Here is a sampling of some of the Best and Most Expensive Restaurants in the world that I've visited:
Disclaimer: Sorry if you are offended by this expensive huge restaurant post, I’m not trying to brag, just trying to give you ideas if you’re going on vacation where it is worth it to splurge a little and spend your money. I have had the privilege of accompanying my parents on business trips and family trips and I am very grateful, but my palette is now very spoiled by some of the best food out there :) If only I could cook like that.
L’Atelier by Joel Robuchon (Vegas and Paris)
Locations in Vegas and Paris. Amazing small plates where you can pour the mashed potatoes out of a teapot. Best quail I have ever eaten. Pot de creme for dessert by a world famous chef. My parents met him when they were at the Vegas restaurant one night and they say that was one of their proudest moments.
Addison by William Bradley at the Grand Del Mar Hotel (Del Mar, California)
Only 5 Diamond rated restaurant in ALL of Southern California (including LA). All the restaurants at this 5 star hotel in Del mar are AMAZING, but Addison takes the cake for most courses, most amount of food, best tasting, and most expensive. On par with Sage at the Aria and L’Atelier, few restaurants in the world compare to this place if you are looking for the ultimate in culinary experience and service.
Schloss Hotel Kronberg in Frankfurt, Germany
This restaurant is located at an exclusive resort outside of Frankfurt and Bad Hamburg in west Germany. We had an amazing five course french meal for half the price as the food in Paris and equally amazing. The lady sitting next to us had a $10,000 purse on her shoulder, so you know this place was legit.
Grand Hotel Mackinac Island, Michigan
If you are looking for a fun way to spend a weekend or a honeymoon in the midwest, Mackinac Island is a blast from the past. This place has the best fudge and NO CARS allowed on the island. Horses pull carriages everywhere, and the highlight of the island is the Victorian Grand Hotel (very similar to the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego). The best smoked chicken chowder soup I have ever had. One drawback, it’s like going to a country club, men have to wear ties and coats and ladies have to wear a dress.
General Store restaurant by Beverly Gannon in Hali’imaile Maui
The drive to get here is long and bumpy, but definitely worth it. Even our sea sick passengers enjoyed their meal. Best mango margaritas and overall great seafood-inspired meal. My dad and I fought over the remainder of the appetizers.
Paul Beaucuse in Lyon, France
This was the most over-the-top extravagant restaurant my parents and I have ever been to. The brocade in the restaurant looked ridiculous, along with the gold silverware and the waiters dressed all in white. It is also the most expensive meal my parents say they have ever had. We tried it since Paul Beaucuse is a world famous chef and it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Also, this is the only time my dad ate or will ever eat veal kidneys. The servers were obnoxious but I felt like I was having dinner with the queen.
Marche Moderne in South Coast Plaza Orange County California
This is a nice little French restaurant near Nordstroms at South Coast Plaza. The pork belly is amazing and the service is always impeccable. The only other French restaurants worth it in Irvine-Costa Mesa area are Pinot Provence at the Westin and Basilic on Balboa Island.
Merriman’s Restaurant, Waimea Big Island of Hawaii
Amazing seafood and steak if that’s what you’re into. Tiny old building in beautiful rainforest town of Waimea. Going here for dinner is a Hawaiian tradition in my family, but bring a jacket because Waimea isn’t always as warm or dry as the beach area.
(these next three are from my previous Vegas post)
STK at the Cosmopolitan Vegas
Amazing steak and wine at the Cosmopolitan. Loved the ambiance and the menu for a contemporary steak dinner. I drank a lot and talked with family, so I admit I don’t remember every detail except that the service was great and there was not a bad bite of food that night.
Sage at the Aria Vegas
BEST meal other than L’Atelier in Vegas. Five course meal was a lot at over 100 dollars per person but one of the best restaurant experiences I have had. (I will post more about best restaurants in the world I have been to later). I had caramel coated scallops and an amazing chocolate flavored short rib and they had BACON bread. Need I say more?! Oh yeah, the drinks were fantastic and the dessert was amazing. The service was FLAWLESS. They would get a 5 Diamond rating in my book.
