If music, sports and major events inspire international adventure, why not food? Especially when these bucket list restaurants are waiting for you on the other side of a plane ride…
From a castle in the Swiss Alps to a farmhouse in the Basque countryside, and a buzzing steakhouse in Buenos Aires, these are the restaurants worth planning a trip around – where the setting is just as memorable as the food on the plate.
Lima has become one of the most exciting food cities in the world, and Maido is a big reason why. The dining room is sleek and low lit, calm without feeling stiff. It is the kind of space that makes you lean in and pay attention. Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura’s Nikkei menu blends Japanese technique with Peruvian ingredients, and the tasting format builds beautifully from start to finish. It feels polished, but still warm – serious food without the ego.
Set in a stone farmhouse in the Basque countryside, this is destination dining in its truest form. You drive through rolling green hills to get there, but once you arrive, it’s all about the fire. Almost everything is cooked over wood, from seafood to vegetables, and the simplicity is the point. The setting is quiet and rural – no theatrics, just incredible produce and a grill master who knows exactly what he is doing.
In the leafy Polanco neighbourhood, Quintonil feels modern but relaxed. The space is understated, neutral tones, natural light, letting the food do the talking. The menu celebrates Mexican ingredients in a way that feels contemporary without losing its roots. It is refined, yes, but still very connected to place. You leave feeling like you have experienced the city, not just a restaurant.
Alchemist is less dinner, more experience. Housed in a former industrial warehouse, the space includes a domed ceiling that transforms with projections as you eat. There are dozens of courses, each presented with intention and a bit of drama. It is immersive and ambitious, but surprisingly comfortable. If you are going to do one truly over the top fine dining experience in your life, this is it.
Located inside Cheval Blanc overlooking the Seine, Plénitude is classic Paris done exceptionally well. Think elegant interiors, soft lighting and river views, especially good at dusk. Chef Arnaud Donckele’s cooking is deeply French, with sauces that are layered and precise. It is luxurious without being showy, and the setting alone makes it worth the booking.
High above Madrid, Diverxo feels energetic from the moment you walk in. The interiors are bold, a little chaotic, and completely curated. Chef Dabiz Muñoz leans into big flavours and global influences, and the tasting menu is playful, surprising and occasionally wild. It is not subtle, and that is exactly why people love it.
Not every bucket list restaurant needs white tablecloths. Don Julio, in Palermo, is loud, warm and packed most nights. The scent of charcoal hits you as soon as you walk in. Walls lined with signed wine bottles add to the atmosphere. Yes, the steak is exceptional, but it is the energy of the room that makes it memorable. This is Argentine hospitality at its best.
Dining inside a historic castle in the Swiss Alps is as good as it sounds. The approach feels cinematic, especially in winter, and once inside, the mood is intimate and warm. The food is precise and seasonal, but the setting does a lot of the heavy lifting. It is the kind of place you book for a milestone.
Set in a restored house with a lush garden, Gaggan feels intimate and high energy at the same time. The tasting menu reimagines Indian flavours in creative ways, often revealed with playful cues rather than long explanations. It is interactive, a little irreverent and very fun. You are encouraged to sit back, relax – and prepare to be surprised.
Set at the top of Constantia Nek overlooking vineyards and mountains, La Colombe is one of Africa’s most celebrated restaurants, and for good reason. The drive alone sets the tone, winding through greenery before opening up to sweeping views. Inside, the space is polished but relaxed, with huge windows framing the landscape. The tasting menu leans French Asian in influence, beautifully plated but never fussy.
