After deliberations among more than 1000 jury members, San Pellegrino has come up with the 120 best restaurants in the world for 2019.  The list is formed by jury members who each rank their 10 favorite eateries in order of preference, ultimately producing a list of 120. I can’t keep myself to just 10 restaurants, so let me note my top 20 out of their 120 best list, albeit in alphabetical order, rather than order of my preference.

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.

The City of Canals That Has Become a Gastronomical Heaven

Amsterdam is already 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.

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.

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.

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. From what Australians say, Melbourne is the continent’s most enjoyable and easygoing city.

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. For people from Turkey, it’s never been easier to get to Osaka, as Turkish Airlines now flies there direct.

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…

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. When the inhabitants of the Northern Hemisphere are rubbing their hands together in a bid to stay warm during the long winter months, São Paulo offers a perfect escape for those in need of a dose of summer. There’s sun, sea and sand – not to mention some great restaurants.