All Restaurants

The Seattle institution Peter Canlis opened in 1950, in a building by architect Roland Terry that was designed to feel like a house, up on a hillside above Lake Union at the south end of the Aurora Bridge. It’s still owned by the Canlis family three generations later. It was a great experience with really delicious food that wasn't too pretentious. They also have a wonderful wine list, and this is where I had the best American Chardonnay I've ever had: Walter Scott Freedom Hill.

Address: 2576 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

Chef David Deshaies’s modern take on the American diner, near the convention centre, where comfort-food classics get a creative twist from breakfast right through to dinner.

Address: 1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States

A restaurant in the Seagram Building on East 52nd Street, in the room that was the Four Seasons, now run by Major Food Group and given over to American classics carved and finished at the table. Has a really nice old-timey feel and excellent quality steak.

Address: 99 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022, USA

The 1925 stone and timber lodge at the foot of Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge, a short drive east of Portland, with a dining room looking out at the falls. If you're doing the waterfall path, this is a great place for a decent meal.

Address: 53000 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019, USA

A small American restaurant on West Armitage Avenue. I had heard about Giant from the show The Bear and so I was eager to try it. The food is good but be ready for some really terrible service. Decide if it's worth it because at the end of the meal we weren't sure it was. I'm keeping it on the list because my focus is really on the quality of the food.

Address: 3209 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States

Evan and Sarah Rich's restaurant in Hayes Valley, opened in 2012 and known for its sardine chips and porcini doughnuts, served on handmade ceramics. Really cosy little new American restaurant. They change the menu seasonally but pretty much everything is delicious. They do always have the Dried Porcini Doughnuts with Racelette and this is not to be missed.

Address: 199 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski's restaurant on Fillmore Street, opened on New Year's Eve 2011, where small plates come round on dim sum carts and trays. It won the James Beard award for Best New Restaurant and holds a Michelin star. It is usually packed but generally a really nice atmosphere. The waiters come around with carts with dishes and you can take what you like almost like a traditional Chinese dim sum place (however, they are still considering the food to be American). The dishes are inventive but not too inventive to be pretentious.

Address: 1529 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

The restaurant at the Park Hyatt in the West End, with an open kitchen and a wood-burning oven, serving American dishes built around ingredients from farms in the region.

Address: 1201 24th St NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States

The Market Street café Billy West opened in 1979, made famous by Judy Rodgers from 1987 with the wood-fired brick oven she asked for and the roast chicken with bread salad that takes an hour to arrive. Zuni Café is one of those places you have to go to at least once while visiting San Francisco, as it's part of their culinary history. The famous burger was a bit too fancy for me but still very delicious. They only serve this in the evenings.

Address: 1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

The restaurant on the corner of Divisadero and Hayes that gave the North of the Panhandle neighbourhood its name, opened in 2006 in a former laundromat. Much of the menu comes off the wood-fired grill and oven, and the long bar has stayed open late since day one.

Address: 560 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA

An all-day counter bar and kitchen in Mayfair with a luxe American-diner spirit. Feel-good favourites - tuna melts, burgers, lobster, pasta - plus margaritas and classic cocktails, in a glossy, late-night setting.

Address: 31 Dover St, London W1S 4ND, UK

A long-running Argentinian place on Posadas in Recoleta, a few doors along from Fervor. This was my first restaurant in Buenos Aires and I loved everything I ate. Especially the dessert, with the generous dollop of dulce de leche that was a revelation to me at the time. It's a nice little traditional restaurant with a great selection of empanadas.

Address: Posadas 1515, C1112 Buenos Aires, Argentina

Inventive dishes with local ingredients and international influences in a modern setting. Among the signature dishes are the blood sausage sandwich and king prawns doused in fermented shrimp butter. The desserts were very good as well.

Address: 46-52 Meagher St, Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia

A wine bar on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy, from the group behind Cutler & Co and Supernormal. Interesting restaurant with inventive dishes and a great wine list.

Address: 53 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

A chic, artsy bistro in Leopoldstadt, best known for the sprawling black-ink drawing that arcs across the dining room ceiling. The kitchen does Viennese classics alongside seasonal international dishes, with a well-chosen wine list. It's warm and buzzy, and they do my favourite Wiener schnitzel in Vienna. The design of the place is also really fun.

Address: Leopoldsgasse 17, 1020 Wien, Austria

The restaurant at the 5-star Relais & Châteaux Hotel Tennerhof, where Kai Horitzky cooks contemporary Tyrolean and international dishes in an elegant Alpine setting. Open daily for dinner in season, with a long closure in the autumn.

Address: Griesenauweg 26, 6370 Kitzbühel, Austria

The restaurant of the Hotel Sacher on Schwarzstraße, in a house that opened in 1866 as the Österreichischer Hof and took the Sacher name in 2000, panelled in Swiss pine and hung with hunting trophies, serving Austrian classics with several dishes finished at the table.

Address: Schwarzstraße 5, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

The restaurant inside Hotel Sacher, opposite the State Opera, with crimson silk walls, chandeliers and a lot of old Viennese grandeur. The kitchen does Austrian cooking, from Tafelspitz to the original Sacher-Torte. Don't miss having a meal here – not only is it historic, but the food is fantastic.

Address: Philharmoniker Str. 4, 1010 Wien, Austria

A fixture of the old university quarter since 1979, serving Viennese and Styrian food in a historic vaulted room hung with art. Portions are generous and the classics are all there – Wiener schnitzel, Tafelspitz – in a room that still feels a bit bohemian.

Address: Bäckerstraße 14, 1010 Wien, Austria

Richard and Sybille Brunnauer's restaurant in the Ceconi villa on Fürstenallee, a nineteenth-century house built by the Salzburg architect, with a terrace facing the fortress. The cooking is regional and seasonal with French leanings.

Address: Fürstenallee 5, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Horváth is a modern Austrian restaurant that serves inventive and creative dishes. Everything here is delicious and the atmosphere is pleasant. I particularly like how they give you little cards describing each course that you can keep as a memento.

Address: Paul-Lincke-Ufer 44A, 10999 Berlin, Germany

A 45-seat restaurant in a Liefering building that has been an inn since 1879, taken over by Harald and Andrea Huber in 2013. The cooking runs from the northern Alps down to northern Italy, and there is a wine cellar and shop below.

Address: Peter-Pfenninger-Straße 8, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

The lakeside restaurant of the Weisses Rössl hotel in St. Wolfgang, about fifty minutes east of Salzburg, with terraces over the Wolfgangsee. The hotel is the one the operetta Im Weissen Rössl made famous. It also has a beautiful view of the lake.

Address: Markt 74, 5360 St. Wolfgang im Salzkammergut, Austria

One of Vienna's oldest restaurants, going since 1704, serving traditional Viennese food in vaulted dining rooms in the old town. The classics are all there – Wiener schnitzel, Tafelspitz, caramelised Kaiserschmarrn – with local wines to go with them.

Address: Kurrentgasse 8, 1010 Wien, Austria

The restaurant of the Brandstätter family's inn out in Liefering, run by the same family for generations, where Tobias Brandstätter cooks Austrian classics.

Address: Münchner Bundesstraße 69, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

The flagship of the Plachutta family, on Wollzeile, and the place most people in Vienna will send you for Tafelspitz – boiled beef served the traditional way in its copper pot.

Address: Wollzeile 38, 1010 Wien, Austria

The restaurant of Schloss Fuschl, the lakeside castle hotel at Hof bei Salzburg about twenty kilometres east of the city by road, looking out over the Fuschlsee.

Address: Schloss-Straße 19, 5322 Vorderelsenwang, Austria

Set against the Mönchsberg rock face inside St. Peter's Abbey, and reputedly the oldest restaurant in Central Europe, with roots traced back to 803 AD. Austrian cooking in vaulted baroque halls, with a courtyard terrace, regional wines and the Mozart Dinner Concert.

Address: Sankt-Peter-Bezirk 1/4, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

The Figlmüller family’s modern Gasthaus, opened in 2014 in an Art Nouveau building on Lugeck square near Stephansplatz, serving Viennese classics like Wiener schnitzel, with a terrace looking out over the square.

