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  • Venice, Florence, & Rome, Italy

    Florence, Venice, & Rome are pillars of Italian tourism, and they have a lot to offer. Here are some of our favorite bars, hotels, and restaurants in the two cities, as well as a few pieces of travel advice for getting around Venice.

    Traveling around the Mediterranean? Check out our Guide to Mediterranean Port Cities.

    Don’t know what to pack? Here’s Jess’s Packing List.

    Top Restaurants

    Osteria Enoteca San Marco

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 9/10     Atmosphere: 7/10      Food: 8/10      Beverage Program: 8.5/10

    If you are going to Venice for one meal- eat here. Located on an alley called Calle Frezzaria (they are number 1610), this cozy local somewhat modern trattoria is a triple theat- with good wine, good food, and good service. Matteo and Fabio own and run this place, and on our last trip to Venice both of our families went multiple times. If there is a downside, it is that the AC is not super consistent, and there can be mosquitos (but both of these things can happen all around Venice… and even after knowing this- we still went back the next day). The menu changes, but last time we loved the veal entree and the pigeon appetizer (we’re not big fans of pigeon, but dipping the homemade bread in the pigeon sauce was our favorite bite).

    La Giostra

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 8/10     Atmosphere: 7.5/10      Food: 8/10      Beverage Program: 7.5/10

    If you have one dinner in Florence- eat here. Owner Saldano is a quirky prince with the most amount of jewelry you will ever see on a person, and chatting with him makes this restaurant a must-visit every time we are in Florence. The food can also be phenomenal. Jess loves the boar ragu. Reservations are required. 

    Trattoria 13 Gobi

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7/10     Atmosphere: 7/10    Food: 8/10    Wine List: 8/10

    Located in central Florence, Gobi is the best place to get angel hair pasta with red sauce (a family favorite). This rustic, underground setting provides a comfortable and traditional atmosphere, and the wine list is great. Reservations are essential.

    More Restaurants & Bars...

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 9/10     Atmosphere: 9.5/10      Food: 6.5/10    Wine List: 8/10

    The restaurant at the Aman Hotel is as beautiful as you would expect, and the service also meets the high-end hotel’s luxury standards (George Clooney got married at this property). While the food fell short, we would still recommend a dinner at the restaurant (it usually takes a lot for us to say that, but it’s easy to say here). Get dropped by a water taxi (they’ll call a return for you) and enjoy the stunning high ceilings, paintings, and design. If possible, go to the equally beautiful bar for a nightcap.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 8.5/10     Atmosphere: 7.5/10    Food: 7/10    Wine List: 6.5/10

    Directly next to the Trevi Fountain (which, by the way- go after sunset for the best view and to avoid the mass crowds), Baccano provides a reprieve from the tourist madness outside. Baccano is not necessarily the nicest restaurant in Rome, but it is certainly one of our favorites, because it is comfortable, the service is good, and the bar feels like home. This is a good place for bar people, especially at lunchtime. Menu wise, skip the prosciutto (you can find better elsewhere), but do order the tableside beef tartare (shockingly good). And, whatever you do, do not leave without trying the biscotti. We are not sweets people at all, but Jess still took the extra biscotti back to the hotel.

    Overall: Maybe

    Not rating

    This is a small, rustic and very famous trattoria, and it has been pumping out Italian food for decades. Da Ivo is a Del Dotto family favorite, so we are not going to rank it… but Jess doesn’t love it. If you do go, make sure to book a reservation well in advance, and do not go with a group larger than 4 (even if there is a bigger table available). Be cautious of them trying to sell you a different wine than the one you ordered, and don’t order the clams (the steak however, was very good). The bathrooms are child-sized, so hold it.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 8/10     Atmosphere: 9/10    Food: 7/10    Wine List: 7/10

    If you’ve explored this website a bit, you can bet that if there is a Bulgari in a city we review, we’ve been to it. While we did not actually stay at this Bulgari (the surrounding area isn’t that nice)… we did visit the spa (great) and the restaurant after. Highly recommend spending an afternoon/evening doing just that! Okay, back to the restaurant. It is beautiful, the bar is beautiful, the terrace is beautiful, etc. If you’re interested in atmosphere, this is a great location. The food was also good, however, we found that Il Ristorante Paris did a much better job with the same dishes. Same with the wine list- which had very few Italian wines we recognized (not always a bad thing). Still, we would go back, even if just to visit the bar. Reservations required. When booking a reservation, you may want to request a 2-top where you can sit next to each other, as some of the tables are a little tight.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 9/10  (luck)   Atmosphere: 7/10    Food: 7/10    Wine List: 9.5/10

    This is a small, cellar-like restaurant in the heart of Rome, with probably the best wine list around. We were lucky with the service here, and managed to be helped by a very efficient woman (mid 50’s, heavy lipstick) who basically provided everything we needed, whenever we needed it. (Something we have learned in Rome, is that they will always put 2 people at a 2-top, but the moment you order a nice bottle of wine, they will extend your table out to a 4-top, which happened here). There is standard Roman food here. The pastas are pretty traditional. The burrata is excellent. But you go for the wine list. It’s excellent.

    Overall: Maybe

    Service: 6/10     Atmosphere: 8.5/10    Food: 7.5/10    Wine List: 8/10

    La Pergola is a three-star Michelin restaurant in the Waldorf Astoria, and sits on the top of a hill that overlooks Rome. The view at night is stunning, and you can see everything from the Colosseum to the Pantheon from a birds eye view. Gio has been at least 3 times (but this rating is for our most recent 2025 visit). As far as food, the tasting menu is what you expect from a three-star establishment- intricate dishes combining some Italian flavors with French techniques. Nothing was very memorable, but at the time it was enjoyable. If michelin meals are your vibe, La Pergola is probably the place to go. However, it should be noted that on our last visit the somm poured someone else’s wine into Jess’s glass (which had wine in it), took the entire glass away, and never told the other guest about the mistake… which is a strange sight at a three-star place. Oh, and jackets are required for men (but they will provide you one if you forget).

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 8/10     Atmosphere: 9/10    Beverage Program: NA

    When we first went to Locale, we stumbled upon it by accident because it was in between our hotel at the time (Four Seasons) and a shawarma shop (the name has disappeared from our memory, but it’s good). Now, it’s in the top 50 bar list. Back when we went, we sweet-talked a bouncer for bar seats. Now, you need a reservation. Not sure which is better, but both are worth it because the inside is stunning and the bartenders are friendly. Go, and if you re-discover the shawarma stop, please let us know.

    We highly recommend spending an afternoon with an aperol spritz in San Marco square. There are tons of restaurants to choose from, almost none of which have great food, but they do provide a perfect location for people watching and enjoying a nice day outdoors. Be careful of the birds, they will steal food right out of your hand.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 5/10 (quickly an 8 if you order good wine)   Atmosphere: 3/10    Food: 6.5/10    Wine List: 9.5/10

    Do not be thrown off by the absolutely brutal google reviews- go here for the wine list. It is about 50 steps from San Marco square. It is touristy. But they have a literal hidden wine vault across the bridge (a family member may offer to show you) with practically a wall of Masseto and much more. Even before seeing that, we knew they had one of the best wine lists we have ever seen (selection 9/10 and value 10/10). Go in the afternoon for a nice bottle of wine, and don’t expect a lot other than that… but do enjoy yourself. If you are hungry, order the lasagna (we upped the food an entire point just because it was so good).

    rdion Content

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 8/10     Atmosphere: 9/10    Food: 7.5/10    Wine List: 9/10

    We really loved our dinner at Quandri. Overlooking San Marco square (after all the tourists are gone), this is one of the most romantic spots in Venice. We had an excellent server, great wine, and great company in a stunning setting. The food is modern Michelin-y without being too pretentious. If you’re on the edge about this, go.

    Hotels

    The only hotel we’ve stayed at in Venice recently was Hotel Danieli, which we likely won’t return to. The concierge service was frustrating (leading us to almost miss our flight because they gave the boat we ordered to someone else), and there are many annoying tour groups in the lobby (so large groups of tourists can take pictures, while blocking the door so hotel guests have a hard time getting in and out). The bar is okay and the bartenders are nice, and the rooms are relatively comfortable. It is a busy hotel. Rooftop breakfast may be a plus for some.

    A bit outside of the main part of Florence (a 15 minute walk), The Four Seasons Firenze is currently our top hotel to stay at in Florence. The property is huge, the gym is spacious, and the rooms have high ceilings and great bathrooms. While we would recommend skipping the Michelin restaurant, we highly recommend spending afternoons at the bar here, as it is one of our favorite spots. There are also several bars and restaurants walkable (such as La Giostra), that make this semi-far away location worth it.

    Venice: After having dinner at the Aman hotel, it would certainly be the first place we would look if we return to Venice. The bar is stunning and remains open late for hotel guests. The grounds are beautiful. It is very high-end and in a great location slightly outside the main tourist hub, with helpful concierges (that gave us a tour). Rome: Bvlgari Hotel Roma is the perfect place for a spa day, enjoying the pool, and dinner at Il Ristorante after. However, you don’t need to be a hotel guest to do any of this. We don’t love the location (it’s next to a crowded budget shopping street), but the facilities are great.

    Tourism & Travel Notes

    You may have noticed that we have not posted much content on Florence here, and that is because we have not been in a few years. We do not want to provide information that is out of date. Still, we have been many MANY times, and we get a lot of requests for Florence tips- so we have included our top 2 restaurants and favorite hotel, because friends and family have visited more recently and they ensure us our favorites are still great.

    Getting from the airport to Venice requires an additional boat. We highly recommend booking a private transfer service online or through your hotel. A private driver will pick you up at the terminal and drive you about 5 minutes to the water boat area (there is often a long line for water taxis that you can cut by getting private transfer).

    If you have any health conditions at all (that may lead to you needing a visit to the hospital) do not go to Venice. As you can imagine, a city underwater does not have great infrastructure for transporting people quickly. Getting an ‘ambulance boat’ to Hotel Danieli took over 40 minutes. Plan accordingly.

    Notable Places Visited & Not Reviewed

    Venice: Al Covo: We personally did not enjoy it. Harry’s: Every time we have tried to go to Harry’s, it has been absolutely packed. Please let us know how it goes for you, maybe get there before opening time.

    favorite moments

    Great wines and great service at Quandri
    Great wines and great service at Quandri
    Rooftop at Hotel Daniele
    Rooftop at Hotel Daniele
    Trattoria Cannonica lasagna + wine
    Trattoria Cannonica lasagna + wine
    Trying new wines at Trattoria Cannonica
    Trying new wines at Trattoria Cannonica
    Gio in one of the rooms of Trattoria Cannonica's secret cellar
    Gio in one of the rooms of Trattoria Cannonica's secret cellar
    Jess's dad enjoying wine
    Jess's dad enjoying wine
    Lunch wines at Osteria Enoteca San Marco
    Lunch wines at Osteria Enoteca San Marco
    Lunch at Osteria Enoteca San Marco
    Lunch at Osteria Enoteca San Marco
    Aman library
    Aman library
    Venice at night
    Venice at night
    Gio and his dad on a water taxi
    Gio and his dad on a water taxi
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  • Bangkok, Thailand

    This is our guide to traveling Bangkok, including the best restaurants, bars, and hotels… with none of the seedy Khaosan road nightlife. Our favorite luxury hotel in Bangkok is absolutely The Capella (our #2 favorite hotel in the world), and Inddee is an must stop for Michelin fans.

    Traveling around Asia? Check out our Singapore Guide.

    Don’t know what to pack? Here’s Jess’s Packing List.

    Top Restaurants

    Inddee

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 8.5/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10    Food: 8/10    Beverage Program: 7.5/10

    We will absolutely return to this 1 Michelin star modern Indian restaurant on our next trip to Bangkok. The first course took a very long time to get, otherwise the service would be rated even higher (we recommend requesting a seat at the ‘cold bar’ with Martin because he’s a 10/10 service-wise, same with the GM Felice). Anyways, plan on taking your time here. The tasting menu itself was very good, but the best dish we had was the chicken add-on, which was a play on a chicken dish the chef had growing up and it was as close to perfect as it gets. The sommelier holds the title of ‘Best Sommelier in Asia’ and, while the list heavily leans on natural wines- there are also traditional wines on the list (phew). The big names in the wine industry are missing, and are instead subbed for up-and-coming producers. This can be a positive or negative, depending on what you’re looking for. 

    Sri Trat

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 8.5/10    Atmosphere: 6.5/10    Food: 8/10    Beverage Program: 5.5/10

    We generally lean away from booking restaurants with a Facebook page for a website, but it is worth sending a message to Sri Trat and securing a seat. This cozy, neighborhood Thai restaurant serves delicious and traditional food in a relaxed setting. The servers are super sweet, the AC is blowing, and the bar is fully stocked. Keep in mind- the wine list is practically non-existent, but there are tons of cocktails and a great list of local beers. For traditional Thai in a more comfortable setting than street stalls, Sri Trat is your place. Make sure to order the ‘stir fried giant tiger prawns with garlic chili fish sauce’ (winning the prize for the most garlic we’ve ever seen on a dish + just being delicious).

    Top Bars

    Stella at Capella

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 9/10   Atmosphere: 9/10    Bar Program: 9/10

    Not only is this our favorite bar in Bangkok, but it is one of our favorite bars in the world (so much so that we recommend staying at Capella partly so you can end your nights here). There is very good live music almost every night, and bartenders Tae and Frank are wonderful. The ambiance is excellent, the snacks are very good (we recommend the sliders), and all the staff is lovely. It can get busy on weekends (which can provide fun people-watching as influencers pose in front of the ‘white peacock’ centerpiece), so do make sure to make a reservation.

    Lennon’s

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 8/10    Atmosphere: 8/10    Bar Program: 7/10

    Located on the top of the Rosewood Hotel (take the elevator to the lobby, then an additional elevator across the lobby up to Lennon’s). The views of the city are exceptional, and the vibe is very ‘Mad Men’. Please order the ‘Chantana Kittiyapan’- gin, mango, lychee, and jasmin tea served up- which is one of the best cocktails we’ve had in a while (we tested out tons of these to ‘make sure they’re consistent’… they are.)

    More Restaurants & Bars...

    Overall: Maybe

    Not rating

    We went to this very casual street-side Lebanese restaurant when the traffic got too bad to make it to another lunch. Let’s just say- the hummus was highly memorable and the breads were warm and delicious. Worth a stop if you also end up needing a traffic back-up. Or worth a stop if you’re craving delicious Lebanese food.

    Overall: Consider

    Service: 6.5/10    Atmosphere: 6.5/10        Beverage Program: 7.5/10

    10 stars go to the pretzels, which are the best we have ever had (and we’re not huge bar snack people). This bar is located in the historical House of Sathorn next to the W hotel. The drinks are very innovative. The ambiance is relaxing. Do wear mosquito repellent because it is slightly indoor-outdoor.

    Overall: Maybe

    Service: 6/10     Atmosphere: 7/10       Beverage Program: 6.5/10

    Located in the Four Seasons (walk through the lobby to the right, all the way end, then walk outside until you see it on your left), BKK Social is ranked #1 in Asia and #13 in the world… which should say a lot. We liked it, but we only went once (and we were staying next door). We will certainly give it another shot next time. Reservations required.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 8/10    Atmosphere: 7/10    Food: 7.5/10     Beverage Program: 6/10

    This chill yakitori bar is a hipster’s dream. It is modern, it is cool, the food is good (most served on a skewer), and the bartender/servers are lovely. We went twice in one week, and definitely recommend it if you want a chill night with easy food and good people (make a reservation). Tropic City is a popular cocktail bar just down the street, for a drink afterwards.

    Overall: Consider

    Not rated

    Ranked number 12 of Asia’s best bars, we did enjoy our first time at Vesper. Its a dimly lit bar with a creative cocktail list, and a good bartender named Sine. This last trip, we did not visit (partly because they request you make reservations on Instagram, then they never answer, and partly because there are so many other bars in Bangkok). Overall, it might be worth checking out again. Let us know what you think.

    Overall: Highly Consider

    Average rating over 2 visits:

    Service: 6.5/10   Atmosphere: 7/10   Food: 7/10   Wine list: 7/10

    The first time we went to Nahm, we loved it. So, on our following trip to Bangkok- it was the very first restaurant we booked. However, the second visit was a bit of a miss. They have 1 Michelin star, and while the service was attentive, they missed a couple simple things (like pouring wine equally). The true issue, though, was: spice. If our first visit had thai peppers in everything, our second had carolina reapers. It was so spicy that even Jess (who can eat almost anything spicy) couldn’t even finish her tom yum soup (which was one of Gio’s favorite dishes the year before). When we mentioned this, they did nothing to adjust the spice in upcoming courses. However- the wine list is pretty good, especially for Asia. But the reason we can’t highly recommend Nahm is due to the spice inconsistency.

    Overall: Consider

    Service: 6.5/10    Atmosphere: 8/10    Food: 6.5/10     Beverage Program: NA (we can’t remember)

    This rooftop Mexican restaurant next to The Standard hotel is known for it’s beautiful views and decor, rightfully securing it’s spot on the top Instagram must-visit lists. The food is also not bad. We recommend going for a drink before dinner to check it out, and staying if you feel it is right for you. There is a line for the viewing tower at the entrance to the building- do not wait in it- you can skip the line with a reservation at OJO (yes, you definitely should make a reservation- even for drinks).

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10    Food: 7.5/10     Wine List: 5.5/10

    This is a comfortable Chinese restaurant with good food and a traditional, relaxed restaurant setting (think Shang Palace Paris environment). Located in The Athenee Hotel, you will need to take the first elevator you see on your left (near the reception) to the restaurant’s floor. There is a crunchy shrimp spring roll that is outstanding (one is big enough for 2 people), and the peking duck was pretty good. Another recommendation is the green beans with pork (which includes a pepper that numbs your mouth a little and is oddly addicting). As for the wine list- while it may look good, they did not have any of the wines we asked for in stock, so we had to go with the manager’s replacements.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7.5/10    Atmosphere: 7/10    Food: 7/10     Beverage Program: 7/10

    Tucked in the back of the Four Seasons (directly across the lobby, but you need to walk indoors around the water feature), this is a good Chinese restaurant for pretty solid peking duck. We enjoyed our visit, but it did get rather busy. Best to make a reservation.

    Hotels

    The Capella is our top recommendation for hotels in Bangkok (and one of our top 3 favorite hotels in the world) and is likely the only hotel we will ever stay at in Bangkok again. Located on the river and next to the Four Seasons, it is more peaceful than the center of bustling city, but it is easy to get around to other locations (however, you must plan around traffic). The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and cool. The pool is lovely and has a great view of the river. The gym is well equipped and spacious. The spa is nice, too. If there is a downside, we didn’t like the restaurant… but Stella (the bar) is so good that it more than makes up for it.

    The Standard is in Silom, which is a good area for restaurants and bars. However, we left The Standard early and moved to Capella. The pool was small and fully in the sun, and we just felt a little old to be there (that being said- if you like Virgin Cruises, this might be a good fit).

    The first time we went to Bangkok together, we stayed at the St. Regis, which is located in the ‘business’ area of Bangkok, and near many other 5 star hotels. While we had a good stay there, we found ourselves moving around a lot and the area itself was a little too ‘business-ey’ for our idea of vacation. However, we would recommend this hotel if that is what you are looking for.

    There were certainly some advantages to staying at Rosewood Hotel– the automatic butler service for suites was nice, Lennon’s bar was good, and we personally really loved the pool (despite all the bad reviews of it online- there are very few seats and most of the pool is in the shade, which works great for us). Overall though, Rosewood is still in the ‘business’ area, which we don’t really enjoy (and the traffic makes it especially tough to get around). And while it may seem a lot in that area is connected through indoor paths, walkways are all outdoor (and it can get too hot for us).

    We have visited Four Seasons for the restaurants and bars, but haven’t stayed there and probably won’t end up doing so. We did hear that some people switched hotels from Four Seasons to Capella next door, our favorite spot. Waldorf Astoria was on the short list for our last trip, but it is in the business area we don’t love. Another hotel on the short list was the Siam Kempinski, which we didn’t choose partly because of the location and partly because we were afraid there might be too many families (a plus for many, but not for us yet). We stopped by the Shangri-La for dinner one night, and based on that we would skip the whole hotel.

