Picture this: you’re on a plane, crossing continents, and your taste buds are doing a happy dance because you know you’re about to experience something truly extraordinary. We’re talking about those destination restaurants that elevate food from just a meal to a life-changing event. And let’s be honest, nothing beats sitting at a table where the food is as much of a destination as the place itself.
As a seasoned team of travel writers and podcasters at Cerca, we’ve explored food scenes around the globe, chatting with local experts, and uncovering hidden gems. We’re here to share our insider tips—no fluff, no sponsored content—just pure, unfiltered food travel wisdom that will make you feel like a real foodie on an adventure of a lifetime.
From sustainable dining options that respect the planet to world-class chefs serving up mind-blowing dishes, here’s our list of the 10 greatest destination restaurants in the world.
Destination Restaurants and Why They Matter…
When it comes to food, the best experiences often live beyond the glossy restaurant reviews and Instagram pics. It’s in the small, family-owned spots, the secret pop-up dinners, or the restaurant that serves eco-friendly, sustainable dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Getting these tips means you’re not just eating—you’re experiencing food in a deeper way. You’re unlocking local culinary secrets, sustainable practices, and, of course, unforgettable flavors.
Now, let’s dive in.
1. Narisawa (Tokyo, Japan): A Culinary Masterpiece That Honors Nature
Imagine dining in a restaurant that feels like a love letter to nature itself. That’s Narisawa in Tokyo, where world-class chef Yoshihiro Narisawa creates dishes that pay tribute to Japan’s natural beauty and ingredients. This isn’t just eating—it’s an experience, one that incorporates sustainability into every element.
The menu is a sensory journey through the changing seasons of Japan, featuring ingredients that range from the exotic to the humble. Think “bread of the earth” or a moss dessert made from fresh moss grown specifically for the restaurant.
This place is about more than great food—it’s about respecting the environment. The restaurant works closely with farmers to source organic, seasonal ingredients, and they actively incorporate sustainability practices, like minimizing food waste and using sustainable farming methods.
If you’re a foodie looking to experience Japan’s culinary soul, Narisawa is an absolute must.
2. Mugaritz (San Sebastián, Spain): Where Creativity Meets Culinary Science
San Sebastián has long been a hotspot for foodies, but Mugaritz is where the city’s reputation for culinary innovation really shines. Headed by Andoni Luis Aduriz, a world-class chef known for pushing boundaries, Mugaritz is as much a culinary laboratory as it is a restaurant.
The menu? Expect mind-bending dishes that challenge your perceptions. They combine the latest culinary technology with locally-sourced ingredients, creating food that looks like art (but tastes even better). You might eat a “frozen bouquet of flowers” or a dish that plays with the texture of liquids—it’s a place for those who appreciate food as a creative endeavor.
Sustainability is also front and center, with the team focusing on using ingredients that are both local and sustainable. Mugaritz’s commitment to eco-friendly dining makes it a leader in the movement toward responsible food travel.
3. El Celler de Can Roca (Girona, Spain): A Family Legacy of Flavors
At El Celler de Can Roca, you’re not just eating—you’re experiencing a story that’s been crafted over decades. This family-run restaurant is a living legacy of culinary mastery, helmed by the three Roca brothers. Joan (the chef), Jordi (the pastry chef), and Joseph (the sommelier) have turned their family’s humble restaurant into one of the best dining destinations in the world.
Located in Girona, Spain, the restaurant combines traditional Catalan flavors with modern techniques. The brothers have also focused on sustainable practices, making use of local, organic ingredients. Expect to find beautifully executed dishes that make use of unusual ingredients like seaweed, wild herbs, and fermented products, all crafted with a mind toward sustainability.
Their tasting menu is legendary, and the experience is worth every penny.
4. The Ledbury (London, UK): A Star in the Heart of London’s Culinary Scene
The Ledbury in London has consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world. Known for its modern European cuisine, the restaurant is an institution in London’s fine dining scene. With a strong focus on locally sourced ingredients, chef Brett Graham brings together a blend of simple, seasonal, and luxurious ingredients to create a dining experience that’s always fresh, exciting, and highly sustainable.
This is a must-visit for anyone looking for a fine dining experience that stays true to its roots. Sustainable practices are woven into every step of the process, from sourcing to waste management.