Address: Lugeck 4, 1010 Wien, Austria

A classic Viennese beisl on Weihburggasse, just off Franziskanerplatz, that actor Hanno Pöschl reopened in 1999, with tables out on the little square in summer. It serves hearty Austrian food in generous portions, including Wiener schnitzel, and still feels like a neighbourhood place despite being so central.

Address: Weihburggasse 17, 1010 Wien, Austria

The best Austrian restaurant in London. Really delicious Wiener schnitzel. The place is really lovely as it is made to look like a Viennese café.

Address: 50 Marylebone High St, London W1U 5HN, United Kingdom

A Viennese institution near St. Stephen's Cathedral, going since 1618 – part Jugendstil restaurant, part bar, deli and patisserie, in Art Nouveau interiors. It's known for its open sandwiches, its wine list and its classic Austrian cooking. Beethoven was said to have hung out here.

Address: Bognergasse 5, 1010 Wien, Austria

Still one of the best restaurants for Bahraini food in Bahrain. Now they have branches in London, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, but of course it's always best to go to where it all started.

Address: Villa Mamas Bahrain, Saar Avenue, Al Markh, Bahrain

A Bahraini restaurant in Muharraq, across the causeway from Manama. I don't have photos because I mostly order from them, but I highly recommend them for breakfast and really love their cheese chapati.

Address: Shop 1, Building 1128, Road 1531, Muharraq, Bahrain

Yakiniku Yazawa's Tokyo branch brings premium Japanese BBQ to Yaesu, five minutes from Tokyo Station. Grill prime wagyu cuts tableside over charcoal in a polished setting - a step up from casual yakiniku. Reservations recommended. Truly delicious food; I especially enjoyed the wagyu rice. They also had a nice cosy table for one, so I could enjoy my solo dinner.

Address: 1-chōme-5-10 1F, Yaesu, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0028, Japan

A barbecue restaurant on Sclater Street in Shoreditch, where they smoke the brisket low and slow overnight. Rich and flavourful barbecued meat. The ribs were particularly delicious.

Address: 35 Sclater St, London E1 6LB, UK

A pub on the green in Broadway. To be honest, you don't really find the best food in the Cotswolds but Swan Inn was good at simple dishes.

Address: 2 The Green, Broadway WR12 7AA, United Kingdom

A village pub in Ebrington, a couple of miles from Chipping Campden. The best meal we had in the Cotswolds. Again simple pub food but done really well.

Address: May Lane, Ebrington, Chipping Campden GL55 6NH, United Kingdom

A Farringdon institution since 1869, pairing a Grade II-listed Victorian room with original wooden booths and seasonal modern British cooking. Known for confit potatoes, house charcuterie and a thoughtful wine list, with an adjoining shop and wine bar.

Address: 88 Farringdon Rd, London EC1R 3EA, UK

A Georgian townhouse in the heart of Soho serving all-day British comfort food in an elegant, buzzy room - roast chicken, fish pie, steak, a celebrated afternoon tea and a traditional Sunday roast. Boutique bedrooms sit above. However, I mainly go for breakfast and the standout dish here is the lorne sausage and tattie scone.

Address: 69-71 Dean St, London W1D 3SE, UK

The all-day restaurant at Gleneagles Townhouse on St Andrew Square, running from breakfast through to evening cocktails. Really beautiful and grand interiors.

Address: 39 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD, United Kingdom

Really amazing restaurant that includes a bakery, winery and a wine company. There are some dishes you remember for the rest of your life and the bone marrow at St John's is one of those dishes.

Address: 26 St John St, Barbican, London EC1M 4AY, United Kingdom

A London institution since 1828 and historic home of the English roast carved tableside from silver trolleys. Reopened in 2026 under Jeremy King, with the grand Grand Divan dining room, lighter Romano's, and Simpson's Bar.

Address: 100 Strand, London WC2R 0EZ, UK

The Vulkan branch looks over the Mathallen food hall, with beef from Jæren. Døgnvill Burger is the Best burger in Oslo...actually it's the only burger I've ever had in Oslo so it's the best one I've had at least.

Address: Vulkan 12, 0178 Oslo, Norway

A small burger shop on South Anne Street doing Irish beef burgers, fries and shakes, with the beef minced fresh on site each day. Was told this is the best burger in Dublin. It was not mind blowing but a good burger.

Address: 3 Anne Street South, Dublin 2, D02 YR63, Ireland

Difficult to classify, Butchers Diner is a small restaurant or coffee shop or deli. They serve burgers but also various international options. The burger is delicious and the place is quirky and fun so definitely worth a visit.

Address: 10 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

A burger bar on Phillip Street in the CBD, best known for the Blame Canada, with maple-glazed bacon and poutine. Yummy burger place in Sydney. Great selection of sides and huge milkshakes. I can say this is the best burger I had in Sydney as it was the only one I've had but I'm confident it's amongst the best.

Address: 52 Phillip St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

The Fisherman's Wharf branch of the Californian burger chain that began as a drive-through in Baldwin Park in 1948. I still don’t really get the hype their burgers are very average. Keeping it on the list because I know it's a must try for many. They have a secret menu so make sure to ask for that.

Address: 333 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

The Las Condes branch of Confitería Torres, which opened back in 1879 and is where the barros luco sandwich was born – grilled beef with melted cheese, named after President Ramón Barros Luco who always ordered it. The original is still on the Alameda in the centre but this one is on Isidora Goyenechea.

Address: Isidora Goyenechea 2962, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile

George Chen's Chinese food hall on Broadway, where Chinatown meets North Beach, opened in 2017 in the three-storey building that was the Gold Mountain restaurant for decades, with a market, bars and the Eight Tables tasting room. Probably my favourite restaurant in San Francisco as they have the absolutely most delicious (also largest) dumplings I've had in San Francisco. Really fun place with different seating options. You can sit on the counter alone and watch them cook or you can get a table with friends. They also have a small store with some fun items to browse.

Address: 644 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

The Chinatown branch of the Royal China Group, on Gerrard Street, doing classic Cantonese – dim sum, fresh seafood and a long menu of traditional dishes. Open daily until late.

Address: 30 Gerrard St, London W1D 6JS, UK

A Shanghainese restaurant on St. Mark's Place, its rooms strung with red and cream lanterns, where the menu runs from chicken soaked in Shaoxing wine to stir-fried rice cakes with pork and leeks. This is my favourite Chinese restaurant in NYC. They have the absolute best soup dumplings. They are a little delicate but bursting with flavour.

Address: 19 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA

Cantonese cooking on the 25th floor of the Mandarin Oriental in Central, open since 1968 and Michelin-starred. The room is often called the most beautiful in Hong Kong – royal blue, original paintings on silk, and gold ceiling lamps shaped like birdcages – and it looks straight out over Victoria Harbour. The kitchen is run by Wong Wing-keung, a third-generation Cantonese chef.

Address: 25/F, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central

Dinner in Oslo is probably the best Chinese restaurant there. If you compare it to other Chinese restaurants in like London for example it would seem average but after days of Norwegian food your perspective will change.

Address: Stortingsgata 22, 0161 Oslo, Norway

A Cantonese restaurant at the Rosewood, also on Al Maryah Island. Nice and casual, with solid quality food.

Address: Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

A Chinese restaurant in Temple City serving what it calls royal Manchu cuisine, the food of the last imperial dynasty. Delicious and satisfying Chinese dishes in a fun setting.

Address: 9055 E Las Tunas Dr #105, Temple City, CA 91780, USA

A Cantonese restaurant on Calle del Marqués de Villamagna, off the Castellana, whose star dish is Peking-style lacquered duck. Tse Yang was a chain of restaurants around the world, but slowly, one by one, they closed down. I used to go to the one in Geneva since I was a child, and this one in Madrid has the same menu. My favourite dish is the Tse Yang style noodles - not to be missed.

Address: C. del Marqués de Villamagna, 1, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid, Spain

A Cantonese restaurant in DIFC. I do not have photos because I mostly order from them and I've only been to the actual restaurant once many years ago. Still, I can't stress enough how this is where you will get the absolute best Cantonese food in Dubai.

Address: The Balcony, Precinct Building 4, DIFC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

A cosy gyoza specialist near Daikokucho Station, Tsutsumu makes its dough from scratch and serves dumplings pan-fried, boiled and steamed. The handmade gyoza are additive- and garlic-free. Open evenings into the early hours - a relaxed spot over plates of dumplings.

