Since we were short on time, we turned to a couple of trusted experts for recommendations. First was Chef Wayne Cheng, who was born and raised in Hong Kong, and the next was Eric Madonna, owner of one of our favorite bars in Brooklyn, who recently appeared on our podcast and visited Hong Kong last year.

A few spots were already on our hit list, but their insider tips helped us refine our plans and make the most of our trip.

We always try to strike a balance between local, casual or street food and a few standout fine-dining spots. With just 48 hours in Hong Kong, we focused on the casual classics like dim sum and pineapple buns while making time for a couple of great cocktail bars along the way. We stayed in Soho, so most of our stops were walkable, then we ventured a short Uber ride away for a couple of places.

Lin Heung Lau

I feel like dim sum is a great place to start when in Hong Kong. Eric suggested Lin Heung Lau, a centrally located dim sum and teahouse. It’s actually been reopened twice and is moving location in March, which is a shame as this location is iconic.

The cart sits in the middle of the room and you have to go over to it with your punch card. They put everything on a tray and you carry it to your table. It seemed like sometimes they seat you with strangers but but we had our own tiny table to indulge in the dim sum.

Our dim sum order

• Char siu bao; okay, nốt that much meat inside

• Siu mai

• Shrimp dumplings

• A dish wrapped in rice rolls that I wasn’t too sure what it was

• A pot of tea

Total dining cost: 250HK

I believe chicken feet is one of their signature dishes but we opted out of that one. The dishes were tasty and affordable classics but nothing out of this world. Still, a fun thing to do since it’s pretty easy to pop in, try a few things and soak in the atmosphere.

Kwan Kee Claypot Rice

Wayne Cheng told us this charcoal-grilled claypot rice spot was worth the one hour wait, and he wasn’t wrong. Apparently they’re also famous for their pork bone soup as nearly every table had the massive pot but it seemed bit ambitious for just the two of us.

Here, you’ll likely be seated with strangers, which is all part of the charm. We didn’t speak a word of Cantonese, and there was very little English around us, but we exchanged plenty of smiles and cheers’s. Being the only white people in the room felt like the best possible sign that the food was going to be delicious.

We planned to order two claypot rice dishes, but accidentally requested one without rice. It worked out in our favor as we were starving by then and the dish arrived quickly.

First dish — claypot, no rice

• This was a sleeper hit. It came out looking unassuming but there was plenty of flavors packed inside the sauce — loads of ginger, a ton of garlic and coconut with a gravy like consistency.

2nd dish — claypot with rice & pork

• This one came out piping hot with that crispy bottom rice. You can add soy sauce to your liking which sort of added to the crispiness.

We washed both of these down with a big bottle of properly icy Tsingtao lager.

One Kitchen

We really wanted to try some roast duck while in Hong Kong so made the choice to stop at One Kitchen. We ordered the combo of roast goose and roast pork and actually preferred the roast pork! The fat was full of umami and just melted in your mouth.

Mak Man Kee Noodle Shop

We wanted somewhere to eat close to the port where we’d be boarding the cruise ship so it was perfect that Wayne had suggested this 60 year old no-frills noodle shop. It was about a 20 minute walk away so by the time I got there I was certainly ready for the healthy little portion of bouncy noodles and wontons with a simple, clean broth. Just the nourishment I needed to make it back to the ship. Si went for the roast pork with noodles and a side of broth and was equally satisfied.

Bar Leone

Of course I had heard of Bar Leone since it was recently named #1 in the world on the 50 Best Bars list, what I didn’t realize is that it was an Italian bar in Hong Kong. So I was in no expecting to sip on the best martini of my life while there.

The service was excellent service from start to finish. They were speedy but nothing felt rushed. We were asked about another round when we were low and were given complimentary amaro at the end. When I went to the restroom and came back to see my drink had gone missing I quickly realized they had placed it in the fridge for me to keep it cold - definitely a fan of this level of service. Si was a little miffed that we were charged and extra10 hdk for ice in his amaro though!

• Filthy Martini — gorgeous in-house cherry smoked olive brine & olives.

• Olive Oil Sour — another tasty drink.

• Amaro on ice

• The Manhattan — booze forward, Si was a fan.

Cheung Hing Coffee Shop

We arrived at 10:10am and waited around 30 minutes to be seated in the cafe. There’s always the option for take away from the window if you’re in more of a hurry.

The egg tart was more on the savory than the sweet side than I expected. I got the plate of ham & eggs and upgraded my bread to a pineapple bun, adding the ham & eggs to the bun for a perfect sweet and savory combo! The buns were light and chewy with that delicious sugar shell.

