VOLT

Season 6 runner-up (to his—ouch—brother) Bryan Voltaggio may be a bit uptight, but that translates to immaculately refined, super-innovative New American food. Two years ago, the Charlie Palmer protégé opened VOLT in a 19th-century mansion, where he serves dishes with unexpected Asian touches (like wasabi whitefish roe) and unusual flavor combinations (like arctic char with white asparagus risotto and rhubarb).

Don’t Miss: Table 21—the changing, 21-course tasting menu that is served in the chef’s kitchen and usually starts with signature prosciutto chips—is worth the yearlong (!) waiting list.