Address: 3-chōme-12-23 Motomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0016, Japan

The Cantonese restaurant at the JW Marriott, west of the centre in Từ Liêm. If you get bored of Vietnamese food this was a stellar Cantonese restaurant with great food and a beautiful setting.

Address: 8 Đỗ Đức Dục, Từ Liêm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Chinese restaurant specialising in Cantonese food. Pretty good but not mind blowing. The setting is nice but can be very busy.

Address: 3 Bridge Ln, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

A Sichuan restaurant on West 37th Street, its vintage dining room designed by Yiming Wang, serving regional specialities alongside the dishes everyone knows. There are non-spicy options too for those who see the word Sichuan and automatically assume they can't eat here. Trust me, as someone who can't tolerate spicy food, I had a great meal here.

Address: 59 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018, USA

The Chinese restaurant of the Shangri-La on Avenue d'Iéna, rooted in Cantonese cooking with forays into Sichuan, from Peking duck served in two courses to dim sum. Really good-quality Cantonese fare in a classical high-end restaurant.

Address: 10 Av. d'Iéna, 75116 Paris, France

A Dotonbori institution with over half a century of history, Gyozaoh! is famous for gyoza nearly twice the usual size. The signature fried gyoza is the star, best hot off the griddle in the buzzing heart of Osaka's nightlife district.

Address: 2-chōme-4-14 Dōtonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan

A Shanghainese restaurant on East 48th Street, run by the son of a restaurateur who opened his own xiao long bao house in 1994, with the recipes handed down from father to son. Solid quality soup dumplings for a quick bite.

Address: 7 E 48th St, New York, NY 10017, USA

A small Cantonese place near King's Cross, run by a chef with more than 30 years' experience. They specialise in handmade dim sum and in-house roast duck, plus classic noodle and rice dishes, and it is very good value. There are only about 20 seats and it is walk-in only, so expect a queue – it is worth it.

Address: 124 King's Cross Rd, London WC1X 9DS, UK

Yauatcha is probably my favourite place for Dim Sum in London. It's a bit of a modern take on Dim Sum though. It was created in 2004 by Alan Yau, who had established the Wagamama and Busaba Eathai chains. More importantly and closely related he also set up Hakkasan so you'll notice some similar items on the menu but I prefer Yauatcha. Yauatcha achieved a Michelin star in 2005 (although they lost it in 2019). Their crispy aromatic duck is still my favourite in London.

Address: 5-17 Broadwick St, London W1F 0DL, United Kingdom

Duck and Rice is this amazing Chinese restaurant in Soho that looks like it's inside a traditional English pub. They do have a pub area and upstairs they have a proper dining area. They are famous for their Duck and I have to say their Crispy aromatic duck is probably one of the best in London. Their signature dish is the duck and rice. Their lobster noodle is also incredible. Make sure you go there hungry as there is a lot to try.

Address: 90 Berwick St, Soho, London W1F 0QB, United Kingdom

A branch of the international chain, Din Tai Fung serves up delicious dim sum and quickly. Originally from Taiwan, where the MICHELIN Guide lists the original branch, and its Hong Kong branches have held a star. There are often long queues as they don't take reservations but if you use the WalkIn app it simplifies things.

Address: 5 Henrietta St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8PT, United Kingdom

A. Wong is a restaurant with an inventive and new take on classic Chinese dishes from across all Chinese regions. It's not your typical Chinese restaurant don't expect your usual favourites although they might have some with a new twist or innovative tweaks. Everything was delicious. You'll have to book ahead as it isn't always easy to find a table.

Address: 70 Wilton Rd, Pimlico, London SW1V 1DE, United Kingdom

The restaurant at Casa San Agustin in the walled city, cooking Colombian food from the Caribbean coast. Beautiful restaurant and bar. We were early so we actually tried both. Great food and cocktails.

Address: Calle 36, Centro Historico, Cartagena, Colombia

Breizh Café has some of the best crêpes and galettes you'll have in Paris. Great place to stop for a bite when in the Marais. They also have branches in Japan as well as a Japanese restaurant.

Address: 109 Rue Vieille-du-Temple, 75003 Paris, France

A truffle shop and restaurant in Livade, at the edge of the Motovun forest where Istria's white truffles are found. Truffle runs through the whole menu. They even have truffle flavoured ice cream! I also bought things from the shop on my road trip to Venice — truffle honey, and truffle flavoured crisps. This was my best meal in Istria.

Address: Livade 7, 52427, Livade, Croatia

The restaurant at San Canzian, a restored stone hamlet turned hotel in the hills above Buje. I had the full restaurant experience one night, and a quick meal in the bar on another, and both were excellent. The meal in the restaurant was a bit more special as you have the full luxury-hotel experience, exceptional view and really attentive staff. Also a fantastic wine list. I didn't love the dessert but that's because I'm not very adventurous with dessert but everything else was delicious.

Address: Mužolini Donji 7, 52460, Buje, Croatia

A seafood restaurant on the water at Novigrad, on the Istrian coast. Great food and such a beautiful setting — right on the shore.

Address: Rivarela ul. 19, 52466, Novigrad, Croatia

The grand café of the Imperial hotel on Na Poříčí, opened in 1914, where hand-painted ceramic tiles cover the walls and pillars and mosaic runs across the ceiling. Kafka and Janáček were regulars, and the kitchen, now Zdeněk Pohlreich's, cooks Czech classics. Great place for a coffee and pastry or a full meal.

Address: Na Poříčí 1072/15, Nové Město, 110 00 Praha-Praha 1, Czechia

New york style deli, now on Karl-Marx-Straße in Neukölln after years in an old brick building from 1927 that used to be a Jewish girls school. Their pastrami is absolutely delicious and so are their pickles. Comfy seating but very casual and laid back.

Address: Karl-Marx-Straße 101, 12043 Berlin, Germany

A traditional Egyptian restaurant on 26th of July Corridor in Zamalek. One of the best koshari I've ever had. Really fun place that had an old-timey feel to it.

Address: 157 26th of July Corridor, Zamalek, Cairo 4271050, Egypt

A neighbourhood restaurant on Church Road in Holywood. Cosy little restaurant a short drive from Belfast with simple dishes that pack a great deal of flavour.

Address: 27a Church Road, Holywood BT18 9BU, United Kingdom

Costes Downtown is the more relaxed of the two Costes restaurants in Budapest, tucked into the Prestige Hotel just back from Széchenyi István tér. Still proper fine dining with tasting menus and a chef's table, but a lot less formal than the original over in the ninth district. Everything tastes good. Simple dishes prepared well.

Address: Vigyázó Ferenc u. 5, 1051 Budapest, Hungary

A modern restaurant down Warehouse Lane, in the Cathedral Quarter. Probably the best restaurant in Belfast overall. I normally am not a fan of innovative tasting menus (in general anywhere where they add foam to dishes is a no for me), but these were not overly complicated and were tasty.

Address: 1 Warehouse Lane, Belfast BT1 2DX, United Kingdom

KOLLÁZS is the brasserie and bar inside the Four Seasons at Gresham Palace, right on Széchenyi István tér at the Pest end of the Chain Bridge. Enjoyed my Wiener schnitzel here, and in general the service and food are of the highest quality.

Address: Széchenyi István tér 5-6, 1051 Budapest, Hungary

A restaurant on Stari trg in the old town, opened in July 2008 inside an old arched tavern and named after the 17th-century polymath Janez Vajkard Valvasor, who was born in the house next door. The cooking leans Mediterranean.

Address: Stari trg 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

A grill restaurant on James Street South, in the city centre. Good quality Irish beef in a simple but elegant setting.

Address: 19 James Street South, Belfast BT2 7GA, United Kingdom

One of the restaurants at Grace La Margna, the Art Nouveau hotel from 1907 that reopened in 2023 as St. Moritz's first new five-star hotel in over 50 years, offers a Mediterranean menu. I ordered a mixed salad and the lobster linguine. The food wasn't amazing, but it was decent, and the view (as promised by the name of the restaurant) was lovely.

