The best restaurant experiences in the world
The original or master list that these companies based there reviews on comes from the Michelin Guide and there 1 to 3-star ratings mainly found in Europe. Elite Traveler and San Pellegrino then expanded on the Michelin list to include the entire world. For more traditional reviews you can visit magazine or newspaper publications and their restaurant “best of” lists like the New York Times. Every major newspaper publication has a “best of the city” list, and some do it for the state or country as well. Every major world city; in London, Berlin, and Paris also have such lists. You can find the best 100 Brunch restaurants, best neighborhood restaurants, most romantic, best steak, best vegetarian, best bars, the lists are endless.
I started this blog in December 2012 and have written over 500 articles as of 2017, and I continue to write more. Being based out of St. Petersburg, Florida, several of the articles come from the Central Florida area, however, there are many reviews from all over the United States, and four other continents to include some from the Michelin, San Pellegrino, and Elite Travel restaurant lists mentioned above. Just because they are in those sights, doesn’t mean they will be on mine. The decision and placement on this list were based on a group of factors that include customer service, ambiance, plate presentation, alcohol selection with bar /cocktail/Sommelier service, and finally most important being food quality. A very strict 100 question list comprises the scores which include a ‘wow’ bonus point section to come up with the overall “final rating”. That final rating is then used to determine the placement on the list from #100 down to #1. Remember, every list is subjective and based on the writers' personal favorites, so here is my subjective list of the best 100 restaurant experiences in the world and how I break down the rating…
#100
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cuisine Style: Dutch
Average Price: $ /€ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/10 Food quality: 10/11
Customer Service: 5/8 Plate Presentation: 11/11
Alcohol Rating: 7/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 1
Café Cocó opened in 2016 as a Champagne and chocolate bar at the number two lounge of Schiphol Airport and is owned by the Rothschild family. Baron Philippe Sereys de Rothschild champagnes are staged next to a very beautiful restaurant menu dedicated to the Cuvées. A relaxing spot while you wait to travel.
Feature Dishes: Seafood platter, chocolate mousse with mango, quenelles aux chocolate
#99
Atlanta, New York, Miami, Las Vegas, United States of America
Chef: Laurent Torendal Cuisine Style: French / American
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 8/10
Customer Service: 8/10 Plate Presentation: 9/10
Alcohol Rating: 9/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Laurent Torendal opened the BLT Steak chain as part of the ESquared Hospitality restaurant group in fourteen cities across the world with the Atlanta, Georgia location in 2007, later closing in 2016. Wine Spectator gave BLT Steak the Best of Award of Excellence for 2015. Chef Laurent Tourondel split from the BLT franchise in 2010 to open restaurants of his own.
Feature dishes: USDA prime, American wagyu cuts, tuna tartare w/avocado, popovers, œufs à la Neige
#98
St. Petersburg, Florida, United States of America
Chef: Zack Gross Cuisine Style: New American
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/10 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 8/10 Plate Presentation: 7/7
Alcohol Rating: 8/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Rated by USA Today as one of the ten best food spots of Tampa and St. Pete, Z Grille is a dining spot with ‘the last fiesta.’As long as you're not super religious with no sense of humor, then you won’t be offended by the place. With a James Beard award under his belt chef Gross has now moved on to California to continue his great career.
Feature dishes: Dr. Pepper ribs, deviled eggs, shrimp and grits
#97
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Chefs: Pierre Gagnaire /Simon Francois
Cuisine Style: French
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 9/9 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 7/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 4
Feature dishes: Deconstructed oyster shot, topinambour velouté, soufflé of haddock, a salad of épine-vinette, Les dessers de Pierre Gagnaire
#96
Franschhoek, South Africa
Chef: Margot Jance Cuisine Style: African, Cape Malay, French
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 9/9 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 8/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
The Tasting Room is located in the Le Quartier Français (the French Quarter) a small, privately owned Auberge (Inn) that has been on the San Pellegrino list of top 50 restaurants from 2009-2016, with other accolades that include being the 9th Best Restaurant in the 2013 Eat Out DStv Food Network Restaurant Awards, and Chef of the Year 2012.
Feature dishes: Zulu warriors shield amuse, a summer’s walk through Franschhoek, lamb cheek and tongue combo, Madagascan chocolate
#95
(Formally Qui Restaurant)
Austin, Texas United States of America
Chef: Paul Qui Cuisine Style: Eclectic, Global
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 8/9 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 10/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Qui, now called Kuneho is located in the 6th Street district neighborhood of downtown Austin and is a contender for the top 100 restaurants in the United States, with pre-fixe and à la carte options, unique and a boutique wine list that includes Texas vineyards, and saké.
Feature dishes: Fried chicken breast, over smoked oyster aioli, skipjack tuna crudo, almond gazpacho
#94
London, England, United Kingdom
Cuisine Style: British / Old English / Medieval European / Banquet
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 10/10 Plate Presentation: 10/10
Alcohol Rating: 10/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
The Medieval Banquet is a great escape away from the many Michelin London restaurants and a chance to dine and be entertained by the Court of King Henry VIII, located near the Tower of London at the St. Katherine Docks.
Featured items: Wassail and chicken pie
#93
Orlando, Florida, United States of America
Chef: Robert Leonardi Cuisine Style: Californian
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars
Ambiance: 8/9.5 Food quality: 7/10
Customer Service: 6/8.5 Plate Presentation: 8.5/8.5
Alcohol Rating: 8/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 1
Wolfgang Puck has solidified his name with the creation and expansion of Californian cuisine, blending fresh and organic American cuisine with Asian. At Disney Springs he continues to impress with big-name neighbors to challenge him.
Feature dishes: Crab cakes, apple salad, Sichuan New York strip "Au Poivre,” maple glazed smoked pork chop
#92
Austin, Texas, United States of America
Chef: Rob Lippincott Cuisine Style: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars
Ambiance: 8/10 Food quality: 8/10
Customer Service: 8/10 Plate Presentation: 7/10
Alcohol Rating: 7/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Güero's Taco Bar has been an Austin landmark since opening in 1986, with the history of the building going back to the 1800s. They are a relaxed eatery serving traditional Tex-Mex and Oaxaca-style Mexican cuisine with friendly service plus house-made bread and salsas.
Feature dishes: Oaxaca special, Carne guisada
#91
Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Chef: Steve Sperling Cuisine Style: French / Canadian
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/10 Food quality: 8/9
Customer Service: 8.5/10 Plate Presentation: 7/10
Alcohol Rating: 7/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
The HobNob restaurant is part of the CAA/AAA Four-Diamond Charles Hotel. Their menu is a blend of British Canadian mixed with provincial French, where you can dine in the 1832 Manor House or patio overlooking the manicured gardens.
Feature dishes: Chinook salmon, rabbit, and scallop
#90
San Juan, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
United States Territory
Chef: Pedro Ruiz Cuisine Style: Puerto Rican, Latin
Average Price: $ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/9.5 Food quality: 8.5/10
Customer Service: 6/7 Plate Presentation: 6.5/8.5
Alcohol Rating: 2/2 Wow Factor Bonus: 1
El Jibarito opened in 1977 in Old San Juan near to the Castillo de San Cristóbal serving traditional home-style cooked Puerto Rican cuisine catering to the tourist and locals alike. Their fried plantain mofongo is fantastic as is the selections of local cerveza.
Feature dishes: Mofongo, plantain beef turnovers, shrimp salad
River Street Sweets began in 1973 and have expanded to 12 stores with two in Charleston, South Carolina. They serve a variety of desserts from brittle to cakes and fudge... Though the top 100 is dedicated to traditional sit-down restaurants River Street Sweets deserves a place on this list.
Cobalt is advertised as a vacation on a plate. Beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and Heaton’s Reef. A wonderful patio with fire pits keeping you warm as the night breeze and tides roll in. Upscale seafood and American fare make Cobalt the perfect eatery and bar to enjoy the nature around you.
Chef: Masa Yoshimoto Cuisine Style: Japanese / Sushi / Asian
In the heart of Key West surrounded by bars on Duval Street, the Southernmost Point in the United States with tourist taking pictures, and pristine beach, you have Ambrosia, an authentic Japanese culinary experience with large sushi and saké list.