    Tourism & Travel Notes

    We highly recommend getting a hotel car to pick you up from the airport, because the exit can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re not very familiar it. Otherwise, we use Grab (basically Uber) to get around most countries in Asia, including Bangkok. Tuk-tuks are convenient for getting around traffic, but do so at your own risk because accidents are certainly not unheard of (same with Grab motorcycles, which may be quick but they do not provide helmets and yeah… we’d skip that one). 

    It is illegal for anyone, anywhere to sell alcohol between 2-5PM and after midnight on Sundays. This is easy to work with if you know, annoying if you go to a late lunch unaware.

    We can’t imagine anyone describing Bangkok as a “very safe city”. So do be very aware, especially at night. We recommend avoiding the red light areas as a whole, for more reasons than just safety. But basically- keep your belongings close and don’t get too drunk anywhere in Bangkok. But there is much fun to be had, so enjoy!

    Notable Places Visited & Not Reviewed

    Benjarong Thai: Just okay food and service was lacking, we left before fully ordering what we had initially planned. Din Tai Fung Central Embassy location: Not edible (and we love Din Tai Fung in the US). Fourth Wall: (Vesper Group Bar) Skip. Their “specialty cocktail” was a French 75. Nan Bei: The crispy chicken was dry, but the pot stickers were good. Riva del Fiume: Located in the Four Seasons, this Italian restaurant was a little too “foo-foo” for us, when we really just wanted good Italian. Saawaan: Most disappointing one-Michelin star purely because of the food, which ranged from bland to inedible. Please don’t go. Salathip Thai Restaurant: Tourist trap. Shang Palace: While we love the one in Paris, we didn’t even make it into this restaurant because we had been to the hotel for dinner the night before (at Salathip) and it was straight-up dirty.

    favorite moments

    Trying all the local beers at Sri Trat
    Trying all the local beers at Sri Trat
    Garlic prawn dish at Sri Trat- amazing
    Garlic prawn dish at Sri Trat- amazing
    One of the best chicken dishes of all time at Inddee
    One of the best chicken dishes of all time at Inddee
    The view at Lennon's
    The view at Lennon's
    Pecking duck at the Four Season's Chinese restaurant
    Pecking duck at the Four Season's Chinese restaurant
    The second place cocktail from our Bartenders Challenge!
    The second place cocktail from our Bartenders Challenge!
    Stella bar at Capella
    Stella bar at Capella
    Gio very happy with his Lebanese food
    Gio very happy with his Lebanese food
    Jua Izakaya bar
    Jua Izakaya bar
    The view at OJO
    The view at OJO
    The original, best Tom Yum soup at Nahm
    The original, best Tom Yum soup at Nahm
    Green beans at The Silk Road
    Green beans at The Silk Road
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  • Singapore

    The first time we went to Singapore, we thought we’d never go back. Here is what we did wrong after the first visit, and what we’ve learned after visit #3- don’t stay in Orchard (even if Anthony Bourdain did), pack for high humidity, don’t expect anything from the airport, and visit our favorite restaurants and bars, all listed below.

    Traveling around Asia? Check out our Bangkok Guide.

    Don’t know what to pack? Here’s Jess’s Packing List.

    Top Restaurants

    Thevar

    Overall: Must Go

    Service: 9/10   Atmosphere: 7.5/10   Food: 10/10    Wine List: 8.5/10

    This is the first restaurant we have ever given a 10/10 food ranking to, and Thevar deserves it. Chef Thevar is the most talented young chef we have ever come across- and this modern Indian restaurant is a huge reason why we have returned to Singapore time and time again (this restaurant alone might be worth a trip to Singapore, to be honest). Thevar operates a tasting menu that combines French and Japanese techniques with sublime Indian flavors. Located in arguably the best area for innovative food- Tanjong Pagar- Thevar is an open-kitchen concept in a modern, but narrow space. Aside from table seating, there are 2 seats at the chef’s counter- which we highly recommend requesting. The food is consistent, technical, memorable, deeply flavorful, and it certainly deserves its 2 Michelin stars (plus the highly-acclaimed spot of offering some of the best dishes of our lives). We could not recommend this restaurant enough. If you have one dinner in Singapore- go to Thevar.

    Ocean

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 9/10   Atmosphere: 10/10   Food: 9/10    Wine List: 8.5/10

    Located in the aquarium of Resorts World on Sentosa Island, a 15 minute drive from central Singapore… this tasting menu restaurant is a once-in-a-lifetime meal. We went for the experience- dining inside an aquarium- and we were left with our jaws dropping to the floor. The food was exceptional. The wine list was great. The service was world-class. And while we were certainly entertained by the 40,000 underwater creatures circling around us, the fact that we were deeply impressed with everything else says a lot. We highly recommend going for lunch and doing the full 6 course tasting meal, as we did. There is a dress code, and children under 8 are not allowed.

    Yen Yakiniku

    Overall: Highly Consider

    Service: 9/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10    Food: 9.5/10    Wine: 8.5/10

    Yen Yakiniku is a chef’s counter dining experience, where everything from A5 Wagyu to king oyster mushrooms are cooked to order, on a grill directly in front of you. While they do offer omakase, we truly enjoyed ordering a la carte, especially given recommendations from Queenie- the very sweet server we suggest you request. The restaurant is a mixture of Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese cuisine- which somehow manages to work extremely well. While the wine list is very limited, there are several solid sake options, as well as beer, sochu, and the like. There is only bar counter seating, but the vibe still manages to come off as quite high-end (and trendy, of course, being near Tanjong Pagar). We heard weekends fill up, so try for a weekday night. We highly recommend the Spanish Iberico pork jowl, the side of roasted garlic, and of course the wagyu. Jess almost finished 2 full orders of the kimchi, so get that too.

    Top Bars

    Atlas

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 7/10    Atmosphere: 9.5/10    Bar Program: 10/10

    To clarify- the beverage program is a 10/10 for gin drinkers, with a true selection of over 1,200 gins to choose from at your whim. They have other cocktails, too, which are great- but this is a gin bar (plus random afternoon tea and some other food). Located in certainly one of the most extravagant buildings- with glamorous art-deco decor and tremendously high ceilings- Atlas has one of the most stunning settings for a bar we have ever seen and is a perfect place to spend an afternoon (.5 subtracted for the bathrooms, otherwise atmosphere would be a 10). When you book make sure to request bar seats (but know the tables are comfortable too). And ask to sit with Lana, who runs the bar program and is wonderful. There is apparently a ‘Gin Experience’, but we were told it is really just walking in a circle and up a couple stairs, so maybe skip that. This is one of the few spots located north of Marina Bay Sands (and not in Tanjong Pagar) that we highly recommend.

    Tippling Club

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 8/10   Atmosphere: 7/10     Food:   8/10     Bar Program: 8/10

    We booked the Tippling Club Bar Experience (which is in the link above) and ended up returning the very next day. Tippling Club is in the trendy Tanjong Pagar area (because of course it is) and is one of the first bespoke cocktail bars to exist in Singapore. The drinks are great, the service is great (ask for Aaron the manager), and… the bar menu is outstanding. We recommend the fried fish sandwich and the Mapo Tofu fries. This is definitely one of our favorite bars in Singapore, if not our favorite. Next time, we will go for the full tasting menu at the connected restaurant. 

    Jigger & Pony

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7/10   Atmosphere: 8/10   Bar Program: 8/10

    Number 14 of the Worlds 50 Best Bars list in 2024, Jigger & Pony is arguably the most famous bar in Singapore, if not one of the most famous in all of Asia. Small tip: If you cannot get bar seats, do not go. If you can, do. You have to make a reservation well in advance. The drinks are good, the style is very Mad-Men-esque, and the bartenders are usually very personable. We also recommend the grilled cheese.

    More Restaurants & Bars...

    Overall: Highly Consider

    Service: 7/10   Atmosphere: 7/10    Food: 8/10    Beverage: NA (Korean liquor only)

    One of the most impressive things about this modern Korean restaurant is that we believed it had one Michelin star the entire time we ate there (it doesn’t) and we left convinced that it did (it still doesn’t, but should). This delicious Korean restaurant has a warm and modern design with authentic and flavorful food, and we plan on returning to in the future. Everything on the menu was good (our least favorite was the Sotbap rice), but definitely do not miss the beef tartar, hogam jeon (potato pancake), or the grilled iberico pork app. The wine list is non-existent, but they offer Korean liquors so this is your time to try Soju!

    Overall: Don’t really recommend

    Not rating

    This is the famous bar on the top of the Marina Bay Sands hotel (the one that looks like a cruise ship stacked on 3 skyscrapers). You need to pay a cover fee, which applies to your drinks. If there is a line, it is not worth waiting. Go to Wakuda for a drink (40 steps away) and wait for the line to die down, then go up. At the top, walk straight and veer left out of the elevators to enter the bar and get a seat (hopefully with Ross, who is great). You can wander around most of the roof once you enter, and it is worth one visit if you want a view of the city. The best view is after exiting the elevator, taking a right and walking down the hallway until you get outside and immediately turning left to the railing- where you can see the Gardens by the Bay etc.

    Overall: Worth A Visit (surprisingly!)

    Not rating

    If you’re in Marina Bay Sands and you’re looking for a quite bar nibble, stop by CUT by Wolfgang Puck for a tuna tartare. They are only open from 5PM on, but the bar staff is lovely and we were very pleasantly surprised when we stumbled across it after getting off a late flight. They even got us shiso-detesters to try a shiso drink, which we surprisingly liked! The atmosphere is nice and cool, and it’s a good spot for a quick stop after a long day.

    Overall: Recommend

    Not rating

    We’ve only been once, very late at night, and stayed until 3am closing- where the staff lip-synched 90’s classics and served cups of chicken soup at the end. It feels unfair to rate. But, it was one of our favorite nights in Singapore so- despite having a hard time getting bar seats on a crowded Saturday- we definitely recommend. We’ll be back to review properly.

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 7.5/10   Atmosphere: 8/10    Food: 8/10    Beverage: 5.5/10 

    Despite the low rating for the beverage program (which is basically just a really terrible wine list plus some pretty good cocktails), we highly recommend this restaurant, especially for lunch when they are less busy and the service is better than good (ask for manager Lukasz who is amazing). This modern Indian restaurant was started by a professional restaurant designer, and it shows- each room has a unique theme (from elephants to tigers) and the design is really unique. There is a semi-set menu at lunch (a la carte at dinner), which we normally do not prefer, but it is GOOD. Skip the fish and go for the pork iberico instead, which is incredible. We also highly recommend the tomato and ginger chutneys, plus the lentils (which are spicy) with a side of black garlic naan.

    Overall: Highly Consider

    Service: 9/10    Atmosphere: 8/10    Food: 7.5/10    Wine: 6/10

    This is the first modern-Singaporean restaurant to receive 1 Michelin star. They take technique seriously, with the lunch tasting menu requiring a minimum of 3 hours. The food is basically gastronomic versions of local Singaporean dishes- saving you a trip from the hot hawker stalls and giving you well-executed dishes in a comfortable environment. Located on the second floor of a mall across the street from the Ritz Carlton & Mandarin Oriental- the restaurant is dark and trendy, with plenty of space between tables. While there were unique wines from Syria, China, and more, the list was smaller than expected and there were only 2 white burgundies (one being Corton Charlemagne). Our server, Sho, was super friendly and he is a somm- we highly recommend requesting him if possible. Oh, and the shaved ice for dessert was amazing.

    Overall: Consider

    Service: 6/10   Atmosphere: 7/10    Food: 5/10    Beverage: 7/10 

    Many people might think the draw of MO Bar at the Mandarin Oriental is the view (it’s good), but it’s really bartender Kim- a cheery and hospitable bartender from South Korea, who whips up clever cocktails and has a habit for remembering every guest. Go there for him, expect crowded elevators (see Mandarin Oriental hotel review below), enjoy some good cocktails, skip the food, expect weird service from everyone besides Kim, and know that if there is live music it might not be good (at all). We recommend going for a quick drink when they open at 5, if it is convenient for you.

    Overall: Recommend (but only if you’re staying on Sentosa Island)

    Service: 8/10    Atmosphere: 4/10    Food: 8/10    Beverage Program: 5/10

    This restaurant is certainly not worth going out of your way for… however… if you are staying on Sentosa Island (which we do not recommend) it is the #2 restaurant, only behind Ocean. The ambiance is cafeteria like, and your best bet for drinks is sake, but we got very lucky with a great server and the food was truly outstanding- think perfectly seared wagyu beef and specialty cuts of meat that arrived just that day.

    Overall: Recommend

    Not rating

    We only had time to stop downstairs for a few drinks and snacks, which is why it isn’t fair for us to review this (especially because their infamous cocktail bar is upstairs). However, every drink on the menu is clarified (a big yes for us) and none of the drinks were too sweet, plus the local Singaporean ingredients were very unique. The head chef was very sweet- make sure to try her mom’s very spicy hot sauce. 

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 8.5/10    Atmosphere: 8/10    Food: 8/10    Beverage Program: 7/10 (nice sake list)

    We booked the ‘Premium Lunch Menu’ omakase, which is more like what Americans who have been to Japan know kaiseke to be- many tiny prepared dishes, and not sushi. Kosuke, the head chef, was incredibly sweet and very creative, making some of the most stunning presentations for his intricately prepared dishes. Including the best mackarel we have ever had (in a sesame preparation), some other favorites were soba noodles served in carved ice and the amazing (and not too sweet) desserts. This restaurant is tucked away near Chinatown, and also offers a wagyu lunch- which we would definitely look into next time.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 6.5/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10    Food: 7.5/10    Beverage Program: 6/10

    This Chinese restaurant in the Pan Pacific Hotel is one of the better Chinese restaurants in Singapore. Our food rating could be higher, but we probably didn’t order right (we would suggest avoiding their specialty crab dish unless you truly love saffron). However, what we did order right: a delicious modern ‘cigar’ made with foie gras, truffle, and snow crab that we highly recommend (it is big enough to share, but the layers differ in flavors so you might want two). There is a vegetable dish that includes ‘lotus root stuffed with prawn mousse’ that is outstanding.

    Overall: Consider

    Service: 7.5/10    Atmosphere: 6.5/10    Beverage Program: 9/10

    The reason to go to Sago House is for the cocktail program. This bar is #10 in Asia’s best bars, and they create a brand new cocktail menu… every… single… week. The best part was that every single cocktail was expertly balanced, creative, and you could still ask for a bespoke cocktail to your taste. This Tanjong Pagar hotspot is in a narrow semi-grungy spot with a very thoughtful bathroom that added .5 to the atmosphere.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7.5/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10    Food: 7.5/10    Beverage Program: 5/10 (beer, sake)

    For uni lovers only. Located on level 3 of the small Bugis Cube building, this tiny 6-seat sushi counter gave us the first ever uni soup of our lives- which might be one of Jess’s favorite dishes of all time and also a dish she never imagined she would love so much. We opted for the lunch omakase, and the reason the food rating isn’t higher is only because the actual sushi courses were very traditionally aged fish (which we don’t love, but some people might). However, this is a great place. We’ll likely go again in the future for the uni tasting and uni soup, plus the negitoromaki handroll add-on that we devoured happily.

    Hotels

    So far, our favorite hotel in Singapore is the Ritz Carlton Millenia. While it certainly doesn’t top our list of ‘best hotels in the world’, it is in a good location, has a very good gym, and offers both a comfortable pool and nice rooms. They do have a hotel bar, Republic. And the service was nice when we stayed there. 

    On our next trip to Singapore, we will likely either return to the Ritz or check out a hotel in Tanjong Pagar area, which we haven’t stayed in yet.

    The Mandarin Oriental is okay and it is in a very good location (next door to the Ritz Carlton), but it can get really busy. A big problem is that they offer a buffet dinner, which families of mostly non-hotel guests flock to, and there are lines that block the elevators (then fill the elevators with 20+ people). This all sounds terrible- which it is- but it does only last an hour or so. The MO Bar is good. Also, we’re not really breakfast people, but the breakfast at this hotel is great and offers global cuisines plus a very sweet old pastry chef who is very proud of his croissants. We stayed in the family suite for access to laundry facilities- and the room was pretty comfortable overall. The pool was nice, especially in the early afternoon, and the gym was well-equipped albeit a bit tight. 

    Ugh. For being a 5-star hotel, there are some major problems with The Fullerton Bay Hotel. Good things: the location is convenient and the AC works perfectly. The bad: There is approx 2 sq ft of shade in the pool that disappears by noon, mold in the showers, confused concierges, a busy gym with a max capacity of 4 people… and no indoor bar. Overall- skip it.

    While the Four Seasons is fine, Orchard as an area is very business-oriented and too inconvenient for all the restaurants we love and recommend, so we’d skip this hotel for the location alone.

    Jess’s mom loves the Capella Sentosa, so we are not allowed to say anything too harsh. That being said- we do not recommend staying on Sentosa Island, and Capella is the best hotel there (Taylor Swift, Donald Trump, and Kim Jong Un have all frequented). We had a serious problem with the AC in our room, and the restaurants at the hotel were poor (but the pools were lovely, and if you do stay there Sara at the pool gave the best service).

    Do yourself a favor and stay on mainland Singapore, and visit Ocean restaurant for lunch on Sentosa, but skip the rest of this little futuristic kid-land.

    We have never given hotels in Tanjong Pagar a chance- which we are likely to do next time because almost all of the good bars and restaurants are in that area. We are curious about The Mondrian, which is in an ideal location.

    On a separate note- The Fullerton is really outdated, busy, and it has a bad pool. Marina Bay Sands is the most iconic hotel, but with 2,500 rooms it is really not for us.

    Tourism & Travel Notes

    One time, when landing on Air France, the pilot came on the speaker and warned everyone that ‘Any THC or CBD product, including gummies and creams, are punishable… by death.’

    Make sure to look up everything you are bringing in online to make sure it is allowed (including sleeping pills and the like). Here’s the government link.

    Also, ensure you fill out your Singapore arrival card online before landing. You can then quickly scan your passport when you leave. If you are asked to pay money to fill out this card online- it is a scam. Singapore Air provided us with a link to the direct government site here. 

    Singapore Airport has the best marketing team, because many of us are under the impression that it is the best airport in the world and… eh. (Maybe it’s because of the waterfall, which is fine to see once but Disneylandy nonetheless).

    The good news: Security is at each individual gate, so you save a lot of time (hence, do not have to get to the airport that early). When you arrive at the airport, you simply go through immigration and get into your terminal.

    The bad news: We’re pretty sure it’s a scam. We actually saw a poster marketing a ‘deal’ of 3 pints of Guinness for nearly $60. Super normal for Singapore Airport. All of the (2) bars per terminal are empty, and the people that work there seem genuinely confused when guests do sit down and order something. But, you can buy 3 pints of Guinness? So… there’s that. Also- hate to say it- but the Singapore Air Business lounge is also rough (however, the food on the flight can be really good- Jess recommends pre-ordering the bibimbap).

    Also: If you are flying Business on Singapore Air and the airport screens flash that your flight is doing ‘last call’, that is for economy. You have an extra 10-ish minutes. It makes no sense, and you cannot time it perfectly. Go to the gate, but do not panic.

    Point is: Don’t go early.

    Grab is the Uber of Southeast Asia, and Singapore is no exception. Make sure to select the option for paying with your credit card in advance, or the driver will expect cash upon arrival at your destination. Grab is especially convenient at the airport, and we highly recommend using it instead of booking a car through the hotel. For anyone who has used Uber before- download the app and upload your credit card before arrival in Singapore… then it is really, really easy.

    Here’s a link to a Google map of Singapore’s districts.

    D1 Raffles Place: This is where The Fullerton Bay hotels are. While it is central and has a good view of Marina Bay Sands (MBS), it’s not our favorite area. It’s a little busy and touristy.

    D2 Tanjong Pagar: Our favorite area with the best restaurants and bars around. Young and vibrant with colonial architecture.

    Chinatown: Very close to Tanjong Pagar with good restaurants and good markets.

    Marina Bay Sands: This is a huge expanse covering the hotel, neighboring mall, expansive casino, and the gardens are nearby. It’s busy. It’s touristy. And while it’s not really our thing, we do end up there at least once every trip.

