A huge part of enjoying a home abroad is indulging in the wonderful local cuisine on offer. Whether you’re looking for high-end Michelin-starred restaurants or hidden gems with the best local dishes, where should you buy to enjoy the world’s best food?
Writer at the Luxury Property Show, Erin Harding, highlights five international destinations that combine some of the world’s most desirable properties with world-class cuisine.
Tokyo
To enjoy a wealth of Michelin-starred restaurants on your doorstep, look no further than Tokyo. For more than 10 years, this city has had the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. Specifically, there are 11 three-star, 47 two-star and 165 one-star restaurants. You’ll find everything from French fine dining to traditional sushi restaurants here.
With so many brilliant restaurants, you’re never far away from a highly rated eatery in this vast city. The Ginza neighbourhood will spoil you with plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants, including three sushi establishments and an Italian named ‘Aroma Fresca’.
Ginza isn’t just about the stars, though. Try one of the delicious ramen bars or stop off for some late night gyoza to get your dumpling fix. You’ll find these small eateries to be both affordable and delicious, which explains why the Japanese love restaurants.
Paris
We can’t write about fine dining without mentioning Paris. Second only to Tokyo for the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, it’s safe to say that the French take food very seriously. After spending some time here, you’ll realise that eating and drinking permeates into nearly every aspect of your day, from that first coffee in the morning to a long lunch that continues into mid-afternoon.
The neighbouring 6th and 7th arrondissements and facing them across the Seine, the 8th arrondissement, all have a number of Michelin-starred restaurants. All are also hot spots for some of the city’s most desirable centrally located addresses.
However, like Tokyo, Paris isn’t all about fine dining. You’ll eat some of the best Lebanese food you can find in this city at generally reasonable prices. The city’s large North African community has much to offer in terms of delicious cuisine.
London
London’s food scene is diverse and vibrant. The majority of Michelin-starred restaurants can be found in central London, with Mayfair boasting the highest concentration, including two three-star establishments.
Head out west to the neighbourhoods of Kensington, Chelsea and Knightsbridge to find plenty more fine dining options. Shoreditch and the City also have many to choose from, including several high-rise restaurants with brilliant views.
Hidden gems are all over London and you’ll find plenty of restaurants that offer a unique overall experience, as well as great food. Why not visit the old theatre-turned-Turkish restaurant on Drury Lane or enjoy classy tropical interiors and French-Polynesian plates at the home of the Mai Tai in Mayfair?
New York
The Big Apple has five three-star restaurants and is the fifth most Michelin-starred city in the world. It won’t come as a surprise to learn that practically all of New York’s finest establishments are in its commercial and cultural heart Manhattan, particularly Midtown and Lower.
Like London, the range of cuisine here is extremely diverse. That said, two of its most established top restaurants are Le Bernadin and Eleven Madison Park, with French and Swiss chefs respectively.
Like the other cities on this list, New York has more than just Michelin stars to offer when it comes to great food. Head to the world-famous Chinatown or visit the ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ neighbourhood for a range of everything from Japanese to Cuban.
Singapore
Singapore is the eighth most Michelin-starred city and has 34 one-star Michelin restaurants. The authenticity and diversity of cuisine here is astounding, especially considering that you can drive from one end of the country to the other in just 45 minutes.
You’ll find the cheapest Michelin-starred meal in the world here in the Chinatown area, which will, unbelievably, cost you just $2. However, five Michelin restaurants are on just one road – Orchard Road. Holland Village is a favourite with expats due to its central location near the Orchard and downtown areas.
With Singapore being small, you’re never far away from a top-notch eatery. Dempsey Hill is an upmarket shopping complex with many dining options including Greek and Peranakan. For some of the best Indian food around, take a trip to Little India and wander into one of the many restaurants there.