Kinsman

Another one of Wayne’s recommendations was Kinsman, a stylish cocktail bar with a funky design and a menu inspired by Chinatowns around the world. Many of the drinks lean herbal and a little sweet, like the Flower Years and Kaya Toast, while highlighting local and Southeast Asian ingredients.

We visited on our first night and, still hungry, paired our cocktails with the shrimp toast: deep-fried crispy toast packed with ground shrimp and a whole shrimp in the center. A killer bite. The pork patty bao was just okay. Service wasn’t the most attentive, even sitting at the bar; we had to flag someone down both times we wanted to order, and finished dishes lingered on the counter longer than expected but the atmosphere and creative drinks still made it a fun stop.

The Old Man

The Old Man is tucked away in Soho and offers an Ernest Hemingway–inspired menu, with subtle literary references woven throughout the experience. They managed to do it in a way that felt refined rather than gimmicky. The unexpected playlist certainly added to the curated space — think The Smiths and Cream.

The Father and Son Caramel cocktail ended up being one of my favorite cocktails of the trip, second only to the filthy martini. It delivered an intense, rich caramel flavor while somehow staying perfectly balanced.

Bakehouse

This one seemed to be a newer, trendier bakery serving egg tarts. Theirs are sourdough ones that are creamy and have a sweeter custard than the ones at Cheung Hing Coffee Shop. They also had a a number of other things on offer from breads to European style pastries that looked pretty fantastic.

With all the eating, we kept it simple and got just 2 egg tarts from their central location. Perfect snack size to devour in just a few bites, we both loved these!

Next Up….

Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore! I actually enjoyed Hong Kong more than I had expected and wouldn't hesitate to go back but for now, can’t wait to explore more of SE Asia.

Hawai‘i’s cuisine is deeply shaped by Asian influences and blended with Native Hawaiian traditions to create a distinct and unique food culture. During the plantation era of the late 1800s and early 1900s, plantation owners recruited laborers from Japan, China, the Philippines, Korea, and Portugal, whose culinary traditions left a lasting impression. Today Hawai’i’s largest more recent immigration population is from the Philippines, followed by Japan, China, and Korea; with each country’s cuisine directly impacting the culinary landscape.

Shaped by influences from the islands and across the globe, Hawaiʻi is a truly unique place to dine.

This guide shares our favorite poke shops, food trucks and dining experiences around the island. There are plenty more place we didn’t make it to on this trip, but have saved for next time!

• Where to Eat & Drink on Oahu

• Iconic Dishes of Hawai’i

• Oahu Hit List & Map

Before we jump into it, you’ll need to know the lay of the land. Oahu can be split up into five main regions:

• Waikiki/Honolulu (south shore)

• The North Shore

• Leeward Coast (west side)

• Central

• Windward Coast (east side)

The Waikiki area is best for those looking for a more metropolitan feel, but with the beach right on your door step. There’s no shortage of restaurants, bars and shopping.

The North Shore is basically the complete opposite of Waikiki. It’s where countryside meets the sea and has a completely laidback feel. However, the nightlife is definitely lacking.

The Leeward Coast has secluded beaches and rural towns as well as a luxury resort town, Ko Olina.

Central Oahu is where you can see Pearl Harbor and explore the island’s plantation heritage.

The Windward Coast has scenery for days. It’s full of charming communities, botanical gardens, nature reserves, and the impressive Kualoa Ranch.

Where to Eat & Drink in Honolulu

Waikiki

Maguro Spot

This place is smack dab in the middle of Waikiki. There’s usually a line but it goes pretty quickly. I loved that they have a small poke bowl option on the menu for just $7! You should definitely try the ahi and the blue marlin here which they source each morning from the market.

Marugame

If there’s one place you’ve definitely seen pop up, it’s Marugame. The concept originated in Japan and now has 800+ locations globally. Yes, it’s a bit touristy — but the house-made udon noodles in broth are legit delicious and surprisingly affordable for Waikiki.

The Deck

We stayed at the Queen Kapiʻolani for a couple of nights and loved their happy hour at The Deck — cocktails, bites, and unreal views of Diamond Head.

HeyDay Tiki Bar & Green Lady Cocktail Room

At the White Sands Hotel there are two great bar options. HeyDay Tiki Bar is poolside and has swings instead of your average bar seat and some great tropical drinks whereas the Green Lady Cocktail Room is a speakeasy style spot doing classic and inventive craft cocktails.

