The Eat Sheet: America's Most Expensive Restaurants

Perhaps it’s no surprise that Thomas Keller, the only chef and restaurateur in the U.S. to have three Michelin stars for two different restaurants, owns the most expensive restaurants in America. His Napa Valley creation French Laundry (6640 Washington Street, Yountville, CA) and New York City’s Per Se (10 Columbus Circle) set diners back the most of any places to eat in the country.

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MoneyBundle.com has calculated that the average check size at French Laundry is a staggering $957 while diners at Per Se usually pay about $883 per meal.

Two-Michelin-starred restaurant Melisse (1104 Wilshire Blvd Santa Monica, CA) in Santa Monica will run you about $576 per visit. Melisse even has its very own vegetarian tasting menu for $105. During the course of the meal, expect to enjoy some dishes highlighting some favorite summer ingredients such as an artichoke risotto and a passion fruit soufflé. Owned by Josiah Citrin, the contemporary French restaurant was named Zagat Guide’s #1 Top Food in Los Angeles in 2009 and is home to an award winning wine selection.

Prix-fixe menus are generally what's behind the big tabs. New York's Le Bernardin (151 W 51st St.) also includes a wine pairing with this experience for $330 dollars per person.

Most of America’s most expensive restaurants can be found in three major cities: New York, Chicago and San Francisco. The cuisine is dominated by French and American Nouveau.

Make a reservation early because most are booked solid months in advance.

To see the full list of restaurants go to MoneyBundle.com