Nueva Cantina is a traditional Mexican restaurant that serves true south of the border dishes that you would see in restaurants attended by the upper class. Murals decorate the dining room of calaca figures, and Lucha Libre wrestlers, and Día de Muertos, next to a large build your own Bloody Mary bar.
Brasa is like most of Churrasco restaurant chains, following the same basic rules of red and green coasters for the Gaúchos to come over a cut the meats for you. Brasa opened in 2009 at the Hilton Hotel next to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, with a very large wine list catered to more Canadian wines instead of South American, which is one of the main difference between them and others.
Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
Pastry Chef: Tim Strickland Cuisine Style: Desserts
Average Price: $ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 8/9 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 5/6.5 Plate Presentation: 4/6
Alcohol Rating: 0/0 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
River Street Sweets began in 1973 and have expanded to 12 stores with two in Charleston, South Carolina. They serve a variety of desserts from brittle to cakes and fudge... Though the top 100 is dedicated to traditional sit-down restaurants River Street Sweets deserves a place on this list.
Featured items: Pralines, fudge, and much more...
#88
Vero Beach, Florida, United States of America
Chef: Daniel Traimas Cuisine Style: Seafood, American
Average Price: $ Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars
Ambiance: 7.5/9 Food quality: 6/8.5
Customer Service: 8.5/9.5 Plate Presentation: 7/9
Alcohol Rating: 6/8 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
Cobalt is advertised as a vacation on a plate. Beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and Heaton’s Reef. A wonderful patio with fire pits keeping you warm as the night breeze and tides roll in. Upscale seafood and American fare make Cobalt the perfect eatery and bar to enjoy the nature around you.
Feature dishes: Tuna Tartar, fried grouper
#87
Key West, Florida, United States of America
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars
Ambiance: 8.5/9.5 Food quality: 7.5/10
Customer Service: 6/9 Plate Presentation: 7/8.5
Alcohol Rating: 7/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
In the heart of Key West surrounded by bars on Duval Street, the Southernmost Point in the United States with tourist taking pictures, and pristine beach, you have Ambrosia, an authentic Japanese culinary experience with large sushi and saké list.
Feature Dishes: The Ambrosia assortment, the surf, and turf, local lobster
#86
Christchurch, New Zealand
Chef: Chris, Andy, and Rod Thomson Cuisine Style: Pizza / Kiwi
Average Price: $ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 7/10 Food quality: 9/9
Customer Service: 7/8.5 Plate Presentation: 5/5
Alcohol Rating: 0/0 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
After the earthquakes, Christchurch was in shambles. During the rebuilding businesses like BASE helped bring life back to the city, and provide an excellent product using local, organic, and sustainable products. This is a pizza joint that locals and tourists alike can be proud of.
Feature dishes: Moroccan lamb, and Sir George pizza
#85
St. Petersburg, Florida, United States of America
Chef: Paul Daubert Cuisine Style: Mexican
Average Price: $ Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9.5/10 Food quality: 7.5/10
Customer Service: 5/7.5 Plate Presentation: 6.5/8
Alcohol Rating: 4.5/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Nueva Cantina is a traditional Mexican restaurant that serves true south of the border dishes that you would see in restaurants attended by the upper class. Murals decorate the dining room of calaca figures, and Lucha Libre wrestlers, and Día de Muertos, next to a large build your own Bloody Mary bar.
Feature dishes: Tachos, short ribs, and Pollo Milanese
#84
Niagara Falls, Canada, Ontario, Canada
Chef: The Gaúchos Cuisine Style: Brazilian
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars
Ambiance: 8/9 Food quality: 7/8.5
Customer Service: 7.5/10 Plate Presentation: 6.5/10
Alcohol Rating: 8/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
Brasa is like most of Churrasco restaurant chains, following the same basic rules of red and green coasters for the Gaúchos to come over a cut the meats for you. Brasa opened in 2009 at the Hilton Hotel next to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, with a very large wine list catered to more Canadian wines instead of South American, which is one of the main difference between them and others.
Feature dishes: Brazilian pork sausage, leg of lamb, grilled pineapple
#83
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
Chef: Willie Mae Seaton Cuisine Style: Soul Food / Southern
Average Price: $ Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars
Ambiance: 5.5/7 Food quality: 8.5/9.5
Customer Service: 3.5/5.5 Plate Presentation: 4.5/4.5
Alcohol Rating: 0/0 Wow Factor Bonus: 0
Willie Mae’s opened in 1957 as a bar then later as a southern eatery. In 2005 they were awarded best southern restaurant by the James Beard Foundation and has the best-fried chicken recipe in the world. The restaurant was rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina and was visited by a former United States President. The Matriarch died at 99 in 2015. The restaurant is now run by her grand-daughter.
Feature dishes: Southern fried chicken, macaroni, and cheese
#82
Griffin, Georgia, United States of America
Chef: Brian Beebe Cuisine Style: American
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars
Ambiance: 7/9 Food quality: 7/8.5
Customer Service: 7.5/9.5 Plate Presentation: 6.5/9
Alcohol Rating: 5/8 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
J-Henry’s gets it name from the famous western gunfighter John Henry “Doc” Holliday, from the city of his birth, and the restaurant is a classic American eatery inspired by the Houston’s Restaurant Group.
Feature dishes: Fried mushrooms, smoked salmon, and the Hawaiian ribeye
#81
Dundee, Oregon, United States of America
Chef: Jody and Michelle Kropf Cuisine Style: American, Pizza, Deli
Average Price: $ Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars
Ambiance: 7/9 Food quality: 8/9
Customer Service: 10/10 Plate Presentation: 7/8.5
Alcohol Rating: 6/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 1
The Red Hills Market is located in the heart of Oregon wine country. They are a vibrant country-style market with a very upbeat and motivating attitude towards food, wine, and people. Since 2011, Red Hills is the gathering place for local farmers, chefs, and winemakers offering an abundant selection of craft sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, salads, soups, a 200+ bottle wine list.
Feature dishes: RHM salad and the smoked jerk chicken pizza
#80
Sanibel Island, Florida, United States of America
Chef: Kurt Jarvis Cuisine Style: New American
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars
Ambiance: 7.5/9.5 Food quality: 6.5/10
Customer Service: 5.5/9 Plate Presentation: 8/8
Alcohol Rating: 7/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
The Mad Hatter is themed around Charles Lutwidge Dodgson 1865 novel of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Travel down the rabbit hole to the dining room to enjoy well created and presented plates, nice wine list, and Gulf views.
Feature dishes: Roasted Portuguese oysters, duck salad, and tri-tip steak
#79
Sandy Springs, Georgia, United States of America
Chef: Ryan Smith Cuisine Style: Southern American
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/10 Food quality: 7/9.5
Customer Service: 7.5/9.5 Plate Presentation: 7.5/9
Alcohol Rating: 8.5/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 1
Food 101 is a small southern bistro owned by the 101 Concepts Restaurant Group just north of Atlanta, offering delightful small bites of comfort food favorites and an exceptional world wine list, wine dinners, and service.
Feature dishes: Southern fried chicken, meatloaf, and chocolate bread pudding
#78
Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
Chef: Ivan and Jeff Himmel Cuisine Style: Pizza / Italian
Average Price: $ Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars
Ambiance: 8/10 Food quality: 8/9
Customer Service: 7/9 Plate Presentation: 6.5/9
Alcohol Rating: 6/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
Gino’s East started in 1966 and today has sixteen total restaurants with nine in the Chicago or metro area, one in Wisconsin, five in Texas, and one Arizona. They are known for the style of deep dish crusted pizzas, that were first introduced in the 1940s
Feature dishes: Garlic breadsticks, the meaty legend, and Chicago fire pizzas
#77
Ruskin, Florida, United States of America
Chef: Joe Syed Cuisine Style: German
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars
Ambiance: 7/7.5 Food quality: 7/10
Customer Service: 5.5/7.5 Plate Presentation: 8.5/8.5
Alcohol Rating: 3/6 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Are you in a little Florida town called Ruskin, or in downtown Berlin? Since 2006 they have been providing locals with a taste of old world Germany. They have a very large menu and a good selection of German, old world, and new world wines.
