This month Elite Traveler realised their annual Top 100 Restaurants in the World list. Although relatively US centric and mostly fine dining, there are a number of gems on the list.
Scouring the list, I’ve devised my top picks if you’re looking to dine off the list without breaking the bank. Note that the prices below may not take into account service, taxes and/or tipping.
Location: Macau, China
Best value: Weekday menu – MENU DÉCOUVERTE
Spend: MOP$688 (Roughly £61) per person
Details: A sample MENU DÉCOUVERTE includes; Amuse-bouche, Appetizer or Soup, Main, Cheese or Dessert and Coffee or tea with mignardise. The restaurant is located in the Grand Lisboa Hostel which is Macau’s tallest building. Not only does Robuchon au Dôme have three-Michelin stars but it also has an incredibly lavish interior interior.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal (No.15)
Location: London, UK
Best value: Set Lunch Menu (3 Course Menu) – Available Monday to Friday excluding Public Holidays
Spend: £45 per person
Details: The 3 course menu includes the option of two starters, two mains and two desserts or cheese. The menu is well detailed and looks delicious however doesn’t look to be vegetarian friendly. For more, check out the sample menu via the link above.
I love that the menu is devised on historical British gastronomy and each dish on the menu states what era the dish was centred. The midweek set lunch menu is great value for a two-Michelin starred restaurant located in opulent Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park.
Location: Hong Kong, China
Best value: The Chinese Breakfast and Weekday Lunch Set Menu
Spend: 320HKD (Roughly £30) for breakfast / 628HDK (Roughly £58) per person
Details: Another two-Michelin starred restaurant located in the sophisticated Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong. The cuisine is old age French fine dining meets elements of Chinese dishes. A true east meets west menu.
The Weekday lunch set menu offers a 3-course menu including coffee or tea. The Chinese breakfast on the other hand serves Chinese classics from fried wonton crips to meat floss dim sum.
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Best Value: The Drought Kitchen
Spend: R890 (Roughly £52) per person
Details: Not only does The Drought Kitchen sample menu has several courses but it is also really exciting. The restaurant serves nouvelle Latin cousin with a South African touch and is housed in an old biscuit mill.
Location: New York, USA
Best Value: Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch
Spend: Around USD$60 (Roughly £43) per person
Details: Sister to three-Michelin starred Eleven Madison Park, this hotel restaurant is a more casual while still chic dining option. With one-Michelin star, this French inspired modern cuisine restaurant has a relatively affordable menu considering comparable New York hot spots.
Adaa at Taj Falaknuma Palace (No.85)
Location: Hyderabad, India
Best Value: Lunch or Dinner Monday – Thursday
Spend: INR 4000 (Roughly £43)
Details: Located in the gorgeous Taj Falaknuma Palace, Adaa is a treat for all the senses. From the luxurious interior to the enticing menu, Adaa is perfect for authentic Indian cuisine.
Location: New York, USA
Best Value: Brunch and Lunch
Spend: Around USD$60 (Roughly £43) per person
Details: Mexican-inspired cuisine that combines Mexican staples with locally sourced seasonal products and spices from around the globe. With a minimalist, relaxed atmosphere, Cosme is located int he Flatiron District.
Location: New York, USA
Best Value: Breakfast and Lunch Menu – Prix Fixe
Spend: UDS$54 (Roughly £39) for two course Prix Fixe / Less for breakfast
Details: New entry to the list, Le Coucou offers elegant French cuisine with an interior to match. From the bespoke chandeliers to the velvet chairs, this beautifully lit restaurant is perfect for date night. If you don’t want to splurge opt for breakfast or the Prix Fixe lunch menu.
Bibendum (No.97)
Location: London, UK
Best Value: Set Lunch (Wednesday to Saturday)
Spend: 2 courses £35 or 3 courses £40 (or £55 for 3 course, 1/2 bottle of wine and coffee)
Details: Located in Michelin House in Fulham, Bibendum also has two-Michelin stars (coincidence?). From the stain glass windows to the high ceilings, it’s safe to say the interior is plush. Bibendum offers modern French cuisine. For more see the sample menu via the above link.
Location: London, UK
Best Value: Lunch
Spend: 2 courses £29 or 3 courses £39
Details: Located in the Four Seasons hotel, this one-Michelin starred restaurant offers a menu that is somewhat British and French in it’s cuisine. Opts for the lunch 2 or 3 course menu for the best value.
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