Culinary travel is actually a thing a now – it’s up there with city breaks and staycations. And we think it’s absolutely worth an international flight to ensure a reservation at one of the best restaurants in the world is added to your social calendar.
The following featured hot spots offer more than just meals; they offer once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences, and all have earned a spot in exclusive fine dining awards lists. For you discerning foodies out there and those who are looking for an extra special dinner recommendation, read on to discover some of the best restaurants in the world.
Eleven Madison Park
Once upon a time, dinner at a nice restaurant meant crisp, white linen and shameless pampering. Maîtres d’s or restaurant managers would patrol the floor ensuring every detail of the evening’s service was meticulously attended to. There are not many establishments where you can find this level of attention but Eleven Madison Park offers old-world hospitality that completely indulges patrons without smothering them.
Operated by best-friends Will Guidara and Daniel Humm, Eleven Madison Park’s objective is to assimilate the kitchen and dining room as one to achieve a harmonious dining experience. Attention to detail is paid in every aspect including the length of socks front of house staff must wear and even nail polish colour must be approved. With this much care, you’d expect the food to be made for Gods.
And it very nearly is with dishes like Humm’s classic glazed Muscovy duck cooked in honey and lavender, and fondue served in a roasted squash. With seasonal tasting menus that focuses on local ingredients, their 7-9 courses is a gastronomic experience that will make this restaurant your destination rather than just a place to visit while in New York. Eleven Madison Park has also been awarded third place in the prestigious TheWorlds50Best 2016.
The Test Kitchen
For those who prefer something a little more casual, the Test Kitchen’s ‘anything goes’ policy might just be the ticket that sends you packing a bag to Cape Town, South Africa. The brainchild of chef, Luke Dale-Roberts, the restaurant is located in an old biscuit mill with exposed brickwork and is attracting a lot of international attention. It’s placed 45th in luxury lifestyle magazine, Elite Traveller’s top 100 restaurants in the world.
Casual doesn’t mean any less amazing though, as Brit-born Dale-Roberts offers patrons a sensory dining experience that will have you eating works of art on a plate. The open-plan kitchen allows you to be part of the creative experience which combines unique flavours and cooking techniques that pursues Dale-Roberts’ vision of originality that encompasses every aspect of the dining process.
This vision is evident in dishes such as barbecue broccoli (that’ll get you eating your greens) and Mozambique langoustine cooked over a burning star anise directly at your table. The famed vineyards of The Wine Lands that produce some of the most delicious and prized wines in the world and The Test Kitchen equals: you’ve got Cape Town covered.
Epicure
France is arguably the world’s gastronomical hub so it’s no surprise that a restaurant from its capital should receive international recognition, especially when that recognition is endowed by diners themselves rather than a panel of judges. L’Epicure in Paris has landed such an accolade, earning tenth place in the 2015 Travellers’ Choice: Best Fine Dining Restaurants – World by Trip Advisor.
Many reviewers used words such as ‘perfect’, ‘impressive’ and ‘impeccable’ to describe the experience at this restaurant which is located at Le Bristol Hotel – one of the city’s finest and most elegant hotels. L’Epicure holds three Michelin stars and from the moment you’re greeted with an effusion of flowers at the reception to the chandeliers and delicate china on the tables, you understand why it has been awarded such an honour.
You’ll find nothing but the extraordinary here like head chef Eric Fréchon’s signature dish of stuffed macaroni with black truffle, artichoke and duck foie gras dusted with Parmigiano and purple sea urchins mixed with an egg mouse. A dish you’re likely to never forget is the large Bresse hen poached in pig’s bladder (an old French technique), set on a sterling silver stand of chicken legs, which is then cut open in front of you. Michelin stars are not just for what you put in your mouth, but for the entire aesthetic experience and L’Epicure lives up to every single star which is why it is one of the best restaurants in the world.
Have we whet your appetite? Don’t forget to check out these places the next time you’re in New York, Cape Town or Paris and with competitive First Class and Business Class fares available, FirstClass.com.au is your obvious choice in making your way to one of these best restaurants in the world.