Dowtown & Chinatown

Fête

Fête is a farm-to-table gem by Hawaiʻi native Robynne Maii. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Chef Maii is the first Native Hawaiian woman to win a James Beard Foundation award. She owns Fête and Mille Fête with her husband, Chuck, who she actually met while working in NYC.

Her dedication to sourcing is what drew us in, but her execution is what brought us back for a second time. The delicate fried pork and local fish were both hearty yet refined.

Maguro Brothers

One of my favorite spots for raw fish was Maguro Brothers. No fancy bowls here — just clean, simple sashimi, hand rolls, and poke done right. They’re only open in the day, but they’re Waikiki location is open in the evening.

Mama Guava

Leave it to us to find an incredible Filipino food pop-up. Mama Guava by Chef Monique Cadavona is a must — the fish curry and lumpia are absolutely worth seeking out. While we were there she was popping-up in the old Pig & Lady space so make sure to check her Instagram for updates!

Skull & Crown

If you’re in Chinatown and in the mood for a fiery tiki drink Skull & Crown is a great shout. It can definitely get busy on the weekends so you might want to book ahead! The bartender was super friendly here and even gave us some good hikes to try on the trip.

Sing Sing Thai Street

Sing Sing Thai Street Food is a somewhat newcomer to the neighborhood but has quickly become popular for their flavor packed Thai dishes. Ran by husband and wife team Palm and Pui, Chef Maii says she could go for any dish on the menu!

Maze

Maze offers a unique tasting menu with cocktail pairings and recently earned a two star review from The New York Times. A must for a special night out. I savored every morsel, especially the smoked salmon toast and the beef cheek!

Bar Leather Apron

It’s a bit of a weird location but Bar Leather Apron serves fantastic spirit forward drinks, no where else on the island compares.

Tanioka’s

What makes Tanioka’s special is that they don’t just do insanely fresh poke — they also serve fried chicken and other crunchy sides. That texture combo? Absolute perfection. Chef Monique Cadavona from Mama Guava brought us here!

@eatingwithexperts

Eating with Experts on Instagram: "Local favorite poke in Hawai…

Leonard’s

If you want some of the best donuts of your life — go to Leonard’s. They’re cooked to order so you’ll want to eat the fluffy fried dough while it’s still warm.

Rainbow Drive In

For some classic plate lunches Rainbow Drive In is a go-to. We tried the two most ordered ones on the menu — loco moco & the mix plate.

Ono Seafood

This might have been one of the most recommended places to us. We certainly enjoyed it but I would pick Maguro Brothers, Tanioka’s or Maguro Spot if I had to choose!

Monsarrat Shave Ice

If you want real fruit flavor in your shave ice, head to this takeaway window called Monsarrat Shave Ice. They make all-natural syrups in-house, and it truly tastes like fruit, not sugar. Ideal after a Diamond Head hike.

Koko Head Cafe

For an island-style brunch head to Koko Head Cafe in Kaimuki. I loved the elevated twist on loco moco and the haupia pancakes were to die for.

The Pig & The Lady

We were so happy to stumble upon The Pig & The Lady pop-up at the KCC Farmer’s Market. Their pho French dip (obsessed) is 12 hr slow roasted beef brisket with thai basil chimichurri — will definitely be heading to the brick-and-mortar next time for the full menu rundown.

Where to Eat in Oahu’s North Shore

There are cafes, food trucks and bakeries sprinkled along this coast but we only got to try a few places! Highly reccommend doing some exploring on your own :)

Jenny’s

Garlic shrimp plates are simple, crave-worthy perfection — I could eat them daily. You get a pile of shrimp with your choice of sauce (i.e. butter, garlic, spicy) paired with rice and a bit of green salad. Not sure which truck is ‘the best’ — everyone’s seems to have their favorite but Jenny’s was great, go for for the spicy shrimp!

Banzai Bowls

I couldn’t think of many more ideal ways to start the morning near the beach than having an acai bowl. Banzai handcrafts each bowl with superfoods and delicious fruits.

The fact that Makua Banana Bread is also in Hale’iwa and just a few doors down gives you even more reason to stop in. Get one of the bowls then pair it with Makua’s chocolate banana bread.

Where to Eat & Drink Central Oahu

Green World Coffee Farm

An ideal stop off on the way to the North Shore, this coffee shop and farm grows their own coffee beans (known as coffee cherries), so you’re getting a bean to cup brew!

They also offer free tours on a first come, first served basis or you can wander around the small coffee orchard yourself then sit in the garden and enjoy the views.

Maui Mike’s

The fire roasted chicken at Maui Mike’s is a local favorite and offers an affordable meal if you’re stopping through Wahiawa.