Feature Dishes: Schweinebraten, hunter schnitzel
#76
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Chef: Franck Lafon Cuisine Style: French
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/9.5 Food quality: 7/9.5
Customer Service: 5/8 Plate Presentation: 8/8.5
Alcohol Rating: 10/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
Feature dishes: Filet de bœuf, sauce béarnaise, profiteroles
#75
Indian Shores, Florida, United States of America
Chef: Tom Pritchard Cuisine Style: American, Seafood
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 8.5/9.5 Food quality: 5/9.5
Customer Service: 6.5/8.5 Plate Presentation: 7/9
Alcohol Rating: 10/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 1
The Salt Rock Grill is a landmark restaurant with a backside dock to the Intracoastal waterway, early bird specials, and USDA prime beef aged six weeks, then seared to 1200°f.
Featured dishes: Caribbean lobster tails, and steak Oscar
#74
San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
Chef: Robbie Nowlin Cuisine Style: New American, Southwestern
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars
Ambiance: 8.5/9.5 Food quality: 6/10
Customer Service: 5/7.5 Plate Presentation: 7.5/8
Alcohol Rating: 8/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 31
Zinc Bistro and Bar is near the famous Alamo and the Riverwalk and takes its name from the metal that was popular for bar and table tops in France around the turn of the 20th century.
Feature dishes: The Zinc salad and the Texas lamb pappardelle
#73
Griffin, Georgia, United States of America
Chef: Linda and David Gilchrist Cuisine Style: Eclectic
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars
Ambiance: 8.5/10 Food quality: 6.5/8
Customer Service: 7.5/9 Plate Presentation: 8/9.5
Alcohol Rating: 10/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
6th street is southern with a fusionend twist of sushi and modern American. It is an eclectic blend of cuisine where you can get fried green tomatoes with your rare sautéed tuna belly and mango salsa. They also strive to be on par with French and Italian style bourgeoise cuisine and the goal is to meet and exceed that expectation.
Feature dishes: Bacon wrapped dates, Mardi Gras mahi
#72
Tampa, Florida, United States of America
Chef: Eric Lackey Cuisine Style: American Indian
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/9.5 Food quality: 6/9
Customer Service: 3.5/7 Plate Presentation: 7.5/8
Alcohol Rating: 8/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
Ulele is a traditional American Indian restaurant focusing on the tribal cuisine of central Florida, mainly the Tocobaga tribe, where the restaurant gets in name, as Ulele was a Princess. They are owned by the same family as the Columbia Restaurant Group, with an onsite brewery, great wine list, and ambiance.
Feature dishes: Okra fries, white cheddar popcorn mashed potatoes
#71
St. Petersburg, Florida, United States of America
Chef: Rob Reinsmith Cuisine Style: Italian, Southern, Pizza
Average Price: $ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 8.5/9.5
Customer Service: 4.5/7.5 Plate Presentation: 7.5/8
Alcohol Rating: 6.5/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
Noble Crust is seasonal menu changing farm-fresh flavor restaurant creating dishes that make it difficult to taste where Italian ends and Southern begins. A wonderful craft cocktail list, southern brunch, and wood-fired pizzas.
Feature dishes: ‘F.G.B.L.T.,’ and the noble pig pizza
#70
Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
Chef: Jeremiah Bacon Cuisine Style: American Steakhouse, Chophouse
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/9.5 Food quality: 8/10
Customer Service: 10/10 Plate Presentation: 7.5/8.5
Alcohol Rating: 8/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 1
The Oak is a classy representation of the historical American steakhouse in a 150-year-old building, surrounded by luxury, extensive menu and 200+ bottle wine list, a partnership with local sustainable farmers, and now with locations in Atlanta, Charlotte, and Nashville.
Feature dishes: The Butcher’s plate, whole fried lobster, and New York strip steak
#69
Christchurch, New Zealand
Chef: Darrell Van Der Sluys Cuisine Style: Kiwi, Eclectic, European
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9.5/9.5 Food quality: 8.5/10
Customer Service: 5/7 Plate Presentation: 7/8
Alcohol Rating: 8.5/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 1
Fiddlesticks is a small centrally located restaurant in the heart of Christchurch serving traditional New Zealand and central European themed dishes in a vibrant atmosphere and extensive wine list especially representing their native New Zealand wines.
Feature dishes: Wakanui Beef cheek, and the 'Fiddlesticks fried chicken,'
#68
Sarasota and Ybor City, Florida, United States of America
Chef: Richard Gonzmart Cuisine Style: Cuban / Spanish
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars
Ambiance: 8.5/9.5 Food quality: 7.5/10
Customer Service: 6.5/9 Plate Presentation: 7.5/9
Alcohol Rating: 7/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
The first Columbia Restaurant open in Ybor City Florida in1905 and was the first full-service restaurant in the state. Family owned and operated, the restaurant is the home of the original Cubano Sandwich. Specialities also include the 1905 salad rated by USA Today as one of the top ten salad recipes in the United States.
Feature dishes: 1905 Salad, Cubano sandwich, camarones rellenos, guava turnover and the cannelloni de langosta “7 portes”
#67
Intercontinental Hotel, Amman, Jordan
Chef: Yousef Cuisine Style: Lebanese / Levant
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 8.5/10 Food quality: 7/8
Customer Service: 7.5/10 Plate Presentation: 7.5/10
Alcohol Rating: 3/5 Wow Factor Bonus: 2.5
A meze of chilled Lebanese dishes from Rkak, Warak Enab, and sambousek followed by a seafood red mullet entree, and a tasting Jordanian wines. With professional service staff adding to the culinary delight, Bourj Al Hamam at the Intercontinental hotel is a welcomed addition to the top 100.
Feature dishes: Meze and red mullet
#66
Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Chef: Davide Gardini Cuisine Style: Italian
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/9.5 Food quality: 7/10
Customer Service: 5/6.5 Plate Presentation: 8/8
Alcohol Rating: 6/8 Wow Factor Bonus: 1
Feature dishes: Totelli di spinaci e ricotta, and calamari with prawns
#65
Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
Chef: Chef Joaquin Bustos Cuisine Style: Mediterranean
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9.5/10 Food quality: 7.5/10
Customer Service: 6/8.5 Plate Presentation: 7.5/8.5
Alcohol Rating: 8.5/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 1
The Old South Challenges the old Mediterranean, located in the historic Ansonborough neighborhood you are treated to culinary delights from Italy, France, Spain, and Greece with over one hundred bottles of wine available by the glass.
Feature dishes: Merguez sausage with tzatziki
#64
Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
Chef: Linton and Gina Hopkins Cuisine Style: Gastropub
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 8/9.5 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 5/6.5 Plate Presentation: 8/10
Alcohol Rating: 8/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 1
Holeman and Finch Public House is a full animal cookery with the best damn burger in six states along the East coast subjectively speaking of course. Match this with a superb world wine list, plus an organic, local, and sustainable menu.
Feature dishes: The “H&F Burger,” and the pan roasted veal brains
#63
Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
Chef: Shawn Kelly Cuisine Style: Southern / Lowcountry
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9.5/9.5 Food quality: 8.5/9.5
Customer Service: 6/9 Plate Presentation: 7.5/8.5
Alcohol Rating: 8/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 1
High Cotton is classic Lowcountry restaurant with a welcoming jazz band, craft cocktail list, nice wine list, and subjectively to say the best brunch menu in town. They focus on supporting local Carolina farms, sustainable day-boat fishing, and top-notch steak cuts.
Feature dishes: Charleston she-crab soup, fried oysters, shrimp and grits, High Cotton eggs benedict
#62
St. Petersburg, Florida, United States of America
Chef: Ana Granucci Cuisine Style: Seafood
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 8.5/9.5 Food quality: 6.5/9.5
Customer Service: 6/9 Plate Presentation: 8.5/8.5
Alcohol Rating: 9/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
400 Beach reflects kindness and attentiveness of the service and management staff, the flavor and quality of the foods from starters all the way to desserts, and the overall ambiance and attraction. Coastal American Seafood cuisine, with local and sustainable purchasing practices.
