Much like the game of golf, the difference between the top golfer and the 25th golfer is negligible and I think it is the same for restaurants. Trip Advisor has just published the top 25 restaurants in the U.S. I look at these ranking as more of an indication of where the chef creativity is developing and much to my surprise, the Carolina's have 5 of the top 25 spots with New York pulling in 4 of the top 25 spots. That says a lot about how the Carolina's are attracting talent and creativity in the culinary world! I guess I need to go visit the area soon!
https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Restaurants-g191-a_Mode.expanded