They’re known for their combo meals and super tender chicken. It’s more of a quick, casual stop rather than a place to go out of your way for.

Kō Hana Distillery

A bartender made us a cocktail with Kō Hana rum and said it was his favorite one that’s made on Oahu. As well as finding it in the local bars, you can take a tour of the distillery and do tastings there.

There’s a tasting every 30 minutes throughout the day or you can buy their ready to drink cocktails and sit in the back garden with gorgeous views of the mountains.

Where to Eat Windward Coast (east side)

The Crouching Lion

For a fancier spot on this side of the island, you can try the re-opened Crouching Lion. The food is pretty good but the setting and sea view is incredible!

Yummy Huli Huli Chicken

A family-owned spot that’s been around for over 40 years, known for its kiawe wood–roasted chicken. Super tender chicken served with classic sides like rice and mac salad made for a perfect lunch after a visit to Kualoa Ranch.

Iconic Dishes to try in Hawaii

• Poke

• Mai Tai

• Leonard’s

• Shave Ice

• Garlic Shrimp

• Acai Bowls

• Saiman

• Loco Moco

• Kalua Pig (Luau) | Hawaiian BBQ

• Huli Huli Chicken

• Haupia

• Garlic Shrimp

Poke is probably one of the most well-known dishes — and easily one of my favorites. The word “poke” means “to cut,” and it was originally created by fishermen as a way to enjoy and preserve their fresh catch, seasoned simply with salt and limu, or seaweed. Today, there are endless variations, with each poke shop putting its own spin on the dish — from minimalist, traditional styles to fully loaded bowls with all the toppings.

Where to try it

• Ono Seafood

• Maguro Brothers

• Maguro Spot

• Off the Hook

• Tanioka’s

• Foodland

Loco Moco is the ultimate comfort food — an all-day kind of dish built on white rice, hamburger patties, fried eggs, and rich brown gravy. Ours from Rainbow Drive-In came with a scoop of mac salad too.

Malasadas are Portuguese-style donuts that made their way to Hawaii in the late 1800s. They’re most famously found at Leonard’s, which opened in 1953, serving them hot and fluffy with fillings like guava or haupia.

Huli Huli Chicken is a teriyaki-style chicken dish invented on Oahu — “huli” literally means “to turn,” referencing the way the chicken is flipped over the grill. We tried Yummy Huli Huli Chicken near Kuaola ranch and thought it was fantastic!

Giovanni’s started selling shrimp from a truck on the North Shore in the 1990s, sparking the food-truck shrimp craze you see today. Garlic butter was the original must-order.

Kalua Pig is a shredded pork dish traditionally cooked in an underground oven called an imu. We actually got to witness this cooking method firsthand at a luau — smoky, slow-cooked, and deeply flavorful.

Shave ice traces its roots back to the Japanese dessert kakigōri, evolving in Hawaii into a colorful, syrup-soaked classic perfect for cooling off.

And while the original Mai Tai was invented at Trader Vic’s in Oakland, California, it arrived in Hawaii in 1953 and quickly became the island’s signature cocktail. You can try one at the Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian — or honestly, just about anywhere with a bar.

Our Oahu Hit List & Map

This is where we recommend for a trip to Oahu and where we’re hitting next time!

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Home to more than 100 nationalities, Aruba’s diversity shines through its food. The island’s dining scene spans from elegant tasting menus to casual beachside shacks—and we happily tried a good selection of both.

We explored the true cuisine of the island.

Aruba’s culinary scene is influenced by a variety of cultures, from Dutch and African to Caribbean and Chinese. We did our best to taste a little bit of everything in the time that we had!

Zeerovers was the #1 most recommended local spot to us — they’re all about fried fish here. You wait at the counter and choose your selection from the catch of the day, add on some sides, grab your number and find a table on the dock. In just a few minutes you’ll be enjoying the fresh catch with a sea view. Nothing complicated here, just an affordable meal where waterfront setting is the real draw.

T2Pan Sourdough is said by many to be the best bakery on the island — serving sourdough, sandwiches and pastries. Chef Urvin chose this place as his ‘day off’ spot and took us to enjoy some of his favorite bites, which included monkey bread and croissants filled with gruyere and local ham.

Whilst we were exploring the island, we had to pull over when we spotted a giant smoker and found Pork No GraphiXXX. He was cooking up some solid ribs and sides and we got to meet a few locals whilst we waited. We’re suckers for a spontaneous snack, especially when it’s from a pop-up or a beach shack!

One of the main reasons we were on the island was to attend the 2nd annual Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival as a partner of the tourism board. The festival brings together some of Aruba’s best chefs and restaurants for a week of incredible food and festivities.

