I'm going to the following locations on a RTW, so I thought I'd get some opinion on the best restaurants there are:

NRT (preferably beef)
BKK
LHR
FRA
FCO
LAX
SBA
SFO
SEA
YVR
LAX
ICN

Thanks. :)

From a Seattleite:

In Seattle, anywhere on the corner of 12th and Jackson. Specifically, Malay Satay Hut, Seven Stars Peppers, or any of the delis that sell BBQ pork bahn mi sandwiches for $1.75.

There are many definitions of "best" restaurant..... are you looking for "best" as in Michelin 3 star, Mobil 5 star, Zagat "best"; most popular "best"; "best" food but may be a hole in the wall; best overall dining experience; best as in memorable view but forgettable food.......

Any particular cuisines you fancy?

Assuming best=most famous/expensive:

YVR:

Lumiere: consistently rated best in the city for New French/West coast food.
Tojo's: Sushi restaurant to the Hollywood stars. considered by many foodies to be one of North America's best.
"C": Probably the best seafood restaurant in the city known for seafood; contemporary west coast interpretations. Competes with Lumiere for best in Vancouver.
Sun Sui Wah: Considered by many to be the best dim-sum and cantonese food restaurant in Vancouver.

There is no arguing that Lumiere is awesome but you can go next door to Feenie's, Lumiere's more casual sibling, for excellently prepared "comfort" food in a contemporary setting at a fraction of the cost. Food comes from the same kitchen as Lumiere.

As a local, I find Tojo's pretentious and simply expensive. While good, I think there are many more sushi joints which offer similar quality for less money.

Haven't gotten to "C" yet but reports indicate it is excellent. Sun Sui Wah is good but there are many who prefer other places.


BKK:

Spice Market: Located in the Four Seasons BKK, it is considered by many to be the best, most authentic Thai restaurant in the city.
Celadon: Located in the Sukhothai Hotel, it is considered by many to be the best, most authentic Thai restaurant in the city.

The best Thai food can be found in the various hawker stalls around the city where you can eat for about a month for the price of one meal at either of the two above-mentioned restaurants.


LHR:

Beiteddine: Some outstanding Lebanese food and the choice of Saudi Royalty.
Chutney Mary: Excellent Indian food, considered to be London's best overall.
Gordon Ramsay: His Royal Hospital Road flagship is rated Michelin 3 stars.
Yauatcha: Some excellent dim sum; amongst the best outside of Hong Kong.

Waterside Inn & The Fat Duck, Bray: Two highly revered, yet completely different in style, restaurants about an hour outside of London.

I thought Gordon Ramsay Royal Hospital Road to be one of the most overrated restaurants I have ever been to. It should be a Michelin 2 star, at best, and most certainly does not live up to the hype, especially at that cost!!

There are many definitions of "best" restaurant..... are you looking for "best" as in Michelin 3 star, Mobil 5 star, Zagat "best"; most popular "best"; "best" food but may be a hole in the wall; best overall dining experience; best as in memorable view but forgettable food.......

Any particular cuisines you fancy?

Your favorites.

I like Italian, although I ought to watch those carbs! :D

Hmm, thats a lot of places. Let me add a few.

To London, in addition to the good choices luxury has made let me add St. Johns for traditional English with a modern bent. St. Johns and Chutney Mary are my favorites in London.

SFO: Chez Panisse (across the bridge in Berkeley is the first and probably still leading demonstration of the "California cuisine" or new American cuisine. They literally started a food/restaurant revolution in the early 80s in the US and are still outstanding. As a second, much closer to the airport, Zuni Cafe on Market Street. First heard about them from an article on the New American Cuisine written by noted food writer Elizabeth David in the mid 80s. One of my favorite places anywhere in the world. I would put both in my 10 ten favorites in the world.

