Almost every city in the world has its fair share of exceptional eateries and delicious dining experiences. Gourmets, gourmands, and foodie travelers will always do their research before heading off on vacation to discover the best and brightest restaurants and chefs in their chosen destination. This will often be a more complicated and important decision than where to stay!
But some restaurants are worthy of designing an entire vacation around. Stand-out, exceptional, mind blowing dining spots that are not just somewhere to eat but rather an experience in their own right. Here are four of the best restaurants in the world worthy of planning a whole trip around.
Mirazur, Menton, France
With a gorgeous French Riviera location and freshly-grown vegetables from the restaurant’s own garden, Mirazur would be a great restaurant in any hands. But head chef Mauro Colagreco has turned this into something truly special. With a new menu governed by the lunar cycle and taking inspiration from fresh produce from the local mountains, sea, and the aforementioned garden, this restaurant truly deserves its plaudits.
Geranium, Copenhagen, Denmark
A bizarre yet fascinating blend of nature and technology makes Geranium something genuinely unique. Head chef Rasmus Kofoed was the first Danish chef to be awarded three Michelin stars, and his incredible, innovative, and at times downright perplexing tasting menu is a culinary wonder. While its setting might be peculiar (on the eighth floor of the national football stadium), it is well worth a trip to try delights like translucent Jerusalem artichoke puree presented as leaves or squid ink-flavored dough masquerading as razor clams!
Pujol, Mexico City, Mexico
Enrique Olvera has spent his professional life demonstrating that traditional Mexican cuisine packs a serious gastronomic punch and deserves to be included in any conversation about great culinary traditions. His flagship restaurant, Pujol, is the pinnacle of this quest, elevating the more rustic elements of classic Mexican food to something extraordinary. Voted Best Restaurant in North America in 2019, this should be on every foodie’s bucket list.
Le Chique, Cancun, Mexico
If you are on a cruise that stops off at the Cozumel cruise port, don’t miss the opportunity to head over to the mainland and grab dinner at Le Chique in Cancun. One of the best restaurants in Latin America, chef Jonatán Gómez Luna’s fantastic tasting menu is a veritable explosion of flavor and should not be missed.