The week culminates with ‘The Pavilion.’ Set in the heart of Oranjestad’s downtown, dozens of chefs offer small plate versions of their signature dishes, making it the perfect way to sample a wide array of flavors. Honestly, both the quality of the food and the festival itself far exceeded our expectations.

• Lima Bistro — They were serving some excellent tuna tiradito with a fruity and slightly spicy aji amarillo. Had we had more time, having a full meal at their restaurant would have been added to the itinerary.

• Terra — Jeremy Ford’s brand new restaurant offering a farm-to-table experience. His carrots were surprisingly one of my favorite bites of the night!

• T2Pan — They were doing a special cashew croissant, which was fantastic, as well as a collab dish with Chef Christian Petroni consisting of some quality cheese and prosciutto wrapped sesame breadsticks. Actually a very intuitive way to do ‘charcuterie’ at a festival!

• Nusa Harbour — Here we savored lamb satay, perfectly charred over their smoky charcoal grill. Their restaurant on the harbour does family style dining where you can keep to the theme of trying multiple dishes.

• Inifni — We couldn't resist a couple more bites from such a talented chef. This time Chef Urvin teamed up with Chef Tim Golsteijn from Amsterdam to make a 1000 layer crispy potato using samba and cheese from the Netherlands!

We stayed and ate at Aruba’s newest luxury resort — St. Regis Aruba

The St. Regis Aruba opened earlier this year, perfectly positioned at the start of Palm Beach for a slightly quieter stretch of sand in one of the island’s most popular areas.

The resort features several dining options, including a café, Aruba’s only rooftop restaurant, and a poolside bar and grill.

As part of the Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival, the property hosted an exclusive atelier trail and Chef’s dinner at its signature restaurant, Eskama. The evening began on the rooftop at sunset, continued with behind-the-scenes tasting stations, and concluded with a curated menu by renowned Dutch chef Tim Golsteijn.

Things we loved about the St. Regis;

• St. Regis hotels across the globe perform a champagne sabering ritual every night at 6pm! Si couldn’t resist getting a lesson on how to perform this essential skill.

• Enjoying fresh catch ceviche with a sea view.

• Every St. Regis around the world offers the classic Bloody Mary (the original was invented at the NYC location) as well as their own unique option. In Aruba that meant one made with papaya puree and hot sauce!

Things we did (besides eat) in Aruba

Natural Bridge — Aruba’s main Natural Bridge collapsed in 2005, but there’s still a smaller natural bridge there to see and some stunning coastline, which in our opinion was more worth the journey than the bridge. If you want to explore the terrain even further, hope on one of the ATV tours that leave from here.

Catamaran day — We believe that every island should be seen from the water! Boat days are always our favorite and we love the unique perspective it gives to where ever you’re visiting. We went with Delphi Water Sports and got to swim with turtles and plenty of fish.

Alto Vista Winery — The is one of the few wineries located in the Caribbean! You can book at 90 minute tour and tasting which starts with a nature walk through cactus and the vineyards. The ocean is visible in the background, making for a pretty unique display of terrains.

What is the 50 Best and how are the winners selected?

The World’s 50 Best has been ranking restaurants and bars since 2002, but this was the first list dedicated to restaurants in North America. The ceremony was held at the opulent Wynn Las Vegas.

“Back in 2002, British magazine Restaurant – the leading publication dedicated to the UK’s restaurant trade – decided to create a list of the best restaurants in the world, based on the advice of 150 experts. The following year, that same team decided to host a celebration commemorating the announcement of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants; thus, the spirit of the awards ceremony and celebration was born.”

Eventually The World’s 50 Best Restaurants became independently run from Restaurant magazine but is still published by parent company William Reed.

300 anonymous industry experts select their top 8 dining experiences of the year and the votes are tallied up. 25% of the voters change each year. It’s a slightly different number of voters than The World’s Best Restaurants list which has 120.

In addition to the World and North America lists, there are also dedicated lists for Latin America and Asia.

Glitz Meets Gastronomy

This event surpassed all expectations. Across two days guests were treated to caviar, Peking duck, hand rolls, and expertly crafted cocktails that culminated with the black-tie ceremony where the winners were announced.

The evening was backed by main sponsor S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna as well Estrella Damm, American Express & Resy, Lee Kum Kee, and Tequila Ocho. Hosting duties fell to NYC’s Lauren Scala, who kept the energy sharp and the evening seamless.

