A Restaurateur’s Guide To The World’s Best Restaurants
By Aditi Dugar
The best meals are not just about what’s on the plate but the stories they tell, the atmosphere they create, and the emotions they evoke. Here is my list of favourite global dining experiences, paired with reflections on what makes these restaurants exceptional enough to rank among the world’s best.
1. Tradition meets modernity at Wing, Hong Kong
At Wing, Chef Vicky Cheng redefines Chinese cuisine with contemporary flair while staying true to the eight great cuisines of China. My meal was a masterclass in balance — between heritage and modernity, and boldness and subtlety. I had the rare privilege of experiencing their vegetarian menu, crafted exclusively for me. One standout dish was chef Vicky’s iconic hot pocket or spring roll, typically prepared with aged sea cucumber. Mine was a symphony of Maitake mushrooms and spring onions, delicate and deeply flavourful; the kind of dish you crave for months later when you’re hundreds of miles away. And then came the sesame bun — crispy on the outside, soupy on the inside, usually filled with black pepper pork. For me, chef Vicky conjured up magic with caramelised onions, a perfect interplay of texture and taste.
Why it is memorable: Dining at Wing is a reminder of how tradition, when paired with modern vision, can feel timeless yet new.
2. A family affair at Nusara, Bangkok
At Nusara, chef Tonn pays homage to his grandmother’s recipes, presenting a contemporary yet deeply soulful Thai dining experience. On my second visit, they graciously prepared a vegan menu for me, showcasing adaptability while staying true to their culinary philosophy. What elevated the experience was Nusara’s breathtaking new location, spanning four floors with a view of Wat Pho, the ancient temple that lights up beautifully at night.
Why it is memorable: A great meal transcends the plate when infused with culture, hospitality and a sense of the place.
3. The art of French dining at Odette, Singapore
Dining at Odette is always a joy. Chef Julien Royer has crafted an experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional French fine-dining. Despite the elegance and precision of the cuisine, there’s nothing stuffy about Odette. It reflects its Singaporean surroundings—fun, light, and modern. There’s no need to mind your Ps and Qs here; it’s my kind of place, where the food fine, but diners can be completely themselves.
Why it is memorable: The blend of French culinary heritage with Singapore’s lively spirit makes Odette feel unique.
4. Unbelievable hospitality at Eleven Madison Park, New York
Dining at Eleven Madison Park (EMP) was an extraordinary experience, not because of the exceptional plant-based menu but because of the unbelievable hospitality that defines this restaurant. It forces you to review how you do things at your own restaurant and up your game. Chef Daniel Humm and his team go above and beyond to create moments of surprise and delight. Every detail, from the presentation of the dishes to the warmth of the service, feels intentional and deeply personal. EMP proves that hospitality isn’t about doing what’s expected; it’s about making every guest feel seen, cared for and remembered.
Why it is memorable: The plant-based tasting menu is a stunning showcase of creativity and precision. But the hospitality trumps everything you may have encountered before.
5. A Latin American celebration at Mono, Hong Kong
At Mono, Chef Ricardo Chaneton brings Latin American flavours to life in Hong Kong. He prepared a special vegetarian tasting menu for me, which was nothing short of extraordinary. Mono’s ability to merge the vibrancy of Latin America with the refinement of a modern tasting menu was inspiring.
Why it is memorable: Chef Ricardo’s dishes are bold yet elegant. The vegetarian menu proved that the best chefs can innovate without losing the essence of their cuisine.
6. Pizza Perfection at The Pizza Bar on 38th, Tokyo
Imagine the best pizza in the world but served in an 8-seater omakase setting in Japan. That’s exactly what you get at The Pizza Bar on 38th. Dining here was an experience unlike any other: intimate, theatrical and unforgettable.
The truffle Pizzino, with its airy crust and decadent filling, was the dish of my dreams — simple, flawless, and deeply indulgent. Japan’s dining culture continues to be one of the most inspiring ones in the world. Whether it’s sushi, ramen, tempura or pizza, there’s an unmatched level of precision, respect for ingredients and commitment to craft.
Why it is memorable: Restaurateurs and chefs from around the world must imbibe one lesson from Japanese restaurants such as this: even the humblest dish can be treated with reverence
7. Being Zen at Daigo, Tokyo
Dining at Daigo in Tokyo felt like stepping into a sanctuary. My husband Aditya and I were seated in a private room, looking out at our own zen garden—a serene table that set the tone for the most exquisite Buddhist vegetarian meal I’ve ever had. The food kept flowing, dish after dish, each one precise and soulful, from the delicate vegetable tempura to silken tofu simmered in dashi. There was no rush, no theatrics—just the quiet reverence of flavours that spoke for themselves.
