If food is the universal language of love, then restaurants are the global Tinder—some are a perfect match, some are overpriced heartbreaks, and others are just…strange. Whether you’re a foodie traveler who dreams of Michelin stars or someone who just wants to try fried tarantula once (for the Instagram clout), the world is full of restaurants worth the trip. From luxury spots that require selling a kidney to budget bites that taste like heaven on a shoestring, let’s explore the top restaurants around the world that everyone is buzzing about.
1. Noma – Copenhagen, Denmark
Noma isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a religion for foodies. Often ranked as the “World’s Best Restaurant,” this Copenhagen hotspot by Chef René Redzepi is famous for reinventing Nordic cuisine. Think reindeer moss, edible dirt, and ants that taste like citrus (yes, ants). A dinner here is a 20-course journey into culinary Wonderland, though your bank account may cry—it’ll set you back several hundred dollars. But hey, you’ll get to brag about eating moss in Denmark, and isn’t that priceless?
2. El Celler de Can Roca – Girona, Spain
Run by the Roca brothers, this three-Michelin-starred gem in Spain is part food, part science experiment, part performance art. With dishes like edible perfumes and desserts that arrive by mini-robot, it’s like dining inside a culinary laboratory. Bonus: you can finally tell your parents your degree in “food science” wasn’t a waste after all.
3. Osteria Francescana – Modena, Italy
Chef Massimo Bottura’s Osteria Francescana in Italy has been crowned the world’s best multiple times. His most famous dish? “Oops! I Dropped the Lemon Tart”—yes, it looks like a culinary accident, but it’s so good it’ll make you cry lemon-scented tears of joy. Reservations are harder to get than a Taylor Swift ticket, but if you do manage, it’s a dining experience you’ll never forget.
4. Dabbous – London, UK
Known for its industrial-chic vibes and for serving food that looks like modern art, Dabbous became one of London’s hottest tables within days of opening. Imagine sipping cocktails out of clay pots and eating food that looks like it belongs in a science museum. Londoners queued for months to get in—and they don’t queue for much besides tea and royal weddings.
5. Sukiyabashi Jiro – Tokyo, Japan
You might recognize this one from the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi. Jiro Ono, the sushi master, became a global legend for turning sushi into an art form. With multiple locations available, one is located in a Tokyo subway station (yes, a subway station!), the Michelin-starred spot has only 10 seats, and meals are done in about 30 minutes. Don’t even think about asking for California rolls—you’ll be escorted out faster than you can say “wasabi.”
6. El Diablo – Lanzarote, Spain
Now here’s one for the thrill-seekers: El Diablo grills its food over a live volcano. That’s right, your chicken skewers are cooked by actual lava heat. The restaurant is located on Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, and while it’s perfectly safe, nothing makes you appreciate life like eating dinner next to bubbling magma.
7. Heart Attack Grill – Las Vegas, USA
From lava to Las Vegas, here’s a restaurant that laughs in the face of health insurance. At the Heart Attack Grill, waitresses dress as nurses, guests wear hospital gowns, and if you weigh over 350 lbs, you eat free. Their “Quadruple Bypass Burger” has 9,982 calories—basically, one bite and your Fitbit explodes. It’s outrageous, it’s controversial, and it’s Vegas, baby.
8. The Rock Restaurant – Zanzibar, Tanzania
Perched on a rock in the Indian Ocean, The Rock Restaurant looks like something out of a dream. You can only get there by boat during high tide. The seafood is as fresh as it gets (probably swimming under your chair 20 minutes earlier), and the views? Stunning. Dining here feels like eating inside a postcard. Just pray you don’t get seasick.
9. O.NOIR – Montreal, Canada
At O.NOIR, you eat in complete darkness—literally pitch black. The idea is to heighten your other senses, so you appreciate the taste, smell, and texture of the food. Plus, the servers are blind, making it one of the most unique dining concepts in the world. Just don’t be surprised if you accidentally stab your date while aiming for your salad.