    Millenia Walk: This is near the Ritz and Mandarin Oriental. We like staying in this area because it is less busy than across the river, while being walkable if the weather permits. It is quieter and comfortable (and sometimes under construction, but that’s everywhere in Singapore).

    National Gallery Area: This is where Long Bar and the National Gallery is. It’s a nice part of town and quite walkable, but there isn’t too much going on at night (that we know of).

    D6 Beach Road: This is near Atlas Bar & Haji Ln (a lively tourist spot with graffiti and small restaurants). It’s a cool area we would like to explore more.

    D8 Little India: We are terrible tourists because we have never been.

    D9 Orchard: While this was Anthony Bourdain’s place to stay, we found it really out of the way for what we wanted to do. Plus, it truly did feel like a business district and bored us.

    Sentosa: This resort and amusement island is a 15 min drive from central Singapore. We do not recommend staying here or even bothering going out of your way to visit. However, we absolutely recommend going to Ocean Restaurant for a once-in-a-lifetime lunch.

    Hawker Stalls: This is a tourist right of passage in Singapore, but we have always had a really hard time with it due to the heat. Maxwell is certainly one of the more touristy spots, and Albert is very authentic. We recommend choosing a smaller center close to your hotel (some are air conditioned in malls and are reminiscent of US food courts). If you do go, note that seats are ‘reserved’ by people putting everything from a stack of tissues to their phones in front of a seat. Look for a chicken rice stand with some locals in front of it… But maybe make another lunch reso, just in case.

    Art Science Museum: This is the building that looks like a lotus in front of the Marina Bay Sands. Avoid unless you are going with children and are comfortable with crowds. Very strange exhibits that are not very nice. VR was broken when we went (it did not mention this online, and it seemed to have been out of order for a while).

    Gardens by the Bay: Marked by the big flower-like statues you see- this spot can get busy but the statues are fun to see lit up at night- we like the rooftop views at Ce La Vie.

    Cloud Forest: The best part of Gardens by the Bay and temperature-controlled to stay cool.

    Water/Light Show in Marina Bay: Underwhelming. Usually occur around 8pm and 9pm nightly. Do not leave dinner early to see this.

    Marina Bay Sands: Shopping galore and wildly busy on weekends, and around concert times. If you want to go on the roof, wait until late and go to Ce La Vie for a drink, or make a reservation at Spago. There is a wait for everything here, so reservations are important.

    National Gallery: Good views with solid restaurant options in a multi-level museum.

    Long Bar: Do. Not. Go. (see below)

    Of course, always be cautious while traveling. That being said, Singapore is probably the safest country we have ever visited (in large part due to the very severe punishments with being caught for any crime). You don’t need to worry about being robbed, mugged, taken, etc. If anything, you need to worry more about you getting yourself into trouble. Small things to be cautious of:

    – Absolutely do not even think about bring chewing gum into the country (And definitely no THC or CBD products!)

    – While jaywalking is illegal, locals say that tickets are given if you cross the street illegally within 50 meters of a crosswalk

    – Everything you do is on camera. Apparently tourists show up at the airport immigration and learn there if they were caught doing something illegal/given tickets there.

    Other unique laws can be found here.

     

    Notable Places Visited & Not Reviewed

    Analog Bar: Trendy and cool vegan bar with health-focused cocktails. Book Bar: Cute Tanjong Pagar bookstore and cafe that ‘happens’ to serve alcohol, with local authors. Cat Bite Club: Cool bar (walk to the very back) that is worth a stop, especially if you like tequila and mezcal. Cherry Garden: Unbelievably bad on all accounts. Please avoid. Elephant Room: A popular bar with innovative cocktails, we liked it but didn’t love it. Fiamma: Jess’s dad said it was the worst meal he’d had in memory and we understand. Garibaldi: Extensive wine list but only alright food and service. The atmosphere is boring and not very high-end. Imperial Treasure: This chain is meh. Avoid. Jypsy One Fullerton: The whole area is weird and touristy. Skip. Khiri: Big disappointment. Definitely skip. KOMA: Standard sushi (but the DIY tuna is good) in a well-designed space that fits with the TAO brand. Often open between lunch and dinner even if it says closed online. LONG BAR: We had to emphasize it…. DO NOT GO. Biggest tourist trap in Singapore and your reward for waiting in a hot and miserable line (which is unceasing) is a very large sour/sweet Singapore Sling that will roll around in your stomach for hours after you step on other people’s used peanut shells. It might sound fun, but it is (at best) mediocre. Do. Not. Recommend. Madame Fan: Ok atmosphere, below average food, decent wine list. Nighthawk: A way too tiny bar that gets packed but has good service. Panamericana: Fine food for Sentosa. Republic: Just an ok bar. Shinsora: This was one of our favorite omakase experiences of all time, led by sushi genius Sky Tai, but days after we tried it they switched concepts to private dining only. We would recommend it if that’s something you’re interested in. 8 seats, minimum of 2 week advance notice, booking available on their site. Shoukouwa: Worst omakase ever, do not waste your time. Avoid. Smoke & Mirrors: This mostly outdoor, barely indoor bar in the National Gallery is worth going for the views if the weather is good. Summer Pavillion: The service was good but the food was just ok. +twelve: Please avoid this terrible place. Wakuda: We only went for snacks and drinks, but both were solid. Febby runs the bar program and she is awesome.

    favorite moments

    Soba on ice at Nishikane
    Soba on ice at Nishikane
    Beef tartar at ANJU
    Beef tartar at ANJU
    Jess's dad and his pet gecko at Ce La Vie rooftop
    Jess's dad and his pet gecko at Ce La Vie rooftop
    Wagyu at Yen Yakiniku- ready to go on the grill!
    Wagyu at Yen Yakiniku- ready to go on the grill!
    Uni soup at Sushi Seizan!
    Uni soup at Sushi Seizan!
    Ocean Restaurant, Singapore
    Ocean Restaurant, Singapore
    Snow ice at Labyrinth
    Snow ice at Labyrinth
    Anniversary date
    Anniversary date
    Chef Sky Tai- who does private dining now!
    Chef Sky Tai- who does private dining now!
    Gio's favorite gin at Atlas Bar
    Gio's favorite gin at Atlas Bar
    Foie, snow crab, truffle cigar at Peach Blossoms
    Foie, snow crab, truffle cigar at Peach Blossoms
    How we wish Noka was still open!
    How we wish Noka was still open!
    Exploring in the rain!
    Exploring in the rain!
    A bite at Thevar, Singapore
    A bite at Thevar, Singapore
    Chef Thevar and his delicious bites
    Chef Thevar and his delicious bites
    Atlas Bar's Gin Library
    Atlas Bar's Gin Library
    Gio's first ever drink at Atlas!
    Gio's first ever drink at Atlas!
    Iberico at Firangi Superstar
    Iberico at Firangi Superstar
    Continue Reading

  • Maui, Hawaii

    Nearly every year, Gio’s family takes a trip to Wailea to rewind and enjoy some of the best restaurants in Maui. Our top restaurant recommendation in Maui is actually outside of Wailea, but it is a must: Mama’s Fish House. Top recommended hotel: Kea Lani (mostly for the swim-up bar).

    Why stop in Maui? Continue on to Japan- see our Tokyo & Osaka Guide here.

    Don’t know what to pack? Here’s Jess’s Packing List.

    Top Restaurants

    Mama’s Fish House

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 9.5/10    Atmosphere: 9/10    Food: 10/10    Beverage Program: 8/10

    Located a 40-ish min drive from Wailea (where almost everything else we have reviewed is located), Mama’s is our #1 restaurant in Maui and one of our top 5 restaurants in the world. Proof- we will happily drive 40 or so minutes each way… and we get carsick so we almost never do that. Mama’s books up several months in advance, so the moment you book your trip to Maui, you should work on getting a reservation. We recommend lunch to enjoy the beachside view. The restaurant is indoor-outdoor, so do dress accordingly for the weather (it can get warm, but don’t let that deter you). Jess’s favorite dish is the toothfish, and Gio likes the opakapaka. In the past, you had to call 48 hours ahead of time for fresh sashimi (we highly recommend the fresh ahi), but now it is usually a staple on the appetizer menu. Mai Tai’s are excellent, and Jess always orders the Pau Hana gin and ginger drink because it’s not too sweet. We go a minimum of 2 times per trip and couldn’t recommend it more. 

    Mama’s is worth the flight to Maui (we often go straight off the airplane as it is closer to the airport than Wailea).

    2025 Updates: Food score bumped from 9 to 10, and service bumped from 8.5 to 9.5. Request Lacy as a server (she has worked there over 20 years).

    Spago

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 8/10    Atmosphere: 8/10    Food: 9/10     Bar Program: 8/10

    Spago is a solid option for a nice dinner in Maui, located on the upper floor of the Four Seasons. We have been many times and, while the service has always been good, the last time it was excellent, so we bumped the rating up. The famous ‘Spago-cones’- we find to be a little too sweet. Other than that, we enjoy a lot of the menu items- especially the bolognese pasta (which you can order in a small portion and you should definitely consider). The truffle pizza is also great.

    2025 Updates: After our December trip, we bumped the food score from an 8 to a 9. This is, by far, our favorite Spago location food-wise. Also updated: they now allow corkage.

    Morimoto Maui

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 7.5/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10    Food: 8/10    Beverage Program: NA (sake list is solid)

    Morimoto Maui has impressively fresh fish and quality local specials that are not to be missed- especially the ahi poke tacos. Make sure to make a reservation and specify exactly where you want- we prefer either the outdoor bar or the outdoor, large table directly to the right of it (seats 6 very comfortably). It is colder indoors, so on nights when the weather is nice… it is great to sit outside- you might even catch the hotel’s fire show… yay.

    2025 Updates: Food dropped from 8.5 to 8, atmosphere dropped from 8 to 7.5 (loud and crowded).

    Lineage

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 8/10    Atmosphere: 6.5/10    Food: 8.5/10     Bar Program: 7/10

    Probably the most modern dining concept in Wailea shops, Lineage offers Chinese fusion with a younger vibe in a moody and casual restaurant. We highly recommend spending a dinner here- the garlic noodles are absolutely not to be missed and the fried chicken is almost iconic. Reservations necessary (and you can reserve dinner at the bar, which we will 100% do again).

    2025 Update: Must order the lobster noodle dish it is a 10000/10 and on our best dishes of 2025 list.

    Top Bars

    Lobby Lounge

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 8/10   Atmosphere: 9/10   Bar Program: 8/10

    This is certainly our favorite bar in Maui for sunset drinks, and they usually have very good live music at night. Bar seats are hard to come by and hotel guests do seem to get priority (which should be the case), but go early and snag some bar seats or a comfortable lounge chair. They also have very good snacks including yuca fries which Jess loves and (sometimes) sushi rolls or chef pop-ups. This is the bar when you enter the Four Seasons directly from the front or pool/beach level, in the lobby. Also, yes, the bar in White Lotus.

    Maui Brewing Co.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 6/10       Atmosphere: 7/10       Food: 6.5/10      Beer Selection: 7.5/10

    This Kihei outpost is a quick ride from Wailea resorts and offers a nice afternoon activity. We have always gone early/around opening time, so we are not sure how busy it gets later in the day, but they apparently offer live music many evenings. We like a pre-lunch beer flight and a few snacks, if we’re hungry. Indoor-outdoor and it should be noted there are usually chickens roaming around.

    Ama

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10    Food: 7/10     Bar Program: 7/10

    This is Kea Lani’s swim up bar and neighboring grill, and it is a huge reason why we often choose to stay at the Kea Lani- it is a fun place to spend the day. Both the chicken tenders and Maui Salad with the fresh catch were memorably good. The ambiance is often determined by whichever guests are there (as with most swim-up bars).

    More Restaurants & Bars...

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7.5/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10    Food: 7/10     Bar Program: NA

    Located downstairs of the Four Seasons, this steak and seafood restaurant offers Four Seasons-level service with a menu that has something for everyone. Jess enjoyed the penang curry and sitting outdoors is wonderful in good Maui weather (we usually visit in December). We don’t visit DUO every trip to Maui, but when we have gone we enjoyed it.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 6/10    Atmosphere: 6/10    Food: 6/10     Bar Program: 5.5/10

    This locals-friendly cafe is a 30-45 minute drive from Wailea and is worth it if you are staying in town for a long time and want to mix things up (while you can get an Uber there, it might be a dicier situation trying to get an Uber back). Gio’s parents love this place, and they used to visit often when they lived in Hawaii, so it has many good memories. It is a locals favorite- especially for the pork enchilada pie. They do have very good desserts. We personally don’t love it, but part of that has to do with the drive. 

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7.5/10    Atmosphere: 7/10    Food: 7.5/10     Bar Program: 7/10

    This indoor-outdoor pool restaurant is located in the Marriott and has solid food and drinks. It is slightly air-conditioned (or feels like it, at least), so on hot days it offers a nice break. It is definitely a good, casual lunch spot with people watching over the pool. The nearby bar is also comfortable and has a nice ocean view, but is sometimes filled with guests-only signs (but we have only seen these enforced in the actual pool).

    Overall: Recommend

    Not rating

    We only stopped by for a quick bite, so we find it a bit unfair to rate. However, this lobby/restaurant sushi bar within the Four Seasons is on our must return list for next year. The host was nice and amenable to walk-ins, the fish was fresh (uni was great), they have a decent sake list, and everyone was very hospitable. 

    Miso Phat

    Overall: Highly Consider

    Service: 7/10   Atmosphere: 6/10    Food: 8/10    Beverage: 6/10

    This walk-in only sushi spot in Kihei is our favorite casual lunch spot on the island, and it is just outside of Wailea. The fish is very fresh (we love the local sashimi platter) and the rolls are extravagant. The portions are generous, so do be prepared. It can get cold (which is a great thing for sushi restaurants, we think) so do bring a sweater on a hot day. We usually arrive at least 10 minutes before opening to secure a seat.

    Overall: Worth A Visit

    Service: 6/10     Atmosphere: 6 /10    Food: NA    Beverage Program:  6/10

    A casual place for lunch in the afternoons. Unfortunately, Jess’s weird allergy to bee products makes it hard for her to eat here (honey is even in the pizza dough!) but it is a casual and nice lunch spot and people love the lilikoi (passion fruit) foam on the Mai Tais (also made of honey). Everyone seems to go here for casual lunches.

    Overall: Consider

    Service: 7/10    Atmosphere: 7/10    Food: 7/10     Beverage Program: 6/10

    This is Grand Wailea’s poolside restaurant, and we have really only gone for lunch (and mostly only eaten the pizzas- which can be highly customized and are quite good). Ask for a pizza extra crispy and enjoy the ocean breeze. The bar program is average, but we had a slight problem with the wine list looking good and them being sold out of most of what we tried to order.

    Overall: Maybe

    Not rated

    A good spot for watching sports games and having a quick bite, located in the shopping mall near Lineage (which you should go to).

    Hotels

    The Four Seasons has the best lobby bar in Wailea. The private pool for guests has a great swim up bar- small but high-end. The rooms aren’t a great value, which is why we prefer Kea Lani.

    The Grand Wailea is the hotel we often stay at with family, but it’s not our personal favorite. It’s a little spread out and also a bit out-of-date (especially the gym) with seemingly never-ending construction. The pool service is mostly a miss, and even though the pools are cold there are very fun waterslides for all ages to enjoy. The swim up bar is in a cave and can be fun. The bar in the lobby is great around sunset time, with live music and a very friendly bartender named Keoni– tell him we said hello!

    The Kea Lani is our preferred hotel due to the great swim-up bar, convenient location, and brand new gym. The bar in the evenings is comfortable, made particularly enjoyable with live music as the sun sets. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, and the service has been solid for all of our stays.

    This Marriott hotel is a favorite of many, and we enjoyed our stay there. While it might be tempting to book the base room with points, we highly recommend against the base rooms (ours was in a dark nook by a water heater and surrounded by loud families so we did need to change, but maybe some are better?). The suites overlooking the ocean and pool are spacious and comfortable. The restaurant Kapa Bar & Grill is also a great lunch spot. The pool is nice, but lounge chairs instantly fill up and the cabanas are reservation-only. This hotel is generally comfortable and in a great location.

    We have not stayed at the Andaz, but we do enjoy going to Morimoto there, and the location is nice. The pools are laid out in a ‘tier-style’, which spaces them out a lot- separated by staircases. We would highly suggest avoiding this hotel if you cannot walk up stairs because there are so many (there are ADA golf-carts available but they can take a while).

    Tourism & Travel Notes

    As much as it seems easy to rent a car, Gio and I much prefer using Ubers and the occasional hotel house-car, both of which are plentiful. As you’ve noticed from our post, we spend most of our time in Wailea, which is very easy to get around and has a wonderful walking path along the beach that (can be hilly but) does get you between hotels easily.

    Most hotels offer wristbands for their guests and are only open to hotel guests. Resorts Pass has proven a great way to explore other hotel pools when you get bored of your own- we used this to go to the Kea Lani swim up bar one time when we were staying in a house nearby and had a great afternoon.

    Notable Places Visited & Not Reviewed

    KŌ: We don’t want to review this restaurant at the Kea Lani Hotel because we haven’t been in years and we heard it’s changed its concept (it was not memorable before but that can be a good thing?). Matteo’s: This is a standard Italian restaurant that might be worth a visit if you are in the area for over a week. Ruth’s Chris: Standard chain with lots of butter on steaks and hot plates. Tommy Bahamas: Coconut shrimp type of deal. Wailea Swim-Up Bar: You should obviously check out this cave-style bar if you are staying at Wailea, but it is not a reason itself to stay at the hotel. If you are looking for a hotel with a good swim-up bar we would suggest Kea Lani istead.

    favorite moments

    View from the bar at Four Seasons
    View from the bar at Four Seasons
    Toothfish at Mama's
    Toothfish at Mama's
    Mama's tuna- we are obsessed
    Mama's tuna- we are obsessed
    Miso Phat sushi
    Miso Phat sushi
    Miso Phat sushi
    Miso Phat sushi
    Reading by the pool
    Reading by the pool
    Maui views
    Maui views
    Best tuna sashimi fresh at mama's
    Best tuna sashimi fresh at mama's
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  • Las Vegas, Nevada

    Las Vegas Nevada United States of America best restaurants best bars blog

    There’s more to Vegas than nightclubs and the like. Vegas has some really amazing restaurants. Our favorite hotel to recommend is Wynn Tower Suites (though the non-tower suite side is our second choice), and one of our top restaurant is located in the same hotel: Wing Lei. For the best lunch, cure your late night drinking with a healthy Greek feast at Milo’s (Vegas is our top location from this restaurant group), and don’t forget to nurse your hangover at Icebar at The Linq.

    Can’t get enough of the party? Check out our Miami Guide.

    Don’t know what to pack? Here’s Jess’s Packing List.

    Top Restaurants

    Wing Lei

    Overall: Highly Consider

    Service: 9/10    Atmosphere: 8.5/10    Food: 9/10    Beverage Program: 8/10

    Our favorite luxury Chinese restaurant in Vegas is located in the Wynn hotel and offers some of the best cuisine and service around. If you are looking for one nice dinner in Vegas with a focus on good food- this is it (keep in mind they are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Do not miss the appetizers- especially the well-above-average spring rolls and potstickers (served on their own individual tiny hammocks). The peking duck is 95% hit, 5% miss, but we’ll take those odds any day. Weekends do get very busy. You can bring your own wine for a corkage fee, and definitely reserve in advance. The best table is the one closest to the dragon and seats 6.

    Milos

    Overall: Highly Consider

    Service: 8.5/10    Atmosphere: 8.5/10    Food: 9/10    Wine: 8.5/10

    While we both love this restaurant located in The Venetian (especially for a long lunch)- this is Jess’s #1 in Vegas (Gio’s might be Javier’s). Go for the healthy, Mediterranean fare in an upscale setting with hospitality to match. Our favorite fish (which you can pick from yourself from) is the Fagri- a type of snapper- prepared with salt crust and a side of fresh veggies. Hummus and tzatziki plus the stack of zucchini and eggplant is not to be missed. Do not rush this lunch- sit back and enjoy. Ask the somm for a nice Greek assyrtiko that is (specifiacally) not too acidic- for a perfect white wine pairing (and say hello for us). Good for groups of any size, especially for a high-end lunch.