Feature dishes: Artichoke manchego fondue, miso glazed salmon
#61
Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
Chef: Michael Patria Cuisine Style: Mediterranean
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/9.5 Food quality: 7.5/10
Customer Service: 4.5/7 Plate Presentation: 8/8
Alcohol Rating: 8.5/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Ecco Restaurant offers seasonal European menu with delicious meat and cheese boards, house-made pasta, authentic wood-fired pizzas and a variety of desserts. The wine list has many boutique offerings from the old and new world and three Atlanta locations.
Feature dishes: Braised beef piquillo peppers, pappardelle pork
#60
Tampa, Florida, United States of America
Chef: Jeannie Pierola Cuisine Style: Eclectic, Gastropub
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 8/9.5 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 5.5/9 Plate Presentation: 9/10
Alcohol Rating: 8/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
Product + technique + creativity2; The Tampa dining scene has been ever evolving over the years. With the help of St. Petersburg, they the bay area is becoming a food travelers destination. Edison offers a relaxing and casual experience mixed with a molecular gastronomy and cocktail mixology.
Feature dishes: Baby kale + kabocha squash salad, black grouper with burgoo stew
#59
Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
Chef: John Ford Cuisine Style: Seafood
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 8.5/9.5 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 6/9 Plate Presentation: 9/10
Alcohol Rating: 9/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Based inside the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Jack Dusty’s is a nautically themed restaurant and the buzz of the Sarasota waterfront placing a high emphasis on craft microbrews, a variety of rums, and spirits for their specialty nautical named cocktails. Their menu also caters to the hotel for all three meals, plus catered events.
Feature dishes: Oysters, kale salad, Romanian tenderloin, red Inca quinoa, beef short rib BLT, Gulf grouper hoppin’ John, and the German chocolate brownie
#58
City of Sonoma, California, United States of America
Chef: Jen and Nick Demarest Cuisine Style: Californian
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 7.5/9.5 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 4/8 Plate Presentation: 8/8
Alcohol Rating: 8/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 1
Harvest Moon Cafe embraces the philosophy that all of our produce, meat, poultry, and fish come from farms, ranches, and fisheries guided by principles of sustainability. The menus change daily to focus on Sonoma County’s bountiful, local harvests. Accolades include the diners Choice awards for 2017, certificate of excellence from TripAdvisor, and write-ups by Zagat, Sunset, Fodor’s, Frommer’s, and the San Francisco Chronicle.
Feature dishes: Niman Ranch ribeye steak, Pacific halibut, and little gem salad
#57
Christchurch, New Zealand
Chef: Bruce Griffith Cuisine Style: Kiwi
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/9 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 5/8 Plate Presentation: 8/9
Alcohol Rating: 7/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
Cook’n’ With Gas is a high-end bistro exploring Kiwi cuisine and using only local sustainable vegetables and game from the Island. Accolades include Dineout People’s Choice Award 2010-12, Canterbury’s most outstanding restaurant 2006, top Christchurch destination by TripExperts, and NZ Best Restaurant/Cafe (Beer and brewing magazine) 2011and 2012.
Feature dishes: Oxtail soup, monkfish ravioli, lamb trio, carved rolled sirloin, and the banoffee tart dessert
#56
St. Pete Beach, Florida, United States of America
Chef: Jerry Frystak Cuisine Style: Tapas, New American
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/9 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 6/8 Plate Presentation: 8/9
Alcohol Rating: 7/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
Going from a ‘Steam’ to a ‘Chill,’ this beach restaurant is unlike its neighbor beach bars catering to tourists. This a locavore features a wide range of small plates catering to vegetarian, vegan, and carnivores alike. Voted the best business of the year in 2012 they offer local, sustainable, some organic choices, and a nice cocktail list, with a piano bar.
Feature dishes: Brie with shallots, stuffed butternut squash, goat cheese tapenade terrine
#55
London, England, United Kingdom
Chef: Gary Lee Cuisine Style: British
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 8/10 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 5/8 Plate Presentation: 8/8
Alcohol Rating: 9/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
The Ivy is a city icon in the theater district of London. With countless accolades that include the Best Buzz award by Tatler Restaurant Awards and Best restaurants Eater London, this hot spot that actors, singers, and politicians frequent.
Feature dishes: Potato gnocchi, Devonshire chicken, dressed Cornish crab, and grilled Nidderdale pork sausages
#54
Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
Chef: Richard Blais Cuisine Style: American, Hamburgers
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/10 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 6/7 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 0/0 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
19 burger variation, liquid nitrogen milkshakes, a trendy and unique atmosphere and ambiance, plus art deco style. Take a typical burger joint, then leave behind what you think, because this place will be a complete FLIP to what you expect. Other accolades include the top 10 burger restaurants in the US by Fox News and Bon Appetite, Top 5 burgers in Atlanta by Haute Living, best French fries by Travel + Leisure, and best shakes by USA Today.
Feature dishes: N2 Krispy Kreme, vodka-battered onion rings, lamb burger
#53
Austin, Texas, United States of America
Chef: Jack Gilmore Cuisine Style: Southwestern
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 9.5/10
Customer Service: 6/7 Plate Presentation: 8/8
Alcohol Rating: 9/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 1
Feature dishes: Beef rib quesadillas, and bacon-wrapped Texas quail
Tampa, Florida, United States of America
Chef: Matthew Sadowski Cuisine Style: Steakhouse
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/9.5 Food quality: 8.5/10
Customer Service: 7/9 Plate Presentation: 8/8
Alcohol Rating: 8/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Council Oak is certified USDA prime steakhouse inside the Seminole Hard Rock Casino Hotel offering primal cuts of meat dry-aged between 21 - 28 days. The bar has live entertainment and the wine list comprises 13 countries from the old and new world.
Feature dishes: Council Oak bacon, Caprese salad, bone-in ribeye
#51
Denver, Colorado, United States of America
Chef: Jennifer Jasinski Cuisine Style: Mediterranean
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 6/6.5 Plate Presentation: 8/8.5
Alcohol Rating: 8/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 4
Rioja is rated as one of the best restaurants in the city, white brick walls, copper-toned bar, and action chef tables bring this Mediterranean themed restaurant front and center with the James Beard award-winning chef offering local, sustainable, and organically driven menus, plus friendly staff.
Feature dishes: Fresh bacon, house-made pasta, Colorado lamb
#50
London, England, United Kingdom
Chef: Cyrus Todiwala / Arun Dev Cuisine Style: Indian
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 7.5/10
Customer Service: 6.5/8 Plate Presentation: 7.5/8.5
Alcohol Rating: 7/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
Mr. Todiwala's Kitchen is the brainchild of celebrity television Chef Cyrus Todiwala (OBE, DL). He was born and raised in Mumbai, trained at the Taj Hotel Resorts and Palaces chain in India, and rose to become Executive Chef. In 1991 he moved to London and Launched Café Spice Namasté, Taking the city by storm. Mr. Todiwala's Kitchen opened later.
AN HONORABLE MENTION TO SOME LEGENDS NO LONGER WITH US:
Chef Willie Mae Seaton
#49
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Chef: Esteban Gómez Cuisine Style: Spanish
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 8/9.5 Food quality: 8.5/9.5
Customer Service: 5.5/7.5 Plate Presentation: 8.5/8.5
Alcohol Rating: 7/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 4
Chef’s Nick and Scott; protégés under Gordon Ramsay began this restaurant in 2011 at the Hilton Dubai Creek. It has now expanded under Chef Gómez to include a Mediterranean flair, mixed with decorative art that reminds you of Jerry Garcia and Andy Warhol.
Feature dishes: Ceviche, Chilean crab gratin, sea bream
#48
Sydney, Australia
Chef: Matt Moran Cuisine Style: French / Australian
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/9 Food quality: 8/10
Customer Service: 6/8 Plate Presentation: 8/8
Alcohol Rating: 8/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
Aria Restaurant holds two AGFG Chef's Hats awards plus they were awarded the 'Diner's Choice' restaurant by the readers at the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2012. With spectacular views, elegance and assorted theatre and tasting menus.
