It’s easy to go wrong with food, and numerous restaurants have fallen for not nailing down their signature dishes. Yet, some establishments have mastered their menu and created iconic meals that are loved throughout the country. Join us on a compelling journey through the culinary landscape as we unveil 15 restaurants that have achieved renown for crafting one iconic dish that captivates taste buds and ignites culinary passions.
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana – New Haven, Connecticut
Iconic Dish: White Clam Pizza
The heavenly combination of fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, and cheese atop a thin, coal-fired crust has made Frank Pepe’s White Clam Pizza a New Haven institution since 1925.
Cronut Bakery – New York City, New York
Iconic Dish: The Cronut
Dominique Ansel’s ingenious hybrid of a croissant and a doughnut sent shockwaves through the pastry world, spawning countless imitations and endless lines outside his bakery in SoHo.
Katz’s Delicatessen – New York City, New York
Iconic Dish: Pastrami on Rye
Katz’s towering, hand-carved pastrami sandwiches, served on rye bread with mustard, have been satisfying hungry New Yorkers and tourists alike since 1888.
Gray’s Papaya – New York City, New York
Iconic Dish: Hot Dog with Papaya Drink
A quintessential New York City experience, Gray’s Papaya’s snap-casing hot dogs paired with a refreshing papaya drink have been a late-night staple for hungry locals and visitors since its establishment in 1973.
Nathan’s Famous – Brooklyn, New York
Iconic Dish: Coney Island Hot Dog
Nathan’s Famous has been synonymous with the outstanding Coney Island hot dog, drawing crowds to its annual hot dog eating contest and satisfying cravings with its juicy, snappy franks.
Antoine’s Restaurant – New Orleans, Louisiana
Iconic Dish: Oysters Rockefeller
Created in 1899, Antoine’s Oysters Rockefeller, baked with a rich green herb sauce, has become a symbol of New Orleans’ culinary heritage, delighting diners for over a century.
Nobu – New York City, New York
Iconic Dish: Black Cod with Miso
This signature dish, featuring buttery black cod marinated in sweet and savory miso, has elevated Japanese cuisine to new heights. It’s a culinary favorite for many people who visit the restaurant.
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse – Chicago, Illinois
Iconic Dish: Gibsons Prime Angus Beef Steak
The Gibsons Prime Angus Beef Steaks, aged for a minimum of 45 days and cooked to perfection, have earned the restaurant a reputation as one of Chicago’s premier steakhouses.
Pat’s King of Steaks – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Iconic Dish: Philly Cheesesteak
Pat’s King of Steaks claims to have invented the Philly cheesesteak in the 1930s. Its thinly sliced ribeye, melted cheese, and onions in a crusty roll have become a Philly institution.
The Original Pantry Cafe – Los Angeles, California
Iconic Dish: Pancakes
For over a century, the Original Pantry Cafe has been serving massive, fluffy pancakes, creating a breakfast tradition that keeps food lovers coming back.
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack – Nashville, Tennessee
Iconic Dish: Nashville Hot Chicken
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack is credited with creating the fiery dish known as Nashville hot chicken. It features spicy fried chicken served with pickles and white bread, a beloved Southern specialty.
Phillipe The Original – Los Angeles, California
Iconic Dish: French Dip Sandwich
This French Dip Sandwich, with its tender roast beef loaded high on a crusty French roll and dipped in au jus, has been satisfying hungry Los Angeles residents and visitors since its inception over a century ago.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – Nashville, Tennessee
Iconic Dish: Hot Chicken
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken continues Nashville’s hot chicken legacy with its crispy, spicy fried chicken served with Southern sides like mac and cheese and collard greens. Since 2012, it has earned legions of fans.
Peter Luger Steak House – Brooklyn, New York
Iconic Dish: Porterhouse Steak
The restaurant has been serving USDA Prime Porterhouse Steak, dry-aged and cooked to perfection, to reveling carnivores since 1887, earning the restaurant a reputation as one of the best steakhouses in New York City.
Primanti Brothers – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Iconic Dish: Primanti Sandwich
From the 1930s until today, Pittsburghers have enjoyed Primanti Brothers’ signature sandwich, which combines grilled meat, melted cheese, coleslaw, and French fries between two slices of Italian bread.