    Javier’s

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7/10   Atmosphere: 7/10    Food: 9/10    Beverage: 8/10

    This Vegas outpost of the famous Orange County upscale Mexican restaurant is Gio’s must-do Vegas lunch, located in the Aria hotel. It gets busy- so either go early to snag bar seats or make a reservation to be safe. Must orders: Chile Verde & Camarones con Rajas. If you don’t put the rice in the extra sauce on the camarones, we will judge your culinary tastes poorly. The beans are also worth a taste or 10.

    Sinatra

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 8.5/10   Atmosphere: 8/10    Food: 8.5/10    Beverage: 8/10

    This is our Vegas Italian recommendation- and, yes, we know you are thinking that there are better places (Carbone & the like) but our vote is for Sinatra at the Wynn. This is the least annoying place in a great location- and the last time we went the food was 10/10 (we have been many times, but we will definitely have to up the food rating if it is as good next time). We highly recommend the veal parmigiana, and if you are going to have good Italian dessert anywhere- this is the place. The bar gets very busy, and it seems the bartenders hold spots for locals, so definitely make a reservation. We have always sat at a table here and it is good for groups.

    Top Bars

    Delilah

    Overall: Consider

    Service: 5/10   Atmosphere: 8/10   Bar Program: 7/10

    Reservations are close to mandatory for this jazz bar/supper club hybrid and they will likely try to make you commit to dinner to secure a table- we recommend that you don’t… but the chicken tenders are your best bet, if you do. Jess likes Delilah because it’s more of a scene than your typical bar, but way chiller than a nightclub. Gio does not usually like it here, but he highly recommends stopping for a drink after dinner at Wing-Lei next door. This is one of the more popular spots in Vegas, so it can either be fun or annoying depending on the crowd.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 6/10   Atmosphere: 7.5/10   Bar Program: 7/10

    Call us old all you want, but if you know we are in Vegas- this is where you will find us. This dueling piano bar is one of our all time favorites and highly dependent on the crowd, but always a good pre- or post-dinner drink spot.

    Icebar

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 6/10   Atmosphere: 8.5/10   Bar Program: 6/10

    Perfect stop on a boiling hot day in Vegas, if you ask us! This literally frozen bar feels like stepping into a bear’s igloo, and we can vouch that this has cured hangovers.

    Juliet

    Overall: Consider

    Service: 7/10    Atmosphere: 7/10    Bar Program: 7/10

    Also known as The Dorsey, this Venetian hotel cocktail lounge is our favorite place to spend an afternoon when the weather outside keeps us away from the pools. If you’re in a large group, we recommend getting a table over by the bookshelves.

    More Restaurants & Bars...

    Overall: Worth A Visit

    Service: 7/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10    Food: 8/10    Beverage Program: 7.5/10

    While this is absolutely our favorite Carbone location, we are a little tired of Carbone and prefer going to Sinatra’s during our Vegas stays. Still, it is worth going to- especially if you have never visited Carbone. Reservations mandatory- book them early. The spicy rigatoni is as good as everyone says it is.

    Overall: Worth Going Off-Strip For

    Service: 9/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10    Food: 8/10    Beverage Program: 7/10

    While we don’t plan on going off-strip that often, we might actually go very intentionally in the future to go back to Raku- a strip mall bar/tapas joint with some of the best jamon iberico and even better service. It’s trendy, it is small, it is clean, it’s fun. We accidentally found this place when we arrived way too early for omakase next door (see Kabuto Edomae in ‘notable places’ below), so we only tried the iberico and a few delicious snacks. But we also went back after because the bar staff was so fun. One day, we should probably go back for a full dinner. They are open late, and they have Guinness on draft… so… I mean…

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7.5/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10    Food: 7.5/10     Beverage Program: 8/10

    Great for a late lunch, Cirpiani in the Wynn Shops is a stop we certainly recommend and usually visit once per trip for a casual lunch. We have not needed reservations when we visited in the past. Nothing quite beats a Vegas hangover like an Aperol Spritz and deep fried zucchini chips- just make sure not to look at the moving ocean through the “windows”.

    Overall: Definitely Recommend

    Not reviewing

    We don’t think it would be fair to review these restaurants, because we haven’t been since before Covid- however, we definitely recommend both of these spots. The main Joel Robuchon offers our favorite fine dining experience in Vegas and lives up to what you would expect from this highly-acclaimed French chef. L’Atelier is next door and offers similarly thoughtful food in a more casual (yet dark and moody) bistro atmosphere. We will have to return for proper ratings!

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7.5/10    Atmosphere: 5.5/10    Food: 7/10     Beverage Program: NA

    This is definitely an old school place and is certainly not known for having a younger crowd. The caviar pasta is really good, and this is worth a visit if you want a solid place to relax with nice service. We did not look at the wine list during our dinner, so we can’t rate it.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7/10    Atmosphere: 6/10    Food: 7/10     Beverage Program: 6/10

    The perfect lunch spot if you can’t decide which type of asian food you want- Mizumi offers sushi, Thai and Chinese in a comfortable location wedged between Encore and Wynn.

    Overall: Depends…

    Service: 6.5/10    Atmosphere: 6/10    Food: 7.5/10     Beverage Program: 7/10

    If we were to rate our favorite Nobus around the world (#1 is Malibu, #2 is Cabo), Nobu Vegas wouldn’t come close to the top of the list. Still, it is a Nobu, so the food is solid and we recommend stopping by if you are in Vegas for a while.

    Overall: Worth a Visit

    Service: 7/10    Atmosphere: 6/10    Food: 7.5/10     Beverage Program: 6/10

    For casual Chinese food (we recommend lunch), Red8 is a solid stop. Make sure to order the pea shoots if they have them.

    This is mostly included for our friends out there that go to places like E11even in Miami. This is a pool party at Sapphire, and if you like pool parties and you like Vegas clubs, this is worth looking into because you can get a cabana and lounge out (shockingly, yes you can relax, but you can also make it a party for large groups), for next to nothing. It’s oddly quite chill and comfortable.

    Overall: Depends…

    Not rated

    For larger groups and more of a party atmosphere, we do recommend having dinner at Tao and doing the seasonal brunch at Lavo (especially if you enjoy dancing on tables after eating). Marquee is the definition of a nightclub- and we recommend the cabanas at their summer pool parties.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7/10    Atmosphere: 7/10    Food: 7/10     Beverage Program: 7/10

    We often stop by here to get our sushi fix in Vegas. It is chill, comfortable, and the food is overall good though not highly memorable.

    Overall: Depends…

    Not reviewing

    Depending on the night, XS can be really fun. While we aren’t really club people, this has turned out to be our nightclub of choice when in Vegas. Make sure to contact a promoter ahead of time to avoid the lines.

    Hotels

    While we almost always stay at the Wynn, we have stayed at Aria before and do recommend it (especially because Javier’s is located downstairs). However, we don’t really love the overall vibe as much as we do the Wynn (it seems less high-end and is usually much more crowded).

    This is one of the newest (if not the newest) luxury hotels on the Las Vegas strip. With that comes some hits and misses. The rooms are decent (but the pillows are the worst of all time). The spa is incredible (but the massages themselves are not the best). The pool is sunny (but very windy and, really, very sunny). And the restaurants are good (but quiet- here’s looking at you Kyu). This seems like a good business hotel, but it’s also nice because it’s new and doesn’t smell like smoke. The bar to your right when you first enter the lobby and before the elevators is great – ask for Sahil and say hello for us. 

    We really enjoyed our last stay at The Palazzo and would likely stay here the next time Wynn is too busy or booked out. There are tons of pools and it is in a great central location on the strip.

    The Wynn is our top hotel choice because the design feels a little higher end and the location is perfect for our favorite restaurants. We have found that it is not as smokey as other hotels, which is also really important to us. And the service is great (though it should be mentioned that if you want late night room service it can take forever).

    This is our preferred location within the Wynn hotel, and the Tower Suites are nicer than the standard Wynn rooms (though we still very happily stay at the Wynn). The biggest perks of staying at the Tower Suites over the standard Wynn rooms includes is the ease of the check-in process, the less-busy elevators, and the higher quality rooms (though they truthfully are only slightly better). Room service is also faster. The bar at the base of the Tower Suites is a great spot, but it does get very busy. There is a separate pool area (no bar) for Tower Suites guests which only seems important when the Wynn is super busy.

    Resorts World is worth mentioning- we visited the property shortly after opening and ran into a couple people who weren’t too happy with their stay. However, it might be worth checking out now that it’s been open a while. Neither of us have ever stayed at The Cosmopolitan without crossing paths with someone throwing up. And it is worth mentioning that while we have not stayed at the Nobu Hotel, we have heard some pretty bad things and do not want to recommend it to friends (though we highly recommend the Nobu Hotel in Cabo).

    Tourism & Travel Notes

    This interactive show Atomic Saloon is a fun adult night-time act that combines circus performances, cabaret, and a lot of other random things. Do not volunteer for the sword activity- Jess did this believing it was a simple magic show and had to literally pull a sword out of a man’s throat on stage. Point is: we recommend going, but highly do not recommend volunteering. Hide.

    Ubers are the way to go, and taxis are usually fine. If both are taking too long, you can usually pay the hotel for one of their house cars or limos at the last minute. House cars are the best airport transfer, Ubers a close second.

    Notable Places Visited & Not Reviewed

    Capo Italian: Quite gimmicky and off-strip, this Italian spot does offer good live music and garlic bread. Good for families & grandparents. Do bring your own wine. Durango Hotel: This off-strip hotel is very clean and new, and we would recommend it for those looking to stay on property and never venture out. Joe’s Seafood at Caesars: Pretty much your standard Joe’s Stone Crab vibe, good for lunch at the shops. Kabuto Edomae Sushi: Very solid off-stip omakase, but nothing wildly memorable. KYU: Completely different from KYU Miami and KYU Mexico City (which we both love), KYU Vegas is really, oddly quiet. The layout is very “chill”, so it’s certainly not a vibey atmosphere and might be better for a mellow weekday work trip dinner. Maybe they will change this. However, the food is outstanding. The duck is a must-order. Momofuku: Average. Mott 32: Way too oily peking duck. The Mayfair Supper Club: We enjoyed visiting this place for drinks. It is a bit loud and definitely a scene but we had a fun time overall and would return. Top of the World: It’s super touristy, but that can be good for some. We don’t not recommend it, if you get what we mean. Members-Only Chinese Dining: Not really a huge point in reviewing this place at the top of The Palazzo, but if you do get the invite it is worth a visit. WAKUDA: Gio’s sister really likes this place, but we don’t.

    GREAT MOMENTS

    Gio and his sister exploring the members club at Palazzo
    Gio and his sister exploring the members club at Palazzo
    Carbone with the family
    Carbone with the family
    Joel Robuchon
    Joel Robuchon
    Our favorite fishmonger at Milos
    Our favorite fishmonger at Milos
    Adventure is out there
    Adventure is out there
    Behind Mayfair Supper Club
    Behind Mayfair Supper Club
    The Villas by Wynn Tower Suites
    The Villas by Wynn Tower Suites
    View from the Chinese restaurant at The Palazzo
    View from the Chinese restaurant at The Palazzo
    Vegas mimosas
    Vegas mimosas
    Milos may not look perfect, but it is perfect
    Milos may not look perfect, but it is perfect
    Beautiful dumplings at Wing Lei
    Beautiful dumplings at Wing Lei
    Gio and Jess's sister enjoying Javier's cosmos
    Gio and Jess's sister enjoying Javier's cosmos
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  • Tokyo & Osaka, Japan

    Japan is a world of it’s own and a must-see for any sushi-living globe trotter. Some of the best bars in Japan are in Osaka- including a favorite Bar Nayuta. And you might be surprised to learn the bar in Lost in Translation is not actually a physical bar, but a communal table at the Park Hyatt. We think the best tempura is at Tsunahachi in Shinjuku, Tokyo. And our biggest piece of advice is to learn a little Japanese before you go (Jess’s useful Japanese essentials are listed below).

    Traveling around Asia? Check out our complete Singapore Guide.

    Don’t know what to pack? Here’s Jess’s Packing List.

    Top Restaurants

    WAJO (Osaka)

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 9.5/10    Atmosphere: 10/10    Food: 9/10    Beverage Program: NA (Sommelier pairing was very good)

    Located on a high floor of the St. Regis Osaka, and overlooking the city below, this dining experience takes Teppanyaki to the next level. In semi-private to private dining rooms, you have a personal chef preparing delicious bites- ranging from cold appetizers to grilled meats and vegetables- on a mini-kitchen in front of you. Truly, if you want a fine-dining experience with good food- this is our top recommendation in all of Japan. (Jess isn’t the biggest steak person, and she ate every bite of her wagyu). We did the basic set menu with the sommelier pairing. It really doesn’t get much better than this.

    Musashi by Aman (Tokyo)

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 8.5/10    Atmosphere: 7/10    Food: 9/10    Beverage Program: 8/10

    This was our favorite omakase in Japan. Master Chef Musashi takes great pride in his fish and seaweed quality, but especially cares about his rice (he beamed with pride when Jess mentioned she liked the texture). It turns out, he is famous for growing the rice himself. There was also a delicious eel hand roll that we are not sure we will ever forget. This quiet sushi bar is located in the highly luxurious Aman hotel (they only let hotel guests in, so if your reservation is at 7pm… you get let in at 7pm… however, if you simply ‘pretend’ that it is earlier, you sneak in and have a drink at their stunning bar beforehand). 

    Tsunahachi in Shinjuku Tempura (Tokyo)

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 8/10   Atmosphere: 7.5/10    Food: 9/10    Beverage: 2/10

    This walk-in only tempura spot was recommended to us by our hotel concierge as the ‘number 1 must-eat’. Two reasons we almost didn’t go: We don’t love the idea of fried food for a whole meal, and we are definitely not line people. But at the high recommendation, we decided to give it a try. We arrived in line before their 11am opening for lunch, which we recommend doing (the wait can be very long), and we were in the first seating. This was the best tempura we have had in our lives, and it was so light that we felt great afterwards. We did not feel that gross fried-food feeling, and I think that is a testament to the chefs (which you can watch from the counter) and their centuries-old recipes. Do not order the one burgundy- stick to sake.

    Oryori Hayashi Kaiseki (Kyoto)

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 9.5/10   Atmosphere: 8.5/10    Food: 9/10    Beverage: NA

    This Kaiseki traditional lunch in Kyoto was so incredible that it’s hard to put into words. If we were in charge of giving Michelin stars away, we would certainly give this place 2. Tucked into a tiny building that feels more like a house, we were sat in a tiny room upstairs where you sit on cushions on the floor and drop your feet into a lowered section under the table. This is a multi-course sensory experience containing small bites of both raw and cooked traditional Japanese dishes. Fun fact: Gio was not a big uni fan before this, but the uni dish changed him. It is (and will probably forever be) the best uni either of us have ever had in our lives. 

    This is the only restaurant we visited in Kyoto. We hired a driver in Osaka and it took about one hour to get to Kyoto (be careful with your timing, however, with traffic it took us much longer to get back).

    Top Bars

    Bar Nayuta (Osaka)

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 9.5/10   Atmosphere: 8.5/10   Bar Program: 9/10

    This no-reservations bar is run by a creative/grungy Osakan with an Australian accent, and it is great. A bit difficult to find, it is best to search for the logo from their instagram and go from there, before tucking under a short door (an old Japanese bar tradition to keep people’s swords out of bars). There is no menu. The bartender listens to what you like a creates an herbal concoction of your dreams. It is like stepping into an apothecary and leaving happily tipsy. Make sure to buy him a drink (which is very common in Japan!)

    L&L Bar (Osaka)

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 9/10    Atmosphere: 6/10    Bar Program: 5/10

    We watched the World Cup here (and visited at least 2 other times because we loved it so much). This casual bar has the best service and no one ever seems to like sitting at the actual bar (many large groups sit at tables)- so we got two bar seats every night. This is a super popular local place, and the service is great- we still follow some of the bartenders on Instagram.

    Bar Qwang (Tokyo)

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 8/10   Atmosphere: 8/10   Food: 6/10 (fish cakes are a 9)   Bar Program: 8.5/10

    This basement-level bar in the Minato City area of Tokyo is incredibly charming. The bartender is a kind older gentleman who takes great care and caution with each of his cocktails, and his wife cooks up delicious bites in the back kitchen. We went two nights in a row.

    Bar B&F (Tokyo)

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 8/10   Atmosphere: 7/10    Bar Program: 8/10

    This sister bar of the famous Benfiddich, which we were not fans of (exclusively for tourists). This bar has more locals, and an Irish-theme, which we enjoy. We visited during the winter, so the Irish music in this comfortable spot felt right. There is no menu, but there are English speaking bartenders. They have hard to find spirits we love such as Silent Pool and Martin Millers (our favorite!)

    More Restaurants & Bars...

    Overall: Worth A Visit

    Cannot rate, too variable

    There are hundreds of bars in this Tokyo neighborhood, where you can walk from street to street and stop into whatever bar calls to you. A few bars will have signs saying ‘no foreigners’, and that should be respected. Be mindful of Japanese customs, if a bar is silent- it generally wants to stay silent… if a bar is loud- feel free to have fun being loud as well.

    Overall: Worth A Stop

    Service: 8   Atmosphere: 7  Beverage Program: 7

    One of the few Tokyo bars that will actually let you tip, Bar Logue is a small and dark spot with good drinks and bartenders. Snacks are served at most Japanese bars, along with your drink. The snacks here are great- smoked duck and smoked Gouda with a perfect, tiny chocolate fudge piece.

    Directions- take the stairs to the 3rd floor 3F when you see the street poster for Bar Logue. 

    Overall: Worth A Stop

    Service: 7/10    Atmosphere: 7/10    Bar Program: 7/10

    A tight classic cocktail bar with an experienced bartender, the smell of cigars.

    Directions- 3F look for yellow sign with bar name and follow inside to the elevator on your right. The first thing they will ask is for a cover charge (like most Tokyo bars). Say yes then take a seat.

    Overall: Worth A Visit

    Service: 8/10     Atmosphere: GOTH   Beverage Program: 5/10

    Honestly, this is worth going to just for the story.

    Overall: Highly Recommend… if you like street food

    Cannot rate, highly variable

    Memory Lane is a famous road of many hawker-like shops within a small and charming street. We went on a Wednesday and had a great time, but imagine it would get very busy on weekends. Most shops have a small counter with an open kitchen, and barely any wiggle room. Simply find a shop you like, signal how many seats you want, and every one will slide down to make space for you (this is expected of you, too). This street is not for the faint of heart- there are cockroaches and public toilets and probably a lot of things we were lucky not to see. The locals love it though, and a tip is to look for a shop with many businessmen enjoying their meals. We would go back in a heartbeat.

    This was our favorite spot, make sure to order the tiny crunchy shrimp, and try to speak as much Japanese as you can (it is polite, and they also don’t speak English).

    Overall: Worth A Stop… if you love Irish Pubs

    Not rating

    We had a great time here, and it is a nice spot for a drink when you’e bored in Osaka. Ring the bell and you buy everyone a the bar a drink.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 6/10   Atmosphere: 7/10   Food: 7.5/10   Wine list: 4/10 (limited)

    This Shinjuki City Chinese restaurant is perfect if you get a little tired of sushi. We would recommend skipping the peking duck, and making sure to order the soup dumplings. There is a language barrier, but the staff is helpful and does try their best. Overall, the food is good- after all, we did go twice.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7/10   Atmosphere: 6.5/10   Food: 7/10   Beverage Program: 7/10

    It may seem silly to go to a Nobu when in Japan, but after so many omakases it is truly wonderful to order sushi a la carte. This is not our favorite Nobu (which is a tie between Malibu and Cabo), but it is definitely good. And they have more sakes outside of the Nobu-only selection, which is a plus.Lunch does last call for food at 2pm and drinks at 2:30pm, you can order their dinner a la carte menu at lunch if you ask for it.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 6/10   Atmosphere: 6/10   Food: 9/10   Beverage Program: 3/10

    Who would have thought it took a trip to Tokyo to find one of the best pizzas we have ever had? Not kidding. The world being small, the chef-owner trained in pastry at the Culinary Institute near where we live. The pizza crust proves this. It is really, really good. This casual pizza spot is reminiscent of childhood pizza arcades, and it gets very busy, especially on weekends.

