What’s the point of traveling if you’re not planning on trying the local food?
The local cuisine is a must for any traveler looking to get the whole experience, no matter where they are headed.
Travel isn’t just about sightseeing and visiting the most important attractions; it’s also about culture—and a region’s food accurately represents its culture.
But, with so many locations and different foods to try, how are you supposed to choose where to go?
Well, we did some research and want to show you our favorite places that are perfect for travel fanatics and foodies!
Paris, France
Paris sets the cultural standard through its museums, like the Louvre, and historical landmarks, like the Arc de Triomphe or the Eiffel Tower, and through its food.
In fact, French food is considered to be some of the best in Europe!
So, while you’re walking around enjoying the Paris scenery brought to you by the Renaissance, consider visiting some of the best restaurants in the city.
But which restaurants would these be? Let’s take a look.
- Bouillon République (€20–30)
The Bouillon République is one of the most famous restaurants in Paris. It’s known for its affordable meals, fast service, and renowned onion soup.
- Le Ju’ (€10–30)
Le Ju is a popular choice for breakfast and brunch. The food is good, and the staff is very friendly and attentive.
- Substance (€100+)
Substance is a one-Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of Paris. The star tells you everything you need to know about the food quality, service, and ambiance. We suggest that you book well in advance.
Las Vegas, USA
Las Vegas is another excellent destination for those who are looking for a bit more adventure but still want to enjoy a wonderful dining experience.
Afternoon Culinary Adventures Food Tour
Food tours are a big part of the dining experience in Las Vegas. One example of a great tour is the Afternoon Culinary Adventures food tour hosted by Lip Smacking Foodie Tours.
This tour takes about 2.5 hours and lets you visit some of the best restaurants in the city!
Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen
While Las Vegas has many restaurants run by some of the world’s best chefs, you can’t say you’ve been there without trying Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen. For those who want a more personalized experience when it comes to where they eat, this is a perfect option and a must-try!
Hiring a Private Chef
On the topic of personal experience, what’s more personal than hiring a private chef directly to your rental property? Well, nothing, but what do private chefs even do?
Put simply, private chefs will do whatever you want them to! If you prefer to stay inside and enjoy your homey vacation, this is the perfect option for you.
The only thing you need to worry about is finding a rental property that has the required amenities to support your needs.
One of the best luxury vacation homes in Las Vegas today is Zen Paradise. The fully equipped kitchen is amazing, and it lets any private chef showcase their full ability.
Zen Paradise has a stunning indoor and outdoor dining area and a beautiful pool, so when the food comes, you have an excellent place to enjoy it.
Tokyo, Japan
If Tokyo doesn’t scream ‘Culture and Dining Center,’ we don’t know what does!
Japan is known for having some of the best restaurants in the world, and we’re not the only ones who think so. In fact, Tokyo currently has the most Michelin-starred establishments in the world, with Kyoto and Osaka in third and fourth place, respectively.
However, you can find the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo with a Google search. Here are some ‘lesser known’ suggestions.
- Tapas Molecular Bar ($170 – $250)
Located in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, the Tapas Molecular Bar is a fusion restaurant. It is the best bar in the Chuo region, one of the most luxurious regions in Japan. Look no further if you want to experience new dishes, tastes, and even temperatures.
- GYOPAO Gyoza Roppongi ($10-40)
If you’re a fan of soup dumplings, fried gyoza, and Chinese-style dim sum, GYOPAO Gyoza Roppongi is the place for you! It’s an Izakaya restaurant, which simply means there is a big focus on alcohol, and this makes sense since the restaurant is all you can drink!
Bologna, Italy
Is it possible to talk about food and travel without mentioning Italy?
The Italian people take food very seriously, and no matter where you go, there are always new things to try. That’s why choosing which Italian city to include on our list was difficult.
But Bologna stands out. It’s a beautiful modern city with a lot of culture and has excellent food, which is fairly priced.
- Trattoria da Me (€30–50)
Trattoria da Me is a creative restaurant known for its successful experiments with traditional Italian food. One of their most popular dishes is the tortellini in broth, which sounds like it shouldn’t work, but it does! The restaurant is romantic and sets the mood for a quiet date or a calming dinner.
- Trattoria del Tempo Buono (€20–30)
When you think of a classic Italian restaurant in a busy city, you think of something that looks exactly like the Trattoria del Tempo Buono. This simple restaurant has it all: excellent food, outdoor seating, an uplifting atmosphere, and homemade pasta!
- Sfoglia Rina €10–20
Sfoglia Rina was traditionally a pasta shop in Bologna, but today, it is a company fighting to preserve tradition while keeping up with changing times. Apart from the story, the food at the restaurant is very good. They also offer pasta-making courses to help you perfect your craft.
Conclusion
That’s it for our list of the best culinary travel destinations. Each place offers a special food experience that reflects its history and culture.
Whether you want to enjoy the elegant food of Paris, the lively food scene of Las Vegas, the fusion delights of Tokyo, or the authentic tastes of Bologna, these places will give you unforgettable food experiences.
Pack your bags and get ready for a trip that will make your taste buds thank you and give you tasty memories. Enjoy your meal, and have a safe trip!