USA TODAY Eats

2016 had many a milestone in major cities' dining scenes. Chef Masaharu Morimoto opened his first ramen restaurant in New York City and his first Las Vegas restaurant at MGM Grand. Chef Wolfgang Puck opened his first New York City restaurant. Chef Gordon Ramsay opened a casual fish and chips counter in one of his fans' favorite hubs. The metro D.C. area got a slew of iconic chefs in one destination, New York City gained even more Japanese eateries, and a historic New York City bar was rebuilt in Austin, Texas. There's plenty of good news for food and travel enthusiasts.

Browse the gallery above for this year's standout restaurant openings in major cities across the country, and see more highlights from 2016 below.