    Overall: Worth A Visit… if you’re bored and have low expectations

    Service: 9/10    Atmosphere: 3/10    Food: 6.5/10   Bar Program: 5/10

    We found this bar out of desperation on a very cold and windy day in Osaka, when not much was open. It is located on the basement, 2 floors down, and you can see the signage by a giant Monster energy drink ad sign (which should explain the atmosphere ranking). But Rudy… oh Rudy. Our entire time in Osaka was changed for the better by entering this bar. In addition to giving us great recommendations for the city (including L&L Bar), Rudy joined us in several drinks as we tried Israeli wine and ate some of the best hummus of all time.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 9.5/10   Atmosphere: 6.5/10   Food: 8/10   Beverage Program: NA (Sake pairing was enjoyable)

    Hosted by the kindest and most adorable sushi chef (he jokingly made us a baby maybe 3cm sushi roll when we said we were starting to get full), Sushi Minazuke offers one of our favorite omakase experiences in Japan. While the rice did lean a little vinegar-y, it was certainly the most fun omakase we’ve experienced in Japan. We did get lost trying to find it: Go to the address and you will find it on the left side, in the front of the building, on the ground floor.

    Hotels

    After watching Lost in Translation, it’s hard not to be tempted to stay at the Park Hyatt Tokyo in Shinjuku. It was a nice hotel, and the gym was lovely (the pool was really just used as a lap pool)… but it definitely felt more like a business hotel and the walkable area matched that. We probably wouldn’t stay again, mostly because the bar in the movie does not have an actual bar counter (the one you see in the movie is a communal high top). 

    We can’t imagine a better hotel in Osaka than the St. Regis. And while everything did smell a little like cigarette smoke, everything in Japan smells a little like cigarette smoke. We would definitely recommend this hotel. The bar is lovely and we enjoyed every restaurant.

    Not recommended.

    This is definitely the busiest and one of the most outdated Ritz Carltons we have stayed at. The TV had a VCR player. The piano bar was highly enjoyable.

    We stayed at the Grand Hyatt or a quick stop at the end of our time in Japan. It was fine, the check-in process was difficult, but the room was lovely and there was a lot going on. However, this part of the city (Minato) has a lot of traffic, so getting to the airport was incredibly difficult.

    We would recommend looking into the Aman Tokyo, which had a lovely bar and restaurant (Musashi). It looked to be one of the nicest hotels in Tokyo, with great quality design and security. Additionally, we did not go to the Marunouchi area, but they have several luxury hotel options and we heard good things about the area as a whole.

    Tourism & Travel Notes

    We found Tableall to be most helpful with booking high end restaurants

    It is important to note that the train from Tokyo to Osaka requires 2 tickets. You need 1 ticket to get into the station, and a separate ticket for your actual train. We did not know how to do this and we still do not know.

    If you are a tall, large person (like us) it is important to know that there are many, many places in Japan that you simply… might not fit, literally. You will be uncomfortable. There are certain things that may not work for you (Memory Lane, many bars, some elevators, train seats, traditional kaiseki rooms…). Consider this as you plan your trip to Japan.

    There are a few things we learned about Japanese culture while we were there. It was really helpful to learn/memorize a bit of Japanese beforehand (Jess forgot her iPad and the plane had no TV’s, so she was left with her downloaded Japanese podcasts and learned en-route). Tipping can be considered offensive in many places, but almost every bartender will let you buy them a drink– and they’ll drink it with you! Stay off your phone, especially in restaurants. You must ask sushi chefs if it is okay to take a picture. Also, in high-end omakase settings, you are expected to eat every bite of sushi placed in front of you (this includes the standard pickled mackerel)- if you don’t, you might stop being served. If you do get soy sauce- dip fish first. Obviously, do not rub your chopsticks together. Also, it is very uncomfortable for many Japanese people to say no– so if you want to sneak into a bar at the Aman, for example, being slightly pushy (but respectuful) does work.

    These pronunciations are simply Jess’s way of pronouncing/hearing what is being said- they are certainly not spelled correctly or even phonetically correct- but when spoken how it is written out, it is clear.

    Hi, thank you, excuse me, (get attention)- “Domo arigato”

    Yes – hi

    No – iye

    Excuse me – Sumi ma same

    Please- oneg ay shi mas

    Thank you- arigato cosai mas (Tokyo)….. Oh kai-knee (Osaka)

    See you later- matanee

    Goodbye- sayonara

    Check- okai kay (,oneg Ay shi mas)

    Delicious!- oyshi!

    Very delicious! – metcha oyshi (apparently this is very bad Japanese though)

    That was delicious- gotso sama deshda

    2 people- ni men

    Is that okay?- ee desca?

    This please- Cordei ku da sai

    I humbly receive- Eeee te dai ke mas

    Help me- paskete kuda sai

    Bathroom? – toilewa toko desca?

    Where is ___? – ___ toko desca?

    Good morning- Ohio

    Good afternoon- konichiwa

    Good evening- kon ban wa

    Hi- Yah

    Don’t speak Japanese- no homo okari ma sang

    I don’t understand- wakari ma sang

    English?- engowo?

    I’m sorry- comen na sai

    Credit card- credito cardo… 🙂

    English menu- Engano menu

    Wi-Fi- Wi-Fiwa ari musca

    Password- passwordawo… 🙂

    I’ll take one- Sorewo kuda sai

    Non-smoking- king en

    What is this? – Correva nan desca?

    You’re welcome- doi deshi mashde

    Nice to meet you- haji me mashde

    How to eat? – tabe kata wa?

    What do you recommend? – Nani ga ossu su ne desca?

    Let’s eat- eatah dakimas

    That is delicious- totemo oishides

    Water- mizu

    Two- (g)ni

    How do you say- nan te imasco

    And/also- tO

    Glass- curasai

    Umm…- edo..

    It is here- tokorai desca

    Notable Places Visited & Not Reviewed

    TOKYO- Bar Benfiddich: It took forever to get a seat, and once we sat we were surrounded by Americans. The cocktails were standard. Shinjuku Makoto: Quality neighborhood omakase, but we were way too jetlagged to rate fairly. Spirits Bar Sunface: 10th floor directly above Benfiddich, good tequilla and rum bar but we were only there for a quick drink. Yakiniku Ikuta: Avoid. Irish Pub An Solas: Standard Irish pub. Brussels Beer Project: Nice casual gastropub next door to an Udon place that smelled amazing but the line was too long for us. Tusk: Average bar with good popcorn. Sushiya Ichiyanagi: We almost never say awful things about a place, but we have nothing but awful things to say about this place. Definitely do not go. OSAKA– Captain Kangaroo: Average bar. Banjara: Decent Indian food with good poppadom, but iffy service. Bar Fort Horse: Cocktails in the subway station, not bad.

    favorite moments

    Bar B&F
    Bar B&F
    Tokyo streets
    Tokyo streets
    Toro at Sushi Minazuke
    Toro at Sushi Minazuke
    Sushi Minazuke has the sweetest chef!
    Sushi Minazuke has the sweetest chef!
    Loving WAJO Teppanyaki
    Loving WAJO Teppanyaki
    Gio happy at WAJO Teppanyaki
    Gio happy at WAJO Teppanyaki
    WAJO Teppanyaki Strawberry dessert with the freshest strawberries of all time!
    WAJO Teppanyaki Strawberry dessert with the freshest strawberries of all time!
    Japan has the cleanest ice
    Japan has the cleanest ice
    Watching the World Cup at L&L
    Watching the World Cup at L&L
    Being touristy in Kyoto
    Being touristy in Kyoto
    Stunning private room at Oryori Hayashi Kaiseki in Kyoto
    Stunning private room at Oryori Hayashi Kaiseki in Kyoto
    Bar Nayuta
    Bar Nayuta
    Gio very excited about Murphy's Irish Pub 'by the bar a round' bell
    Gio very excited about Murphy's Irish Pub 'by the bar a round' bell
    Jess very happy at Bar Nayuta
    Jess very happy at Bar Nayuta
    One of our favorite bartenders at L&L
    One of our favorite bartenders at L&L
    Delicious little shrimp at Memory Lane
    Delicious little shrimp at Memory Lane
    Our favorite spot on Memory Lane
    Our favorite spot on Memory Lane
    Continue Reading

  • London, England

    We visit London about 3 times a year. What we love about London lies in the amazing restaurants, proper hotels, and great bars. Nothing beats a rainy day in a pub with a pint of Guinness, right? We generally stay in or near Mayfair. And despite all of our visits, we have yet to find our favorite hotel (we review 10+ top London luxury hotels below). Key takeaway: No trip to London is complete without a martini cart at The Connaught Bar, a counter seat at Cubé sushi, and some great Indian food (our favorite is Kanishka).

    Traveling to Europe? Check out our Paris Guide.

    Don’t know what to pack? Here’s Jess’s Packing List.

    Top Restaurants

    Bentley’s

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 9/10     Atmosphere: 8/10     Food: 8/10      Wine: 7.5/10

    Area: Bordering Piccadilly/Mayfair

    If you have one lunch in London, Bentley’s is the place to go. Make a reservation and request seats at the oyster bar, and sit with some of our favorite servers in London (when our favorite left after 12 years, we were happy to meet Federico, who is also very good). They have beautiful oysters (skip the natives), plus the best grilled lobster with almond butter in the world. The Catalan fried oysters are a must. Skip the pastas, and get the fish & chips instead. Their wine list has several good options from around the world, including quite a few white Burgundies (our favorite pairing for seafood).

    Kanishka

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 8.5/10    Atmosphere: 7/10     Food: 9/10    Beverage Program: 6.5/10

    Area: Mayfair

    For some of the best Indian food in Mayfair (from Benares’ original 2-star chef), we love a good Kanishka lunch. We like to request to eat at the far side of the bar- which they don’t usually do, but they will make an exception if you ask. Dheeraj is our favorite bartender. Everything we have eaten there we have enjoyed. Must orders include the Chicken Tikka Pie, the broccoli starter, the shrimp curry, and a side of raita. We also love whichever dish includes quail (it used to be the quail tart and now it is something else, but we hope the chef brings back the tart!) We have never been for dinner, but we do try to go for lunch at least once every trip to London- this is our favorite Indian restaurant in the UK, by far.

    Akara

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 8/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10     Food: 8.5/10    Beverage Program: 6/10

    Area: Borough Market (close to The Shard)

    Akara was the greatest surprise on our most recent London visit. It was also our first time trying Michelin-level West African cuisine (Akara is the little sister of 3 star restaurant Akoko). We booked the chef’s counter (heads up: it does get hot from the open fire cooking), and really enjoyed watching the chefs grill everything from sea bream to Lagos chicken. Must order: Akara, which is a traditional west-African black bean fritter. Plus, we loved the baby gem side salad (and everything else for that matter). The wine list is small but there was a Moldovan chardonnay/riesling blend that we enjoyed. This is a really cool, trendy restaurant located just on the edge of the famous foodie Borough Market, which is a great place to walk through before your reservation. We will absolutely return.

    Cubé

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 8/10    Atmosphere: 7/10    Food: 9/10   Beverage Program: 6/10

    Area: Mayfair

    This tiny little neighborhood sushi spot serves not only our favorite sushi in London, but our favorite salads. Using the freshest, crispiest seaweed available shipped in from Japan, Cubé is certainly worth the visit. Reservations definitely required. The sake selection is good. Make a reservation at the sushi bar (and if there are 2 of you, request the end seats closest to the door)- but do not sit outside because the tables are very slanted due to the curb of the street. The two head sushi chefs are named Masa and Yama and they work alternating nights- both are fantastic (Masa makes our favorite handrolls and Yama makes our favorite nigiri).

    We do not recommend the omakase, instead, we recommend ordering a la carte. We go so often (usually twice per trip) that we have written down what to order, just for you (this is our exact order for the 2 of us):

    First off: Order some sake, they can give you recommendations but we usually get the Fukucho

    Round 1: Seaweed salad + Cubé salad no bonito + Tako Kimuchi (a must-get)

    Round 2: Spicy tuna roll (no shiso) + 2 piece tuna akami + 2-4 piece chef’s choice nigiri (obviously not makarel)

    Round 3: Handrolls with no shiso- usually either Spicy Scallop or Foie and Eel

    Cornus

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 9/10    Atmosphere: 8/10    Food: 9/10   Beverage Program: 9/10

    Area: Belgravia

    This much anticipated restaurant opened in summer of 2024, and we highly recommend booking a reservation now, because it seems quite likely they’ll get at least one Michelin star. And, yes, it’s Michelin star style food. This isn’t always our thing, but there is something great about trying it when a restaurant gets it right. We went for an a la carte lunch at the bar (everyone else sat at tables) and enjoyed everything. The food is technical, fresh, and seasonal. Think fresh-baked bread, seafood, wild mushrooms, etc. The staff were as professional as possible, and the wine list was solid, especially for London. This is a good one.

    Top Bars

    Kwãnt Mayfair

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 8.5/10    Atmosphere: 8/10    Bar Program: 8/10

    Area: Mayfair

    Ranked in the world’s Top 50 bars, Kwant is a great stop for a cocktail. We loved their bar seating- which is essentially a giant rectangle with 6 bar seats spread-out and the bartenders work between them- it feels a bit like a modern communal kitchen for cocktails. Go early to snag a seat, and enjoy. The bartenders seem to enjoy chatting with everyone and sharing recommendations in the area. They do not take reservations, and they offer some fine dining snacks. We usually go around 5-7pm, and it has not been busy.

    Artist’s Bar

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 8/10    Atmosphere: 9/10    Bar Program: 8/10

    Area: Hyde Park/Mayfair

    The Artist’s Bar at The Dorchester is in a stunning lounge-setting with flowers and chandeliers galore. If you want vintage liquor, you can find it here. You can also find talented bartenders up to make anything.

    The Connaught Bar

    Overall: Go Once

    UPDATED RATING: Service: 6/10    Atmosphere: 9.5/10    Bar Program: 7/10

    OLD RATING: Service: 8/10    Atmosphere: 9.5/10    Bar Program: 9.5/10

    Area: Mayfair

    Usually rated in the top of The World’s 50 Best Bars, The Connaught bar (sometimes) deserves it. They do not take reservations but they do hold seats for guests staying at the hotel. Otherwise, make sure to go exactly at 4:00 PM to get a seat as the place fills up every night (closed Sun). Their famous drink is a simple martini- gin or vodka- prepared in front of you on a martini cart, with essences of your choosing. Most of the staff is Italian, and the hostesses are generally accommodating (if you want to switch tables, just ask). Pretty much all the bartenders know what they’re doing (Marco is a recent favorite). No trip to London is complete without a stop at The Connaught. 

    Update: Recently we have noticed that they have been holding more and more tables empty for hotel guests, and the service is getting a little annoying (like telling you a time limit as you sit). For the best time, we now only go at 4PM opening on weekdays. Additionally, it is worth noting that the cost of one martini from the martini cart has gone up substantially, and the time they spend at each table/ hospitality has gone down. It is a beautiful bar, and certainly a classic, but we’re getting a little over it.

    The Emory Bar

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 8.5/10   Atmosphere: 9/10     Beverage Program: 8/10

    Area: Belgravia

    There is one reason why we can’t highly recommend this bar, and it is because it requires a key card to get in (even though it does allow non-hotel guests in). And that whole element makes it tricky, and you might need to seek out a manager to get there. That being said, we did go right around the time it opened, so this may have changed since then (Aug 2024). But it is certainly a top bar in London, and worth trying to find someone in the lobby of the hotel who will escort you upstairs. You have a beautiful view of the city, incredibly comfortable bar seats, and top-notch service. When we visited, there was a guest bartender pouring some amazing drinks.

    More Restaurants & Bars...

    Overall: Highly recommend

    Not rating

    Area: Mayfair

    You will never regret visiting Audley Public House for their elevated filet o’fish sandwich (which they call a fish finger sandwich, ask for an extra side of tartar sauce). It is a 10/10. This comfortable and clean pub is in the heart of Mayfair, and they are credit card only. It is next door to The Connaught, and a great place for an afternoon Guinness before checking out The Connaught Bar.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7.5/10   Atmosphere: 5/10    Food: 8/10   Beverage Program: 6/10

    Area: Trafalgar Square

    Barrafina is a Spanish tapas spot (similar to Sabor, but with better food) and Adelaide St. is their only location that takes reservations online (as of 2024). The food is solid and the txistorra (sausage tortilla) is a must, in addition to the iberico secreto which was phenomenal. But the seating is incredibly tight and the atmosphere will be ruined forever if anyone in the restaurant orders the lamb kidneys. So do be prepared for that.

    Overall: Recommend

    Most Recent: Service: 8/10    Atmosphere: 7/10    Food: 9/10   Beverage Program: 6/10

    Previous Visit: Service: 4/10    Atmosphere: 6/10    Food: 7/10    Wine List: 7.5/10

    Area: Mayfair

    Benares is a tricky one, because both of us have visited at least 3 times and it is pretty inconsistent, especially with service. However, after our last meal, this one Michelin star Indian restaurant deserves a spot on our top restaurant list- every dish was incredible and the service was great. We do recommend a visit, and we will certainly be back.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 6/10   Atmosphere: 8/10    Beverage Program: 6/10

    Area: Soho

    It’s a little hard to rate this place because its an escape room/axe throwing/beer pong playing/full bar… spot? It has a bit of everything (and we like that you can take your drinks into the escape room with you). It is essential to make reservations online, especially on weekends because it gets packed. But it’s pretty fun, especially with a group. 

    Overall: Recommend (if you’re in Marylebone)

    Service: 7.5/10    Atmosphere: 6.5/10    Food: 7.5/10   Beverage Program: 8/10

    Area: Marylebone

    This Marylebone restaurant offers very traditional Italian food in a charming half-market/half-restaurant spot. Reservations are a must. If you prefer American-Italian with lots of sauce, then this is probably not for you. But if you value olive oil and fresh mozzarella, definitely check out Briciole. Aside from the mozzarella and olive oil, we also enjoyed the pork ribs with green beans, plus the prosciutto and the wine list. Also, they have a very stunning private room in the back for larger groups.

    Overall: Worth A Visit

    Service: 8/10    Atmosphere: 7/10    Bar Program: 7.5/10

    Area: Mayfair

    A lovely bar in Brown’s hotel. Every time we have gone, it has not been busy at all… which is a huge plus (for us, at least). This bar is in a great location and- in addition to it’s creative and everchanging cocktail list- the talented bartenders are happy to make anything. Alessandro is particularly good.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 8/10   Atmosphere: 7/10   Food: 8/10   Beverage Program: 6/10

    Area: Soho

    This Indo-Chinese restaurant in Soho serves delicious food, much of it spicy. The restaurant itself is narrow, casual and has a bit of a hipster vibe to it. We have only been once for lunch, and it was quiet and mellow (we heard it gets very busy at night). We will definitely be back.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7.5/10   Atmosphere: 8.5/10    Beverage Program: 7/10

    Area: London Bridge/The Shard

    This bar is located on the 52nd floor within The Shard hotel (enter through lobby, and you need to make a reservation for checking in at security). The best part of the bar is obviously the view (careful because rainy or foggy days will cover this), but this bar is such a wild tourism hack, because people line up for hours to pay to stand on the observation deck (floor 72)… when they can enjoy a lovely G&T just a little bit down (52 floors still feels very, very high, trust us). Gio mentions the men’s bathroom is a must for the view (the windows are fogged in the woman’s bathroom).

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7.5/10    Atmosphere: 7/10     Food: 8.5/10    Beverage Program: 7/10

    Area: Trafalgar Square

    Gouqi offers Gio’s favorite second course of peking duck in the world. Peking duck must be ordered 48 hours in advance, upon placing a table reservation. The manager was lovely and he seemed to really care about both the customer’s comfort and the food quality. We sat in their semi-private dining section and it was great (we have learned peking duck can be a little big for bar seating at times!) It wasn’t very busy when we went, but we ate early.

    Overall: Used to Recommend

    NEW RATING: Service: 5/10    Atmosphere: 6/10    Bar Program: 5/10

    OLD RATING: Service: 8/10    Atmosphere: 7/10    Bar Program: 7/10

    Area: Picadilly/Mayfair

    The Green Bar at Hotel Café Royal is a nice spot for a pre-dinner or afternoon cocktail. They are busy on weekend nights, but quiet most other times. The bartenders used to be the best part, and Roberto is still amazing (seek him out), but there was a new bartender the last time we visited that soured the experience, so it’s hard to recommend this place now… but maybe he won’t be there next time. Who knows? Anyways, if you go, we highly recommend the buttermilk fried chicken bites.