Feature dishes: Rangers flat iron steak, lamb loin, barramundi
#47
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Chef: Kenneth Bush Cuisine Style: French
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 8/10
Customer Service: 8/9 Plate Presentation: 8/9
Alcohol Rating: 8/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
Bistrot La Minette is an authentic French bistro that pays homage to the roots of the American Revolution and its birthplace in Philadelphia where the menu is prepared entirely from scratch, and changes with the season. The wine list is entirely French, and the atmosphere is very country style from the Loire.
Feature dishes: Pan seared scallops, foie gras, escargots à la Bourguignonne, poulet rôti aux gratin, lapin rôti à la moutarde, gâteau mousse au chocolat
#46
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Chef: Victor Leme /Alain Gobeil
Cuisine Style: Brazilian, Latin
Cuisine Style: Brazilian, Latin
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 8/10
Customer Service: 6/7 Plate Presentation: 8/8
Alcohol Rating: 7/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Frevo is a Brazilian Churrascaria restaurant inside the Fairmont Hotel on the Palm Jumeriah Island in Dubai, rated as one of the best steakhouses in the city by OpenTable and the top Brazilian experience in the Middle East. Frevo merges the Argentine gaúcho with the street food of San Paulo for a full Latin experience.
Feature dishes: Biro Biro rice, black bean stew, assorted meat cuts (no pork), Brazilian tubule salad, and dulce de leche
#45
Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
Chef: Matthew Niessner Cuisine Style: American, Steakhouse
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/10 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 7/9 Plate Presentation: 8/8
Alcohol Rating: 8/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Halls Chophouse is a true destination for hospitality and comfort. Awards include the OpenTable Diner’s Choice winner from 2009-2015, 5 Top Gospel Brunches in the US, and the Top 10 Best Restaurant in America 2016. TripAdvisor lists them as #4 in the Top 5 Best restaurants in the US, and Yelp’s #1 Best Steakhouse in America with the #22 on the top 100 Places to Eat in the US.
Feature dishes: Maple Leaf Farm duck, shrimp and grits, Allen Brothers of Chicago USDA prime beef cups, and whiskey bread pudding
#44
St. Petersburg, Florida United States of America
Chef: Anthony Magnifico Cuisine Style: Italian, Milanese, Tuscan
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/10 Food quality: 8/10
Customer Service: 8/9 Plate Presentation: 8/8
Alcohol Rating: 9/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 4
Gratzzi is a small family owned restaurant that has gained prestige across central Florida. Voted #1 best Italian Restaurant by St. Petersburg Foodies Blog, and the 2015 award for excellence by TripAdvisor. With daily specials, half wine prices on Monday’s, and a friendly atmosphere, this is the place to go bada bing!
Feature dishes: Carciofini Alla Romana, cavatelli bada bing, carpaccio di manzo, veal parmigiana, and the Limoncello Cake
#43
St. Pete Beach, Florida, United States of America
Cuisine Style: Bistro, American
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 6/8 Plate Presentation: 8/8
Alcohol Rating: 910 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
Level 11 is on the 11th floor of the Grand Plaza Hotel, boasting some of the most magnificent sunsets on the along the Gulf of Mexico in and around St Pete Beach. With recent renovations and additions, it has become the new hip spot for cocktails, small bites, or full dinners on a perfect Florida day, in the Sunshine City.
Feature dishes: Kobé beef and sesame ahi sliders, fig and filet flatbread, smoked salmon tartare, charcuterie and cheese platter
#42
DIFC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Chef: Andrea Mugavero Cuisine Style: Northern Italian
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/10 Food quality: 7/10
Customer Service: 6/8 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 8/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 4
Roberto’s is a passion project sought to feed Dubai’s discerning gourmets’ desire for an authentic, thoughtful and contemporary Northern Italian fine dining experience. Accolades include Ahlan Top 100 Restaurants 2015, Time Out Highly Commended Italian 2015, Grana Padano Italian Cuisine Worldwide Award 2014, and three Black Hats on the Black Hat Guide (2012, 2013, 2014).
Feature dishes: Affettato, salmon tartar, pizza croccante, shellfish del mare, lobster risotto, osso buco, and the checkmate dessert
#41
Cape Town, South Africa
Chef: Malika van Reenen Cuisine Style: Cape Malay, Dutch
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 45/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 7/8 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 8/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Signal Restaurant is located on the waterfront at the Cape Grace Hotel, and draws on influences from many nationalities and customs that have shaped this region since being settled in 1652; namely Dutch and British, French Huguenots. They offer a standard menu or a tasting menu with wine.
Feature dishes: Biltong-cured ostrich fillet, confit pork belly, poached crayfish, shiitake-glazed beef, passion fruit soufflé
#40
San Fransisco, California, United States of America
Chef: Allen Chen Cuisine Style: Japanese / American
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 11/11 Food quality: 10/11
Customer Service: 12/14 Plate Presentation: 10/10
Alcohol Rating: 10/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
5A5 Steak Lounge is a stylish and modernized take on the traditional steakhouse, while still appealing to the classic roots with a jazzy lounge and grand piano. They feature prime cuts of beef and creative cocktails. The name 5A5 is derived from the 5 senses you see, feel the taste, smell and hear when experiencing an A5 grade Japanese wagyu.
Feature dishes: Heirloom tomato salad, yakimono shrimp, A5 wagyu ribeye
#39
Tampa, Florida, United States of America
Chef: Ro Patel and Gordon Davis Cuisine Style: New American
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 7/9 Plate Presentation: 8/9
Alcohol Rating: 9/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Ciro’s Speakeasy and Supper club brings the roaring twenty’s back to life. Rated by Travel and Leisure as being one of the best Florida restaurants outside Miami. Craft Cocktails, innovative menu, though people do not speakeasy.
Featured dishes: Cheese fondue, chicken and waffles, Ciro’s burger, char siu duck
#38
Charleston, South Carolina United States of America
Chef: Frank Lee Cuisine Style: French / American Southern
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 10/10 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 9/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
SNOB is part of the Hall Management Group which also owns Halls Chophouse (Greenville & Charleston), High Cotton Charleston, and others. It is an eclectic bistro that brings together fresh, local ingredients and imaginative, detailed presentation, with a friendly staff that sources many local, farm raised, organic, and when possible non-GMO products.
Feature dishes: Pimento cheese, shrimp and grits, Manchester Farm quail, Allen Brothers USDA steaks
#37
Akron, Ohio, United States of America
Chef: Richard Tischler Cuisine Style: Steakhouse
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/10 Food quality: 7/10
Customer Service: 6/8 Plate Presentation: 8/8
Alcohol Rating: 10/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Flemings is an upscale chain steakhouse with 69 locations (in 2017) a 100 by the glass wine list, USDA prime cuts, an award of excellence from Wine Spectator, 2010–2016, One of the Top 5 Restaurants, with an atmosphere that is sophisticated, lively and inviting
Feature dishes: Baked brie in pastry, pork belly over grits, burrata, truffle-poached lobster, prime cut steaks, carrot cake
#36
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Chef: Brighton Nekatambe Cuisine Style: Zimbabwean, African
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/9 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 4/5 Plate Presentation: 7/8
Alcohol Rating: 5/7 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
The Boma Dinner and Drum show located at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge immerses you into tribal Zimbabwe cuisine and offers a variety of wild game meats from crocodile tail, warthog, impala, and many others to include a delicacy called the mopane worm. Rated 4 of 5 on TripAdvisor and ranked #10 of 36 restaurants in Victoria Falls.
Feature dishes: Mopane worm, sadza, warthog filet, and UmZingeli
#35
Orlando, Florida, United States of America
Chef: Morimoto / Yuhi Fujinaga Cuisine Style: Asian fusion, sushi
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 10/10 Plate Presentation: 8/8
Alcohol Rating: 8/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Iron Chef Morimoto has opened several Morimoto Asia restaurants through the Patina Restaurant Group, LLC in New York, Las Vegas, Napa, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Orlando. He presents a one-of-a-kind experience for Asian cuisine fused with American, which through his restaurant in Tokyo received a Michelin Star.