NRT- assuming you mean Tokyo and not Narita itself. My favorite for sushi is Kyubei. Their main place is right off Ginza. There are also some great beef places in that area, there is one right on Ginza street but I forget the name. Maybe someone else can add in on beef. Another place I really like in Tokyo is Kozue. The food is very good, although I think you can certainly get better food in Tokyo. They have a lot of sushi and seafood dishes. But the very good food is combined with staggering views. They are on the 40 something floor of the Park Hyatt in Shinjuku and have a glass wall to the restaurant. The views over Tokyo are unbelieveable. Service has always been excellent as well. If you are going in winter they serve a fugu course dinner that is very nice. Ive also been told Kyubei has excellent fugu dinners by I havent had one there.

Note that most of these places require reservations and in some cases reservations FAR in advance. Im thinking in particular Chez Panisse in that regard. But even Kyubei and St. John I have had trouble getting in even with more than a week in advance.

In Rome, La Pergola in the Cavalieri Hilton is usually in the top 3 high end places along with Vivendo in the St. Regis and La Terrazza in the Eden.....

For really special meals in LA:

Bastide (others will disagree)
Providence (new, closest approximation to Le Bernardin)
Nobu in Malibu for sushi (very casual - T shirt OK)
Locanda Veneta and Giorgio's are the best Italian
Spago, under the right circumstances (have to ask for the main room)
L'Orangerie (although I've been disappointed; only game for classic French)
Patina (new location - for the architecture)
Koi (to really be treated like sh*t in that LA sort of way)

SBA:
Head about 45 minutes north into Buellton, CA and hit up the Hitching Post. You said you wanted good beef preferably... you'll get it there. Trust me. Be sure to get a BBQ'ed artichoke appetizer.

Spago, under the right circumstances (have to ask for the main room)

Meaning what, and why the main room?

BKK:

If you like Chinese food, try Mei Jiang at the Peninsula - superb service and food.

And make sure you have a drink on the terrace first :cool:

Meaning what, and why the main room?

Spago is actually very good. What is really special, however, is the feeling that you are eating in the center of the popular-culture (or maybe conventional wisdom) culinary universe. It's sort-of the good food version of walking thru Times Square or Harvard Yard (or Rodeo Drive two blocks over). I'd now generally only go with people visiting from out of town.

The restaurant is arranged with a main room (with a view to the kitchen), a patio (actually also OK to sit there as well) and several small peripheral rooms and hallways. Since you want to sit in the middle of things, you have to be in the main room. The first 2-3 times I went, they always first tried to sit us in one of the peripheral areas. Since then, I have asked for main room when reservations are made.

BTW, there is no haughtiness or snootiness at this restaurant. They're very nice, even to the nobodies.

For some fabulous Dim Sum in San Franciso, try Ton Kiang. It's highly rated!

YVR: Try Vij's for a great take on Indian food.

The restaurant is arranged with a main room (with a view to the kitchen), a patio (actually also OK to sit there as well) and several small peripheral rooms and hallways. Since you want to sit in the middle of things, you have to be in the main room. The first 2-3 times I went, they always first tried to sit us in one of the peripheral areas. Since then, I have asked for main room when reservations are made.

Thanks.

All the suggestions are awesome, keep them coming! :D

SFO

Brother in Law's B-B-Q. Corner of Divisadero & Grove (I think Grove is correct cross street)

Seattle

Spencers for Steaks , less than 1 mile from SEA

I'm surprised none of the board oldtimers have flamed you for not using the search function! :p

In SEA, you can't go wrong with steak at either Metropolitan Grill or El Gaucho--each as fine as any in the country (IMHO, they're the finest).

Elliott's serves exquisite Alaskan salmon and, if you're interested, an entire menu of oyster selections. Do try the Dungeness crab cakes as an appetizer. Nice location right on the waterfront.

In BKK & LHR great Thai restaurant called Mango Tree - part of the same group - google the name the LHR one def has web site - when we visited (2 weeks ago) there was a promotion offering 50% off food bills.

In SEA, you can't go wrong with steak at either Metropolitan Grill or El Gaucho--each as fine as any in the country (IMHO, they're the finest).