    Overall: Consider

    Service: 8.5/10   Atmosphere: 6/10     Food:  6.5/10     Beverage Program: 7/10

    Area: Mayfair

    Bet some of you scrolled straight to this review. This 2-starred Michelin Indian restaurant is probably the top 1 or 2 restaurants people consider when booking a trip to London. And they do have 2-star service. The wine list was surprisingly average, but they did have a neat gin menu. The food is certainly above-average Indian food, and we’d imagine that some people would rate it higher than we did… but we found it heavy on the cilantro, and honestly a little unmemorable aside from that. (They don’t ask about spice levels, and the dishes do lean spicy, which some people might care about.) Ambiance: The decor was nice, but they had incense burning the entire time which did impact the meal, and doesn’t really give off a 2-Michelin feel to us. It is important to request booth seating if you are a 2-top because the 2-top tables are way too small. Anyways! Maybe go. Once was enough for us, but we are still happy we went.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7.5/10    Atmosphere: 8/10     Food: 6.5/10    Beverage Program: 8.5/10

    Area: Mayfair

    The food is a bit hipster and not quite our thing, but there is no denying that Hide’s impeccable design makes a great location for lunch or a drink. We sat at Hide Below, which is the bar located downstairs, but it offers the same menu as upstairs. We recommend the cheese plate. Riu at the bar is enjoyable.

    Overall: Highly recommend

    Not rating

    Area: Piccadilly Circus

    If only this place were open later to bring beautiful hot dogs into our lives after a long night out, we would have eaten many more our last trip. These are really good hot dogs, standard toasted bun, standard yummy toppings. It is located right in Picadilly circus and is (for some unknown reason) usually not busy. They do sometimes close earlier than it says online, so don’t miss out.

    Here’s the address

    Overall: Skip

    Service: 6/10   Atmosphere: 7.5/10     Food:  6/10     Beverage Program: 5/10

    Area: Soho

    We don’t usually review spots with this low of a rating (they go in ‘visited & not reviewed below), but this is a very popular place, so we think its fair to be honest. This is one of the more disappointing meals that we have had in London, mostly because we had very high expectations for this 1 Michelin star restaurant equipped with counter seating only and promising asian fusion. Honestly, it was just okay. Out of 12 courses, we only really enjoyed 2. Probably the most frustrating part was the sake “master”, who either ignored our requests for dry sake or didn’t really know what he was doing. Lots of warm, sweet sake was chugged down that night to accompany the mostly ‘eh’ food.

    Overall: Worth A Visit

    Service: 4/10    Atmosphere: 8/10    Food: 8.5/10    Beverage Program: 7/10

    Area: St. James

    Located near St. James, this Chinese restaurant offers amazing peking duck and a stunning bar (which you sadly cannot eat at), but at the time we visited they were severely understaffed. We are sure this has changed by now, so please do report back if you visit.

    Overall: Worth A Visit

    Service: 6/10    Atmosphere: 7/10    Food: 7.5/10    Beverage Program: 7/10

    Area: Mayfiar

    This Mayfair Indian staple is a solid choice for good Indian food in a really beautiful area, but we do recommend Kanishka and Benares over Jamavar, which at times can feel a little cold rather than warm and welcoming.

    Overall: Highly recommend

    Service: 8/10   Atmosphere: 8/10   Food: 8/10   Beverage Program: 6/10

    Area: Soho/Mayfair border

    For modern/hipster Thai food of quality… line up at either noon or 5pm for Kiln’s opening service. This restaurant is one big long bar (no backs on seats), some of which in front of the open kitchen (which can get a bit hot). We highly recommend the clay pot, and we plan on returning soon.

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 8/10   Atmosphere: 8/10   Food: 8/10   Beverage Program: 7/10

    Area: Fitzrovia

    Guy Ritchie’s pub. Totally worth booking a table for dinner upstairs, but they take reservations well in advance and do fill up quickly. Their seasonal menu rotates and is shown online, but it pretty much always leans gastropub-y. It’s a solid spot and we will be back, it is just a little out of the way for us sometimes (10-15 min cab north of Mayfair). This is probably our top recommendation for a great British  gastropub.

    Overall: Worth A Visit

    Service: 7.5/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10     Food: 8/10    Beverage Program: 8/10

    Area: Piccadilly

    While not as perfect as Milo’s in Las Vegas, this Greek restaurant offers a delicious and healthy lunch in a comfortable setting. We recommend picking out a fish (prepared with olive oil, lemon, and capers), and getting a side of grilled veggies. Skip the dip appetizer. We have enjoyed our meals at the bar, and the sommelier seems to know what he is doing. However, if you are only in London for a short period of time, we would skip Milo’s for something more unique (any of our Top Restaurants listed above).

    Overall: Worth A Visit

    Service: 7.5/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10    Food: 7.5/10    Beverage Program: 8/10

    Area: Mayfair

    This well-designed restaurant offers Chinese food in Mayfair, and the peking duck is pretty good. This seems to be the type of place locals go for celebratory business lunches.

    Overall: Worth A Visit

    Service: 7.5/10     Atmosphere: 8.5/10     Food: 7.5/10     Bar Program: 7/10

    Area: Mayfair

    Novikov London is broken into 4 parts- the entry bar (skip), Asian restaurant (go), Italian restaurant (never been), and downstairs lounge (eh…). In order to get past the strict bouncers at the front door, you will need a reservation to one of Novikov’s 2 restaurants (or at least, you need to pretend you do). Novikov is definitely a scene, and if you are looking for a vibey night out in London, this is our top recommendation. We always said Novikov Miami had better food, but our recent visit to Novikov Asia in London changed our mind- everything was excellent and the service was top notch (some favorites were the gyoza, the incredibly fresh nigiri, the beef entree, and the fruit plate for dessert). They present their sake creatively in a way that always keeps it cold. We used to like the lounge but the service there has been incredibly lacking in the past few years, so we would skip that. Dress to impress.

    Overall: Recommend

    Not rating

    Area: Soho

    This late night arcade bar is in the center of Soho and it is honestly such a blast to visit. Tons of neon spray paint. Tons of old-school games. The crowd leans 20-40 age wise, and it is open late.

    Overall: Skip

    Service: 4/10   Atmosphere: 8/10   Food: 4/10   Beverage Program: 6/10

    Area: Mayfair

    Park Chinois is a modern supper club. They offer dinner and a show (singers, dancers, acrobats, you name it) within the downstairs section of Club Chinois- which provides the full experience. The food is not good (and we assume is the same in the restaurant upstairs), but it can be worth grabbing bar seats and catching glimpses of the show from a distance, if you are looking for an interesting stop.

    Overall: Used to Recommend

    CURRENT RATING: Service: 5/10    Atmosphere: 7/10     Food: 5/10    Beverage Program: 6/10

    OLD RATING: Service: 8.5/10    Atmosphere: 8.5/10     Food: 8.5/10    Beverage Program: 7.5/10

    Area: Mayfair

    This Spanish tapas restaurant has a Michelin star, and it used to be one of our ‘top restaurants’ to recommend, but after our last 2 visits, we demoted it and likely won’t return (we would suggest Barrafina for tapas instead). The food and service have both fallen off significantly, but it is still a generally fun atmosphere. It gets busy, so going at opening time to get walk-in only counter seats. If you do go, make sure to order the jamon iberico, even if it is not listed on the menu. There is a separate restaurant upstairs that takes reservations, but we’ve only ever sat at the chefs counter downstairs.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7/10   Atmosphere: 7.5/10     Food:  8/10     Beverage Program: 6.5/10

    Area: Knightsbridge

    This is a surprisingly solid Italian restaurant, directly next to The Bulgari hotel. We like staying at The Bulgari sometimes, and this is definitely our favorite restaurant in the area. The pomodoro pasta is a 10/10 and it gets packed at night (we enjoyed having lunch there instead).

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 8.5/10   Atmosphere: 6.5/10    Beverage Program: 7.5/10

    Area: Shoreditch

    This was our favorite bar in Shoreditch, which is saying a lot because Shoreditch is definitely a trendier neighborhood with lots of popular bars. The bartender/manager Sam is awesome and they are well known for their modern Irish coffee, which was great.

    Overall: Recommend

    Not rating

    Area: Soho

    This is a super fun and chill spot to spend a weekday afternoon (weekends and nights get busy). It’s well kept and clean, indoors with fun decor, and the bar is always running (you can drink while you play mini golf).

    Overall: Maybe Worth a Visit

    Service: 6.5/10    Atmosphere: 7/10    Food: 7.5/10   Beverage Program: 7/10

    Area: Marylebone

    This Marylebone Asian spot offers solid dishes in a comfortable, trendy atmosphere. The rolls are saucy, making a good spot for the more US-style saucy sushi lovers. 

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 7/10   Atmosphere: 7/10   Food: 9/10   Beverage Program: 7/10

    Area: Mayfair

    While we are not the biggest breakfast experts, it is safe to say that the breakfast at The Connaught is almost reason to stay there (you do not need to be a guest to eat there, though). Gio had the best hashbrowns and eggs benedict of his life. Jess highly recommends all the juices, but would suggest skipping the omelette. 

    Overall: Skip (surprisingly)

    Service: 6/10   Atmosphere: 6/10     Food:  3/10     Beverage Program: 6.5/10

    Area: Mayfair

    This is the new hot spot in Mayfair, offering Italian food, hard-to-secure reservations, and celebrity sightings (they are also owned by the same group as Park Chinois). Anyways, we had super high expectations for this. But the food is potentially worse than what you would find at an average country club. There are no windows in the restaurant (the decor is a little Cipriani-esque), and they spray a strong perfume scent through the restaurant that kind of mixes with… you know, the food. I think we just expected more. That being said, the bar is pretty. 

    Overall: Worth A Visit

    Service: 8/10   Atmosphere: 7.5/10   Beverage Program: 7/10

    Area: Mayfair

    Our favorite bar in Claridge’s, the only thing that would make it better is if it had more bar seats (there are 3). The service is lovely, and the cocktails are classic and great. Ask for Marc, he’s one of our favorite bartenders in London.

    Overall: Recommend

    Not rating

    Area: Soho

    There are two reasons why we are not rating The Toucan- 1. We had an exceptionally good time and the bias level would be through the roof and 2. We know it would be impossible to have that great of a time again. This locals pub in Soho pours one of the best Guinesses in town (and Jason Mamoa is a regular). We try to visit every trip now. Tip the bartenders double.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7.5/10   Atmosphere: 8/10     Food:  7.5/10     Beverage Program: 7/10

    Area: Fitzrovia

    This pub next to The Langham hotel is classy, clean, and organized. Their food menu offers a good variety (the cheese toastie is very large) and they offer several different beers and a good selection of gins. If you are looking for a higher-end pub to spend an afternoon, we do recommend this posh pub. It does get busy when locals get off work.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 8/10   Atmosphere: 7/10     Food:  8.5/10     Beverage Program: NA

    Area: Shoreditch

    This Mexican restaurant’s food was so good, we returned every day we were in Shoreditch to order the al pastor skewers (yes, we overdid it). Reservations are recommended, but it seems the bar is usually empty, which was great for us (and the bartender very nice). We only drank margaritas, so we can’t offer a Beverage Program rating. Aside from that, we wish the music was a bit louder, and the bathroom less dark. But the point is, Zapote has great food, and definitely the best Mexican cuisine we have had in London.

    Hotels

    The Bulgari Hotel in London is lovely, but it does not compare to The Bulgari Paris (our #1 hotel in the world). While the pool is almost an exact replica, the gym and other facilities are slightly more outdated. The spa is nice, and the pool gets busy because of this (an issue we haven’t experienced in Paris). We did not enjoy the Italian restaurant, but the breakfast provided the best omelette Gio has ever had in his life. We are repeat guests here, and will stay again.

    Claridge’s has been one of the top luxury hotels in London since the 1800s. While they have a few options for bars and restaurants, our favorite spot was The Fumoir, which was intimate and cozy (but it only has 3 bar seats in addition to standard seating- and somehow we still prefer it to Claridge’s Bar). Our first room was nice, but we did not love the layout (Mayfair balcony room). We preferred the Superior Room, and it is important to get a room in the main wing, because the add-on wing is very easy to get lost in and quite far from the main lobby. The indoor pool was relaxing, but only sat 4 couples. The gym has everything you need, and is comfortably sized. They are famous for their afternoon tea, and the lobby gets busy during this time. While this is our top recommended hotel to stay at in London, it is because we haven’t found one we truly loved yet. The Langham and The Bulgari would be our next top choices.

    While The Connaught Bar is great- and the breakfast at this hotel is superb- we would not stay here again. For starters, our shower was broken the whole time (cold water only) and rather than switch rooms they kept telling us it was fixed when it wasn’t. The lobby is quite small, and the spa facilities are just okay (the pool is nice but its very hot in the actual room during the winter). The gym is alright- pretty much what you would expect but tiny. However, the concierge team here is efficient. Guests get priority access for all bars- which is very convenient during the busy weekends- and they responded to each of our emails within 5 minutes.

    Do not recommend.

    Corinthia was definitely the busiest and probably the least hospitable hotel we have stayed at in London. In addition to losing our bags for a short while after check-in (and damaging a well-known music producer’s equipment who was complaining next to us), they gave us a room that was a different layout than the blueprint offered online and at least 1/4 smaller. Trying to upgrade proved an insurmountable task. The pool/spa area was interesting, and the gym was nice. Unfortunately, the lobby was just too busy with people visiting for tea and taking photographs- we had to maneuver our way around groups to enter/exit the hotel (one of our ultimate hotel pet peeves).

    We have actually quite enjoyed our stays at Hotel Café Royal, which borders Mayfair and Soho. They  Green Bar downstairs is generally good (see review above), and the front desk check-in was charming and easy. We stayed in a Grand Deluxe room overlooking Piccadilly Circus and it was perfectly comfortable. The pool has adult and children hours, and the gym provides additional fitness classes. The spa is also good. The area it is in can get really busy though, and it definitely feels like Soho rather than Mayfair (which is nicer and less crowded).

    Hotel Ham Yard is in Soho, very close to Mayfair. It is walkable to a lot of our favorite places, and the rooms are spacious, but it is kind of a shockingly bad hotel once you get there. The design reminded Jess of a preschool and we had to switch rooms as the first one smelled like something had died in it.

    Marylebone is a trendy part of London, just north of Mayfair. When we visited, we stayed at The Landmark Marylebone, which does look a bit nicer in pictures than it does online (more outdated now). The service wasn’t great, they lock the back entry at 10pm, and the pool is not nice. However, the rooms can be spacious and the Mirror Bar is comfortable.

    The Rosewood London is in Holborn– a 15 min taxi east of Mayfair. While the hotel was very nice, we do prefer to stay in Mayfair. It should be noted that they were very amenable to upgrades upon arrival. We upgraded to a Premiere Suite and it was spacious. The bathrooms are designed well with nice marble. Scarfes Bar attached was really great, but as it was booked out for private events 2/3 nights we were there (with no warning from the concierge), we find it impossible to recommend.

    This Hilton hotel has our favorite actual room in London- room 105. If you can get it, then it is worth staying at this St. James hotel, which is only a 15 minute walk from Mayfair. It is a stunning circle room overlooking Trafalgar Square, with large windows and a spacious bathroom. The hotel itself is an average Hilton.

    The Langham is a West End hotel that provides five-star hospitality with a clean and modern design. Slightly north of Mayfair, some of our favorite restaurants are still walkable from here (Cubé is a 10 min walk). We really enjoyed the room layout of the Junior Suite, and the Deluxe room in the main wing (main wing- very important!) is also comfortable. Make sure to stay in the main building, as the old wing is a trek and has significantly worse rooms (including some with bathtubs only and no showers). The Artesian Bar here is one of the top 50 in the world (but not our favorite), still this is one of our preferred hotels, and we will stay again in the future.

    The Peninsula in Belgravia is one of the newest (and nicest) hotels in London, but we honestly wouldn’t return because there is not a nice enough hotel bar. But, otherwise, the service was 10/10, the bathrooms are huge, and they have a convenient service closet for laundry etc. The complimentary hotel cars were amazing and we used them often in the rain (they will go anywhere under 1.5 miles). Downsides: Pool was closed when we were there, pillows were really bad, lobby fragrance leans stronger than most, and… the bar situation is the real problem. They have a rooftop bar but its not really nice and gets packed.

    Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair– we love the bar, we just haven’t stayed yet because the rooms we would want are very small. Friends and family have recommended both The Ritz and The Dorchester, but we have not stayed at either. We took a tour of The Mandarin Oriental, but the lobby was so stuffed with perfume and crowded that we realized it was not for us. We have done room tours at The Beaumont (which has a great lobby bar), but the rooms are also too small for us (it seems priority went to the bathrooms, which were nicely on the larger side). Jess’s dad recommends the St. James in Mayfair as his top London hotel.

    Tourism & Travel Notes

    London is super walkable (especially in Mayfair, where most of our favorite places are). But… it would be hard to deny that some of the best taxi drivers in the world are in London. Unlike other big cities, London cab drivers must take a topographical test to be allowed to drive there- this means they all memorized every street in London and over 20,000 landmarks. They also usually have a great sense of humor. If you can’t find a cab and aren’t too worried about bicycle safety- hop on one of the lit-up bicycle carts and blast the music after a night on the town. Ubers are also available.

    A note on trains: Paddington Station is a great hub for getting around England. There aren’t really “restaurants” to eat at, but there are several cafes where you can grab a baguette or beer before your train ride.

    We have found Mayfair to be quite safe. More caution is needed in Soho after the sun goes down, and on our last trip we were told to avoid Chinatown at night due to gang violence, so we thought we would share that with you all.

    Notable Places Visited & Not Reviewed

    Annabel’s: This doesn’t count as ‘visited’ but by the time we got the invitation to go, we decided we didn’t really want to (woops!). Artesian Bar: A top 50 bar in The Langham hotel that is “just okay”… it is not bad, but we wouldn’t go out of our way to return. Bethnal Green Tavern: If you’re over in Shoreditch area, our friends work at this hipster-bar. Ask for Jake. Borough Market: Highly recommend spending a morning checking out this food market near London Bridge (and then going to Akara after!) Brigadiers (Shoreditch): Wildly spicy Indian food, and they were unable to adjust the spice on any dish. Also lame hostesses. Canton Blue: Located in the Peninsula, it was our least favorite Chinese restaurant in London, purely food and service wise. But we did like the dumplings. Cecconi’s: Average Italian, but not bad, just meh. China Tang: The Dorchester’s high-end Chinese. The peking duck tasted and looked burnt. Cipriani: Definitely not our preferred Cipriani location, there is no sommelier and our waiter was pretty lost in all ways. We won’t be back. Golden Fleece: A solid pub in Shoreditch, good for watching soccer games. Ikeda: They cancelled our reservation only a few hours before. Ixchel (Chelsea): Worth a visit for the margaritas and flour tortilla fish tacos, but don’t go out of your way for it. J Sheekey: We found it to be a little overrated and we greatly prefer Bentleys. Kahani: There were some really good bites, but Jess was terribly jetlagged so we unfortunately could not enjoy this Indian restaurant as much as we wanted to. Kai: Avoid. Do not understand the star. KOBA: Not good Korean BBQ, we’d skip it. Manteca: Skip. Mayfair Chippy: Okay food, okay service. Min Jiang: We went here for peking duck many years ago but we only remember the view. We will need to try again. Nobu Shoreditch: Middle-ground in terms of Nobus, pretty standard. Pachamama East: Great manager, but not worth the vist. Skip. Polpolo Shoreditch: Skip. Worst wine list of all time. Red Room: This champagne bar in The Connaught is not really our style. We do actively try to avoid it. Sachi: Yep, definitely avoid it. Scotts: One of Bentley’s biggest competitors. We went, and it was one of the biggest disappointments during our time in London due to both the food and service. Sette: It was not good the night we went- but it was also very busy with loud children and the server had powder on his mustache, so you can take what you want from that. Sparrow Italia: Disappointing. Could also be improved by allowing space between tables so you don’t feel piled on top of each other. Sumosan Twiga: Definitely avoid. Tayer + Elementary: A top 50 bar with all batched cocktails, which is a little off-putting. Titu: Super cute dumpling spot (very tiny) with delicious dumplings, great for an afternoon snack. Trishna: Sister restaurant to Gymkhana, this Indian spot in Marylebone actually made us not want to try Gymkhana. Sweet and not great food in a tight space. The Ivy Asia: Avoid. UMU: We left early. At best it was average sushi that was warm. Not sure about that 1 Michelin star. 

    favorite moments

    Indian food at Kanishka
    Indian food at Kanishka
    Imperial Treasure peking duck
    Imperial Treasure peking duck
    Lobster with almond butter at Bentley's
    Lobster with almond butter at Bentley's
    Jess happy at The Donovan bar
    Jess happy at The Donovan bar
    Paddington Station
    Paddington Station
    Eel foie hand roll at Cubé
    Eel foie hand roll at Cubé
    Cube salads!
    Cube salads!
    The Toucan pours a great Guinness
    The Toucan pours a great Guinness
    Bar hopping!
    Bar hopping!
    Artist's Bar at The Dorchester
    Artist's Bar at The Dorchester
    Gio's chef's kiss at Cubé
    Gio's chef's kiss at Cubé
    Delicious apps at Gouqi
    Delicious apps at Gouqi
    Our favorite bartender at Claridge's The Fumoir
    Our favorite bartender at Claridge's The Fumoir
    Best coffee at Milos
    Best coffee at Milos
    Fatt Pundit
    Fatt Pundit
    We definitely recommend the Spanish oysters at Bentleys
    We definitely recommend the Spanish oysters at Bentleys
    Jamon Iberico at Sabor
    Jamon Iberico at Sabor
    Kiln's claypot dish
    Kiln's claypot dish
    The Connaught Bar
    The Connaught Bar
    Continue Reading

  • Miami, Florida

    Jess’s family lives in Miami, so we are there a lot, and we specifically spend most of our time in Brickell, which is in downtown Miami. There are two essential restaurants in Brickell, Miami: Osaka and Il Gabbiano. Everywhere else can wait.

