World's Best Fine Dining Establishments Identified Based on Reviews and Opinions of Millions of Travelers

Chicago's Alinea Restaurant Named #1 in the U.S.

NEWTON, Mass., Oct. 7, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TripAdvisor^®, the world's largest travel site*, today announced its annual Travelers' Choice™ awards for restaurants across the globe. In total, 353 fine dining restaurant winners were identified, including the top 25 in the world and dedicated lists for Asia, Canada, China, Europe, India, South America, South Pacific, the U.K. and the U.S.

"The Travelers' Choice restaurant winners have won over the TripAdvisor community with their outstanding food, service and ambiance - the perfect ingredients for a memorable fine dining experience," said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. "TripAdvisor is raising a glass to these top restaurants in the world that have delighted our community and their appetites."

Travelers' Choice awards honor top travel spots worldwide based on the millions of valuable reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travelers. Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews for restaurants worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.

Top 10 Travelers' Choice Restaurants in the U.S.

1. Alinea, Chicago, Illinois (543 reviews)

Located in Lincoln Park, this exquisite restaurant offers impressive creations delicately crafted by renowned chef and owner Grant Achatz. Among the delicacies on the menu are Dungeness crab, trout roe, and Wagyu. "Aside from incredible tasting and unbelievably creative food, the atmosphere was pleasant and easy-going and the staff was possibly the best I've ever encountered," commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.

2. Eleven Madison Park, New York City, New York (996 reviews)

Steps from Madison Square Park, guests are invited to experience culinary art impeccably prepared by chef Daniel Humm. The unique menu is designed to blend extraordinary "agriculture with centuries-old traditions" to deliver mouthwatering flavor that won't disappoint. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted, "Dining here is about more than just the food, which is beyond excellent, it is about the experience. Be prepared to be treated like royalty."

3. Restaurant Gary Danko, San Francisco, California (1,327 reviews)

This premier West Coast establishment works to ensure that each "performance is seamless and magical." Using only the finest ingredients, each dish is carefully constructed to delight those lucky enough to experience Gary Danko. Signature plates include roast lobster, foie gras, and succulent lamb loin. "Probably one of the top three meals of my life! The service was fabulous and the food was amazing," said a TripAdvisor reviewer.

4. Halls Chophouse, Charleston, South Carolina (1,453 reviews)

Located in the Upper King District, this Charleston eatery invites travelers to experience true Southern hospitality. Featuring 160 seats, guests can enjoy a prime steak amid the warm and rustic dining room that boasts exposed brick and warm lighting that creates the perfect ambiance. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted, "From the time you step in the door until the moment you leave, you are greeted, pampered, and treated as if you are the only one in the room."

5. Victoria & Albert's, Orlando, Florida (635 reviews)

Boasting modern American cuisine including Alaskan King salmon, Osetra caviar, and wild turbot, this premier restaurant is sure to impress. Using his vivid imagination to enhance the colorful presentation of each course, chef Scott Hunnel creates a perfect synergy of food and art. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, "The wine pairing was perfect and the food, while upscale and gorgeous, was never pretentious. Every bite was pure pleasure and the servings were very generous."

6. Uchi, Austin, Texas (489 reviews)

In the heart of Austin, travelers can enjoy contemporary Japanese fare prepared with local ingredients and fine seafood imported daily from Tokyo. The eclectic menu boasts hot and cool items including sushi, sashimi, makimono, and agemono. "Uchi is an experience beyond words. The quality of the fish, the subtlety of flavors, the pairings of tastes, and the helpful advice of the staff are excellent," commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.

7. Bouley, New York City, New York (710 reviews)

Travelers visiting Bouley can indulge in authentic French cuisine in TriBeca. Its menu designed with "purity and integrity," features palatable creations like porcini flan, Kobe beef, Wellfleet oysters, and New England black sea bass. "A very special restaurant in every respect; the food is gourmet quality. The service and staff are so well trained and welcoming. The ambiance is world class," noted a TripAdvisor reviewer.

8. Canlis Restaurant, Seattle, Washington (490 reviews)

This contemporary Seattle restaurant boasts a menu of "Comfort Geek" cuisine, defined as easy-to-like, delicious food. Guests can choose from an appetizing array that includes steak tartare, foie gras, Muscovy duck, and Wagyu. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, "Canlis is a sophisticated blend of old and new Seattle. Make reservations and be prepared for a unique dining experience."

9. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Dallas, Texas (347 reviews)

Serving premium cuts of beef, this Southern steakhouse's secret to success is a unique dry-aging process that produces bold and tender meat. In addition to its premium steaks, Pappas Bros. offers jumbo lump crab cakes, fried oysters, rack of lamb, and more. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted, "They provided the best service I've ever had at a restaurant. The cuts of meat are just out of this world."

10. Daniel, New York City, New York (1,240 reviews)

At this Upper East Side restaurant, guests are invited to immerse themselves in elegance as they dine upon contemporary French cuisine and world-class wines. Mouthwatering offerings include crispy Japanese snapper, chorizo wrapped swordfish, and duck terrine. "From the moment you walk in, you are amazed by the atmosphere. All of the food is a true work of art and tastes incredible," commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Top 10 Travelers' Choice Restaurants in the World

1.El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, Spain (790 reviews)
2.Midsummer House, Cambridge, England (546 reviews)
3.Maison Lameloise, Chagny, France (378 reviews)
4. The French Café, Auckland, New Zealand (421 reviews)
5.Alinea, Chicago, Illinois (543 reviews)
6.El Club Allard, Madrid, Spain (664 reviews)
7.Epicure, Paris, France (699 reviews)
8.Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons, Great Milton, England (992 reviews)
9.Le Gavroche, London, England (1,689 reviews)
10.Martin Berasategui, San Sebastian, Spain (406 reviews)

For the complete list of winners from the 2014 Travelers' Choice Restaurants, as well as reviews and candid traveler photos, go to: http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Restaurants.

To see the best hotels for luxury, bargain, and more, as honored in TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards for Hotels from January, go to: www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Hotels.

B-roll Footage Available:

B-roll footage of El Celler de Can Roca, the number one restaurant in the world, can be downloaded until October 20, 2014 by copying and pasting the following link into your browser: www.visionariesevents.com/admin/TripAdvisor.

Username: TripAdvisor
Password: restaurants

About TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor^® is the world's largest travel site*, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, reaching nearly 280 million unique monthly visitors**, and more than 170 million reviews and opinions covering more than 4 million accommodations, restaurants and attractions. The sites operate in 45 countries worldwide, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to millions of monthly TripAdvisor visitors.

TripAdvisor, Inc. (Nasdaq:TRIP) manages and operates websites under 24 other travel media brands: www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.everytrail.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.gateguru.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.independenttraveler.com, www.jetsetter.com, www.lafourchette.com, www.niumba.com, www.onetime.com, www.oyster.com, www.seatguru.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.tingo.com, www.travelpod.com, www.tripbod.com, www.vacationhomerentals.com, www.viator.com, www.virtualtourist.com, and www.kuxun.cn.

*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, worldwide, Q1 2014

**Source: Google Analytics, average monthly unique users, Q2 2014; does not include traffic to daodao.com

CONTACT: Julie Cassetina

         (617) 670-6529

         jcassetina@tripadvisor.com