Palazzo Las Vegas, which offers top-notch steakhouse fare in a sleek, modern environment. 4. Osteria Mozza, Los Angeles - Chefs Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton Travelers will be transported from Los Angeles to Italy at Osteria Mozza, a collaboration between chefs Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton with restaurateur Joseph Bastianich. Featuring a free standing mozzarella bar, patrons can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, including ricotta and egg ravioli, gnocchi with duck ragu and pan roasted halibut. 5. Morimoto, Philadelphia - Chef Masaharu Morimoto Featuring splurge-worthy Japanese cuisine served in a trendy setting, Morimoto is the first American restaurant from “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto. While travelers admit to being wowed by the visually stunning decor and neon illuminated booths, it's the highly creative menu that encourages return visits. 6. Mesa Grill, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas - Chef Bobby Flay Known for amazing margaritas and flavorful Southwestern entrees, taste and presentation go hand in hand at chef Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill located inside Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. From warm cornbread muffins to start, followed by unique entrees including the New Mexican spice rubbed meat tenderloin and cornmeal crusted Chile relleno, many travelers cite repeat visits. 7. Hamersley's Bistro, Boston - Chef Gordon Hamersley With a passion for local, seasonal ingredients Hamersley has been preparing high quality, rustic dishes at Hamersley's Bistro in Boston, Massachusetts for the past 20 years. Recommended by travelers for its lively dining area, the jovial atmosphere at Hamersley's Bistro creates the perfect setting to enjoy their delicious food. 8. NOLA Restaurant, New Orleans - Chef Emeril Lagasse Southern hospitality is alive and well at Lagasse's NOLA Restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tucked along a quiet side street in the French Quarter, travelers rave about the mouthwatering Southern comfort food and describe the atmosphere as family friendly. 9. Craftsteak, Las Vegas - Chef Tom Colicchio Located inside the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Colicchio's Craftsteak favors high quality, fresh ingredients - and lots of them. From the beef main courses that are described like fine drinks in terms of texture and flavor, to the carefully selected free-range chicken and organic salmon, travelers highly recommend the chef and seasonal tasting menus, but warn of the hearty portions. 10. Olives, Las Vegas - Chef Todd English Though English's restaurant Olives has several locations across the country, the Las Vegas location continues to earn the top rating from travelers for its unobtrusive service, elegant atmosphere and romantic patio. In addition to the flavorful menu offerings, travelers suggest asking for a window or patio table to enjoy both dinner and a show from the famous Bellagio Fountains located just outside the restaurant.