    Craving the beach? Check out our Maui Guide.

    Don’t know what to pack? Here’s Jess’s Packing List.

    Top Restaurants

    Il Gabbiano

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 9/10    Atmosphere: 9/10    Food: 8.5/10    Wine: 8.5/10

    Il Gabbiano is one of the best places in Miami for lunch (and maybe even in the world). This is partly because of the view and partly because it has some of the best Italian food in the area (this is the location we chose to celebrate our wedding, after all). They start you with a little parmesan, a little salami, some bread (try the long crispy crackers), while you sip on your Aperol Spritz and enjoy the ocean breeze. This is the perfect place to order fresh seafood and pasta, and spend an afternoon. We prefer lunch over dinner, and they stay open between meals- which is great for a late and long lunch. They are closed Sundays and take reservations by phone or email (Andrea is a good server if you want to request someone. We also love Luigi!). If you are on a boat in the area, they have a dock where you can be dropped off and picked up. Our favorite pasta is the arrabiata (skip the bolognese), and fried zucchini chips (off menu) are a must.

    Osaka

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 7.5/10    Atmosphere: 8.5/10    Food: 8/10    Beverage Program: 8/10 

    If the idea of torched foie gras on a piece of sushi excites you, then Osaka is the place of you. Nestled in downtown Brickell, this Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant offers some of the best food in the world in a comfortable, lively setting. This is the one restaurant we try to visit multiple times, every single trip to Miami. They are closed Mondays and reservations typically open up six-weeks out (and they fill up), so best to book early. However, the bar seating is usually first come first serve, and they offer the whole menu there as well as some incredible signature cocktails. The bartenders are lovely as well (but don’t go without trying at least a little food). Also- heads up- this is a rich meal. Highly recommend requesting Segundo as a server.

    Here’s what we ordered on the last trip, and how we rated the dishes from high to low:

    9 – Katsu salmon belly nigiri & tuna foie nigiri

    8.5 – Pisco ribs

    8 – Taco Antichuco octopus & Mariscos al fuego (should order your first time at least)

    7.5 – Hotate Parmesan & Beef tartare (add fresh wasabi, also a little sweet)

    7 – Salad (a bit too sweet)

    6.5 – Shrimp ebi mentaiko & Hotate nigiri

    Low/avoid – Pisco buta, andino duck special & snow crab kani tacos (for sure skip)

    2025 Updates: Food dropped from 9.5 to 8, they switched to weaker “torches” so while the fish quality is still great, it is less seared now. Added order list above. Service dropped from 8.5 to 7.5 because we got a different server than usual (request Segundo).

    Uchi

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 8.5/10   Atmosphere: 8/10    Food: 8.5/10    Beverage: 7/10

    Yet another Uchi outpost with consistently good sushi and service. Uchi restaurants are always a solid choice. Reservations are recommended, and the happy hour (which is not usually our thing) is one of the best in Miami.

    Top Bars

    Delilah

    Service: 7.5/10   Atmosphere: 8.5/10   Beverage Program: 8/10

    This might be a solid spot for a pre-dinner drink in Brickell. Owned by Bieber with outposts in LA and LV, this Miami Delilah has live music every night starting at 7 (elegant jazz piano and old-school vocals) in a tastefully designed environment (think an art-deco yacht club). The bartending staff is very professional, and they have a solid wine list if you would rather start your evening off with a great bottle (and maybe a snack). It opens at 6pm most days and is closed Mondays. We highly recommend making a reservation, even if it is not busy, just to make check-in easier. It’s a great place to take friends or coworkers for an early drink- careful, we heard it gets packed at night and becomes almost nightcluby (so we stick to opening time).

    The Bar

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 9/10   Atmosphere: 9/10   Beverage Program: 9/10

    With one of the best lychee martini’s we have ever had (#1 goes to Mr. Chow Beverly Hills), The Setai offers a perfect location on South Beach with a wonderful bartending staff and comfortable bar seats. Make sure to get there early to secure a spot and dress to impress.

    Sexy Fish

    Overall: Worth One Visit

    Service: 7/10   Atmosphere: 9.5/10     Food: 2/10    Beverage Program: 7/10

    There is a reason Sexy Fish is in the bar category, and that is the food quality. However, Sexy Fish’s design is certainly one of a kind and absolutely worth a visit to see. Also, it is pretty fun at night. It is worth making a reservation by the bar around 9pm or later (call to request the bar area) and getting a bottle of champagne, watching the crowd and admiring the impressive architecture. On weekends there might be a minimum.

    E11even

    Overall: Highly Consider… but only if you want to stay up until morning

    Service: 8/10   Atmosphere: 10/10  

    While we are almost hesitant about putting this on our ‘elevated’ travel recommendations, we just can’t help ourselves. This is likely the only nightclub we will ever recommend, let alone visit. Yes… this is a nightclub, not a bar. And, no, there are no mixologists or anything of the sort. Imagine Cirque du Soleil, mixed with Spearmint Rhino Vegas, mixed with 1Oak back in it’s heyday. Round up a large group of friends and get a table. Stay on the lefthand side once you enter. Things start picking up after 11pm. You can order chicken nuggets to your table, too.

    More Restaurants & Bars...

    Overall: Worth A Visit

    Not rating

    We’re not rating this because we haven’t been in a bit. Still, Ball & Chain is our recommended place for a cubano and Cuban music. Located on Calle Ocho, this indoor & outdoor venue provides ample space for dancing and makes some excellent mojitos. If you want the full ‘Miami’ experience, it is worth a stop.

    Overall: Worth A Visit

    Not rated

    If you’re craving an afternoon bite and want a good cocktail to go with it (using fresh juice only), bartaco in Wynwood offers great small plates and a wide array of tacos (Jess loved her shrimp taco and mini caesar salad). This is a casual setting, with comfortable bar seating.

    Overall: Maybe Worth A Visit

    Service: 3/10     Atmosphere: 7/10    Beverage Program: 6/10

    This South Beach outpost is a good spot to start an adventurous night out. The crowd leans younger, and this is a mostly outdoor spot. You are certainly not guaranteed a seat, but it can be a fun stop. We do generally go every time we venture to South Beach, so that says something.

    Overall: An Option

    Service: 6/10    Atmosphere: 6/10    Food: 7/10    Beverage Program: 6/10 

    This Mexican restaurant on the water is a bit of a vibe. They have tons of outdoor seating, great margaritas, and a solid queso fundido (add poblano peppers). It is a bit instagrammy with fake flowers and the like. But it does offer casual Mexican food in Brickell which is rare, and if the weather is nice, it is a good ambiance for lunch. We would return.

    Overall: Maybe

    Service: 6/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10    Food: 7/10    Beverage Program: 7/10 

    Cafe La Trova is consistently in the World’s 50 Best bar list (in 2024 it is 24th). This traditional Cuban spot on Calle Ocho does roll out some perfectly balanced cocktails, but it is pretty limited to traditional Cuban drinks, so we wouldn’t personally put it in our top 50. Rum lovers will be happy, as will people who like live music and dancing late in the evening. However, the bar stools are very uncomfortable and the bar staff isn’t wildly friendly. If you do go, go for happy hour when it is less busy and make sure to order the delicious ‘focaccia lechon sliders’ (skip the other bites). For a similar vibe, we prefer Ball & Chain.

    Overall: Worth A Visit… once?

    Service: 7/10    Atmosphere: 7/10    Food: 7/10    Beverage Program: 7/10 

    This 1 Michelin-star Korean BBQ joint in Miami Design District is a meat lover’s paradise. We would best recommend this for first timers to Korean BBQ in general. Our first visit to COTE, we went for lunch and ordered the ‘butcher’s feast’, which is a sampling of a variety of (mostly dry aged) cuts and left us well past full for a table of 5 (and unable to eat any more meat for a while). They do all the cooking for you, on a grill in front of you. The wine list is not a good value, but the bar program looks interesting. Second visit: We ordered the bibimbap, marinated short rib (our favorite meat), filet, and the standard sides (most importantly the red leaf lettuce with ssam-jang) + kimchi (a must).

    2025 Update: It was overall good but we’ve had better Korean BBQ without the pomp. Their server-to-customer ratio is at least 1 to 1, which can get to be too much. You will find yourself asked the same question (“would you like water/to-go boxes?”) by at least 4 different people.

    Overall: Worth A Visit

    Service: 6/10     Atmosphere: 6/10   Food: 8/10    Beverage Program 6/10

    Located in The Standard Hotel in Brickell- we kid you not- Fi’ila has some of the best pizzas in Miami. Stop for lunch and snag a bar seat overlooking the wood-fire oven, and make sure to ask for the pizza crispy.

    Overall: A Must for Us

    Service: 7/10    Atmosphere: 2/10    Food: 8/10    Beverage Program: 3/10 

    As you can tell by our atmosphere ranking (2), this is not the place to go if you are looking for anything nice. It is a chain. It is casual. But it is so much fun if you like chill and easy Korean BBQ, and they do a good job managing larger tables. We ordered one of their set meals, plus some dumplings to start (the chili oil steamed dumplings are a must). You grill everything yourself. The meat was good. The kimchi was good. They ended with smores! A bottle of sochu + sprite on ice and you’re good to go.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10    Food: 8/10    Beverage Program: 7/10 

    Another Brickell restaurant, Hutong offers (so far) our favorite peking duck in Miami. We prefer it for lunch, as it is less busy, and the bar is a very comfortable place to eat. In addition to the peking duck, we recommend the xiao long bao… but do skip the dumpling that is black with gold leaf on it.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7/10   Atmosphere: 8/10   Food: 8/10    Beverage Program: 6.5/10

    This Wynwood spot is trendy and usually very busy, so recommendations are necessary. They have a few locations around the world (Mexico City is our favorite) and this is definitely a top one. The Korean Fried Chicken is a must, but we have never had a bad dish on the menu. The bar is comfortable but small, so it fills up fast.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10    Food: 7.5/10    Beverage Program: 7/10 

    Mastro’s is one of the new kids on the block in Brickell, and it might become one of our regularly visited spots. This indoor & outdoor venue is great on days with good weather, as it is next door to Il Gabbiano and sits overlooking the water. The bar is comfortable and there is often live music. The downside is that a majority of the tables are extremely close to each other, so if you don’t want to sit at the bar that might be a problem. When we went, the bartenders were new but enthusiastic. We recommend the Italian chopped salad. We also suggest making a reservation, unless you are looking to pop by for a quick drink around opening (5pm every day).

    Overall: Worth A Visit

    Service: 7/10    Atmosphere: 8/10    Food: 8/10   Beverage Program: 7.5/10

    Novikov has two outposts- London and Miami- and we enjoy both. The Miami location is focused on seafood and asian cuisine, and we prefer visiting for lunch (dinner service can get packed, but that can also be fun!). This is another Miami restaurant where we have never had a bad dish.

    Novikov Miami might be the only restaurant that we tell you: generally avoid bar seats (especially on Wednesday “ladies night”). While we are sure there are some good bartenders… we have somehow had very bad luck 6+ times. Stick to a table, and make sure to secure a reservation (even if you think it’s not busy). The table servers are good, as is management.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 8/10    Atmosphere: 8/10    Food: 8/10    Beverage Program: 8/10 

    What can we say? When we love a place… we love a place. If you can’t make it to a full dinner at Osaka, it is worth stopping by the bar to try a delicious cocktail and a snack. We recommend the tuna foie.

    Overall: Worth A Visit

    Service: 6/10    Atmosphere: 6/10    Food: 7/10 

    While we prefer their old location, River Oyster Bar still provides the same fresh seafood in downtown Brickell, and it is a good spot for a casual lunch in the area.

    Overall: Worth A Visit

    Service: 5.5/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10       Bar Program: 6/10

    This rooftop bar above the East hotel is a great location for afternoon drinks, assuming the weather is nice.

    Overall: Highly Consider… if you want to sing Blink 182 remixes at the top of your lungs

    Service: 3/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10  

    Located in Coral Gables, and definitely a younger spot, the bar is a perfect place for drinks with friends (and is pretty much standing room only). Everyone is usually friendly and happy to be there, and the DJ is well-known for blasting music Millennials have been craving to hear for far too long.

    Overall: Worth A Visit (if you are on Key Biscayne)

    Service: 8/10    Atmosphere: 6.5/10    Food: 6.5/10   Wine Program: 8.5/10

    A 15 minute car ride from Brickell and located on Key Biscayne, Vinya is one of Jess’s family’s favorite places. This wine store/restaurant hybrid offers pretty good food and a unique wine shop, so you can pop a bottle there and enjoy a cheese tray before venturing back to the city (or the Ritz Carlton, down the road). They have a high-end wine room, where we treated ourselves to a delicious 2010 Cheval Blanc. Don’t forget the normal shelves though- Jess’s dad took home several bottles of 2010 Solaia that someone underestimated the value of.

    Hotels

    Hotel Beaux Arts is really in the perfect location in downtown Brickell, walkable to all of our favorite restaurants. Located in the upper floors of a Marriott, Hotel Beaux Arts is a separate boutique hotel that offers art-themed suites (we stayed in the Miro and it was lovely). In addition to the great location, they also have good gym facilities (though a nice hotel bar is definitely lacking). If there is a downside, it is that the pool area is not great (it was closed for a private function when we were there, so we could only see it out the window). However, because of the quality of rooms and the perfect location, this is our top choice.

    Brickell is our favorite area to stay in Miami, and the Four Seasons is in a great location. If you are looking for a hotel with a great pool and gym facilities, this is your place. The pool service is excellent (but not at the actual pool bar, better to get loungers). The gym is the Miami Equinox, which gets busy… but is large and has all the equipment you need. Downsides: The rooms are outdated (especially the carpet), the bar isn’t great, there’s a brunch on Sunday which draws large crowds, and the shower pressure is so high it’s painful.

    A fifteen minute car ride from downtown Brickell is Key Biscayne, where Jess’s family lives. The Ritz there is great for a beach vacation- offering everything from beach access to tennis courts. The ocean view suites have a memorable view, for sure.

    Not recommended.

    Aside from location, the best thing about EAST Hotel is its rooftop bar. Gio and I really did not enjoy our stay there, for a list of reasons, but mostly due to the service (they put us in the wrong room and wouldn’t change it) and very small annoying details (ex. if you take the stairs, your room key will only let you into your own floor- not the gym or lobby- otherwise you will be locked in the staircase).

    For those that enjoy booking with the SLS group, it should be noted that they have 2 very different hotels in Brickell- The one on 1300 S Miami has our absolute favorite pizza in Florida (at Fi’lia restaurant), but the hotel itself is… unique (think mirrors on the ceilings above the beds). The SLS LUX is classier.

    If you are looking for South Beach hotels, The Setai has come highly recommended by friends (though many of the rooms are small). The bar is amazing, and it is the perfect vibe for a high-end South Beach stay. (In the past, we stayed at the COMO, which has since closed).

    Tourism & Travel Notes

    Our top recommendation for places to stay in Miami is in downtown, specifically Brickell. We have found it to be the nicest area, especially if you choose hotels close to restaurants such as Il Gabbiano. Wynwood is an up-and-coming design district, famous for it’s graffiti artwork and modern restaurants such as Kyu and Uchi. South Beach is a little too wild and crowded for us, so we rarely visit unless we are going to a specific new restaurant for a night out.

    Do not expect amazing service in Miami because a 20% Auto-grat is included almost everywhere (check your bill), so there is no real incentive to provide great service. We especially notice this with bartenders. However, newer restaurants and newer staff seem to provide better service as a trend. And, if you go into Miami with low expectations for service, many places will pleasantly surprise you (or at least meet your expectations).

    Lyft is much better than Uber in Miami (and usually at least half the price).

    Many Miami locals highly urge to avoid taxis due to safety concerns. It is much better to use Uber, Lyft, or hire a private driver.

    For private transfers throughout Florida and within the greater Miami area, Jess’s family recommends Legacy Car Miami. Their email is [email protected], and they can be called or texted anytime at (305)399-3780.

    If you are going to a nice restaurant in Miami, adhere to the world-wide dress code of no sandals and no shorts… but also beware of shoelaces at night. It is a ridiculous rule, but we have noticed that in Miami (and sometimes London), a ‘no shoelace’ dress code is enforced.

    Jess and her family did a graffiti experience through Wynwood Art Walk Tours, and they had a lot of fun creating their own graffiti art (you can purchase your own canvas to work on and take home, if you ask). Jess’s sister and mom also highly recommend the graffiti golf cart tours, which are a nice way to explore the Wynwood art scene.

    Notable Places Visited & Not Reviewed

    Carbone: This South Beach outpost is our least favorite of the Carbone spots (Vegas is #1). There are better places in Miami. Skip. Edge Terrace: The Four Seasons bar is fine for a stop, but the service can be extremely hit or miss. Joe’s Stone Crab: We have not been in a long time, but it can get touristy. Katsuya: We prefer other sushi spots. Komodo: Oily peking duck. Mr. Chow’s: Not the best Chinese food, but they make a great lychee martini. Nikki Beach: Deeply avoid. Rusty Pelican: Not very clean. Taqueria El Mexicano: Used to be a favorite, but after renovations and restaffing, we are afraid they’ve passed their heyday + are they even open anymore? Zuma: We always have such a hard time with Zuma menus and figuring out what sounds good to us, this is no exception. Also the bartenders are impossibly slow while being sassy, like sloths with a Miami attitude. Restaurants on Key Biscayne: Not much worth venturing out for aside from Vinya, but if you are staying on KB don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, and we will send you a shortlist.

    moments

    Soft shell crab in chili at Hutong
    Soft shell crab in chili at Hutong
    Gio enjoying Sexy Fish
    Gio enjoying Sexy Fish
    Sexy Fish
    Sexy Fish
    Fi'ila pizza
    Fi'ila pizza
    Another stunning dish at Osaka
    Another stunning dish at Osaka
    They love fire at Osaka, Miami
    They love fire at Osaka, Miami
    Hutong's peking duck
    Hutong's peking duck
    Celebrating our wedding with Mackenzie and Fernando at Il Gabbiano
    Celebrating our wedding with Mackenzie and Fernando at Il Gabbiano
    Osaka, Miami
    Osaka, Miami
    Jess's uncle enjoying the great service at Il Gabbiano
    Jess's uncle enjoying the great service at Il Gabbiano
    Jess's dad enjoying Il Gabbiano's patio
    Jess's dad enjoying Il Gabbiano's patio
    Il Gabbiano's capellini alla arrabiata
    Il Gabbiano's capellini alla arrabiata
    Jess, Mackenzie, and Carolyn enjoying E11even
    Jess, Mackenzie, and Carolyn enjoying E11even
    Jess and Noni (at 90 years old) getting ready for dinner!
    Jess and Noni (at 90 years old) getting ready for dinner!
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  • Paris, France

    Paris is the ultimate European destination, and it has everything: food, wine… and our our absolute favorite luxury hotel in the world: The Bulgari Paris. If you aren’t staying there, enjoy a beautiful meal at the hotel’s Il Ristorante, or go all out French-Michelin at Le Cinq across the street. You can thank us later.