10. Dans Le Noir – Paris, France
Speaking of dark dining, Paris has its own version too. At Dans Le Noir, you can’t see your food—or your dining companion. Perfect if you want to focus on flavor instead of Instagramming every bite. It’s also great if your dinner date is a disaster—at least you won’t have to look at them.
11. https://trip.tp.st/FRFJFCY4
Remember James Bond in *On Her Majesty’s Secret Service*? Piz Gloria was the villain’s lair, and now it’s a revolving restaurant on a mountaintop. As you sip your martini (shaken, obviously), you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the Swiss Alps. Just try not to twirl your mustache menacingly while eating fondue.
12. Katz’s Delicatessen – New York City, USA
From Bond villains to pastrami heroes: Katz’s Deli is the world-famous NYC institution where Harry met Sally—and yes, they still get customers who re-enact that scene. Their pastrami sandwiches are legendary, piled higher than your student loan debt. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, it’s New York dining at its best.
13. Modern Toilet – Taipei, Taiwan
Here’s one of the strangest: at Modern Toilet, everything is bathroom-themed. Guests sit on toilets, food comes in mini urinals, and chocolate ice cream is served in squat-toilet-shaped bowls. It’s gross. It’s hilarious. And somehow, it’s popular. Instagram will thank you, even if your dignity won’t.
14. Hawker Centres – Singapore
On the opposite end of Michelin-priced meals, Singapore’s hawker centres are legendary for cheap street food. We’re talking $3 Michelin-starred chicken rice and noodles that put five-star restaurants to shame. It’s proof that sometimes the best meals in the world don’t require a second mortgage—just an appetite and a tray.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the most famous restaurant in the world?
Noma in Copenhagen is often considered the world’s most famous, thanks to its repeated “World’s Best Restaurant” titles.
2. Where can I eat the cheapest Michelin-starred meal?
Singapore’s hawker stalls, like Hawker Chan, offer Michelin-starred chicken rice for under $5.
3. What’s the weirdest restaurant in the world?
Modern Toilet in Taipei takes the crown for sheer strangeness, serving food in bathroom-themed containers.
4. Which restaurant has the best views?
The Rock in Zanzibar and Piz Gloria in Switzerland both offer jaw-dropping scenery alongside your meal.
5. Can I really eat food cooked on a volcano?
Yes! El Diablo in Lanzarote cooks your food over actual volcanic heat.
6. Are there restaurants where you eat in the dark?
Yes—O.NOIR in Montreal and Dans Le Noir in Paris offer pitch-black dining experiences.
7. Which restaurant is best for foodies on a budget?
Hawker centres in Singapore are a must, with Michelin-level food at budget-friendly prices.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re into gourmet experiments, food with a side of danger, or just a really good sandwich, the world’s top restaurants prove one thing: food isn’t just about eating, it’s about the story. So next time you’re traveling, skip the McDonald’s (unless it’s abroad, then yes, try the weird menu items) and give one of these world-famous restaurants a shot. At the very least, you’ll come home with a full stomach, an empty wallet, and a great story to tell.
Before You Book Your Table…
Traveling for food is one of the best excuses to hop on a plane (not that we ever need an excuse). Whether you’re dreaming of fine dining in Copenhagen, quirky eats in Taipei, or slurping noodles in Singapore, you’ll want to plan your trip smartly—and maybe even pack stretchy pants. 😉
If you’re ready to turn these restaurants into part of your own adventure, I’ve got you covered:
- 📖 Grab my bestselling travel book on Amazon for hilarious stories and travel trivia to keep you entertained while waiting for your reservation.
- ✈️ Book your flights, hotels, and tours here through my trusted affiliate page (yes, I may earn a commission—but at no extra cost to you!).
- 🛳️ Plan a food-filled cruise adventure—because unlimited buffets and midnight pizza bars deserve their own spotlight.
- 🎒 Check out my handpicked travel gear on Amazon to make sure you’re comfortable, connected, and prepared for any foodie detour.
And of course, don’t forget to join the journey on social media for more travel tips, foodie finds, and destination inspiration:
Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | X (Twitter)
Bon appétit and safe travels, fellow foodies! 🌍🍴
Travel Window Shopper 
Leave a comment