The atmosphere was electric. The night began with a glamorous 2.5-hour red carpet cocktail reception in one of the Wynn’s ballrooms, before moving into the Encore Theatre for the official countdown. The celebrations didn’t stop there — the party carried on poolside at XS nightclub with late night food stations and endless celebratory drinks. My personal fuel for the night was a perfectly made carajillo.

The room buzzed with familiar faces — not just the winners and their teams, but also industry icons like Chef Alain Ducasse and Chef Vikas Khanna, the celebrated Indian restaurateur, alongside countless other culinary heavyweights.

We chatted with some of the winners…

To my delight, we were stationed right on the red carpet, catching the winners as they walked into the cocktail reception — before they even knew where they’d land on the list. It was such a thrilling moment, especially since we’d never experienced anything like it before.

We asked each chef that we spoke to a set of questions, one being; ‘Where do you eat on your night off?’ The question that was the driving force behind

Chef Eric Ripert is absolutely one of those icons of the food world. His restaurant Le Bernadin has held three Michelin stars since 2005, so of course, we weren’t surprise to see it placed ninth on the list.

Our first visit to Corima was in March of 2024, just a couple of months after opening. We knew pretty immediately that Chef Fidel Caballero and his partner, Sofia Ostos, had created something very unique and shot to the top of our favorite restaurants we tried that year. Corima landed at 36.

We experienced Dakar when visiting New Orleans last year and it was certainly a unique one. Chef Serigne Mbaye and Effie Richardson partner to serve a modern Senegalese tasting menu and were sixth on the list.

Chef Timothy Flores & Chef Genie Kwon are one of the many power couples who made the inaugural list, with their restaurant Kasama in Chicago at 36. It also holds the title of the first ever Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant in the world.

At Alma Fond Fina, husband and wife team Chef Johnny Curiel & Kasie Curiel created a contemporary Mexican concept in Denver that made the list at 45.

The father-son duo Chef Emeril Lagasse & Chef EJ Lagasse collaborate at Emeril’s in New Orleans which landed at 35, coincidentally the number of years the restaurant has operated.

Chef Andrew Carmellini’s namesake restaurant, Cafe Carmellini, marries Italian and French cuisine in a glamorous setting with impeccable service and made the list at 39.

Another New York chef who made the list was Chef Gregory Gourdet but this was for his Oregon restaurant Kaan which placed at 27 and serves Haitian cuisine combined with Pacific Northwest bounty.

Chef Kevin Tien, Chef Judy Beltrano and pastry Chef Susan Bae are the team behind Moon Rabbit, a Vietnamese restaurant situated in the heart of Washington D.C. who ranked at 17 on the night.

Chef Junghyun & Ellia Park’s Atomix made number one and were named ‘Best Restaurant in North America.’ They serve a 10-course tasting menu at an intimate chef’s counter.

As much as lists like this will naturally spark discussion and debate, I do think they’re an incredible thing for the industry — an industry that so many dedicate their lives to.

After speaking with several chefs and restaurateurs who made the cut, a few common threads stood out: passion, relentless dedication to their craft, and a genuine love for creating unforgettable experiences for others. Even in a brief conversation, you can feel that energy — and accolades like 50 Best offer a way to recognize not just their talent, but also their grit and creativity.

The list itself reflects a spectrum: rising young talent alongside seasoned veterans, and a mix of cuisines from around the world.

13 NYC Spots made the list, here they are in order.

1. Atomix

9. Le Bernadin

10. Le Veau d’Or

15. The Four Horsemen

18. Via Carota

23. Kono

24. Aska

33. Saga

35. Jungsik

36. Corima

38. César

39. Cafe Carmellini

40. Penny

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As much as I’ve heard of the allure of the culinary landscape in the Basque Country, all I really went with was a list of the pinxtos bars we wanted to hit.

I knew this part of the Basque Country has a culture distinct from the rest of the Spain and its own language, Euskera. What I didn’t realize was just how many ways it would feel like a world apart from some other popular Spanish destinations.

We traded Mallorca’s 100-degree heatwave for a cool temperatures, misty skies and a slight drizzle over rolling green hills that surrounded the main town. The landscape felt more like England than Spain—lush, moody and cider-loving, which immediately piqued my interest.

Luckily, in our limited research, we did ask for some recommendations from Chef Ryan Bartlow, of Ernesto’s and the newly opened Bartolo, who spent his formative years as a chef working in the Basque Country.

• A rundown of our San Sebastián pinxtos tour

• Where to eat & must-order dishes

• Eating a whole turbot in Getaria

• Hit List Map

• Where we stayed

On this initial Basque adventure, we made pintxos our top priority.

