Travelers who love good food know that a memorable meal often begins long before the first bite. Whether you’re driving through the high desert of New Mexico, sailing to a Costa Rican peninsula, or stepping off a yacht onto the Tuscan coast, the setting can be as important as the cuisine. Below are nine destination restaurants that blend breathtaking landscapes, local culture and culinary excellence, offering experiences that justify the journey.
Vermejo Ranch, New Mexico, USA
Located on the former estate of CNN founder Ted Turner, Vermejo Ranch sits on a 780‑square‑mile private reserve in the American Southwest. The only practical way to arrive is by car from Albuquerque or Denver, a four‑hour drive that winds through dramatic canyons and open plains. The resort’s al‑fresco dining includes campfire breakfasts, lakeside lunches and evenings spent toasting s’mores under a canopy of stars. The menu showcases bison sliders, fresh trout, house‑made potato chips and produce from the on‑site greenhouse.
Nekajui – Ritz‑Carlton Reserve, Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
Set amid a biodiversity hotspot that houses 10 % of the planet’s species, Nekajui offers eight distinct dining venues. Chef Diego Muñoz’s Latin‑American menus feature hyper‑local ingredients, such as a roasted‑shrimp ceviche with “tiger’s milk” (leche de tigre) and charred baby‑corn risotto. Every sauce, condiment and bakery item is made from scratch, reinforcing the resort’s commitment to sustainability.
Marias at Principessa Forte dei Marmi, Tuscany, Italy
Just a three‑hour drive from Milan—or a short yacht ride to the local marina—Forte dei Marmi is a beloved summer enclave for families. The boutique hotel’s poolside restaurant, Marias, serves fish and shellfish sourced daily from Livorno’s market. Highlights include wood‑grilled langoustines with confit garlic and lemon, and handcrafted linguine tossed with local clams.
Bonheur by Matt Abé, Mayfair, London, United Kingdom
Only three months after opening, Bonheur earned two Michelin stars, a testament to chef‑patron Matt Abé’s skill. Housed in the former Le Gavroche building, the restaurant offers tasting menus and à la carte options. Signature dishes include a smoked‑pork‑belly quiche Lorraine with Gruyère, as well as British‑sourced beef from the Lake District and fish from Cornwall, paired with English wines.
La Grande Table Marocaine, Royal Mansour, Casablanca, Morocco
Located on the 23rd floor of the opulent Royal Mansour hotel, this restaurant provides panoramic Atlantic views. Owned by King Mohammed VI, the venue showcases Moroccan craftsmanship in its décor and serves top‑quality local produce, from oysters to saffron‑infused tagines featuring free‑range chicken, preserved lemon and olives.
Brasserie Fouquet’s, Champs‑Élysées, Paris, France
For classic French fare, Fouquet’s delivers timeless dishes such as ruby‑red beef tartare, a perfect cheese soufflé and a rich onion soup. The historic establishment, a French hospitality icon since 1899, also offers a lighter menu at its sister venue, Joy, where chef Claudia Rivera creates seasonal plates like herb‑yogurt‑dressed 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 can enjoy artistic presentations such as pickled‑pepper squid and crab bathed in Shaoxing wine, as well as seasonal specialties like Ninghai clams in spring and hairy crabs in fall.
Kontrast, Oslo, Norway
Oslo’s two‑Michelin‑starred Kontrast offers multi‑course tasting menus that celebrate hyper‑seasonal, organic Norwegian ingredients. Chef Mikael Svensson’s creations include an oyster served in an edible shell with sour cream and pickled rhubarb, and various textures of zucchini paired with dill, tomato and Norwegian cheese. The restaurant’s commitment to zero‑waste practices underscores its modern Nordic ethos.
Argiano, Chianti, Italy
Set among cypress‑covered hills, the Renaissance villa of Argiano provides a dining experience that feels like stepping onto a movie set. Guests enjoy panoramic views of historic castles while savoring dishes that reflect the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Each of these restaurants proves that a remarkable meal can be a journey in itself, offering travelers a chance to connect with the land, its people and its flavors.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