Address: Hotel Grace La Margna, Via Serlas 5, 7500 St. Moritz, Switzerland

Described as Russian-inspired modern British, the food at Bob Bob Ricard is well prepared and delicious. The place is beautifully designed and they have a button on each table you can press to ask for champagne.

Address: 1 Upper James St, London W1F 9DF, United Kingdom

Lovely restaurant for dinner and lunch as well but I love going here for breakfast. They are one of the few places that still serve crumpets and they have some really tasty smoothies.

Address: 45 Jermyn St., Jermyn Street, St. James's, London SW1Y 6DN, United Kingdom

The Swillhouse group's basement French restaurant on Bligh Street, open since 2016. Restaurant Hubert has really delicious and simple French fare. Lovely cosy atmosphere with live music.

Address: 15 Bligh St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Beautiful restaurant in the champagne region. Amazing food and a wonderful champagne cart to choose from.

Address: 40 Av. Paul Vaillant-Couturier, 51430 Tinqueux, France

A bistrot further along Rue Charles Feige, in the centre of Megève. Delicious fondue in a cosy and casual setting in the middle of Megeve town.

Address: 76 Rue Charles Feige, 74120 Megève, France

A restaurant on Boulevard Vauban, in Auxerre. This was by far the absolute best meal we had across the entire Burgundy region. Fantastic service, truly scrumptious food and a beautiful setting. I can't recommend this place enough. The funny story is we aren't really sure how we found it. We just woke up one day and mysteriously seemed to have a reservation there, so we rushed over as we were in Chablis at the time and it was a drive to get there. So glad we made it though.

Address: 56 Boulevard Vauban, 89000 Auxerre, France

Cyril Lignac's bistro in a listed Art Nouveau room on Rue Jules-Vallès, under a painted ceiling, with a menu built on fish and seafood. Had a lovely meal here. They have interesting options on the menu, so it's not like a typical French bistro at all. The place is also very pleasantly designed.

Address: 1 Rue Jules Vallès, 75011 Paris, France

A restaurant in the old royal court of justice in the middle of Sarlat, a 17th-century building with an octagonal lantern on the roof and a wrought iron staircase inside – the kitchens are down in what used to be the prisons. The cooking is Périgord, so there is a lot of foie gras and duck.

Address: 6 Rue Landry, 24200 Sarlat-la-Canéda

The very famous Poulet de Bresse (Bresse Chicken) at Le Bistro de L'Hôtel in Beaune. I actually don't eat chicken but I made an exception for it. For those of you who like chicken this is probably the best you're ever going to have. The chicken is local to the region and has an appellation d'origine contrôlée status. These chickens are white and have blue-ish feet which makes them unique.

Address: 3 Rue Samuel Legay, 21200 Beaune, France

Lovely restaurant in the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa. Beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Address: Le Bellevue Restaurant & Bar, Rue de la République, Champillon, France

Paul Pairet's French restaurant at the Hôtel de Crillon, entered from Rue Boissy d'Anglas, serving traditional cooking with a twist. The best steak I've ever had in Paris, by far. I also love the design of the place for both lunch and dinner.

Address: 6 Rue Boissy d'Anglas, 75008 Paris, France

Probably the best restaurant in Beaune. Caves Madeleine is a very small restaurant with a seasonal menu that changes daily. They use fresh local ingredients and make modern interpretations of traditional dishes.

Address: 8 Rue du Faubourg Madeleine, 21200 Beaune, France

Great place for comfort food. A little odd, like how they add foie gras to pasta but still enjoyable.

Address: 14 Pl. Myron Herrick, 51100 Reims, France

At the top of the Mont Joux chairlift in the Mont d'Arbois sector, at 1,958 m, with a south-facing terrace looking at Mont Blanc. Another great ski break restaurant for some comfort food and beautiful views.

Address: Mont Joux, 74170 Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France

The restaurant at the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara in San Diego, where French technique meets ingredients from the Caribbean coast. Another beautiful setting and solid food.

Address: Calle del Torno #39-29, San Diego, Cartagena, Colombia

A French-Vietnamese dining room in the Press Club building on Lý Đạo Thành, built around bridging the two cultures. Solid restaurant with good quality ingredients and great service.

Address: 12 Lý Đạo Thành, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Lovely place with a nice outdoor area and delicious food.

Address: 18 Rue Jules Rathier, 89800 Chablis, France

Warszawski Sen by Mateusz Gessler is a nice French Polish restaurant in a lovely location. It is located in the lovely Hala Koszyki food hall which is a fun place with lots of options to explore.

Address: Warszawski Sen by Mateusz Gessler, Koszykowa, Warsaw, Poland

In the beautiful Relais & Châteaux hotel Hostellerie de Levernois, Bistro serves slightly less pretentious fare than the gastronomic restaurant La Table de Levernois. I'm sure the latter is also very good, but we wanted something a little less intimidating.

Address: Rue du Golf, 21200 Levernois, France

Neil Forbes's bistro down a lane off Thistle Street, with a daily-changing menu built on Scottish produce. Very good simple food in a lovely setting.

Address: 34 Thistle Street North West Lane, Edinburgh EH2 1EA, United Kingdom

Stephen Starr’s Parisian-style brasserie on 14th Street, with a zinc bar, mosaic floors and a busy pavement terrace, serving French brasserie classics from breakfast through to dinner.

Address: 1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States

Nice restaurant with local dishes. The interesting thing is the team doing the cooking are predominantly Asian and have been trained in some of the top French houses. They have the best beef bourguignon (trust me we tried many on this trip and this was our favourite one).

Address: 10 Rue Auxerroise, 89800 Chablis, France

Really lovely little place in Beaune. The food was good but nothing spectacular. However, they are also wine specialists and have an extensive wine list with options that go as far back as the early 1900s.

Address: Pass. Saint-Hélène, 21200 Beaune, France

Unusual fare at Au Fil du Zinc, which serves French food with Japanese influences. Not my thing, but I appreciated the quality of the food and preparation. I think for adventurous foodies this will be a great choice.

Address: 18 Rue des Moulins, 89800 Chablis, France

Nothing out of the ordinary, but a good well-cooked meal.

Address: 18 Rue Jules Rathier, 89800 Chablis, France

A French bistro and bakery at the Kempinski on Sheikh Zayed Road. Great food and a very nice setting (especially when the weather is good).

Address: Kempinski Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The restaurant at the Dupont Circle Hotel, with tall windows looking out over Dupont Circle and a French-leaning menu.

Address: 1500 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States

A Belle Époque bistro on Rue Saint-Martin, all woodwork, copper pots and velvet banquettes, where even the plates carry the B monogram and the menu runs from pâté en croûte to cassoulet. Lovely upscale French bistro with beautiful interiors.

Address: 20 Rue Saint-Martin, 75004 Paris, France

A brasserie dating from 1876 by the Bourse, serving lunch and dinner until midnight. It was one of the few times I enjoyed traditional French dishes. Unfortunately, I only remembered to take photos at the very end.

Address: 40 Rue Notre Dame des Victoires, 75002 Paris, France

William Ledeuil's restaurant on Rue des Grands-Augustins, open for more than twenty years, where a windowed kitchen turns out cooking that blurs the line between art and food. Interesting, inventive dishes that are also good and filling.

Address: 4 Rue des Grands Augustins, 75006 Paris, France

Mario Lohninger's restaurant on Schweizer Straße in Sachsenhausen, by the Main, where the menu is split between Die Heimat, drawing on the family's Austrian roots, and Die Welt. Really great place for Wiener schnitzel and I love how in Germany they serve it with cranberry sauce.

Address: Schweizer Str. 1, 60594 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The restaurant above Feinkost Käfer's delicatessen on Prinyregentenstraße in Bogenhausen, kitchen and shop under one roof. Great traditional German cuisine.

Address: Prinzregentenstraße 73, 81675 München, Germany

A restaurant in the courtyard of the Städtisches Kaufhaus in Leipzig, a 1901 building on the site of the city's medieval cloth hall, cooking seasonal food from regional producers. The setting wasn't particularly pleasant — it felt a bit like eating in a museum hallway — but the food was good.

Address: Innenhof Städtisches Kaufhaus, Neumarkt 9, 04109 Leipzig, Germany

A restaurant on Seestraße in Rottach-Egern, a few steps back from the Tegernsee shore, where the kitchen crosses German cooking with the Mediterranean. There is a garden for warm weather and a wood-lined room for the rest of the year. They have a great Wiener Schnitzel. I love how in Germany they always serve it with cranberry sauce.