Feature dishes: kakuni pork bao, Peking duck, hamachi tartare, sushi, chocolate cream and crunch
#34
Berlin, Germany
Chef: Dirk Aulig Cuisine Style: German
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 9/10 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 9/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
The Restaurant Mark Brandenburg located inside the Hilton Hotel overlooks the historic Gendarmenmarkt where the seasonal variations and fresh produce are sourced from. With a large local beer and world wine list, they attract visitor and locals alike to enjoy regional German cuisine.
Feature dishes: Veal tongue, pork cheeks, calf liver, steak tartar, Berlin potato soup
#33
Cape Point Nature Reserve, South Africa
Chef: Adrian Schreuder Cuisine Style: Seafood, Sushi, Cape Malay
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/10 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 7/8 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 6/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
The Two Oceans Restaurant is the southernmost restaurant on the African Continent, achieving the 2013 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Award, and consistently rated among the Top 10 restaurants in Cape Town by Trip Advisor. Fantastic views with a great menu and South African wine list make this a must stop destination in the nature reserve.
Feature dishes: Salmon sushi, prime rib, yellowtail amberjack, ostrich filet, warm toffee apple pudding
#32
St. Petersburg, Florida, United States of America
Chef: Unknown Cuisine Style: Portuguese / Tapas
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 6/8 Plate Presentation: 8/8
Alcohol Rating: 7.5/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Feature dishes: Hotchee dog, Goan patties, duck fat pork belly
#31
St. Petersburg, Florida, United States of America
Chef: Ted Dorsey Cuisine Style: New American
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/10 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 7/9 Plate Presentation: 8/8
Alcohol Rating: 8/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Voted by Florida Trend Magazine as the Best New Restaurant in Florida. The Mill offers balance, flavors, experimentation, local sourcing, and creativity coming together in one. At The Mill chef’s West and Dorsey continue to achieve great things, while at the same time keeping it simple, and offering comfort southern foods with a twist. As a result, they won the Best Of The Bay Chef 2015 award.
Feature dishes: Meatloaf Wellington, venison saddle, goat cheese gnocchi with lamb belly, ‘not your momma’s grilled cheese’
#30
Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
Chef: Tim Richardson Cuisine Style: Seafood, Southern American
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 8/9.5 Food quality: 8/10
Customer Service: 6.5/8 Plate Presentation: 7/8.5
Alcohol Rating: 7.5/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 1
Hank’s Seafood is a very hip spot to find local fresh seafood right off the day-boat, a raw bar, and classic southern favorites with a vibrant packed dining room and bar featuring 300+ world wines
Feature dishes: Crab cakes, shrimp and grits, roasted grouper
#29
Sandton-Johannesburg, South Africa
Owner: Desmond Mabuza Cuisine Style: Cape Malay, Contemporary African
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9.5/9.5 Food quality: 9.5/10
Customer Service: 6/8.5 Plate Presentation: 7.5/8.5
Alcohol Rating: 9.5/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Feature dishes: Phyllo parcels, springbok shank, gemsbok venison, and malva pudding
#28
Asheville, North Carolina, United States of America
Chef: David Ryba Cuisine Style: American, regional Carolina cuisine
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 8/9 Plate Presentation: 9/10
Alcohol Rating: 8/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
The Biltmore Dining Room on the Biltmore Estate, “America’s Castle” at the Inn serves regional Carolina cuisine with estate-raised beef and lamb, plus organic vegetables from a garden out back. The Dining Room is one of nine restaurants on the estate that received the 2012 Open Table Diner's Choice Award and is a future Michelin in the making.
Feature dishes: Heritage Farms pork belly, Atlantic halibut, beet salad, foie gras chiboust, lobster gnocchi
#27
Gulfport, Florida, United States of America
Chef: Pia Goff Cuisine Style: Italian
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/10 Food quality: 7/10
Customer Service: 9/10 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 8/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 4
According to Merriam-Webster, a Trattoria is an Italian style eating establishment, that is smaller, and less formal than a ristorante, but more formal than an Osteria. Pia’s in Gulfport opened in 2005 preparing made from scratch dishes and since that time have been given accolades far and wide from all around Central Florida as being one of the best Italian spots to visit.
Feature dishes: Antipasti salmone di Capri, crab salad, chicken marsala, filet of tenderloin
#26
Cuisine Style: French and Country French
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 9/10 Plate Presentation: 8/8
Alcohol Rating: 8/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
The Le Grand Chancelier is a small country cottage style eatery in the city of Cheverny next to the Château de Cheverny in the famous Loire Valley with an intimate feel producing local dishes with fantastic flavor. They are far from fine dining, but quality, taste, and ambiance still score very high for this little country gem.
Feature dishes: Rabbit terrine foie gras, smoked salmon, stuffed pigeon with a fried potato
#25
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Chef: Anthony Bonett Cuisine Style: New American, Seafood
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/10 Food quality: 8/10
Customer Service: 8/9 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 7/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
In the opening scenes of The Godfather Part II Vito Corleone travels to America on a ship, and that ship is the Moshulu. In the original Rocky movie, he trains for the fight running past the ship docked in Penn's Landing. They present the very essence of contemporary American cooking, with an array of dishes and all the Philly dining favorites as one of the grandest fine dining restaurants in Philadelphia.
Feature dishes: Lobster bisque, calamari with artichoke, Alaskan sockeye salmon, and the black and red dessert
#24
New Smyrna Beach, Florida, United States of America
Chef: Michael Perri Cuisine Style: Italian, Tuscan
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 8/10
Customer Service: 7/9 Plate Presentation: 8/8
Alcohol Rating: 7/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
The Garlic is a small family owned restaurant between Daytona and Cocoa Beach Florida that will provide you with an authentic taste of the Tuscan countryside that gives large pieces of roasted garlic and bread as a starter to every table from their Il Forno wood-fired oven. They go through 1000 pounds of garlic each month.
Feature dishes: Roasted Il Forno garlic, harlot’s cheese, bocce balls, pretzel brownie
#23
Dublin, Ireland
Chef: Guillaume Lebrun Cuisine Style: French, Haute, Contemporary Irish
Average Price: $$$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 10/10 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 9/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Patrick Guilbaud is Ireland’s only two Michelin starred restaurant, listed as one of the top 10 restaurants in Dublin, and are listed on the Elite Travelers 100 best restaurants in the world with a combination of à la carte, 4 and 8-course degustation tasting menus. They have a very impressive wine selections with 25,000 bottles.
Feature dishes: Croquettes of suckling pig, poached blue lobster, dark Valrhona chocolate tart
#22
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Chef: Rohit Sharma Cuisine Style: Indian, Pakistani
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/10 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 8/9 Plate Presentation: 8/9
Alcohol Rating: 0/0 Wow Factor Bonus: 2.5
Feature dishes: Murgh makhni, zaffrani malai tikka, meen moiley, gosht ki pasillian, dal, malai kulfi, and chocolate cubo
#21
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Cuisine Style: Italian, Tuscan
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/10 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 7/9 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 7/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Ponte Vecchio is a famous 14th-century bridge built across the Arno River of Florence, but in this instance, it is a higher end Italian and Tuscan restaurant at the Fallsview Casino and Resort hotel. Ponte Vecchio Restaurant is a breath of fresh air away from the other tourist magnet destinations around the city,
Feature dishes: East coast halibut, ocean trout carpaccio, pumpkin crème brûlée
AN HONORABLE MENTION:
.
Unfortunately Fleur de Lys has closed its doors in San Fransisco, otherwise, they would be placed at a high level on this top 100 list. I wanted to add them as an honorable mention, and that I look forward to trying Chef Hubert Keller’s Burger Bar restaurant with locations in Las Vegas and San Fransisco or Fleur By Hubert Keller in Las Vegas as well.