Mmmm, sounds good. :D

What does everybody think about these three:

- Boulevard, San Francisco
- Matsuhisa, Beverly Hills
- Sparks Steak House, New York?

Thanks. :)

I can vouch for La Pergola in Cavalieri Hilton Rome. Not often you finde a truly top-tier restaurant in a Hilton, but this is the real deal. You will have a fabulous meal but check your credit card limit before you come. It's a bit off the "beaten trail" (near Vatican, on a hill), but the view is unbelievable. If you go, make sure you time it to see the sunset.

I can vouch for La Pergola in Cavalieri Hilton Rome.

While we loved our six days at the hotel, we were disappointed with La Pergola. The food just wasn't that exceptional given the astronomical prices.

SFO - Masa. Expensive, but fabulous.

In London, I would also recommend Amaya or Bombay Brasserie for good Indian food or for something a bit theatrical.. The Cinnamon Club which has an unusual and beautiful setting in an old library. Locatelli's restaurant is probably the finest Italian. A fabulous meal can be had for ££££ at Blake's Hotel.

In Rome, I love Romeo e Agate - elegant with delicious food.

I'm going to the following locations on a RTW,...
when are you going on your RTW?

--

IMO very good sushi. However, I haven't been there for quite some time, as my wife feels that if we are thinking about going to Matsuhisa, we might as well go to Nobu in Malibu. She is not fond of the ambiance at Matsuhisa (which is quite generic). I guess I would say that if the drive to Malibu is traffic-lite, then it's worth the trip. If we hit traffic, I'd probably sooner be at Matsuhisa. Can't ever tell until we're on the road. My recommendation to you would depend upon where you are staying and how much time and tolerance you have for driving. If time is limited and you are staying in BH area or eastward, I would recommend Matsuhisa for sushi.

Another interesting option if you're looking for sushi is Sushi Nozawa in Studio City on Ventura Blvd. This is a very small storefront. It's closed on weekends! The sushi chef/owner is referred to as the "Sushi Naz1." The only option is Omakase, and you don't get any say. People who don't go along or question the chef are reportedly thrown out relatively regularly, including celebs. Very good, of course. There's also the place on 2 Rodeo Drive (ex-Masa, haven't been $$$$+++)

when are you going on your RTW?

--

August! :)

SFO:

Thep Phanom - Waller and Fillmore in the Haight. Fairly economical Thai restaurant voted best in city for FOOD. Outstanding.

Indian Oven - across the street from Thep Phanom. Prawns Korma and Seekh Kebab are outstanding. Other standard dishes good also, but those two are phenomenal. Visitors from Delhi still talking about Prawns Korma at this restaurant.

BKK:

Rang Mahal - Indian restaurant voted best view in BKK. On top of Rembrandt Hotel. Barra kebab (Bone-in marinated Lamb) and Tandoori Prawns stand out. Often voted in top 10 restaurants (not top 10 Indian restaurants) in Asia.

SEA:

El Gaucho - Pricey Prime steakhouse - worth it. Bananas Foster offered for dessert.

SEA:

El Gaucho - Pricey Prime steakhouse - worth it. Bananas Foster offered for dessert.

Is it as good as Sparks?

The Sushi House in Alameda (near Oakland). Daily turn-over is high, hence fish is really fresh. If you have a party of four, order the BIG boat (about $100, not bad). Downside - you probably have to wait in line for 30 min to an hour on Friday night. But its worth it!

Is it as good as Sparks?

haven't been to Sparks yet unfortunately

What does everybody think about these three:

- Boulevard, San Francisco
- Matsuhisa, Beverly Hills
- Sparks Steak House, New York?