    Traveling around? Check out our London Guide.

    Don’t know what to pack? Here’s Jess’s Packing List.

    Top Restaurants

    Il Ristorante

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 8.5/10   Atmosphere: 8/10    Food: 9.5/10    Beverage: 9/10

    Located on the first floor of our favorite hotel (The Bulgari), Il Ristorante is a wonderful fine-dining Italian experience from chef Niko. In a calm and relaxing atmosphere, Niko makes incredible dishes and the sommelier is happy to help with unique recommendations. The Spaghetti e Pomodoro is not your every-day pasta, and you cannot cannot miss the lasagna (it is the best we have ever had and we are big lasagna people). Last time we visited we ordered the antipasto al’italiana- which arrived in multiple courses- and we certainly recommend this for the adventurous. The veal milanese is outstanding. We have been for both lunch and dinner and both were great (long and leisurely is the way to go). This is a must-visit when in Paris.

    Le Cinq

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 8.5/10    Atmosphere: 9/10    Food: 8.5/10    Beverage Program: 8/10

    When it comes to three-Michelin starred restaurants, Le Cinq certainly tops the list (or, at least, comes very very close). Gio’s dad- Dave- recently told us he had a dream about eating at Le Cinq again. This is high-end, top-tier French food done right, located in George V Four Seasons in the 8th. A strict dress code is enforced. Men must wear jackets, but they are welcome to remove them upon reaching their seats. Save room for the cheese selection.

    Shang Palace

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 7/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10    Food: 9/10    Wine: 8/10

    Located in the basement-level of the Shangri-La in the 16th, Shang Palace consistently offers one of the best peking ducks in the world. And this is why you go: for the food. Also, Jess highly recommends the red rice roll appetizer if you are looking for something unique.

    Top Bars

    Bar Les Ambassadeurs

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 9/10   Atmosphere: 9.5/10   Bar Program: 9.5/10  

    Located in Rosewood’s Hôtel de Crillion, this is our favorite bar in Paris (and in Paris, we do love a good hotel bar). It is very extravagant, with high ceilings, comfortable bar seats, and ornate decor a la King Louis XIV. They used to have a clarified cocktail on the menu that was Jess’s favorite cocktail in the world, but it has sense been replaced on the new seasonal menu. We usually go right when they open around 5PM. Do not hesitate to order the truffle comté grilled cheese, it is incredible.

    Le Bar

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 8/10    Atmosphere: 8/10    Bar Program: 8/10

    At the Four Seasons George V in the 8th, Le Bar is an intimate cocktail lounge with great service. The vibe feels like it belongs amongst men’s clubs in London. It is important to note that it does get very busy, so do have a backup in the area.

    Le Bar Kléber

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 8.5/10    Atmosphere: 9/10    Bar Program: 8/10

    Another stunning bar with high ceilings and ornate design located in The Peninsula Hotel, this is worth visiting for the service and stories of the artwork alone.

    More Restaurants & Bars...

    Overall: Maybe

    Service: 7/10   Atmosphere: 7/10   Beverage Program: 7/10

    Located in Le Réserve in the 7th, Le Gaspard is comfortable and the bartenders have many vintage liquors they want to share… If you go, please help us out– there is a brown and tan colored globe on the bar top that we spent hours trying to figure out, if you can tell us what the colors signify, we’ll owe you a drink.

    Overall: Highly Recommend

    Service: 8.5/10   Atmosphere: 7/10   Food: 8.5/10  Beverage Program: 2/10

    In a clean and comfortable setting tucked behind Avenue George V, DokiDoki rolls out some of the best handrolls we have had. The fish and seaweed are quality- and we love the focus on handrolls alone. The beverage menu is literally along the lines of ‘sake, beer, wine’, but they do offer one of each. The bar is the only seating- with immoveable round stools with no backs. We recommend asking for light rice so you don’t get too full.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 7/10    Atmosphere: 9.5/10    Food: 7.5/10   Wine: 7/10

    It’s not every day you eat inside the top of the Eiffel Tower. The experience is definitely once in a lifetime, and the bread starter was so delicious we might never forget it (it is actually worth filling up on). It should be noted that not all of the seats are comfortable, the ceilings are quite low, and there is really only a view from window tables. To access the restaurant, walk to the bottom of the Eiffel tower and follow signs for the elevator that says Jules Verne (do not buy a ticket). The waitlist is worth trying- that is how we got our reservation.

    Overall: Worth A Visit (for the view)

    Service: 3/10   Atmosphere: 9.5/10   Food: 6/10   Wine: 7/10

    One of the best-kept secrets in Paris. This is probably because of the service, which is worse than the stereotypical Parisian spot… and the hostesses, who will use any excuse to turn someone away (the man in front of us with a full Gucci sweatsuit, for example, was turned away for dress code violations). Once, we were seated at a tiny table in between two large groups, and when we asked to sit somewhere else (9/10 times people in Paris will ask to move tables)… with much fuss, we were eventually brought through the entire restaurant… to the same table. Life is only slightly easier when you make a reservation here (which we recommend).

    Why do we deal with the bad service? Because the view is one of the best in Paris, directly next to the Louvre under stunning columns. We are not even “view people,” but it is hard to beat a nice spring breeze and a bottle of wine here.

    Overall: Probably Skip

    Service: 8/10   Atmosphere: 6/10   Food: 6/10   Wine: 7/10

    If private dining is essential for you, the chef’s table at Ducasse is very private and is located underground with a window to the kitchen. Other than that, it is a little difficult for service to always be available down there (without hovering), and the food was reminiscent of other Michelin spots. The coconut dessert was memorable.

    Overall: Recommend… if you are in Paris for a while

    Service: 7/10   Atmosphere: 6/10   Food: 7.5/10   Wine Program: 8/10

    This French bistro-wine bar-gastropub hybrid offers one hundred wines on Coravin, plus a brick-sized book for the bottles in the back. This is a very casual spot, and the comfortable bar seats can be reserved for dinner. Do not miss the pâté- its the best Jess can remember having.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service 5.5/10     Atmosphere 8.5/10   Food: 8.5/10    Wine: 7.5/10

    A stunning restaurant for Chinese food and good peking duck inside of The Peninsula. While we prefer Shang Palace for Chinese, this is a good and more modern second option.

    Overall: Possibly Visit

    Service: 7/10   Atmosphere: 5/10   Food: 7/10   Wine: 9/10

    With an incredible wine list, it is hard not to be tempted to go to Nakatani. While the food wasn’t incredibly memorable for us, it was a very high-end experience of Japanese-French fusion and deserving of its one Michelin star.

    The Bulgari Bar

    Overall: Skip It

    Service: 3/10    Atmosphere: 6/10    Bar Program: 6/10

    Yes, we are obsessed with the Bulgari. However, if there is an Achilles’ heel to this near-perfect property, it is the bar (and that we still consider it our favorite hotel in the world says a lot about everything else the Bulgari has to offer). Put it this way- the bar staff here is the type that loves doing very long team meetings exactly when the bar gets full and everyone is ready to order another drink. It should also be noted that the stunning onyx bar is very, very bright. Those with sensitive eyes, skip this one.

    Hotels

    You knew this would be first. The Bulgari Hotel in the 8th of Paris is our absolute favorite hotel in the world. It has everything from incredible service to a world-class restaurant (Il Ristorante) to a stunning pool, well-equipped gym facilities, spa, and luxurious design with every single detail well thought out (bedside phone chargers, for example). Everything about The Bulgari is high end, from the furniture to the enormous pillow menu. The doormen are lovely and helpful, and so are the housekeeping and concierge staff. On our last visit, they packed us gourmet sandwiches for the train ride. It is generally not very busy, which is a good thing. 

    Le Meurice is within walking distance of the Louvre, which is always a good focal point. The rooms at Le Meurice were lovely, the breakfast was in a stunning gold-leafed room, and the view from our balcony looked directly over the park (another guest’s room in the same category had a courtyard view, so it is worth asking about). The gym is tiny but clean, with several state-of-the-art machines. The bar at the hotel was open late most nights, often with live music and always with friendly bartenders. The concierges at Le Meurice were incredibly helpful upon arrival. It does get quite busy.

    The rooms of Hotel Berrière are spacious and it is a great place to stay when Paris is very busy, as it is located right across the street from the Four Seasons and down the road from The Bulgari. While it is not as luxurious as the other two, it is very comfortable and the concierge staff is very helpful. 

    We recommend many restaurants and bars at both The Four Seasons George V and Le Crillion, and the hotel rooms both come highly recommended by friends. They are certainly worth looking into.

    Tourism & Travel Notes

    Ubers are very easy to get in Paris.

    This might come as a surprise, but our favorite way to see Paris during nice weather is- undoubtedly- on a rickshaw taxi (motorized bike for hire, whatever you would like to call it works for us). You can find these lined up outside any tourist site. There is truly nothing better than spending a lovely summer afternoon slowly winding around traffic, the wind blowing in your hair, under the shaded roof of one of these lovely rides. Hold your purse tight, find a driver who will let you connect your own music via Bluetooth, and voila!

    We would not recommend short connections at Paris airport, which takes forever to get through. There is also not a lot to do in most terminals (if you walk though one and see an oyster bar in front of you- that is the only place to get a drink in that terminal, so snag a seat).

    If you are traveling within the EU, there is no need to arrive at the train station early. There is nothing to do, and you may find yourself wandering to cafes outside of the terminal and across the street until your platform is announced (about 20 min before departure). If you are training to the UK, do arrive early as you will need to go through double customs.

    Notable Places Visited & Not Reviewed

    Drouant: It was our server’s first day, the food was cold. Miss Ko: Just average. Bar de L’Escadrille: The owner showed up with a large group and started playing very loud, very unique Russian karaoke. Le George: Our experience + the food wasn’t very memorable, but we might give it a second chance.

    favorite moments

    RIP to Jess's favorite drink of all time that is no longer on Les Ambassadeurs menu
    RIP to Jess's favorite drink of all time that is no longer on Les Ambassadeurs menu
    Truffle comté grilled cheese at Les Ambassadeurs
    Truffle comté grilled cheese at Les Ambassadeurs
    Spaghetti e Pomodoro at Il Ristorante
    Spaghetti e Pomodoro at Il Ristorante
    Fatty tuna at DokiDoki handroll bar
    Fatty tuna at DokiDoki handroll bar
    The Bulgari Hotel pool
    The Bulgari Hotel pool
    Bar Les Ambassadeurs
    Bar Les Ambassadeurs
    Gio enjoying The Bulgari Bar
    Gio enjoying The Bulgari Bar
    View from a Bulgari hotel room
    View from a Bulgari hotel room
    A memorable coconut ice cream dessert from Alain Ducasse
    A memorable coconut ice cream dessert from Alain Ducasse
    Gio, Mackenzie (Jess's sister) and her husband Fer in a rickshaw taxi!
    Gio, Mackenzie (Jess's sister) and her husband Fer in a rickshaw taxi!
    Shang Palace Peking duck
    Shang Palace Peking duck
    Cheese selection at Le Cinq
    Cheese selection at Le Cinq
    Gio enjoying Le Gaspard Bar
    Gio enjoying Le Gaspard Bar
    The infamous globe with color coding we cannot figure out!
    The infamous globe with color coding we cannot figure out!
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  • Austin, Texas

    Austin is full of everything that makes Texas over-the-top, and it is also full of some pretty amazing food. Don’t miss out on the speakeasy Here Nor There, which requires an app to make a reservation. One of the best restaurants is Uchi- a sushi restaurant group that always delivers (and Austin is our favorite location). We recommend staying on the South Congress side of Austin.

    Can’t get enough of America? Check out our Miami Guide.

    Don’t know what to pack? Here’s Jess’s Packing List.

    Top Restaurants

    Otoko

    Overall: Highly Consider

    First visit- Service: 8.5/10    Atmosphere: 9.5/10    Food: 10/10    Beverage Program: 8/10

    Second visit- Service: 9   Atmosphere: 9.5   Food: 8    Beverage Program: 8.5

    Started by Uchi alum Yoshi Okai, this 12-seat omakase restaurant is next door to the South Congress Hotel and serves a multi-course sushi and kaiseki menu that will actually leave you full (yum, tempura). 30 minutes before your reservation, you are automatically booked at the attached cocktail bar, which serves great drinks in a dark and trendy space. Tickets are released on the first of the month on a rolling 3-month basis. They do book up immediately.

    Red Ash

    Overall: Highly Consider

    Service: 9/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10    Food: 9.5/10    Wine: 8.5/10

    A lively wood-fire Italian restaurant that offers unbelievably good food. We tried a large selection of the menu and loved every dish. Do be careful with large parties as it is a very loud restaurant. Reservations are necessary (and they were closed for repairs last time we were in town, so hopefully you will be luckier). Call for a reservation if there are none online.

    Uchi

    Overall: Highly Consider

    Service: 8.5/10   Atmosphere: 8/10    Food: 8.5/10    Beverage: 7/10

    For consistently good sushi and service, Uchi restaurants are always impressive. Our first time at an Uchi was at the Austin location, and it was one of our favorite experiences in the city. We have visited three times and our original review holds up. No dress code, casual and busy scene. Reservations are recommended.

    Terry Black’s 

    Atmosphere: 8/10   Food: 7.5/10

    Terry Black’s BBQ is America’s #1 buyer of prime beef. We learned this from a sweating but smiling pit master who is happy to talk to anyone that walks by. Online, it will tell you that Terry Black’s opens at 11 am, but on a Friday at 10:50 am (to avoid lines), we learned that it actually opened at 10:30. If you do get stuck in line, you can drink a beer while waiting. This place is always full by 11:30 am. Also, they have WIFI and air conditioning. Do avoid the dry cornbread.

    Top Bars

    Here Nor There

    Overall: Highly Consider

    Service: 8/10   Atmosphere: 8/10   Bar Program: 8.5/10

    One of the hardest reservations in Austin, this speakeasy requires you request a reservation to their ‘semi members-only’ spot via their ‘Here Nor There’ app (which is easier to do than it sounds). Their cocktail menu changes often and the drinks are great. We recommend you visit before dinner, when you can get more attention from the busy bartenders. To find: Go to the exact address provided on the app, look for a black and white designed wall and enter the nightly code into the keypad).

    Garage

    Overall: Highly Consider

    Service: 8/10    Atmosphere: 8/10    Bar Program: 7/10

    Literally beneath a garage, this bar mixes steampunk with 60s glam. We recommend making a reservation. 

    More Restaurants & Bars...

    Overall: Maybe…

    Not rated

    A comfortable oyster bar with good bar seating. The first time we visited, it was a rainy day and lovely. The second time, it was in the depth of summer and they turned off the AC at 2pm to rush everyone out. They have one decent white burgundy on the menu, but otherwise the wine list is very limited.

    Overall: Recommend

    Service: 6/10   Atmosphere: 6/10   Food: 7/10

    For a very causal Vietnamese-fusion lunch, this the the place to go. Reservations recommended.

    Overall: Worth A Visit (if you like tiki bars)

    Service: 6/10    Atmosphere: 7.5/10    Bar Program: 7.5/10

    When it comes to Disneyland-like tiki bars, no one does it better. We would probably have rated it higher if we liked tiki drinks (woops)… but it was a really fun spot, especially with a group. Reservations mandatory. 

    Overall: Worth A Visit

    Service 6     Atmosphere 7    Beverage Program 7

    Reservations are needed for this plush & lounge-like cocktail bar located in the middle of downtown Austin. We enjoyed but have only been once.

    Overall: Maybe…

    Not rated

    A good spot for a rooftop cocktail on a beautiful day, but it can get windy. The entrance is outside of the Marriot, in a separate elevator from the lobby.

    Overall: Average

    Service: 6   Atmosphere: 6   Food: 6   Beverage Program: 6

    Not bad for a hotel bar, but unless you want to see the hotel (famed as a ghost hotel), then there is no real point in going. They used to have a delicious queso, so hopefully it is back on the menu if you do visit!

    Hotels

    The first time we visited Austin, we stayed at the Fairmont downtown. It was a very large hotel, and our room was comfortable, but we kept finding ourselves in other areas of the city. This meant lots of time in Ubers when we would have rather been walking. The bars were comfortable but quite outdated.

    We have also stayed at South Congress Hotel, closer to some favorite spots. The best part of this hotel was the location and the bars (especially the pool bar during hot afternoons). It is directly next door to Otoko- one of our favorite restaurants. Overall, the hotel was fine but we would probably not stay there again… it seemed to come with the trendy paradox: it may look nice, but that doesn’t mean it works (this includes all of the hotel’s water, which was out one day for about 5 hours). It is also important to note that if you book a poolside suite on the pool level, you cannot access the pool from your suite. Still, the bartending staff was lovely. 

    We have also stayed in the Lone Star Suite at The Driskill, which is their largest room at 620 sqft. The room itself was spacious and lovely, but the elevator was a little frightening and we prefer the South Congress side of town.

    The Proper Hotel was beautiful when we had lunch at their Mexican restaurant (we do not recommend). If you have visited The Proper in Santa Monica, you know what to expect- stunning design in neutral colors. Jess’s dad stayed at the Omni downtown, and recommends it. Both of those hotels are downtown, and we prefer the South Congress side of Austin (it is safer and a little less seedy)- Soho House would be worth looking into.

    Tourism & Travel Notes

    Our top recommendation for a tourist activity would be Wonderspaces Art. This interactive art gallery/adventure is 30 mins from downtown Austin and perfect for escaping a hot afternoon. If art galleries aren’t usually your idea of a good time- they also have a full cocktail bar and a virtual reality experience that makes the whole adventure worth it.

    Austin is a relatively safe city, but over the years we have noticed an increase in their homeless situation, especially downtown. Ubers are accessible and easy, which we highly recommend taking at night. The South Congress side of town also has seemed safer on our visits.

    Notable Places Visited & Not Reviewed

    Midnight Cowboy: Pulling a Southern manners card here- if we have nothing nice to say, we shall say nothing at all (the first time we went, the cocktails were good… I’ll give them that). Sammie’s: The pasta was decent, but the wine list was offensive (Tig in the thousands?) Comedor: A Mexican brunch/lunch spot with great fish tacos and a decent dry riesling on the list. However, the mimosas were warm, the service was iffy, and everything except the fish tacos was meh. Guero’s Taco Bar: We can only recommend the good queso and The Purist margarita. La Piscina at The Proper: Okay Mexican food at the ever-beautiful proper hotel, but the real problem was all of the tables are too tiny to fit their giant (and only okay) fajita specials. Whisler Bar: Exactly as out Uber driver described it- a busy… vampire cowboy bar. It is an experience requiring a lot of alcohol. They do have a good food truck.

    favorite moments

    Jess loving Wonderspaces
    Jess loving Wonderspaces
    The boys at Tiki Tatsu-Ya
    The boys at Tiki Tatsu-Ya
    The family entering Here Nor There
    The family entering Here Nor There
    Excellent crab with sea salt at Uchi
    Excellent crab with sea salt at Uchi
    Crunchy little guy! At Otoko
    Crunchy little guy! At Otoko
    Jess's mom very entertained by the art exhibit
    Jess's mom very entertained by the art exhibit
    Delicious uni at Otoko
    Delicious uni at Otoko
    Jess's dad and sister admiring the BBQ pit at Terry Blacks
    Jess's dad and sister admiring the BBQ pit at Terry Blacks
    Gio very happy with the tempura at Otoko
    Gio very happy with the tempura at Otoko
    Screen Shot 2023-12-23 at 4.27.21 PM
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