#20
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Chef: A. Refaie Othman Cuisine Style: Japanese, Asian
Average Price: $$$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 8/10
Customer Service: 8/8 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 9/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 4
Zuma is a contemporary Japanese restaurant that focuses on Izakaya style of dining, where the food is served to share and is a casual after-work Japanese drinking establishment that serves food to accompany the main highlight…drinks. Rated in the top 100 restaurants in San Pellegrino (2014-16), and #44 best bar in the world out of 50 on the Forbes list.
Feature dishes: Robata sushi, hamachi yellowtail, wagyu beef tataki, 8 Nigiri selections plate, and the gyuhire sumibiyaki karami.
#19
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
Chef: Tory McPhail Cuisine Style: French / Creole
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 9/9 Plate Presentation: 8/9
Alcohol Rating: 8/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 2
The Commander’s Palace in the Garden District has been a New Orleans landmark since 1880, with a steady parade of renowned chefs like Emeril Lagasse, Paul Prudhomme, Jamie Shannon, and now Tory McPhail at the helm. They focus on traditional Creole and Cajun cuisine with a blending of Acadian French, with pre-fixe and à la carte menus with a nice wine list, and long reservation list.
Feature dishes: Louisiana caviar, roasted hake, the “dreamsicle” dessert
#18
Sydney, Australia
Chef: Peter Gilmore Cuisine Style: Australian
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 8/9 Plate Presentation: 10/10
Alcohol Rating: 9/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 4
Quay Restaurant has long been one of Australia’s most awarded restaurants. They have held the coveted 3 Hat and 3 Star rating in The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide and the Australian Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide for 13 consecutive years. They also rate in the top 100 restaurants in the world on the San Pellegrino and Elite Travels Magazine lists.
Feature dishes: Raw smoked Blackwood wagyu, XO marron, slow-cooked duck, and the snow egg
#17
Constantia, South Africa
Chef: Scot Kirton Cuisine Style: French, Cape Malay
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 9/10 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 7/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
La Colombe takes you on a culinary journey through an inspired French and African fusion menu. Rated on the top 100 lists of Elite Travelers and San Pellegrino Best Restaurants, plus the Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the Year in the Prudential Eat Out Awards, three stars in Rossouw’s Restaurants guide, and Condé Nast House & Garden Gourmet Awards.
Feature dishes: Springbok tataki, South African Karoo lamb, suckling pig entrée, and the toasted apple cake
#16
Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
Chef: Demetre Castanas Cuisine Style: Steakhouse
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 10/10 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 8/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Verified 100% USDA Prime cut quality, and aging, this is the standard for Grill 225 at the Market Pavilion Hotel in downtown Charleston. 42 days on all beef cuts, with the exception of their center cut New York strip, aged at 50 days. Match that with the fact that they are rated as one of the top ten steakhouses in America,
Feature dishes: Seared foie gras, Ahi tuna tower, prime ribeye, and the classique Napoleon
#15
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Chef: Yunus Emre Aydin Cuisine Style: Turkish
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 8/10 Food quality: 8/10
Customer Service: 7/8 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 7/8 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Enigma is defined as a person, thing, or situation that is mysterious, puzzling, or ambiguous. The Enigma Restaurant is all those things along with a journey that has unfolded over the course of a year, bringing with you evolutionary culinary tales from across the world.
Feature dishes: Ahtapot, 12-hour duck, Seven-spiced lamb neck
#14
Dublin, Ireland
Chef: Derry Clarke Cuisine Style: French / Irish
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/10 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 9/9 Plate Presentation: 8/9
Alcohol Rating: 8/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
L’Ecrivain is the top rated Michelin restaurant in all of Dublin according to Elite Traveler Magazine. Chef Derry trained in the classical French tradition then continued his training under the direction of John Howard in the restaurant Le Coq Hardi and then head chef of Le Bon Appetit Restaurant, but his aspirations were always to open a place of his own and did so in 1989.
Feature dishes: Scallops dish, Wicklow venison, quail dish, seared foie gras
#13
Ripponlea, Melbourne, Australia
Chef: Ben Shewry Cuisine Style: Australian, Eclectic
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/10 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 8/9 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 9/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Attica is reminiscent of a restaurant in an old style town with local shops and stores away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, only it is rated in the top 10 best restaurants in Australia, the Elite Travels list top 100 list, and the San Pellegrino top 50 of the world. The tasting menu is fourteen courses, focusing on organic and natural elements of Earth.
Feature dishes: Goolwa pippies, King George whiting, red kangaroo, Pukeko’s eggs
#12
Cape Town, South Africa
Chef: Harald Bresselschmidt Cuisine Style: African, Cape Malay
Average Price: $$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 11/11 Food quality: 10/11
Customer Service: 11/12 Plate Presentation: 11/12
Alcohol Rating: 6/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
The Chef is German, but the food is South Africa / Cape Malay with an international twist, that will twist your taste buds to a phenomenal extreme. Formally on the San Pellegrino top 100 list (2009), the Aubergine vision is to create a gastronomic haven in an atmosphere of timeless elegance where diners can enjoy innovative and creative combinations that excite the senses and pique curiosity.
Feature dishes: Kabeljou (Daga Salmon), quail, and foie gras
#11
Paris, France
Chef: Joël Robuchon Cuisine Style: French, Haute
Average Price: $$$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 7/8 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 7/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Joël Robuchon restaurants are 3 Michelin star establishments that have luxurious environments always respecting the spirit of sublime simplicity and offer original gastronomy based on the concept of modern and classical French dishes. Robuchon was awarded the Meilleur Ouvrier de France, the Chef de lannee, and the Cuisinier du siècle. As of today, he is the most starred Chef in the world.
Feature dishes: La Saint-Jacques (Scallop), L’Œuf de Poule (Egg of the Chicken), and the La Caille (Quail)
Honorable Mention to some of the best grapes on the vine:
Accolades to some Wineries, Domaine’s, and Chateaus:
Bergström Wines Kings of Pinot in Newburg, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Biltmore Estate Local and California grapes produced in Asheville, North Carolina, USA
Clos du Marquis A Saint-Julien AOC red blend by Domaines Delon, Bordeaux, France
De Trafford Winery Elevation 393 tasting in Stellenbosch, South Africa
Ghost Block Vineyard Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc organic wine producer in Oakville, California, USA
Jonata Winery Tasting Screaming Eagles Sister Winery, El Desafio Cab, in Santa Barbara, California, USA
Jordan River Wines The Haddad Family Vineyards, and a 2000 year history of wine, Amman, Jordan
La Motte Pierneef and Chardonnay wines overlooking the mountains in Franschhoek, South Africa
Pillitteri Winery Noted Ice-wines in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Yarra Yering Winemakers of the year by James Halliday famous battle named blocks in Gruyere, Yarra Valley, Australia
#10
St. Petersburg, Florida United States of America
Chef: Jason Ruhe Cuisine Style: New American
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 8/9 Plate Presentation: 8/8
Alcohol Rating: 9/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Brick and Mortar focuses on Local ingredients, farm to table, homemade pasta and an extra special touch of upscale culinary delights, with a lower scale price tag. Starting as a catering company, they moved to a brick and mortar building and were quickly named in the ten best restaurants in Florida outside Miami.
Feature dishes: B and M veal meatballs, slowly braised oxtail, glazed donut bread pudding
#09
Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Kruger, South Africa
Chef: Emma Molife and Jacque Erasmus
Cuisine Style: African, Cape Malay, Bush Cuisine
Average Price: $$$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/10 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 8/8 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 8/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 5
The Leopard Hills Lodge was founded in 1998 and is the only lodge where you are guaranteed to see a leopard, the only one of the ‘Big Five’ that is the hardest to spot. Voted as one of the top 100 hotels and restaurants in the world with exceptional five-star service by Condé Nast, Food and Wine Magazine, and the International Food and Wine Society. Also voted one of the 10 best safaris for 2015 by CNN.
Feature dishes: Pre-fixe game courses, artisan cheeses, breakfast buffet’s, dark chocolates
#08
City of Bordeaux, France
Chef: François Adamski / Nicholas Frion
Cuisine Style: French, Haute
Cuisine Style: French, Haute
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 7/8 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 8/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Restaurant Le Gabriel defines Haute Cuisine. Located in the heart of the City of Bordeaux at the 18th-century Palais de la Bourse, with views of the Garonne River and the Napoleon bridge. It received its first Michelin star nine months after opening, with à la carte and pre-fixe menus.
