There are about 200 restaurant recommendations in it. All positive ones from over 35 cities on 5 continents. If I don’t like a restaurant, I prefer not to write about it. So, the restaurants in this blog are selected among many more visited. They include a wide range from street food to pizza shops to fine dining spots. The reasons behind each and every recommendation are given with tips about the place.
There are mushrooms and then there are mushrooms. Deemed one of the world’s most valuable edible fungi, “white truffles” are found in few areas of the world, one of which is Alba, a small town in Italy’s Piedmont region that’s south of Milan. On this front, the word “found” is more than apt, for the white truffle defies cultivation, making it more like a precious metal than a crop.
If you’re still at a loss about where to spend vacation next year, look no further than southern Italy’s Amalfi coast and the Island of Capri – the perfect place for a week-long getaway.
The City of Canals That Has Become a Gastronomical Heaven
Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but it might soon be adding another feather to its cap – namely, that of becoming a gastronomical getaway. It’s all thanks to double taxation agreements that have prompted many umbrella companies to set up shop here.
Everyone knows Athens, but not the Athens Riviera so much. The Athens Riviera, which offers good opportunities, especially between May and November, is an area that leaves a great impression on me in every sense. Beautiful and natural beaches, delicious food, calmness, and sublime nature, in addition to the absence of traffic, make for a wonderful holiday.
It’s a city with ugly architecture, clogged traffic, sweltering heat that averages about 30 degrees a year, abrupt rainstorms and almost unbearable humidity, but that doesn’t stop millions of tourists from coming every year.
Several years ago, world-famous chef Ferran Adria’s restaurant El Bulli was a roaring success. Many chefs downed their tools to rush and learn about his understanding of molecular cuisine. Ferran, an intriguing personality and a gastronomic genius, has long since drawn the curtains on El Bulli, but those who have worked with him or adopted his ways now dominate the restaurant scene in Barcelona.
I was lucky enough to explore the city a couple of times with a Berliner and got a chance to sit down for a meal or two in some very interesting restaurants. And thanks to my Berliner guide, I got a peek at the places frequented by the German capital’s residents.
Bodrum is the Turkish version of St Tropez of France, full of many local small restaurants and international restaurants like Nobu, Zuma, Hakkasan, and Papermoon, and hotels like Mandarin Oriental, Kempinski operational, and Four Seasons to come soon.
A Couple of Days in the Red City
I’ve been to the city famous for its rain a number of times, but each time, I was on my way somewhere else. One trip, I finally got the chance to give Bologna my full, undivided attention. Lo and behold, it has some great restaurants that you’d do well to look up if you’re ever in the neighborhood.
Cape Town is ideal as a nice, warm get away during the North Hemisphere’s cold winter months. In South Africa, the time between January and March are the best days of summer.
Hotels in Positano and Capri have private speed boats that can take you directly to Capri. And if you’re in the mood to indulge yourself to some luxury, board the boat; that way, you can dive into the waters of Capri as soon as you arrive while the hotel bothers with your luggage to your room.
For five years, I had done everything in my power to try and go to El Bulli, a restaurant without rival. I even solicited the assistance of some Spanish acquaintances, all to no avail. But after a long struggle, I finally found the opportunity to dine at El Bulli thank to the efforts of a close friend. For that, I am most grateful.
These three small towns are very near to one another. They are all about an hour away from İzmir on the Turkish west coast. There are three places I need to mention in this area, one from each small town.
Noma
This time, I happened to find myself in a realm far away, Copenhagen. The city might be cold and northern, but I discovered this amazing place and its extraordinary dishes. Let me share a bit about my time in the Danish capital. And if you go, will you like Noma as much as I did? So, what’s so special about this restaurant that sits a mere 40 at lunch and 40 for dinner?
Without question, Florence is the most important city in Tuscany, but more than that, it is a city of unparalleled significance in both Italy and Europe. The spiritual home of the renaissance, it also has plenty of restaurants,
It’s no secret that I generally opt to visit cities with excellent restaurants, but this time, I plumped for something different: Cuba. I spent days immersed in all the dancing and music that Cuba has to offer, joining the locals who somehow manage to live happily despite everything they lack. Just don’t ask about the food.
I was many years younger the first time I visited Hong Kong. The view is absolutely stunning when you gaze at the island from the mainland, but it’s not the same when you do vice versa.