Thanks. :)

Can onlyl speak to Boulevard in SF. Overall, one of my top 3 in SF. Great wine list - chock full of new, hard-to-find gems if that's your thing. Its different every time and worth a visit

http://www.bouchonsantabarbara.com/

bouchon santa barbara = wine country cuisine

the concept

They created bouchon to reflect their image of fine dining— the freshest ingredients, prepared with care. Excellent wines that reflect the quality and character of our region and work in concert with the cuisine. Warm, inviting ambience, service at a relaxed, leisurely pace.

the food

They source all of their ingredients using an ‘as-fresh-and-as-local-as-possible’ approach, with fish from the Santa Barbara Channel, produce from the surrounding countryside and meats and poultry from local micro-ranches.

the wine

Santa Barbara is producing some of the finest California Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Other locally produced varietals will surprise you with their quality, variety and approachability. On the last page of the wine list you will find a page of forty or so Central Coast wines that we feature by the glass.

Bon Appètit!

I love this place!!!!

For SEA, my favorite is a little french-asian place in Kirkland called Lynn's Bistro (http://www.lynnsbistro.com/). There's no view and the interior is calmly decorated in pistaschio green but the food is excellent. The owner/chef, Lynn, was trained in France but has mixed in much of her chinese/vietnamese roots. Try her prime rib, filet, prawns, lobster bisque, french onion soup, and spinch salad to name a few. The place is better than Fish Cafe and not as expensive either.

For all out stuff yourself on good seafood, try the weekend brunch at Salty's in Alki.

For SFO/OAK, there's a small Japanese place in Berkeley called Kirala which you won't be disappointed with. The sushi and other dishes are fresh and very visually attractive.

Can't miss Blondies pizza either - $2.00 Cheese slice/coke - kept me going thru crazy times at Cal.

I'm going to the following locations on a RTW, so I thought I'd get some opinion on the best restaurants there are:

NRT (preferably beef)
BKK
LHR
FRA
FCO
LAX
SBA
SFO
SEA
YVR
LAX
ICN

Thanks. :)

best place in sf is delfina--perfect italian in the mission, but unfortunately it's such good value that it's impossible to get a reservation other than 530 or 10pm--book well in advance if you want a better time.

La Pergola at the Cavalieri Hilton is indeed the best restaurant in Rome, awared it's 3rd Michlein star.

If you're looking for something a bit less intense and more in the city center, Agata e Romeo and Il Convivo have very fresh menus, more modern Italian.

SFO - Masa. Expensive, but fabulous.

You forgot, "Worth every penny!" ;)

Zuni, as mentioned above as someone else's top 10 world-fave also ranks the same in my book. A trip to SFO is never complete without at least one meal at Zuni.

I keep hearing from SFO natives and frequent visitors alike about Tong Kiang. Can't wait to try it myself.

Is it as good as Sparks?

Yeah, but a different sensibility, too. El Gaucho has specialities that Sparks doesn't, and visa versa. Definitely a top steakhouse. Of course, everyone has an opinion ... :l)

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned the Dahlia Lounge (http://dahlialounge.com/dahlia/index.html) in Seattle.

In London, The Cinnamon Club which has an unusual and beautiful setting in an old library.

I will second the Cinnamon Club. I was there last week for dinner with my wife and son. It is in the old Westminster Library on Great Smith Street just off of Victoria St. It is easy to miss at nite. We walked past it before following our way there by the great smells coming out of the kitchen. The Tanjore Prawn Masala - king prawn stir fried with fresh coriander and garlic was one of the best meals I have eaten. The Saffron Pear with Cinnamon Ice cream was the hit of the meal for my son.

Here is the website: http://www.cinnamonclub.com

For an Indian meal in London, also consider Tamarind (http://www.tamarindrestaurant.co.uk/) and Rasoi Vineet Bhatia (www.rasoivineetbhatia.com). Both have a Michelin star and I prefer the latter for its modern take on Indian food, e.g. see this review (http://travel.guardian.co.uk/restaurants/story/0,,1271983,00.html).

In Tokyo, the best beef dining experience is Serina, in Rupongi. Order "stone steak" and they will bring out really hot stones (rocks) on which you (yes, you) cook the thinly sliced Kobi beef to your own liking. Very expensive, but well worth it.

Very expensive, but well worth it.

How much?

I ask because I don't know what "very expensive" is to you.

