18. The French Laundry, Yountville, California

$620 for two people (service charge included); 13 courses

The French Laundry, Chef Thomas Keller's iconic Napa Valley restaurant, is a foodie mecca because of its stunning location, amazing service, and outstanding dishes.

The menu changes daily, and no single ingredient is ever repeated throughout the meal. "What we want you to experience is that sense of surprise when you taste something so new, so exciting, so comforting, so delicious, you think 'Wow' — and then it's gone," says the restaurant's website.