Travel and dining often go hand‑in‑hand, and these nine restaurants prove that a meal can be as much about the journey as the plate. Each venue is set in a striking landscape, offering a culinary adventure that’s inseparable from its surroundings.
Vermejo, New Mexico, USA
Located on the former estate of CNN founder Ted Turner, Vermejo Ranch spans 780 square miles of pristine wilderness—more than 650 times the size of Central Park. Reaching the luxury resort requires a four‑hour drive from Albuquerque or Denver, but the scenic route rewards guests with al‑fresco breakfasts, lakeside meals, and bison‑spotting hikes. The menu features bison sliders, fresh trout, and house‑made potato chips, all enjoyed under a starlit sky.
Nekajui, Costa Rica
Set within the Ritz‑Carlton Reserve on the Peninsula Papagayo, Nekajui showcases the biodiversity of a country the size of West Virginia that holds 10% of the planet’s species. Chef Diego Muñoz highlights Latin American flavors using hyper‑local produce. Highlights include roasted‑shrimp ceviche with “tiger’s milk” broth, charred baby‑corn risotto, and fruit‑forward desserts.
Marias at Principessa Forte dei Marmi, Italy
Just steps from the Tyrrhenian Sea in Tuscany’s exclusive Forte dei Marmi, Marias offers a sleek poolside setting. Restaurateurs Jason and Irha Atherton bring their acclaimed hospitality to a 36‑suite boutique hotel. The menu leans heavily on daily‑sourced fish and shellfish from nearby Livorno, with wood‑grilled langoustines, garlic‑lemon confit, and handcrafted linguine with local clams.
Bonheur by Matt Abé, London, UK
London’s Mayfair welcomes Bonheur, a restaurant that earned two Michelin stars within three months of opening. Australian chef‑patron Matt Abé draws on his experience at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, serving British‑sourced beef, Cornish fish, and a signature smoked‑pork‑belly quiche Lorraine. The venue occupies the historic former home of Le Gavroche.
La Grande Table Marocaine, Casablanca, Morocco
Located on the 23rd floor of the Royal Mansour hotel, this restaurant offers panoramic Atlantic views. Owned by King Mohammed VI, the venue blends Art Deco elegance with Moroccan craftsmanship. The menu features locally sourced oysters, saffron‑infused dishes, and a celebrated tagine of free‑range chicken with preserved lemon and olives.
Brasserie Fouquet’s, Paris, France
On the Champs‑Élysées since 1899, Fouquet’s remains a Parisian institution. Classic French fare such as ruby‑red beef tartare, cheese soufflé, and onion soup are served in a historic setting recognized as a French monument. For a lighter, seasonal approach, the adjacent Joy restaurant, led by chef Claudia Rivera, offers herb‑yogurt vegetables and sea bass with tomato, basil, and lemon.
Yong Fu, Shanghai, China
Specializing in Ningbo cuisine, Yong Fu occupies the 56th floor of a skyscraper overlooking the Huangpu River. Diners enjoy artistic plating of squid with pickled pepper, Shaoxing‑wine‑marinated crab, and seasonal specialties like Ninghai clams in spring and hairy crabs in fall.
Kontrast, Oslo, Norway
Oslo’s Kontrast, a two‑Michelin‑star restaurant, showcases modern Nordic cuisine with hyper‑seasonal, organic ingredients. Chef Mikael Svensson crafts multi‑course tastings that may include an oyster served in an edible shell with sour cream and pickled rhubarb, or zucchini ribbons with dill, tomato, and Norwegian cheese. The restaurant is noted for its zero‑waste commitment.
Argiano, Chianti, Italy
Set amid cypress‑lined hills, the Renaissance estate of Argiano dates back to 1580. The property offers sweeping vineyard views and historic architecture, providing a quintessential Italian backdrop for its refined dining experience.
Each of these destinations proves that extraordinary food is best enjoyed when it’s paired with extraordinary place, making the journey itself an essential ingredient.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