Basque cuisine is widely seen as one of the best and most unique in the world. Asador Etxebarri frequently ranks highly on lists like The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and the area has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. Pinxtos (PEEN-chos) bars are absolutely a way of life that you can only begin to understand through experiencing them for yourself.

Now let’s get to the food.

As soon as we arrived, we made our way straight to the old town, where the city’s famous pintxo bars cluster together, spilling their energy out onto the narrow streets.

It didn’t take long to realize that there would be such a large variety of pintxos on offer and that each bar had a dish or two it specialized in; here are some of those places and dishes.

La Cepa de Bernardo

Not knowing where to begin, we shimmied into one of the first places we saw, La Cepa de Bernardo. Unsure of the ordering etiquette, we hovered for a second then jumped on the tight counter space that came open when a couple of people left just to the side of us.

Luckily my small amount of Spanish and mirroring other’s orders got us by. Seeing the Ibérico hanging from the ceiling, I gathered that jamón might have been their thing so we ordered it sliced with goats cheese on the side and in the form of croquetas. I tossed in an order of tortilla de patata and couldn’t resist the pulpo a la Gallega when we saw it placed down in front of a nearby guest.

The baptism of fire at a packed and lively La Cepa was an ideal way to start, both in terms of learning the ordering process is somewhat organized chaos and getting our first tastes of the region’s legendary pintxos.

Though tired from the traveling, we wanted to hit one more spot before getting some shut eye so headed over to Ganbara but were face with a line down the street. Instead of waiting, we decided to put our name down for their comedor (full service restaurant in the basement) for the next night to try another Basque speciality, Txuleta.

Bar Antonio

We eased into the following day at Bar Antonio, a spot that’s a little further out than the others but with a reputation for having a spectacular tortilla.

Unfortunately, it was sold out by the time we got there around midday so the guy behind the bar, who was doing everything from making coffees and pouring beer to plating dishes and closing customers out, guided us in the right direction. He told us to start with some of their signature items; the scallops, prawn ravioli and oxtail in pastry.

The dishes;

• Grilled Scallops — perfectly cooked.

• Prawn Ravioli in Martini Sauce — my favorite.

• Crispy Beef Oxtail — Si’s favorite.

• Gildas — felt like it had to be done!

Like most of the pinxtos spots, Bar Antonio had efficient service, but it was also the friendliest place we went - the waiter even gave us some recommendations for other places to try.

Tamboril

Next up we hit the Michelin-recommended Tamboril. It’s quite a small space near one of the squares. The same family also own Ganbara!

We tried a couple of vegetable forward dishes here. A mushroom on a baguette slice in a soothing broth, as well as a pepper wrapped in dough and deep fried (pimiento carne) — this one did have some ground meat in the center, but vegetable forward none-the-less!

Bar Sport

We made a quick stop into Bar Sport for their sea urchin soup, which had a nice oceanic flavor and even better presentation, with it being served in the shell.

They're also known for their grilled foie gras. It’s not one of my personal favorite foods so I decided against giving up the stomach space when we still had a number of places to tick off.

You can’t just eat all day, can you?! Instead of taking a siesta at the hotel we took time for a little drink break.

First, an excellent and elegant slushy gin & tonic at Dry Bar at the Hotel Maria Cristina. A gorgeous hotel bar with drinks prices to match the high end setting. It stung a little to go from 2 Euro wine pours to 23 Euro cocktails but was worth stopping in for one.

To balance the books a little, we went for a sidra at Akerbeltz (Black Goat in Basque) on the edge of the old town. This felt like their version of a dive bar, a little grungy inside but friendly and a very nice area to hang outside and discuss important matters like what the next bite will be. Si decided to do like the locals and pour from high.

Txeptxa

While wandering the streets we spotted a queue forming and decided to try our luck by joining it. Something we generally wouldn’t do in NYC — or really any other place for that matter — but here it felt right…

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Turns out we’re not the only ones who noticed, according to a recent study by culinary school Escoffier, San Francisco actually tops NYC for multicultural dining. Pretty wild considering all of that flavor is packed into just 7x7 miles!

The thing that struck me most was how distinct each neighborhood felt. The country’s first Chinatown brims with Asian influence, the laid-back Sunset District channels the vibe of a cozy beach town and the Mission District bursts with Latino roots and an electric energy.

Everything we ate across San Francisco in 5 days

After a few days of exploring and trading tips with locals like Leif, the on-duty manager at the Beacon Hotel who generously shared his favorites, as well as with a few chefs like Tyler Florence and Seth Stowaway—my list of must-try spots grew even longer. But for now, here are the ones we loved most from this trip. (Peep the map link below for a full hit list of recommended + want-to-visit places.)