Address: Seestraße 4A, 83700 Rottach-Egern-Rottach, Germany

Bavarian fine dining inside Munich's oldest mill building, a ducal mill dating to 1573, with a beautiful vaulted ceiling and a quietly elegant room. The kitchen works to the seasons with regional Bavarian ingredients, refining classic dishes without losing their roots. Recognised by the MICHELIN Guide.

Address: Pfisterstraße 4, 80331 München-Altstadt-Lehel, Germany

A brasserie on Französische Straße, near Gendarmenmarkt. The standout dish here is the Wiener schnitzel for me. It's a great place that has managed to stay consistently good over the years.

Address: Französische Str. 47, 10117 Berlin, Germany

A family-run Bavarian tavern on Residenzstraße in the old town, known for its Weisswurst and its own mustard. Traditional Bavarian restaurant with homemade sausage and pretzels.

Address: Residenzstraße 9, 80333 München, Germany

The flagship tavern of the Ayinger private brewery, directly opposite the Hofbräuhaus in Munich's Old Town. Unpretentious Bavarian cooking done properly: crisp roast pork with dark beer gravy, slow-braised ox cheeks and house-made sausages, matched to Ayinger's own beers. Lively and wood-panelled.

Address: Platzl 1A, 80331 München-Altstadt-Lehel, Germany

Costas Spiliadis's Athens branch of Estiatorio Milos, on Kolokotroni Street inside his own hotel. Delicious seafood dishes. Modern interpretations of traditional Greek cuisine.

Address: Kolokotroni 3-5, Athens, Greece

A kebab shop on Mitropoleos, by Monastiraki square. One of those historic and touristy souvlaki places, but it's a must for any visit to Athens.

Address: Mitropoleos 69, Athina 105 55, Greece

A modern Greek restaurant in Athens, set up by five Greek chefs who came together to do a new take on Greek food. It is one of the best rated places in the city.

Address: Chatzigianni Mexi 2a, Athina 115 28, Greece

A souvlaki shop on Filellinon, near Syntagma. Not a sit-down restaurant, but a really great quality souvlaki on the go.

Address: Filellinon 7, Athina 105 57, Greece

A souvlaki restaurant on Leoforos Metaxa, in Glifada. Nice casual place with really decent souvlaki.

Address: Leof. Dimarchou Aggelou Metaxa 50, Glifada 166 74, Greece

A Greek restaurant on Rovertou Galli, below the Acropolis. Traditional and very good quality food in a cosy setting.

Address: Rovertou Galli 25, Athina 117 42, Greece

Delicious food and a comfy setting can be found at this casual all-day eatery.

Address: Mitropoleos 12, Athina 105 63, Greece

Great modern seafood restaurant run by the famous celebrity chef Argiro Barbarigou.

Address: Fokilidou 15, Athina 106 73, Greece

A beachfront restaurant on Hastings Street, open since 1994, looking over Main Beach and Laguna Bay. The food is average but the view is beautiful.

Address: 75 Hastings St, Noosa Heads QLD 4567, Australia

A contemporary restaurant on Carrera 9, in Chapinero. Great place for a good meal with some local options. The room is also beautiful and full of light during the day.

Address: Cra. 9 #75-70, Bogotá, Colombia

Roberta Hall-McCarron's all-day café, bar and bottle shop on Bonnington Road in Leith, from the team behind The Little Chartroom. My favourite meal in Edinburgh. Really enjoyed the food, especially the mussels.

Address: 10-12 Bonnington Road, Edinburgh EH6 5JD, United Kingdom

The Cartagena outpost of Harry Sasson, in the Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa in the walled city. I feel you can't go wrong with Harry's Sasson and everything we had was good. The setting is also lovely.

Address: Cra. 3 #31-19, El Centro, Cartagena, Colombia

Mickael Viljanen's restaurant on Parnell Square North, carrying on Chapter One's long-standing name. Probably the best restaurant in Dublin.

Address: 18-19 Parnell Square North, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 T3V8, Ireland

A riverside restaurant on the island of Kampa, right beside the Charles Bridge, with terraces at the water's edge. Nils Jebens opened it in 1994 and it became the table visiting names were brought to, known above all for its seafood. Considered one of the best restaurants in Prague and a place for some celeb spotting.

Address: Na Kampě 523/8b, 118 00 Praha 1-Malá Strana, Czechia

Ron Gastrobar in Amsterdam is the original of the series of restaurants that he opened and which holds a Michelin star. But it's pretty casual considering. The must have is the Ron's boneless spareribs.

Address: Sophialaan 55, 1075 BP Amsterdam, Netherlands

A Central European restaurant on Hornsgatan in Södermalm, serving schnitzel, Schweinshaxe and lángos. Bar Central in Stockholm is very striking design wise and the food is not bad either. They open till late which is useful.

Address: Hornsgatan 72, 118 21 Stockholm, Sweden

Carine is still one of my favourite restaurants in Dubai. They have managed to stay consistent with their quality over the years. My favourite dish is the pasta with Lobster.

Address: Carine Restaurant, Emirates Golf Club - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Jansz. is a beautiful restaurant in the trendy Nine Streets. It's in the lovely Pulitzer hotel which is one of the nicest hotels there. They serve simple classic dishes but done very well.

Address: Reestraat 8, 1016 DN Amsterdam, Netherlands

Modern restaurant with a focus on Offal (their horse tartare is their signature dish). The restaurant is modern and lively.

Address: Brzozowa 17, 31-050 Kraków, Poland

They serve a wide array of international dishes and a few delicious comfort foods.

Address: Marassi Galleria, Ground Floor, Gate 5, Muharraq, Bahrain

The Dubai restaurant from the South African tashas group, at Jumeirah Al Naseem, open from lunch through to dinner and cocktails. Dependable and good in quality, Flamingo room always delivers a great dinner out.

Address: Jumeirah Al Naseem, Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah St, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Solemann Haddad's fifteen-seat chef's table on the roof of Eden House in Satwa, serving a twelve-course menu he calls Dubai cuisine - Middle Eastern ingredients, Japanese technique. Really lovely experience and inventive dishes. Typically I don't go for these kinds of overly sophisticated dishes but I really enjoyed these.

Address: Eden House, 41st St, Al Satwa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Tucked inside the Heiligenkreuzerhof, a quiet 12th-century courtyard in the first district. The kitchen does Austrian classics alongside seasonal dishes with more international influences, and there's a terrace out in the courtyard for warm days.

Address: Grashofgasse 3 im Heiligenkreuzerhof, 1010 Wien, Austria

Israeli chef Eyal Shani's pita counter on Rue des Écouffes in the Marais, filling pitas with vegetables and Middle Eastern flavours. Didn't take the best pictures here, but I hope that doesn't deter you, as their food is really delicious and worth the wait.

Address: 22 Rue des Écouffes, 75004 Paris, France

The first NENI, which Haya Molcho opened with her four sons in 2009 in a stall at the Naschmarkt, Vienna’s big open-air market – the name comes from the boys’ initials. It serves Israeli and Middle Eastern food like hummus, falafel and mezze to share.

Address: Naschmarkt 510, 1060 Wien, Austria

Modern Israeli food with influences from across the middle east. Truly delicious and inventive dishes. The menu changes seasonally.

Address: 34 Rupert St, London W1D 6DN, United Kingdom

Nopi Soho is a great Mediterranean/Israeli restaurant and is a sister restaurant of the famous Ottolenghi. I especially like their breakfast but all their food is delicious.

Address: 21-22 Warwick St, West End, London W1B 5NE, United Kingdom

This is one of my favourite restaurants in London so I can't recommend it enough. The menu changes periodically but everything is good. It's North African inspired Israeli food. It's a small place so better book in advance but I find if you're on your own they can usually squeeze you in for an early lunch.

Address: 16 Neal's Yard, Seven Dials, London WC2H 9DP, United Kingdom

The best Italian restaurant in Dubai in my opinion. Don't miss the Pappardelle al Ragout di Vitello con Tartufo Nero (Pappardelle pasta with veal ragu and black truffle) and spaghetti with crab. Very nice atmosphere especially when the weather is good and they open up the terrace. They closed for renovations this year but are back!