Why it is memorable: This meal reminded me of the power of stillness, of stripping away the unnecessary to reveal the essence of what truly matters.
8. Communal Magic at Expendio de Maíz, Mexico City
Dining at Expendio de Maíz was pure joy, a vibrant and unpredictable experience that mirrored the energy of Mexico City. There are no reservations here, no menus. The servers ask a simple question: “Are you hungry?” From there, the surprises begin.
Dishes are crafted using fresh ingredients sourced daily from local farms. Each plate feels like a love letter to the land—rustic, vibrant, and deeply satisfying. Communal tables add to the charm, allowing you to strike up conversations with fellow diners as you share bites and stories. I remember going early, thinking I’d beat the crowd, only to find a line already snaking around the corner.
Why it is memorable: The meal isn’t just about the food; it is about spontaneity, community, and the thrill of the unknown.
9. A Celebration of Maíz at Tierra del Sol, Oaxaca
My time at Tierra del Sol was more than just a meal—it was an immersion into the soul of Oaxacan cuisine. Chef Olga Cabrera has created a space that not only serves incredible food but also celebrates the cultural heritage of Mixteca traditions.
Perched on a terrace overlooking a lush botanical garden, Tierra del Sol offers a sense of serenity and connection to the land. But beyond the terrace and the warm embrace of the sun, I had the privilege of attending one of their cooking classes—a truly transformative experience.
During the class, Chef Olga and her team introduced us to the building blocks of Oaxacan cuisine: maíz (corn), chiles, and the myriad varieties of moles that define the region. I learned how to grind corn into masa using a traditional metate, and we shaped tortillas, tetelas, and memelas by hand. Watching the women at the adobe comal, I was struck by their quiet mastery—how something so simple as dough can be transformed into something extraordinary with care and technique.
One of the highlights was crafting a mole negro, a dish steeped in tradition and complexity. As we toasted, ground, and blended ingredients, the room filled with aromas of roasted chiles, chocolate, and spices. I enjoyed an amazing meal with the family and my favourite dish was their cactus preparation—tender, smoky, and tangy.
Why it is memorable: Their devotion to preserving indigenous foodways while presenting them in a way that feels relevant and fresh. It’s not just a restaurant – it’s a cultural institution.
10. Playful Indulgence at Sip & Guzzle, New York City
Visiting Sip & Guzzle in NYC was an evening of sheer fun and indulgence. Divided into two distinct spaces with completely different vibes, it felt like entering two worlds in one night. The food and drinks were as playful as they were exquisite. From bikini waffles to potato soft serve and mochi fries—yes, mochi fries!—every dish surprised and delighted. Their cocktails were expertly crafted, adding another layer of excitement to the experience.
Why it is memorable: This place embraces whimsy without sacrificing quality. Every detail, from the menu design to the service is thoughtful and intentional, ensuring that every guest felt special. It isn’t just a meal, it is an event.
What makes a restaurant a global success
Dining at some of the world’s finest establishments has only reaffirmed my belief that global success is about far more than just about food. The best restaurants don’t just serve meals; they create memories. As I continue my own journey and upcoming projects, these experiences serve as inspiration because at its heart, being the best isn’t about rankings; it’s about making every diner feel special, seen and deeply connected to the story on their plate.
- Vision and identity
The most memorable restaurants have a clear identity — whether it’s Chef Vicky Cheng’s reinterpretation of Chinese cuisine or Odette’s blend of French elegance and Singaporean charm. Without a clear vision, even exceptional food can feel forgettable.
- Unreasonable hospitality
Unreasonable hospitality, as seen at Eleven Madison Park, is what transforms a good meal into an unforgettable experience. Great restaurants anticipate their guests’ needs and go above and beyond to create moments of wonder.
- Adaptability without compromise
At Mono and Nusara, I experienced special vegetarian menus crafted just for me. This ability to adapt while staying true to a restaurant’s identity is the mark of a truly great chef.
- A sense of place
Whether it’s the view of Wat Pho at Nusara or the intimate counter at The Pizza Bar on 38th, the best dining experiences are rooted in their surroundings. They celebrate the culture, ingredients and traditions of the place they call home.
- Respect for the craft
From Tokyo’s obsession with precision to the artistry at Odette, great restaurants share an unwavering dedication to their craft. Every detail, from the sourcing of ingredients to the final presentation, is treated with the utmost care.
