[westopher]

I was going to suggest Saison in San Fran (someone who worked with me worked there for the year when they were voted best restaurant in North America!)
Grace in chicago is on my list of places to try because Curtis Duffy is one of the hardest working, most humble chefs to ever walk this earth.
Obviously French Laundry because Keller is literally the God of food in N/A, and TFL is what made him what her is.

As for locally, its hard to say. Hawksworth is probably the closest you'd get, but I don't think they are consistent enough to warrant it, especially lately.

L'abbatior perhaps. Great food, and a much cooler atmosphere than many fine dining places offer.

Savio Volpe sounds like its my idea of the best restaurant in Vancouver as of late, but I've been too busy to try it.

Cinara was the best meal and service I have had lately by a long shot, and Lucias Syme is one of my favourite chef's in the city. Classic, polished, and just a cool guy.

Bahaus sounds like it carries that classic european style that the michelin guide loves so much. A great chef who worked for me before is killing it there. I believe as a junior sous chef. I haven't been there unfortunately, because I can't fucking afford it on a chef's salary haha.

Bao Bei is not michelin like service or food, but one of the guaranteed best experiences you will have in a restaurant if you appreciate a lot of creativity going with good flavours.

Kissa Tanto just won best new restaurant in Canada, also from the owners of Bao bei.


This list should be enough to kill a few paycheques haha.