Gordon Ramsey (London and Vegas)
Amazing amazing meal. The meal began with the best martini I have had in a while and the bread selection included over 5 different kinds that all tasted like a pastry shop. The steaks were Ruth’s Chris worthy and custom cut, but very expensive. I loved the restaurant and the ambiance until we got the bill and they had charged us 10 dollars for a bottle of water. Try his Bread Street Kitchen restaurant near St Paul’s in London for another dose of awesome.
Great Maple at Fashion Island in OC California
I am obsessed with cheese and meat plates and they always have the best. Formerly known as Rustica, this place is also known for their flatbreads, pizzas, and delicious dessert. They have great drinks too and are located right next to Nordstroms.
Pelican Hill in OC California
This hotel rivals the Grand del Mar in San Diego. Beautiful tuscan style resort, the dining room has a gorgeous view down the hill all the way to the ocean. The main restaurant Andrea is a fancy Italian place, but if you’re looking for more casual, you can eat at the Grill and sit on the porch to watch the sunset.
Yellowtail in Bellagio Vegas
As I said in the Vegas post, this place has the best sushi japanese-inspired food in Vegas. Great for large parties, or for eating before going clubbing at the Bank in Bellagio.
Andina in Portland
This is an amazing trendy place in Portland with Peruvian cuisine. Most interesting spices I have eaten in a while, other than Indian food, and their bread had three dipping sauces which I always find interesting. I remember everything I ate there was delicious, and it is located in a fun area of downtown.
Blue Hour in Portland
Very fancy, this restaurant had white chairs with dark colored curtains hanging throughout the restaurant for a cozy romantic feel. The food and service are always fantastic and the bar makes really strong drinks.
Star Noodle in Maui
one word- Malasadas. Caramel dipped warm donuts melting in your mouth deliciousness. Amazing pad thai and asian-inspired food. Even the people that like boring steak and potatoes kind of food will love this place.
Olives by Todd English at the Bellagio in Vegas
All I need to say is there was WHITE CHOCOLATE bread and it was heavenly. Yes, I judge restaurants on what type of bread they serve.
Gulfstream in Newport Beach California
This is a regular spot for my family. The have amazing ice cream sundaes with perfect chocolate sauce, and a giant ahi tuna burger with tiny string french fries. They also own the restaurants in Newport: Banderas and R+D at Fashion Island. Their food is perfect every time, we’ve never had a bad experience.
Harbor Grill on the Big Island of Hawaii (discontinued) Honorable Mention
This restaurant is no longer open and it makes me beyond sad. This is the location where I ate at least a pound of prime rib (possibly two) as a growing teenager. They have koa wood smoked meat, which was the most interesting flavor, I cannot even describe it to you. The only thing I like better than an amazingly prepared steak is SMOOTHIES, so you know it was good.
Old Vine restaurant in Costa Mesa California
This is a tiny restaurant located in “The Camp” anti-mall in Costa Mesa. It’s located near Native Foods and Umami Burger, and you can have a wine selection with each course they serve, but watch out if you don’t agree with the waiter, he’s grumpy.
Nobu in Downtown San Diego
This is the most expensive sushi place ever but they make my favorite martini Passion Fruit White Chocolate. If you want to impress your date, this is where you go. The only martini that’s better than this in my opinion is the Watermelon Drop at the Melting Pot.
Lawrys Los Angeles, California
Best steak dinner, traditional and delicious. Don’t forget two helpings of yorkshire pudding and those meatball appetizers while you wait for your table. Don’t order the rabbit though if they have it on special, or I will have to hurt you.
Ruths Chris Anaheim California
The best sizzling steaks that money can buy. Try the blue cheese topping for extra amazing deliciousness. I don’t think this place will ever go out of style. Recently I went with my parents and ordered a surprisingly good elderflower cocktail as well. The only thing they don’t have is Mastro’s gorgonzola mac ‘n cheese.