For some fabulous Dim Sum in San Franciso, try Ton Kiang. It's highly rated!

I have not eaten at Ton Kiang myself but my brother lives in SFO and he has rated it very highly. Now I want to eat some Dim Sum!!

How much?

I ask because I don't know what "very expensive" is to you.Yen 15000 (and up), so not too bad (I suppose this counts as only moderately expensive for kobe beef restaurants in Tokyo).

LHR

Posh: The Ritz (French) or Gordan Ramsley at Claridges (French/European)
Lunch option available for above two restaurants for £35 appox, otherwise pay £60 per head.

Trendy: Nobu (Modern Fushion Sushi) or Asia de Cuba at St. Martin's Lane Hotel

Popular: The Ivy (Modern British food - ultra famous), River Cafe (Super popular rustic Italian food by the Thames River)

BKK

Trendy: Metropolitan Hotel (Organic food bar)

Amazing Views: Vertigo (100% open penthouse style restaurant on 40th floor)

Posh: The Oriental Hotel or The Peninsula Hotel

SBA: It's worth the drive to Ventura Harbourfront to dine at "Le Petit Cafe". Breakfasts are a little pricey...but superb, and the assorted pastries are wonderful. The outside tables also offer a stunning view of the inner harbor, and are staged around a pleasant fountain.
The excellent waitstaff will also alert you to goodies "coming out of the oven", and I'd take them up on the offer when presented. Hint: order the bread pudding when fresh. Yum!

LHR my favorites are:
La Gavroche Michelin rated
Angela Hatnett Michelin rated
Gordon Ramsay Michelin rated
did not like Nobu (overpriced food, horrible service, terrible decor)

LHR my favorites are:
La Gavroche Michelin rated
Angela Hatnett Michelin rated
Gordon Ramsay Michelin rated
did not like Nobu (overpriced food, horrible service, terrible decor)

I thought Angela Hartnett at the Connought was pretty good but it wouldnt be on my top 5 in London list. The only way anyone could get me into Nobu is if they promised I would be able to see Russell Crowe getting beat up there again. Other than that you would have to use a gun to get me into Nobu, or for that matter, Asia de Cuba or the Ritz.

Gorden Ramsey is one I am curious about but probably would save the French food for Paris and try something different in London.

LHR my favorites are:
La Gavroche Michelin rated
Angela Hatnett Michelin rated
Gordon Ramsay Michelin rated
did not like Nobu (overpriced food, horrible service, terrible decor)

Which Gordon Ramsay?? I went to Royal Hospital Road and was not impressed. The service is very good though the French style is better for consistent service; the food was oversalted and somewhat blah for a Michelin 3 star place (though presentation was quite nice). I would rate it no more than Michelin 2 stars.

Le Gavroche is a very solid choice and they have a great lunch special with 3 courses, coffee/tea, half bottle wine, and mineral water for about 50 quid. Its rating is about right.......

Nobu is not bad but I would not recommend going on Friday, Saturday nights when the kitchen is slammed. Tuesday/Wednesday nights is not jammed packed so the kitchen is better able to churn out better food. Expensive for what you get, however............

SEA - FX McRory's by the kingdom has great Box Beef.
YVR - Avoid Lumiere, WEST, TRY - Seqoia grill in Stanley park, Salmon house on the Hill West Van is wonderful, Poncho's mexican (family run little place) on Denman
BKK - the stands outside Westin Sukhumvit... but only with a hangover...:)

YVR - Avoid Lumiere, WEST, TRY - Seqoia grill in Stanley park, Salmon house on the Hill West Van is wonderful,

Have to disagree here -- I think the Salmon House and Sequoia Grill are terribly over-rated for poorly cooked food. Each time we are invited for dinner to Salmon House I routinely send back my salmon for being WAY overcooked.....

May I suggest Petrus at the Berkeley. I had a stunning lunch there in February for 30 pounds. Easier to get reservations there than Gordon Ramsey on the Royal Hospital Road.