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Located in the Mission District, La Taqueria is well known for having some of the best burritos in the country. You absolutely must top it with their salsa verde to seal the deal.

Not far from La Taqueria at the corner of 23rd Street and Treat Avenue is El Gallo Giro — a food truck that’s been there for 20+ years! It remains a family business and one of those places that’s sort of still IYKYK. Loaded up carnitas or Guanajuato-style chicharrones tacos are the order here.

If you want to one of the most delicious croissants I’ve ever had, head over to Arsicault for their blackberry + almond croissant. They were bringing out racks of baked goods when we arrived so it was hard to choose but we went with the favorite of the person serving us and it did not disappoint.

Whenever Si hears the words ‘open fire cooking’ or ‘wood fired oven’ or really any combination of these, he’s immediately running there. Angler was no different, they serve a seafood-focused menu where every dish is touched by live fire in some way. The sea bream with coconut & swarnadwipa, which we ordered with a side of leeks, was delectable, just as I’m pretty sure anything you order here would be.

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to the Sunset District for dinner at Thanh Long, the home of the original garlic noodles. You must order these famous noodles with their equally famous roasted crab! They keep their recipe for these dishes so secret, it actually comes from a separate kitchen than the rest of the dishes!

There are 100’s of Italian restaurants in NYC so we usually don’t seek them out when we travel, but we were intrigued by the Italian x Cali combination at Flour & Water. No lie, some of the most delightful dishes of house made pastas I’ve ever consumed. The clear tomato broth tortellini in brodo on the tasing menu was outstanding.

If you can’t get in there, you can always try the Flour & Water Pasta Shop down the street for a more casual, classic Italian pasta experience (freshly made in house too, of course).

One thing I discovered is, the sandwich game in San Francsico is strong. I narrowed it down to trying Deli Board for their smoked meat sandwiches and Molinari’s for their sure fire Italian ones. One old school and one new-er school, when you compare them since Molinari’s has been going since 1896. I’m a sucker for a good sandwich and would certainly go back to either of these places to satisfy my craving.

If you want to go all out and treat yourself, head to Chef Tyler Florence’s steakhouse, Miller and Lux. There’s plenty of table-side preparation like the champagne service, Caesar salad and the Dover sole, but the apple of Tyler’s eye seems to be the Australian tomahawk rib eye. He said he’s really all about putting twists on the classics. Which is probably why his take on the bananas foster was an ace for this usually-skip-dessert-girly.

We felt like we could’t visit San Francisco without experiencing some of the farm to table dining so we went to Nopa for their wood fired burger & pork chop. This is one of the more casual options for farm to table dining but there’s plenty more spots to try in this category. They're serving simple, ingredient focused comfort food.

San Francisco’s Chinatown was the first one in the U.S. and at one point I believe it was the biggest. Sadly, Sam Wo which was the longest running SF Chinatown restaurant closed earlier this year but there’s still got some cool spots to check out. We opted for the Peking duck at Z&Y Peking Duck and although it can get cramped the Golden Gate Cookie Factory is alway a fun stop. I paid $2 to write out 2 of my own fortunes to go inside! I really should have made a bunch more for gifts!

The Ferry Building is home to an elevated food hall which we toured with Edible Excursions. Inside you’ll find chocolate makers, bread bakers and coffee shops as well as full service restaurants. Outside you’ll find more vendors and on multiple days of the week there are farm stalls with some of the country’s best produce.

Now, if you’re looking for cocktails, Starlite at the Beacon Grand Hotel had a pretty impressive rooftop space with drinks and bites that matched the wonderful views. It’s no surprise though as the beverage director, Scott Baird, is the founder of Trick Dog, which was just named best U.S. cocktail bar at Tales of the Cocktail. Trick Dog is absolutely another spot we’d recommend to visit - quality and creative drinks in a laid back atmosphere. Friendly bartenders too!

Stay at the Beacon Grand in Union Square for a timeless escape right in the heart of the city.

Originally opened in 1928 under a different name, The Beacon Grand has been restored to its former glory. As soon as you step through the doors the hotel emulates a perfect meeting of old world grandeur and modern touches for a timeless feeling.

The details throughout the hotel are hard to ignore whether at their bar, the Post Room, the dining space or the library. Step outside the hotel and you can hop on the streetcar in proper San Francisco fashion, making it an ideal location for exploring the city.

Our SF Hit List & Map

This is where we recommend for a trip to SF and where we’re hitting next time.

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