Istanbul is full of great restaurants. Local chefs who have made their name in the world have returned to open their own places and showcase their talents. Naturally, it’s food lovers that get to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
East Asia is a different world in every way. Ever astonishing, the region perpetually has a surprise in store for the visitor. But among the region’s many features, I’m mostly interested in their spectacular cuisine.
One of the cities that I and my friends from the business world visit the most is London. For me, though, it’s not all about work, as I also travel there often just for vacation. But without further ado, here are my top London restaurants, listed in alphabetical order.
East Asia is a different world in every which way. The region always astonishes me – as well as everyone else. It’ll be no surprise to you, though, that one of the things that interest me most about East Asia is its spectacular cuisine…
Melbourne offers a different type of beauty to its eternal Australian rival, Sydney. It’s a happy place with a large student population, beaches and lots of places to wine and dine. Even if Melbourne isn’t as touristy as Sydney, it’s a city that needs to be visited in its own right. A metropolis of 4.5 million people, Melbourne is an hour-long flight away from Sydney.
Mexico is no longer a developing country; in fact, it’s the 15th largest economy in the world thanks in part to its three strongest sectors: energy, agriculture and tourism.
Milan is a city that draws its fair share of business travelers. The Italian city, a world leader in the design, is a place where you can find boutiques and world-famous fashion brands side-by-side.
Osteria Francescana
One of the world’s “best of best” restaurants, there’s no place quite like Osteria Francescana in Modena.
I travel to New York for a whole host of reasons. But whatever my reason for going to the Big Apple, whenever I go, I try and visit as many restaurants as possible, including whatever is new on the scene.
The south of France is a dreamy coastal strip with breathtaking towns and beautiful cities. Whether to the east or west of Nice, there are incredible views, delicious restaurants and impressive hotels.
Tokyo has pride of place in Japan, but the most important cities after the capital are Osaka and Kyoto.
French cuisine is renowned for being the best in the world, so it’s no surprise that food is an art form in Paris. Sampling amazing dishes in the magical atmosphere of the City of Love is definitely a privilege.
Portland is a small city of 700000 people in Oregon. It has a good number of vineyards of Pinot Noir and the number of wineries in Oregan is about 1000, half of them concentrating not far from Portland. There are two restaurants to my liking in Portland and one wine tasting spot in Yamhill County wine area,not far from Portland.
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most enticing destinations in South America; it’s also the city that has stolen my heart many times. But with its beautiful beaches, friendly people and surprising restaurants, I’m sure it would steal your heart too.
San Francisco is a charming city — although many of us already knew that from the old TV series “The Streets of San Francisco,” which introduced us to the city’s steep streets, trams and action-packed life.
Spain has taken great strides to become a center of gastronomy over the past decade. More than a few of the country’s eating establishments have risen to become some of the world’s most famous restaurants, including El Bulli, which I’ve mentioned on previous occasions.
It’s a massive city that mirrors its country’s soul. The metropolis – São Paulo – might have more than its fair share of traffic mayhem and some other disagreeable characteristics, but few places are better for a holiday.
I first traveled to Seattle a quarter-century ago in the company of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. I fell in love with their movie Sleepless in Seattle and, by way of the movie, the featured city as well. Twenty-five years after, I finally got a chance to visit the Pacific Northwest metropolis in the flesh.
At a time when fall is beginning to show its true colors in our – northern – part of the world, spring’s just getting started in the southern hemisphere. So why not pack up and head to Australia? Who could say no to a chance to see Sydney, try some amazing food in some amazing restaurants and sip some wonderful Australian wines? And a bonus: There are all the fantastic beaches.
As far as beach destinations go, Taormina is ancient. Located on the east coast of Sicily, Taormina was formed on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean 2,500 years ago, which means, of course, possessing a fantastic ancient theater that sits a good 3,000. Closer to the water, however, it also has a long, beautiful beach that affords one a great chance to swim come summer.
Verona is a small historical Italian city dating back more than 20 centuries. There is the famous “Arena” in the center of Verona, a Roman Amphitheatre built nearly 2000 years ago and still in use; it is famous for the opera and classical music performances given there in warmer months.
STEIRERECK
Located inside a city park in Vienna is Steiereck, a single-story restaurant run by a couple.