Feature dishes: Le filet de veau, le bar de nos côtes, foie gras de canard
#07
Yountville, Napa, California, United States of America
Chef: Thomas Keller Cuisine Style: French
Average Price: $$$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/10 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 8/9 Plate Presentation: 10/10
Alcohol Rating: 10/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
The French Laundry in Napa Valley is a 3 Michelin star restaurant surrounded by vineyards, built in 1890 as a French steam laundry house. The wine list exceeds 100 pages with two unique nine-course tasting menus offered. The focus is more on Nouvelle cuisine with a pinch of classic French, and the use of sustainable local fruits and vegetables from their garden or local farmers.
Feature dishes: Loup de Mer Cuit A L’Huile D’Olive, Elysian Fields lamb, and the tagliatelle carbonara
#06
Melbourne, Australia
Chef: Shannon Bennett Cuisine Style: Molecular, Australian, French
Average Price: $$$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 10/10 Plate Presentation: 10/10
Alcohol Rating: 9/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 5
Vue de Monde is located on the 55th floor of the Rialto Towers building, focusing on modernist cuisine with a representation of Australia and its diversity using stones, kangaroo skins, and seashells to serve the food on. They are also honorably mentioned in the Elite Travelers or San Pellegrino’s Top 100 List.
Feature dishes: Mousse of smoked eel, Blackmore wagyu, camomile sugared mango
Accolades to restaurants that almost made it on the top 100 list:
360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower Regional Canadian fare and view in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Josty Bistro Eatery serving German regional cuisine at the Potsdamer Platz Sony Center in Berlin, Germany
Sea Salt Fine-dining & innovative seafood with a raw bar in St. Petersburg, Florida
TarraWarra Restaurant Creative modern Australian dining in the Yarra Valley, Australia
Terroir Seasonal South African cuisine bistro in Stellenbosch, South Africa
#05
Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
Chef: Sean Brock Cuisine Style: Farm-to-Fork, Southern
Average Price: $$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 7/9 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 9/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 4
McCrady’s Tavern is listed as one of the top 100 restaurants to dine in the United States, and is located in a classic American tavern built in 1778, then restored to open as a restaurant in 2006. The wine cellar has over 1000 selections with a food focus of farm-to-table using local South Carolina and other southern state farms, plus the garden on the rooftop.
Feature dishes:
Appalachian red corn sweetbreads, Berkshire Farms pork, a duo of lamb
#04
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Chef: Stuart Sage Cuisine Style: Global, Eclectic
Average Price: $$$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/10 Food quality: 8/10
Customer Service: 10/10 Plate Presentation: 8/8
Alcohol Rating: 7.5/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 4
At.Mosphere redefines mile-high dining. Located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa tower in downtown Dubai, This restaurant boasts international cuisine with stunning city views and wine list. All three meals are served plus tea in the lounge. For dinner, you can choose a seven or three course pre-fixe, or à la carte
Feature dishes:
Foie gras, Tasmanian salmon, wagyu steak, At.mosphere “crunch” dessert
#03
Sydney, Australia
Chef: Tetsuya Wakuda Cuisine Style: French / Japanese
Average Price: $$$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 9/10 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 8/8 Plate Presentation: 10/10
Alcohol Rating: 9/9 Wow Factor Bonus: 3
Tetsuya’s is recognized in the Elite Travelers and San Pellegrino top 100 best restaurant lists, opening in 1989, then relocating in 2000 to the historical Colonial Governors mansion. They are listed as #8 on the Australian top 10, offering pre-fixe coursed meals, and opened on Saturday for lunch.
Feature dishes:
Petuna ocean trout, backstrap lamb, macerated peaches, and the soy poached tuna
#02
Woodstock, Cape Town, South Africa
Chef: Luke Dale-Roberts Cuisine Style: Eclectic and African
Average Price: $$$$ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10 Food quality: 10/10
Customer Service: 10/10 Plate Presentation: 9/9
Alcohol Rating: 8/10 Wow Factor Bonus: 4
The Test Kitchen is situated in a refurbished 19th-century biscuit mill complex along with other shops as part of a neighborhood rejuvenation initiative. The chef is British born, trained in Switzerland, and worked in many Asian countries before opening in Cape Town. They are climbing the list of the worlds most prestigious restaurants and they are a recipient of the Cacao Barry One to Watch Award.
Feature dishes:
Grilled scallop with tofu, New York “style” cheesecake with shaved trout roe, the pork “smiley,” and the“slow and fast” duck
Other Best in Category Honorable Mentions:
Best Dessert Shop:
“Mastic” Ice-cream in Deira Dubai, UAE
Best Cheese Shop:
Artisan cheese shop “aka” Cowgirl Cantina in Point Reyes Station, California
Best Fast Food:
Home of the original cheesesteak in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Best Market:
Merchants on Beach Boulevard in Gulfport, Florida
Best Organic:
Café chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch, & lunch; reviewed in Tampa, Florida
Award for the Best Tourist Trap:
Best Holiday Meal:
An American tradition with turkey and football at the bottom of the world
Best Banquet Spread:
Banquet of pastries & sandwiches at the Belmond, in Cape Town, S. Africa
Best Bar:
Old school pub and landmark from 1851 in Key West, Florida
Best Coffeehouse:
Iconic café & coffeehouse serving beignets since 1862 in New Orleans, Louisiana
************************************
# 1
Chicago Illinois, United States Of America
 |
| 60-garnish display |
Chef: Grant Achatz
Cuisine Style: Eclectic
Average Price: $$$$
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Ambiance: 10/10
Food quality: 9/10
Customer Service: 9/9
Plate Presentation: 10/10
Alcohol Rating: 9/9
Wow Factor Bonus: 4
 |
| Chef Grant Achatz and Mike Bigale |
Alinea is the very definition of culinary perfection. They hold three Michelin stars, top 3 best restaurants in the world by Elite Traveler, and top restaurants in San Pellegrino. Chef’s Mike Bagale and Grant Achatz send you down a molecular gastronomic adventure from one course to the next. They define and embody Modernist American Cuisine and present works of art on your plate.
Feature dishes (pictured below):
Osetra Uruguayan caviar, Tokyo inspiration, pâte sucrée, and the duck with 60-garnish display (above)
You can also use these sites for reference on the top restaurant categories:
All of these guides are helpful to find what you're looking for, starting with The Best Restaurants Near Me by the Trip Advisor Restaurant Finder, followed by my favorite, the top 100 in the world Elite Traveler’s List, also its competitor and more recognized San Pellegrino Top 50+.
For the individual continents, you can start your adventures in North America with the Best of Canada, then for the United States with the100 Best New York Restaurants try Timeout.com. Hop to the west coast for the Los Angeles Times top 101 list.
Then enjoy meat and potatoes with the Top 100 Steakhouses in the USA. For social media lists, you can view the Yelp Top 100 In USA, the OAD Guide 100 in the USA, the OpenTable Top 100 and finally The EATER 38 Top Places to Eat.
Then enjoy meat and potatoes with the Top 100 Steakhouses in the USA. For social media lists, you can view the Yelp Top 100 In USA, the OAD Guide 100 in the USA, the OpenTable Top 100 and finally The EATER 38 Top Places to Eat.
Across the pond focusing on Europe you have the Michelin Guides and the top 50 Best. Then head east to explore the Best of Russia.
Move south to explore the wilds of Africa’s Top Restaurants from Cape Town to Cairo.
Then enjoy desserts of the desert in the 10 best Middle East guide, with an even greater focus on the top 7 Best in Dubai.
Then explore the far east with the 101 Best in Asia which includes India and the Island nations such as Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
The trip around the world is nearly complete with the final continent’s best Down Under Australia top 100, and its island neighbor New Zealand’s Best 15 Restaurants. You can also explore Oceania with many fine restaurants in that region.
There are many more guides out there, but these are a start.
Who is John Galt?
TTFN
TTFN
