Food when made right and served in the perfect setting feeds the soul. Here are 8 restaurants that has redefined eating out into an art form through unique decor, innovative dishes and exceptional flavours.
Rao’s, New York
This legendary New York institution serves the best Italian food outside Italy. Period. Now for the bad news; there are only 10 tables and it’s almost impossible to get a reservation. The interiors reflect an old world New York charm, the service is incredible and there is no menu! You simply ask for what you like to eat and the culinary masters at this place conjure it up!
NOMA, Copenhagen
Voted the ‘World’s Best Restaurant’ for a whopping 4 times, this two-Michelin-star restaurant wows diners with a delectable, fresh and unique menu. Helmed by René Redzepi, the restaurant is located in an old warehouse by the waterfront in central Copenhagen. Everything from the cheery welcome to the stunning views of the waterfront and the final tour of the kitchen has been rated as exemplary by the lucky few who were able to get a table here.
Le Jules Verne, Paris
Designed by the illustrious interior designer Patrick Jouin, the Le Jules Verne is a contemporary and elegant dining spot set right in the middle of the Eiffel Tower. It is expensive but the food is divinely delicious with impeccable plating and presentation. Tuck into classic French cuisine with a modern twist as you enjoy the most spectacular view Paris has to offer!
Northern Lights Bar, Reykjavik
As the name suggests, it’s the perfect place to plonk yourself with a drink and wait for the best light show on earth to commence. Chef Sigurður Ágústsson member of the Icelandic culinary team and Þráinn Freyr Vigfússon helm the Silfra Kitchen. The stunning design and the spectacular surroundings compliment the food served here perfectly. Gorge on freshly caught Arctic Char, Þingvallavatn and the delicious Icelandic Skyr brûlée.
Momofuku Ko, New York
The name translates to ‘lucky peach’ and you have to be one lucky peach to get a booking in this 2 star Michelin restaurant run by David Wang. Hidden in a little street in East Manhattan, the place features an open kitchen so you get to see each course being prepared. In fact, the tables are arranged around the central kitchen and the chefs are all very friendly and more than willing to explain the techniques and nuances that go into creating a dish. Described as a “phenomenal experience” for an “open-minded foodie”, the spread is an Asian/American fusion cuisine like pomme soufflé, lobster paloise, and chicken oyster.
Sardine, Bali
Rated as one of the finest seafood restaurants in Southeast Asia, Sardine is the brainchild of French chef Pascal Chevillot. This delightful restaurant is set amidst a rice field and features lush bamboo gardens, tranquil ponds and quirky Balinese decor. Try the chef’s special: char-grilled sardines with red ginger rice, baby Chinese cabbage and Japanese ponzu sauce. The whole experience is a delightful escape from the frenetic Seminyak traffic.
Din Tai Fung, Taipei
Renowned for their delicious xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), Din Tai Fung is a popular restaurant chain with multiple branches in Taiwan and around the world. However, the original shop in Xinyi road still retains the rustic ambience of a Chinese tea room and serves the tastiest and most flavour-packed xiaolongbao. The service at the Taipei location is also significantly better – the waitresses will give you instructions on how to eat the xiaolongbao and constantly change your bowls, plates and utensils to prevent the melding of the flavors.
Newmarket Hotel, Melbourne
Located in the bustling St.Kilda district, Newmarket Hotel features a light-infused bar and dining room along with an airy outdoor beer garden. The restaurant specializes in classic pub favourites like soft-shell crab tacos, Newmarket burgers, smoked hams and wood-fired oven pizzas. The courtyard is a great spot for a post-beach drink, so pull up a seat and join the locals at this backstreet pub.
Sukiyabashi Jiro, Tokyo
This place shot to fame thanks to the 2011 documentary ‘Jiro Dreams of Sushi. It is located in the basement of a nondescript office building but rest assured that you will be eating the freshest and most perfectly prepared sushi in this world. The restaurant only has ten counter seats and serves an omakase tasting menu comprising of 20 sushi pieces. If you are lucky, you might get served by Mr Jiro himself, who despite his age (he’s 92) often drops in to check on things.