Address: Scalini Italian Restaurant - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

An Italian and seafood restaurant at Largo Febo, a few steps behind Piazza Navona. My favourite restaurant in Rome. Delicious traditional dishes with beautiful outside seating.

Address: Largo Febo, 12, 00186 Roma, RM, Italy

A long-standing Florentine trattoria on Borgo San Iacopo, in the Oltrarno. My favourite restaurant in Florence. Simple, hearty and traditional dishes done exceptionally well. Also, they have fantastic gelato. One of the best chocolate gelato I have ever had.

Address: Borgo San Iacopo, 57/r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy

A trattoria on the seafront at Marina Grande, in Sorrento. This was the best meal I had on the Amalfi Coast and yet it was the simplest place. Excellent food, generous portions and a beautiful view.

Address: Via Marina Grande, 62, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy

Up at San Vigilio, on the hill above the old town. Beautiful restaurant overlooking the city. Delicious food made with local ingredients.

Address: Via al Castello, 1, 24100 Bergamo BG, Italy

A salumeria and trattoria on Via Trento, in the same family since 1875. Everything I had here was perfect. It was such a good meal overall that I would definitely go again and again. The casoncelli and culatello di Zibello were exceptional.

Address: Via Trento, 52, 25128 Brescia BS, Italy

An osteria on Piazza Alessandro Gallina, a few streets from the Duomo. I had a really good meal here but in terms of ambiance I think it really matters which room they put you in so make sure to ask (unlike me).

Address: Piazza Alessandro Gallina 1, 26100 Cremona, Italy

The restaurant at Hotel Tyrol in Selva di Val Gardena, where Alessandro Martellini cooks. Suinsom is Ladin for "at the top". This might be my favourite restaurant in the Dolomites. Really delicious food and a fantastic wine list.

Address: Streda Puez, 12, 39048 Selva di Val Gardena BZ, Italy

The restaurant at the Il Sereno hotel in Torno, on the water at Via Torrazza. Beautiful hotel, restaurant and view. Had a really lovely meal here overlooking the lake.

Address: Via Torrazza, 10, 22020 Torno CO, Italy

An osteria in an eighteenth-century building in the upper part of Gardone Riviera, near the Vittoriale, with a small courtyard for summer tables. Great quality food that is simple and filling. The setting is also pleasant.

Address: Via Carere, 10, 25083 Gardone Riviera BS, Italy

Nancy Silverton's Italian restaurant on Melrose Avenue, built around a white marble mozzarella bar. Really lovely place with good food and a comfortable counter for solo dining.

Address: 6602 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, USA

A restaurant on Via Rovita in the old town, open since 1981, its rooms hung with Vietri ceramics and its kitchen built on Lucanian cooking. Really cosy little place with delicious local dishes. The service was also excellent, and the staff were super friendly.

Address: Via Rovita, 13, 85046 Maratea PZ, Italy

The Ferrari restaurant at Maranello, in a farmhouse, Enzo Ferrari made his workers' canteen and then, from 1950, a restaurant — the kitchen now overseen by Massimo Bottura. This was a road stop on our drive to the Dolomites, and it was totally worth making the journey slightly longer. One of the best meals I've had in Italy.

Address: Via Abetone Inferiore, 1, 41053 Maranello MO, Italy

A classic Parma trattoria that has been going since 1925, with two rustic little dining rooms next to the Hotel Daniel on Viale Gramsci. Great traditional restaurant with satisfyingly delicious food.

Address: Viale Antonio Gramsci, 16/A, 43126 Parma PR, Italy

A country-house trattoria in Serravalle Langhe with a single menu of meat and fish dishes, plus daily specials read out at the table. This was my favourite restaurant in the whole of Piedmont.

Address: Via Provinciale A, 5, 12050 Serravalle Langhe CN, Italy

A brick-vaulted Italian restaurant on Platnéřská with its open kitchen at one end and wine racks around the walls, run by the La Collezione group behind Aromi and Amano. This was my favourite meal in Prague and, honestly, one of my all-time favourite Italian restaurants.

Address: Platnéřská 90/13, Staré Město, 110 00 Praha-Praha 1, Czechia

The bistro at the Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta on Piazza Unità d’Italia, serving classic Italian dishes in a relaxed room, with a terrace out on the square in summer. Harry’s Piccolo, the hotel’s two-Michelin-star restaurant, is in the same building. My favourite meal on my Trieste visit. Really delicious and a beautiful classic place.

Address: Piazza Unità d'Italia 2, 34121 Trieste TS, Italy

A family-style inn up above San Rocco in Marano di Valpolicella, where the last vineyards of the valley meet the pastures of the Lessinia hills. Chef Mauro Caldaroni, who worked with Enrico Bartolini and Giancarlo Perbellini, cooks classic local recipes with a modern touch, using ingredients from a few kilometres around, and it’s in the Michelin Guide. Delicious food with a beautiful view of the region.

Address: Località Pontarola 12, 37020 San Rocco VR, Italy

A grand old dining room under the arcades of Via dell'Indipendenza, with the door round the corner on Via Volturno. Diana opened in 1909 as a café and became the place Bologna sends you for the classics – tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù, cotoletta alla bolognese – with Mario Fabbri running the kitchen since 1977. The waiters still wear the same white jackets they did a century ago, under a big mirror and an old clock at the end of the room. The food was absolutely mouthwateringly delicious.

Address: Via Volturno 5, 40121 Bologna BO

Craig and Annie Stoll's Cal-Italian restaurant on 18th Street in the Mission, opened in 1998 in a small former Brazilian restaurant. Craig won the James Beard award for Best Chef: Pacific in 2008. The best Italian food I had in San Francisco was at Delfina. Simple dishes with great ingredients and cooked exceptionally well.

Address: 3621 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

A long-standing Florentine restaurant on Via Panzani, near the station. Still the best seabass I've ever had.

Address: Via Panzani, 9/A, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Norbert Niederkofler's mountain restaurant at the top of Kronplatz, at 2,275 metres, in a dining room designed by Martino Gamper. You can either hike up to this place or take the cable car (which is what we did). Once up there you have an amazing view and a great meal so it's totally worth it. You'll notice that pasta with mushrooms is a typical dish in the Dolomites and this one was particularly good.

Address: Kronplatz, 39030 Marebbe BZ, Italy

A restaurant high above Cernobbio on Via della Libertà, with a terrace looking down the lake. A favourite of George Clooney's for good reason. Great food and a spectacular view.

Address: Via della Libertà, 69, 22012 Cernobbio CO, Italy

The restaurant of the Grand Hotel Fasano in Gardone Riviera, where Maurizio Bufi cooks contemporary Italian food with nods to his native Puglia, on a terrace above the lake. I did the set menu with the wine pairing. Was a fantastic experience and I especially loved the agnolotti (I wished I had a huge bowl of it to be honest). For a filling meal I'd skip the set menu next time and just order a big plate of the agnolotti.

Address: Corso Giuseppe Zanardelli, 190, 25083 Gardone Riviera BS, Italy

Danny Meyer's Italian restaurant on West 33rd Street, set deep inside the Manhattan West development, where Hillary Sterling cooks behind an open kitchen. This is my favourite Italian restaurant in NYC. Their pastas are perfect, and they have some of the most delicious cherry tomatoes I've ever had.

Address: 440 W 33rd St Ste 100, New York, NY 10001, USA

A Turin restaurant on Largo Saluzzo in San Salvario, done out in an early-20th-century style with old books and furniture, serving regional Piedmontese dishes. I adore this restaurant, and the gnocchi with gorgonzola is a must-try.

Address: Largo Saluzzo, 25/h, 10125 Torino TO, Italy

An osteria on Via Cesare Battisti in central Lecce, cooking the food of the Salento: fresh pasta, pulses, and vegetables alongside the day's fish. One of the best meals I had in Puglia. I actually went twice.

Address: Via Cesare Battisti, 4, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy

The Roscioli family's deli with a kitchen on Via dei Giubbonari, opened in 1992 and turned into this in 2002, where you eat among the hanging hams and the cheese counter, with a cellar of a few thousand labels below. The carbonara is what most people come for. Make sure you book in advance it's challenging to get a table at short notice. The food is delicious and they also have a great wine list.

