Sitting in a castle dating back to 18th century or up above, looking down unto a volcanic lake. The best restaurants in the world are known not only for what they make, but what make them. Whether it be a view or an experience or perhaps just the menu, whatever it is that sets these restaurants apart can’t be found anywhere else. Here we take an extended look at some of the top restaurants in the world.
KOHAKU Tokyo, Japan
Famous Dish: Field mustard with scallop cooked in dashi
Well-known for pushing the boundaries in Japanese cuisine, Kohaku serves unique, inventive and delicate Japanese cuisine. The restaurant infuses non-Japanese ingredients with traditional Japanese cuisine, giving kaiseki (traditional multi-course Japanese dinner) an avant garde twist without compromising traditional flavors and preparation. Known as the more casual sister restaurant to famed 3 Michelin star restaurant Ishikawa. Kohaku gained its own reputation and earned Michelin’s highest accolade after just five years. Chef Koji Koizumi, who was previously a cook of Ishikawa, runs Kohaku. Traditional techniques with bold new ingredients, all while maintaining a tranquil atmosphere.
SepiaSydney, Australia
Famous Dish: Japanese Stones
In 2009 Sepia opened its doors in the prestigious Darling Park precinct in Sydney, Australia by two of Sydney’s favorite food experts; George Costi -a renowned seafood wholesaler and award-winning chef Martin Benn. Since opening, Sepia has gone on to become one of Australia’s most awarded restaurants. Sepia’s offers a modern Australian menu with a hint of Japanese inspiration. Chef Benn was named the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2011 Chef of the Year. Since 2011 Chef Benn and Sepia have received a number of awards including The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year (for the last three years) Chef Martin Benn was awarded Australian Financial Review’s Chef of the Year, Australian Gourmet Traveller Chef of the Year 2015 and The Weekend Australian Magazine’s Hottest Chef of the Year. In October 2014 the cuisine of Martin Benn was published by Murdoch Books in Australia and then released globally in 2015.
Spondi Athens, Greece
Famous Dish: Red Mullet
Headed by Chef Aggelos Landos, Spondi is frequently voted as Athens’ best restaurant. The chic two Michelin star restaurant offers Mediterranean haute cuisine with traditional French influences. What makes Spondi popular is its creative cuisine, with exclusive seasonal ingredients. Chef Landos brings creativity and imagination together to deliver exquisite and stunningly presented modern French dishes. Established in 1996, Spondi won its first Michelin star in 2002 and was awarded again in 2008. The restaurant itself is located next to the Pan Athenian Marble Stadium, which hosted the first modern Olympics in 1896.
Tetsuya’sSydney, Australia
Famous dish: Confit of Petuna Ocean Trout with a Salad of Fennel and Unpasteurised Ocean Trout Roe
Mix insatiable curiosity with a deep love of cooking and you have a wonderful creation by Tetsuya Wakuda. Wakuda is often acknowledged by his peers and guests alike, as one of the most influential chefs in the industry. Sleek Japanese décor and gardens of bonsai trees and quiet waterfalls, offer a tranquil getaway from a bustling Sydney. Reinventing Japanese cuisine without losing touch with its philosophy and traditions, Tetsuya continues to inspire with his refined technique and pure flavors.
Restaurant Locavore Bali, Indonesia
Famous dish: Tomato Amuse
Owner and Chef Eelke Plasmeijer and Chef Ray Adriansyah sit at the helm of Restaurant Locavore. The duo share a passion for modern European cuisine and using local ingredients. They were the first to introduce high-end and locally sourced cuisine into Indonesian kitchens. Dishes are prepared with only fresh local produce and the guest enjoy artistically prepared and highly enjoyable dishes. As the menu continues to constantly change, prepare for Restaurant Locavore to find its why further up the list next year.
Le Gavroche London, England
Famous dish: Souffle Suissesse
For two generations the talented and esteemed Roux family, have set a standard of cooking and service. The traditional French restaurant was the first UK restaurant to be awarded one, two and three Michelin stars. Hollywood’s finest such as Eva Gardner, Charlie Chaplin and Robert Redford have visited le Gavroche. Guests expect to taste French classics with a contemporary twist. The restaurant is set in a pleasant setting reminiscent of a French country manor.
Joel Robuchon Las Vegas, U.S
Famous dish: L’OEuf de Poule - Crispy soft boiled egg in light Comte cheese sauce with Iberico de Bellota ham
Joël Robuchon has redefined Las Vegas dining. Joel Robuchon is the Winner of Forbes Five Star, AAA Five Diamond and Wine Spectator’s Grand Award. The U.S based restaurant features traditional French cuisine in a setting evocative of 1930s Paris. There are a variety of tasting menus for guest to choose from as well as ordering à la carte. The three Michelin Star restaurant caters to a chic palate and offers a quiet and intimate, experience. Guest can also watch the magic happen as there is an unobstructed view into the kitchen.
Caprice Hong Kong, China
Famous dish: Roasted Brittany Blue Lobster in Natural Jus, Green Asparagus Polenta and Black Truffle
At Caprice, guest trade the conventional formality of French cuisine for an innovative take on the classics. Known for its unique mixture of French and Chinese aesthetics, Caprice offers a ‘Chinoiserie’ dining experience. Three spectacular private dining rooms host up to 16 guests and boast a stunning view of Victoria Harbor. The exclusive Caprice cellar, houses Hong Kong’s largest selection of artisanal French cheeses and carefully selected wines from Burgundy and Bordeaux, in addition to New World vintages.
Mr & Mrs Bund Shanghai, China
Famous dish: Lemon & Lemon Tart
Mr. and Mrs. Bund is Single-handedly redefining Shanghai’s dining scene. Head Chef Paul Pairet takes preconceived notions of haute cuisine and transforms them. After garnering an enviable reputation via Jade on 36 at the Pudong Shangri-La, Chef Pairet opened up Mr & Mrs Bund in the city’s Bund 18 building in 2009.The restaurant offers a contemporary twist on French classics such as beef bourguignon and foie gras terrine. Guest who dine here can expect impeccable service and a relaxed atmosphere where plates are shared family-style.
FALAKNUMA PALACE
Famous dish: Nizami handi
Adaa Restaurant boasts a lavish interior and an enticing menu to match. The restaurant is located within the Falaknuma Palace Hotel in Hyderbad, owned by the Taj Hotel group. The authentic Indian cuisine is slow cooked to perfection using nouvelle culinary techniques. Head chef Arun Saundaraj uses his 20 years of experience to create gourmet gems that are the hallmark of Indian specialty cuisine, including Tandoori Prawns, Malai Tikka and Paneer.