5. Central (Lima, Peru): High Altitudes, High Flavors
If you’re into food travel that goes way beyond the ordinary, Central in Lima should be at the top of your list. The brainchild of Virgilio Martínez, this restaurant takes you on a journey through Peru’s incredible biodiversity, with each dish representing a different altitude of the country, from the coastal plains to the high Andes mountains.
As a restaurant deeply committed to sustainability, Central focuses on using local, ethically-sourced ingredients. This is one of those restaurants that will open your eyes to the flavors and techniques that have been passed down for generations.
Expect to be served ingredients you’ve never heard of, including unusual tubers, native plants, and exotic fruits, all prepared with a modern twist. It’s food as art, and it’s absolutely worth the trip.
6. Osteria Francescana (Modena, Italy): Italy’s Culinary Crown Jewel
Osteria Francescana is the stuff of legend. Massimo Bottura, the genius behind this three-Michelin-star restaurant, has redefined Italian cuisine with his avant-garde approach to classic dishes. While Bottura respects Italy’s rich culinary heritage, he’s also not afraid to deconstruct and reinterpret traditional flavors.
The restaurant’s tasting menu takes you on an emotional journey through Italy’s food history—think of it like an edible love letter to the country. While the focus is on high-end, sustainable dining practices, Bottura isn’t shy about making a statement, often using food to challenge societal issues.
This is one of the best places in the world to experience foodie culture at its peak. Just don’t expect to be served a basic pasta; everything here is a work of art.
7. D.O.M. (São Paulo, Brazil): Celebrating Brazil’s Biodiversity
At D.O.M., Alex Atala showcases Brazil’s wild ingredients with a passion that’s palpable in every bite. The restaurant has become famous for its commitment to local and sustainable sourcing. Atala is known for working closely with indigenous communities to bring ingredients from the Amazon, like Brazil nuts and fish from the Pantanal, into his innovative dishes.
This is the place to visit if you want to experience food that celebrates Brazil’s biodiversity while also supporting sustainable practices.
8. Attica (Melbourne, Australia): Australia’s Experimental Food Scene
Attica in Melbourne is one of the top culinary destinations in the Southern Hemisphere. Ben Shewry creates experimental dishes that blend native Australian ingredients with cutting-edge techniques. Expect sustainable seafood, fermented bush tomatoes, and other locally-foraged delights.
Shewry’s dedication to both flavor and sustainability is evident in every dish, and Attica is widely recognized for its eco-friendly initiatives, including sourcing from local farmers who use regenerative practices.
9. The Fat Duck (Bray, UK): The Wizardry of Heston Blumenthal
At The Fat Duck, Heston Blumenthal takes diners on an experience that transcends the typical restaurant meal. Known for his scientific approach to cooking, Blumenthal uses molecular gastronomy to create dishes that will surprise, delight, and sometimes even confuse your senses.
Though The Fat Duck is more about fun than sustainability, Blumenthal has been increasingly incorporating eco-conscious practices, especially in terms of sourcing high-quality, sustainable ingredients.
10. SingleThread (Healdsburg, USA): California’s Eco-Conscious Culinary Gem
Tucked away in the Napa Valley, SingleThread is a true California culinary destination that stands out for its dedication to sustainable practices and farm-to-table dining. Located in the charming town of Healdsburg, this three-Michelin-star restaurant is led by the husband-and-wife team of Kyle and Katina Connaughton.
What makes SingleThread special is its integration of eco-conscious practices throughout every aspect of the dining experience. The restaurant has its own sustainable farm that supplies the majority of the ingredients, and they focus on regenerative agricultural practices to maintain soil health and biodiversity. The menu celebrates local ingredients and seasons, with dishes that are elegant yet rooted in California’s agricultural heritage.
For foodies seeking sustainable luxury in the heart of California wine country, SingleThread offers a memorable, eco-conscious dining experience.
Unlocking Local Food Travel Tips with Cerca
Looking for even more local travel tips and culinary experiences around the world? Look no further than Cerca. Whether you’re searching for the best hidden food spots in Paris or eco-friendly dining options in London, Cerca’s team of local experts can help you unlock the world’s best food experiences—without the fluff.
Cerca’s platform connects you with local experts who offer tips, itineraries, and advice for foodies and sustainable travelers. Don’t just follow the crowd—discover the culinary gems and sustainable dining spots that are waiting to be explored. Ready to eat your way through the world? Join us at Cerca for your next food adventure.
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