Truluck’s in La Jolla, California
This restaurant is located near the Hyatt by UCSD, and has the best lobster for surf n turf that I have ever had. Perfect for eating out on New Year’s Eve, the staff knows what they’re doing and if you don’t want to spend as much, split everything with your date and you’ll still have plenty to eat.
I do have a master restaurant list for different cities, so here it is if you’re interested:
Santa Barbara, California
Elements
Blenders *better than Jamba*
Freebirds
Natural Cafe
Silvergreens
San Diego
Phil's BBQ
The Cottage for brunch in La Jolla
Living Room
Urban Plate in Del Mar Heights
Prep Kitchen *owned by Whisk n ladle*
Whisk ‘n ladle
Burger Lounge *best burger*
Chocolat Cafe- best crepes in Hillcrest
Stacked -build your own burger with pretzel buns
Croutons -like Silvergreens in SB
Grand del Mar -Addison or Amaya for lunch on the patio
Nobu
Truluck’s in La Jolla
Japengo in La Jolla
Cozymel's in UTC La Jolla
which wich in Pacific Beach
melting pot
urban solace in Northpark
Searsucker downtown
Burlap *same company as Searsucker?*
Linkery in Northpark
Karl Strauss -beer, beer, beer
Stone Oven at the mall -focaccia bread
Orange County, California
Great Maple (formerly known as Rustica)
Bruxie -waffles, waffles everywhere
Umami Burger -also in LA
Gulfstream
Marche Modern
Pelican Hill’s Andrea or the Grill
Old Vine in Costa Mesa
Lawry's (cheaper version in south coast plaza)
the Habit -get teriyaki, bacon, and avocado on your burger
Roy's -seafood
Native foods -all vegan menu
neiman marcus’s Mariposa -strawberry butter on your breaded popover
Seasons 52 (also now open in UTC San Diego)
Ruth's Chris
Javier's -best drinks and high end mexican food
Katsuya -in Laguna
True food Kitchen -funky and delicious
LA
Cafe Gratitude -life affirming
Maison Akira -in Pasadena, French japanese fusion
Lawry's
Umami Burger
Sprinkles cupcakes -only ice cream and cookies store
Wurstkuche -German inspired
Hawaii
General store in Maui
Star Noodle in Maui
Aloha Plate in Maui, mixed plate at its best
Alan Wong’s on Oahu
Merriman's
Europe
London:
Claridge's for tea (very expensive)
Gordon Ramsey’s Bread street kitchen
Garrison Pub
Imli -Indian restaurant in Soho
Mango Tree- Dimsum at Harrods department store
Inn the Park -more reasonable for great tea, at St James Park
Crussh -juice bars with cheap breakfast all over london, the one we went to was at The Brunswick mall in White Hall near Russell Square
Nando’s -cheap eats amazing african restaurant with Peri Peri sauce
Berlin, Germany:
Phoenix lounge in Schonberg Berlin for biggest brunch ever
Cafe Retro with literally the best lemon bars in the world
12 Apostle for great pizza
Midtown Grill at the Marriott -different kinds of sea salt on your bread and steak YUM
Coa -at the Sony Center between the Ritz and Marriott, asian inspired fusion food
basement of the Lafayette Galleries -we had pasta with truffles
Paris:
L'atelier by Joel Robuchon
le Cerisae -tiny amazing restaurant (I ate wild boar)
Laduree Bakery (of course)
George V cafe (on the Champs Elysees)
Vegas
Gordon Ramsey Steak at Paris
Sage at the Aria
L’Atelier at MGM
STK at Cosmo
Olives at Bellagio
Yellowtail at Bellagio
Coca Cola store (near MGM) try their around the world soda sampler for $7
Paris Buffet
Aria Buffet
Cosmopolitan Brunch (BEST BRUNCH IN VEGAS) it’s called the Wicked Spoon
Serendipity
Tea at Mandarin Oriental
Sugar Factory
Portland, Oregon
The Vault for the best martinis
Voodoo Donuts (try the maple bacon bar)
Le Pigeon -best french food, shady area
Irving street kitchen
Blue hour
The Nines hotel Urban farmer restaurant
Andina
Genoa for Italian food
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