Address: Via dei Giubbonari, 21, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

A traditional Vicentine osteria on Strada Pozzetto, on the edge of the old centre, listed as one of the city’s historic shops and serving local food for more than two centuries. The room is all wood panelling, and it’s best known for baccalà alla vicentina, the city’s salt cod slow-cooked with onions, anchovies, milk, and cheese. Simple but very satisfying local dishes.

Address: Strada Pozzetto 10, 36100 Vicenza VI, Italy

Still my favourite restaurant in Bahrain despite the chef leaving. Great for brunch as well. They have great pastas – the pumpkin ravioli is better than any I've had in Italy and I particularly love their veal Milanese.

Address: Masso Restaurant, Manama, Bahrain

A Piazza Nicosia institution going back to the early 1900s, run by the Di Maria family since the late 1980s, serving Roman classics alongside fish. Really delicious traditional Italian food in a classic setting.

Address: Piazza Nicosia, 24, 00186 Roma, RM, Italy

The bar where the Bellini and beef carpaccio were invented, just off Piazza San Marco. Small, plain inside, and priced for its history. Still my absolute favourite beef carpaccio. They also have surprisingly tasty little sandwiches.

Address: Calle Vallaresso, 1323, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

An Italian restaurant on Via della Spiga, in the fashion district. I've been to Il Baretto twice now and both times the food was excellent. The atmosphere is also very pleasant and they have outside seating when the weather is good.

Address: Via della Spiga, 26, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

A pasta restaurant on West Madison Street, with its own pastificio — an open workshop making the pasta fresh through the day. Good American-style Italian food.

Address: 1020 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

A working agriturismo above Madonna di Campiglio, in the Brenta Dolomites inside the Adamello Brenta nature park. This was a lovely little place with really good food. They also had this bacon sprinkle for the pasta that I wish I could have bought a ton of and brought home.

Address: Località Fogajard, 36, 38086 Madonna di Campiglio TN, Italy

A seafood restaurant on Crow Street in Temple Bar. Decent Italian restaurant.

Address: 7 Crow Street, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 YT38, Ireland

A modern Italian restaurant in a traditional house on Nguyễn Thái Học, in the ancient town. If you get bored of Vietnamese food or need a change this was a decent Italian in an upscale setting.

Address: 96 Nguyễn Thái Học, Hội An, Vietnam

A trattoria on Via Sant'Abbondio in Azzano, on the hillside above Tremezzina. Lovely traditional trattoria using fresh local ingredients in all their dishes.

Address: Via Sant'Abbondio, 8, 22016 Azzano CO, Italy

A long-established restaurant on Via XXIV Maggio in Gargnano, with an intimate dining room, a deep wine list and lake fish on the menu. This is a family-owned restaurant but with the feel of a very upscale fine dining establishment. The dining room is beautifully done with interesting art work on the walls. The food is of the highest quality especially the pasta.

Address: Via XXIV Maggio, 5, 25084 Gargnano BS, Italy

The restaurant Lidia and Guido Alciati first opened in 1961, now out at Fontanafredda in Serralunga d'Alba, right in Barolo country. This was a wonderful meal, and actually it was the first time I ever tried vitello tonnato (they tucked the sauce inside so you can't tell in the photo). While it is fine dining style, it still incorporates many local dishes (but an inventive spin on each). Every single dish was delicious.

Address: Via Alba, 15, 12050 Fontanafredda CN, Italy

The Italian restaurant of the Four Seasons on Veleslavínova, a few steps from the Vltava, is built around a crudo bar, pasta made in-house, and a wood-fired oven, with the castle on the far bank. Very good quality Italian cuisine, and the interiors are lovely.

Address: Veleslavínova 1098/2a, Staré Město, 110 00 Praha-Praha 1, Czechia

A little Piedmontese trattoria on 14th Avenue on Capitol Hill that opened in 2008, all about handmade pasta like the tajarin. Really delicious and fresh pasta.

Address: 1531 14th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

A casual Italian place on Via Veglia in the village that opened in December 2018 in an old shoemaker’s workshop, and it’s named after the last bite of bread you use to mop up the sauce. It got a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2025. I had the tomato salad and the tagliolini with truffles, and the tagliolini was really good. It’s a casual place and the service is super friendly.

Address: Via Veglia 11, 7500 St. Moritz, Switzerland

The downtown branch of Fabio and Maria Trabocchi’s pasta restaurant, named after the women in Emilia-Romagna who roll out fresh pasta by hand, with a pasta station making it fresh every day. Was the best penne alla vodka I've ever had.

Address: 1099 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States

The Cipriani family's quieter place on Giudecca, looking back across the water. It was definitely a beautiful view (despite some stormy weather that day) but it lacks the charm of Harry's Bar. Now I know some people may say Harry's restaurants in Venice are overpriced. That may be true, but the food is delicious and that's what I prioritise.

Address: Fondamenta S. Biagio, 773, 30133 Venezia VE, Italy

The grill at Aman Rosa Alpina in San Cassiano, with a terrace looking out at the Dolomites and a wine list running into the thousands. They fire fresh pizzas at dinner too. Really a top-tier restaurant in terms of the quality of their ingredients.

Address: Strada Micurà de Rü, 20, 39036 San Cassiano BZ, Italy

A grill house on Via Luigi Cadorna in Como, cooking over an open wood fire, with a glass-fronted ageing room for its beef. Cosy little Trattoria with solid, simple and satisfying dishes.

Address: Via Luigi Cadorna, 26, 22100 Como CO, Italy

An early twentieth-century villa on the Gardone Riviera lakefront, its dining room set in wooded grounds that run out onto a pontoon over the water. Interestingly, this villa belonged to Mussolini's mistress and they used to meet here for their trysts. The food is very good but leans more inventive than traditional.

Address: Corso Giuseppe Zanardelli, 150, 25083 Gardone Riviera BS, Italy

An Emilia-Romagna restaurant on East 20th Street in the Flatiron District, built around handmade pasta, from anolini di Parma to gramigna with a slow-braised sausage ragù in bianco. Great quality pasta dishes, also delicious mortadella and stracciatella starters.

Address: 27 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

The Paris outpost of the Milanese seafood group, on the seventh floor of La Samaritaine inside the Cheval Blanc, serves crudos and pasta such as spaghetti with Galician sea urchins. The food here is just as delicious as it is in Milan, and they boast a fantastic view of Paris to boot.

Address: Cheval Blanc Paris, 8 Quai du Louvre, 75001 Paris, France

An osteria right in the centre of Alba with a courtyard inside, run by the same people behind Boccondivino in Bra, where the Slow Food movement began. Super flavourful local dishes that are truly satisfying. This is my second favourite in Piedmont.

Address: Piazza Michele Ferrero, 5, 12051 Alba CN, Italy

An Italian restaurant on Rua de Passos Manuel, in a room of stone walls and wooden galleries where the shelves are stacked with the products they cook from. Chef Pedro Rocha's kitchen sits between Italy and Portugal, and the grilled octopus and the squid ink linguine are the dishes people come back for.

Address: R. de Passos Manuel 18, 4000-381 Porto, Portugal

The Emilian restaurant on Piazza del Popolo, opened in the 1960s by Ettore Tomaselli and a fixture of Roman life ever since, with tagliatelle al ragù and bollito misto on a menu that has barely moved. The first time I tried Dal Bolognese was 27 years ago, but I still go there because they are consistently excellent.

Address: Piazza del Popolo, 1, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

A trattoria in San Giovanni, on the edge of the city, that Giovanni Suban opened in 1865 with his winnings from the Austrian lottery, and it’s still run by the same family six generations later. The cooking is Triestine and Karst food like jota soup and palacinke, and guests have included Pope John Paul II.

Address: Via Emilio Comici 2, 34128 Trieste TS, Italy

The place is really cosy but a little overly packed. Great food and an extensive wine list. Dishes change periodically with the seasons.

Address: 10 William St, William Street, Paddington NSW 2021, Australia

A Cialfi family trattoria on Via dell'Arancio, just off Via del Corso, opened by Settimio Cialfi in 1973 and now in its third generation. Lovely family owned restaurant with traditional Roman dishes.

