10 Can't-Miss Restaurants Around the World
various locations across the UK
After checking into our hotel in Edinburgh, we were delighted to find out that there was Dishoom right across the street. There are a few Dishoom’s scattered around the UK so it had been recommended to us a couple times so our expectations were high. The dining room, located in the basement of the restaurant, offered warm colors, and a wonderfully dark aesthetic that only enhanced the overall dining experience. Dishoom pays homage to the Irani cafés and the food of Bombay, India where bold flavors blend together in a unique way that only Indian cuisine can. There were so many enticing items on the menu that we over-ordered. The kind waitress said, “it’s a lot for two people so you probably won’t finish it all.” Much to our delight (and slight horror), we finished every single dish. The Chili Broccoli Salad and House Black Daal were definitely highlights.
Photo source: Dishoom Edinburgh website
Dubrovnik, Croatia
One of the most memorable meals we had while traveling was in Dubrovnik. There’s something magical about walking through the old city walls of Dubrovnik. Even with all the Game of Thrones tours around you, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a different world. After a picturesque day at the beach, we headed to our dinner reservation at Azur, which labels itself a “CroAsian” restaurant. The chef expertly blends croatian food with asian food for an unforgettable experience. Walk by during the day to make a reservation for the evening or the following evening.Szechuan Chili and Garlic Prawns and Chicken Chorizo Tacos are just some of the menu highlights.
Photo credit: Azur and LotSeats Instagram
Marseille, France
What happens when a French chef spends time cooking in Brazil and SE Asia? A flavor profile you didn’t know you needed including steak with farofa, shrimp Thai curry, and bouillabaisse. Every item executed to perfection, which is what you would expect from Marseille, one of the most renowned food cities in Europe. This unassuming restaurant is located close to Port Vieux and is owned by two brothers who welcome you with smiles and stories as you settle in for your impeccable dining experience.
Photo credit: Aux Antipodes and The Fork
Kyoto, Japan
When an Italian man married a Japanese woman, the culinary world rejoiced. This Italian-Japanese fusion restaurant combines the flavorful, healthy mediterranean food with the simplicity and beauty of Japanese food to create this one-of-a-kind restaurant in the heart of Kyoto. With only 4 tables, this small restaurant has an intimate feel, made even more special by the husband taking orders and the wife in the kitchen creating these unforgettable fusion dishes.
Photo credit: Happycow.net and Blue Vagabond
Cape Town, South Africa
Kloof Street House is a restaurant we’ve been lucky to dine at twice. This restaurant, serving South African fare, is located in an old Victorian home with an ornate garden for dining on warm evenings. The interior feels like dining in a warm, welcoming home, not on one of the busiest streets in Cape Town. “Every inch of the house is archival, a memoir of a time or place that escapes the modern city around us.” From fresh seafood to baked cheeses to expertly-crafted cocktails to decadent desserts, Kloof Street House is everything a restaurant should be.
While Indian food is one of our favorite cuisines, we have to agree that it’s not always a “light” meal. Enter Indian Accent in New York. “Chef Manish Mehrotra. He reinterprets nostalgic Indian dishes with an openness towards global techniques and influences.” Their creative take on indian cuisine offers all of the flavors and styles of traditional indian cuisine, but in inventive ways. Their blue cheese naan is a compact, palm-sized naan stuffed with blue cheese and served warm with a “shot” of pumpkin sorba (soup). We were first introduced to Indian Accent by the concierge at the St. Regis Hotel the night of our engagement. Wondering if we were just riding the high of our engagement, we returned over a year later to see if it was as good as we remembered - and it was.
Photo source: Indian Accent website and Instagram
Washington, DC
From the chic, cozy design to the impeccably executed Afghan food, Lapis is a top restaurant destination in the US Capital. The family style plates consist of dishes passed down from generation to generation in an Afghan family and make you feel like you’re sitting down for a meal at home. The warm, intricate flavors of each dish feel both familiar and new. With many vegetarian and meat options, Lapis has something for everyone. It’s located just off one of the most lively streets in Washington, DC, making it a great place to start or end your evening.
photo credit: Lapis website and Instagram
Antwerp, Belgium
The design of this building is worth the visit alone. The old military-hospital chapel was redesigned for this 2-star Michelin restaurant in Antwerp, Belgium. The ground floor of the restaurant features an extensive tasting menu and seats often book up far in advance, but the secret gem is to dine in the upper room bar. With stunning views of the restaurant, the experience is amplified further with a front row seat the cooking magic. The Upper Room seating surrounds the chefs preparing the full a la carte menu of international cuisine.
Photo source: The Jane Instagram
Lisbon, Portugal
The perfect cafe for a light breakfast, mood-boosting decor, and friendly service. We stumbled across this small cafe, located on a quiet side street in the heart of Lisbon, while out for a walk one day. The airy decor changes frequently, making it always feel like a new, exciting experience. The food is simple, healthy, and varied that leaves you feeling nourished, but not full. They offer a variety of toasts and omelettes, fresh juices and drinks, and freshly baked goods. In a time when brunch has become gluttonous and boozy, Stanislav reminds us that breakfast can be simple but beautiful, energizing but relaxing.
photo credit: Stanislav Cafe Instagram
Berlin, Germany
An absolute delight for vegetarians...if you can find it. (In)famously located in the back garage entrance of the Westin Grand, you feel like you’re about to take out the trash until you see a lone chandelier hanging over a door. That means you’ve made it. The location isn’t the only talking point though, the vegetarian tasting menu is exquisite and creative, offering incredible flavor in a beautifully-plated meal. It’s exactly what you would expect in a city like Berlin. Afterall, a restaurant is not a restaurant if it doesn’t have a few disco balls.
photo credit: Cookies Cream Instagram