Our Top 10 Restaurants and Eateries of 2023 (The Must-Trys of 2024)
These are our top ten favorite food establishments of 2023. As always, it's very difficult to select from all the places we have eaten at in the past year. Thus, there is no particular rank or order. It is impossible to state one restaurant is superior to another with so many factors to consider. Here is to more journeys and discoveries in 2024. The search for that perfect meal continues...
The Kitchin
Edinburgh, Scotland
This once whiskey warehouse is the premier restaurant to dine at when in Edinburgh. Their commitment to locally sourced Scottish ingredients paired with traditional French cooking techniques truly shine in dishes like the duck confit and artichoke tortellini. Diners return time after time for their outstanding service and exemplary attention.
Address: 78, Commercial Quay, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6LX, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 131 555 1755
Site: https://thekitchin.com/
Afternoon Tea at the Brown’s Hotel
London, England
The level of care and elegance is something guests will never forget at The Drawing Room at Brown's Hotel. The servers recommend excellent tea to complement the perfectly cut rectangular finger sandwiches and puffy, warm scones. Comfort is not sacrificed for style. Guests discover that the warm fireplace, the relaxing tunes from the pianist and the soft, cozy furniture creates the ideal atmosphere for afternoon tea.
Address: 33 Albemarle St, London W1S 4BP, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7493 6020
Site: https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/brown-s-hotel/
Bloomy Bistronomie Végétale
Toulouse, France
Toulouse is known for their cheesy, meat centric specialities such as the cassoulet, saucisse and aligot. Bloomy breaks the mold with seasonal plant based dishes that satisfies even the hardcore carnivores. Despite the restaurant’s sophisticated approach in presentation and complex flavors, the dining experience is still quite casual and informal.
Address: 38 Rue de la Colombette, 31000 Toulouse
Phone: +33 05 32 58 43 57
Fondue Villa & Garden
Unterseen, Switzerland
Eating fondue in Switzerland is as quintessential as eating tacos in Mexico. But to eat fondue at a restaurant that retains a 5/5 rating on Tripadvisor and Google reviews is something very special. The lush vibrant natural setting, the intentional “pre-meal” video of the history of fondue and the array (and somewhat unconventional) selection of dipping options are all examples of Owner Marc Frencken’s dedication to an unforgettable dining experience.
Address: Seestrasse 44, 3800 Unterseen, Switzerland
Phone: +41 77 232 11 71
Site: https://fonduevilla.com/
Kødbyens Fiskebar
Copenhagen, Denmark
Food reviewers universally praise Kødbyens Fiskebar as the go-to restaurant for all things seafood. Thanks to the close proximity of the sea, diners will be treated to some of the freshest oysters and scallops in the world. Their take on fish and chips is worth the trip alone to Copenhagen and it certainly can rival any shop in the United Kingdom.
Address: Flæsketorvet 100, 1711 København, Denmark
Phone: +45 32 15 56 56
Site: https://fiskebaren.dk/
Au Passage
Paris, France
In 2011, Anthony Bourdain’s the Layover featured Au Passage as one of the recommended places to eat when in Paris. And we couldn’t agree more. The entertaining, somewhat frantic service, vintage interior and ever-changing menu written on a chalkboard truly makes this restaurant shine in an already hip 11th arrondissement. Ordering multiple small plates is encouraged, as the dining experience is meant to ressemble a more communal, laid back style of eating.
Address: 1 bis Pass. Saint-Sébastien, 75011 Paris
Phone: +33 01 43 55 07 52
Swan Oyster Depot
San Francisco, California, USA
There is an abundant of great restaurants in the Bay Area. However it is not everyday you eat at an institution that has been around for over one hundred years. Foodies and critics invariably agree that Swan Oyster Depot is one San Francisco’s best seafood restaurants. The Sicilian sashimi and crab Louie salad are the house dishes you don’t want to miss. They keep it old school…cash only and no reservations. We would recommend getting there before it opens.
Address: 1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States
Phone: +1 415-673-1101
The Ginger Bistro
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has gone through a culinary renaissance in recent years thanks to restaurants like the Ginger Bistro that go beyond the country’s reputation of “Ulster fry” and Irish stew. Located in the heart of Belfast City Centre, this 70 seat restaurant is conveniently situated near popular landmarks such as the opera house and the Crown Pub. It has been and continues to be a local favorite for over 20 years. Dishes like the fried lemon and chicken salad, as well as the mushroom puff pastry pie are prime examples of their devotion to high quality and locally sourced ingredients.
Address: 68-72 Great Victoria St, Belfast BT2 7AF, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 28 9024 4421
L’Etage
Annecy, France
If you have never done raclette in Europe, L’etage is a wonderful introduction to this one of a kind gastronomic experience where you can scrape and serve oozy “fromage” from an iconic wheel holder apparatus straight to your plate. Side dishes like potatoes, pickles, various charcuterie meats, as well as the white wine pair very well with the melting, slightly charred cheese. This unique discovery and interaction with food is quite magical in a fairytale town like Annecy.
Address: 13 Rue du Pâquier, 74000 Annecy
Phone: +33 04 50 51 03 28
Mustafa's Gemüse Kebap
Berlin, Germany
Kebabs are known all over the world but the Döner Kebabs in Berlin are a distinct culinary staple that superbly mashes German and Turkish cuisine in one bite. Mustafa’s Kebap perfected this sandwich with its well blend of meat and veggies (as seen beautifully in the picture above). This is the classic illustration of a legendary dish worth traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles for. There is always a line but you will be rewarded if you wait.