Address: Via dell'Arancio, 50, 00186 Roma, RM, Italy

A restaurant in St Anne's Square, in the Cathedral Quarter. A solid choice for Italian food in Belfast.

Address: St Anne's Square, 11 Edward Street, Belfast BT1 2LR, United Kingdom

Franz Castlunger's kitchen at the Hotel Armentarola in San Cassiano, working with produce from the Ladin valley farms. Two dining rooms, a stube and a terrace. One of the best meals I had in the Dolomites. The chocolate gelato was the best I have had by far across the Dolomites and still one of the best I've ever had.

Address: Prè de Vì, 12, 39036 San Cassiano BZ, Italy

A pizzeria on Salita Cernaia, one of the stepped lanes in the old centre of Bellagio. While Bellagio is chaotic this felt like a nice little escape from the crowds. The pizza was delicious.

Address: Salita Cernaia, 14, 22021 Bellagio CO, Italy

An osteria on Via Bastione in Riva del Garda, at the northern tip of the lake, serving Garda sardines, chub meatballs and carne salada. Hearty local dishes and a good wine list.

Address: Via Bastione, 1, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy

A family restaurant on Piazza Roma in Bra, now run by the fourth generation and cooking traditional Piedmontese food since 1919, with tables outside under the wisteria. Delicious and simple local dishes.

Address: Piazza Roma, 18, 12042 Bra CN, Italy

A fish and seafood restaurant on the Limmatquai, run jointly by the Bianchi and Bindella families, whose fish shop stood on the same quay for a century. Delicious Italian food in a really lovely setting.

Address: Limmatquai 82, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Matthew Accarrino's Italian restaurant on Fillmore Street, which held a Michelin star from 2013 to 2021 and is still listed in the guide. They serve tasting menus made with locally sourced ingredients. The pasta set menu is especially delicious. Great wine list as well.

Address: 1911 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

A Tuscan restaurant in the Antinori family's palazzo, off Via de' Tornabuoni. A really beautiful restaurant with excellent quality food.

Address: Piazza degli Antinori, 3, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Norbert Niederkofler's restaurant in a historic manor house in the Anterselva valley, at Rasun di Sopra. You can tell the ingredients are super fresh and local. Everything tasted great here and the setting was very cosy.

Address: Via Valle d'Anterselva, 24, 39030 Rasun-Anterselva BZ, Italy

The Istanbul branch of the Milanese Italian restaurant, on Ahmet Adnan Saygun Caddesi in Etiler. If you want a break from Turkish food this is a great place for a decent Italian meal.

Address: Ahmet Adnan Saygun Cd., Etiler, 34340 Beşiktaş, İstanbul, Turkey

A fish restaurant on Via Armando Diaz in Como, opened by three sisters from Sardinia, with fregola and bottarga alongside the Italian classics. Modern Italian dishes that are tasty and not complicated.

Address: Via Armando Diaz, 40, 22100 Como CO, Italy

An osteria in the Passage des Panoramas run by Sardinian-born chef Simone Tondo, cooking from Italian produce with daily dishes such as vitello tonnato and ricotta ravioli. Really cute place with delicious food.

Address: 8 Pass. des Panoramas, 75002 Paris, France

An osteria on Via Cattedrale in the white old town of Ostuni, a few steps from the cathedral, cooking Apulian staples.

Address: Via Cattedrale, 8, 72017 Ostuni BR, Italy

A family-run taverna on Via del Politeama in Trastevere, hung with hams and lined with bottles, where the pasta arrives at the table in the steel pan it was finished in. A beautiful place for a meal, especially when the weather is good and you can sit outside.

Address: Via del Politeama, 23/25, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

A small Italian restaurant on Via Ariberto, off Corso Genova. I've been to Rovello even before they moved locations and I've never had a bad meal there. Really delicious but simple (not overcomplicated) dishes and the staff are super friendly.

Address: Via Ariberto, 3, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

The Mussner family's chalet restaurant up at Plan de Gralba, above Selva di Val Gardena. Great casual restaurant with local specialities. Although, I went for the Wiener schnitzel as it's one of my favourite dishes.

Address: Str. Plan de Gralba, 37, 39048 Selva di Val Gardena BZ, Italy

A Tuscan bistro beside the turtle lagoon at Jumeirah Al Naseem, with a menu built on produce from the Il Borro estate's own biodynamic farm. Great quality Italian fare in a lovely setting.

Address: Jumeirah Al Naseem, 906 Jumeirah St, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

An Italian restaurant on Rua do Olival in Lapa, opened in 1999 by Tanka Sapkota and known for its truffle dishes. Solid Italian fare in a cosy setting.

Address: R. do Olival 258, 1200-744 Lisboa, Portugal

The Italian restaurant of J.K. Place Paris, the Left Bank hotel on Rue de Lille from the group behind J.K. Place Capri and J.K. Place Roma. Fantastic Italian restaurant; everything was good, especially the tortellini in brodo (which I don't have a clear photo of).

Address: 82 Rue de Lille, 75007 Paris, France

An osteria in the old centre of Ostuni, open since 1984 and extended in 1987 into the sixteenth-century cave next door that held the town's communal oven, with a second room in the granary that fed it, cooking Apulian dishes.

Address: Via Gaetano Tanzarella Vitale, 47, 72017 Ostuni BR, Italy

A long-running Italian restaurant on Prospect Street in Georgetown, open since 1992 and well known as the place where politicians, diplomats and visiting celebrities go to eat.

Address: 3251 Prospect St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

Nice little Italian restaurant on Little Bourke St with pan European influences. Also famous for their bread.

Address: 367 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

The restaurant at Hotel Badia Hill in Badia, cooking to a "Dolomites to Sea" idea – alpine produce with things brought up from the coast. They make the tiramisu at your table and it's very good. Best dish was the agnolotti. The outside seating is lovely and they usually have a bonfire going when it's a cold night.

Address: Str. Damez, 2A, 39036 Badia BZ, Italy

A seasonal Florentine kitchen on Piazza dei Nerli in San Frediano, part restaurant and part salotto, with local craftwork on show. More modern than a typical trattoria but it was good and the restaurant is pleasantly designed.

Address: Piazza dei Nerli, 8r/10r, 50124 Florence FI, Italy

An osteria on Via XX Settembre in Varenna, on the eastern shore, in an old lakeside warehouse converted in 2007 and run by Chef Giuseppe and his family. Great traditional Osteria with delicious pasta.

Address: Via XX Settembre, 20, 23829 Varenna LC, Italy

A small family trattoria off Piazza Barberini serving the food of Emilia rather than Rome. It opened in 1931 and has been run by the Latini family since 1967, with the pasta rolled by hand where you can watch, and tortellini in brodo among the dishes it is known for. They are famous for their pumpkin ravioli. While it was not the best one I have ever had, it's still very good.

Address: Via degli Avignonesi, 22, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

The Italian restaurant the Paradiso brothers opened on Challis Avenue in Potts Point in 2001. Really great simple traditional Italian dishes.

Address: 12-16 Challis Ave, Potts Point NSW 2011, Australia

An Italian restaurant on Piazza Santo Stefano. This was a really lovely discovery for me. I was in Milan during Design Week, so it was really difficult to find reservations in my usual places, which led me to Ciciarà. It's especially nice for solo dining as they have a counter. They change their menu seasonally but I'm sure they will always have something delicious to try each time. I had the pasta with lamb and it was perfect.

Address: Piazza Santo Stefano, 8, 20122 Milano MI, Italy

A Tuscan cellar restaurant on Via del Trebbio, known for bistecca. Famous for its interior design which was pretty cool they also have some great Florentine dishes.

Address: Via del Trebbio, 1r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

A mountain restaurant in Corvara cooking to the seasons, with a Ladin streak running through it. Delicious local dishes and a very charming setting.

Address: Str. Pé de Corvara, 10, 39033 Corvara in Badia BZ, Italy

Great restaurant that came highly recommended to me by locals. The only issue is it was a bit far from the centre of town and when I'm in Rome I like to stay on foot most of the time. But it's worth the cab ride as the setting is lovely and food is great.

Address: Via di Monte Testaccio, 97, 00153 Roma, RM, Italy