I’m back home in Britain after a trip to the States, where I marveled, yet again, on how well one can eat in this great country. My travels as a thirsty hack have taken me to 20 states in the Union, and I’ve had some memorable meals. Some were cheap and some were pricey; some were simple, some spectacular.

And so, in the spirit of sharing and because I’d hate my selfless research to go to waste, here – in no particular order – are my ten favorite American restaurants. The list isn’t meant to be definitive – it’s simply this Brit’s take on the places he’s enjoyed the most.

I went to Seattle in search of wine and whiskey and fell in love with the place. I felt so at home. Maybe it was the rain. Or maybe it was getting slung out of the Nest, the rooftop bar of the Thompson Hotel, for some minor misdemeanor. It was just like being back in Blighty. My other highlights were visiting the Edgewater Hotel, where Led Zeppelin once, notoriously, did something unspeakable; discovering Westland Distillery’s whiskeys and dining at Matt’s in the Market on Dungeness crab and prime New York strip steak, washed down with stunning local Rhône-style wines from Rôtie Cellars. Sheer bliss.

Boston, Massachusetts

I don’t know the restaurants of Boston well, largely because whenever I visit I only ever want to eat at Neptune Oyster on Salem Street. It’s tiny – just 30 or so covers – and always crammed. You can’t book but the turnover’s quick since they don’t serve dessert or coffee. Besides, any wait is worth it just to sit at the bar and wallow in the finest, freshest seafood.

I love the Maine lobster roll, the Oyster Piggybacks and the deeply moreish clam chowder. The wines, too, are wonderful, all sourced from coastal vineyards, my pick........

© The Spectator