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Canteen SAN FRANCISCO Market-fresh ingredients drive the daily-changing menus at Dennis Leary's pocket-size restaurant (817 Sutter St.; 415-928-8870).

Casa Mono NEW YORK CITY Andy Nusser turns out impeccably prepared tapas while chatting with guests at the bar seats overlooking his tiny kitchen (52 Irving Pl.; 212-253-2773).

Minibar by José Andrés WASHINGTON, DC José Andrés and his crew thrill 12 adventurous diners each night with more than 30 provocative courses served at this mini-restaurant within Café Atlántico (405 8th St. NW; 202-393-0812).

Alison at Blue Bell BLUE BELL, PA Philadelphia star chef Alison Barshak glides around her 60-seat dining room, greeting guests at her cozy suburban restaurant. The five people sitting at the kitchen counter get her extra attention (721 Skippack Pike; 215-641-2660).

Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar TORONTO After a career behind closed kitchen doors, Toronto chef Jamie Kennedy invites guests to sit at his counter in this casual small-plates restaurant (9 Church St.; 416-362-1957).

The Hungry Cat LOS ANGELES Homesick East Coasters frequent the Hungry Cat for lobster rolls, Baltimore-style crab cakes and conversations with Maryland-raised chef David Lentz, who cooks just behind the zinc bar (1535 N. Vine St.; 323-462-2155).
—Kristin Donnelly