|
Originally Posted by Fliar
(Post 37051510)
A phenomenal meal at Maz (currently 2* but worth 3 in my view) in Tokyo. This was the best meal of our trip to Japan. A bold mix of Peruvian and Japanese with truly innovative and tasty dishes. Both the wine list and the non-alcoholic options are fabulous. Our Dutch waiter was the perfect blend of approachable, polite and knowledgeable. Highly recommended. I would rate this 97/100 (partly because the dining room is not particularly attractive).
A couple of datapoints: we had dinner at Sojiki Nakahigashi (2*), a traditional restaurant in Kyoto (we had a local friend make a reservaton for us), which was interesting for its wide variety of mountain herbs, but overall somewhat disappointing. I would rate it 91/100. We also had a traditional kaiseki meal at Asaba ryokan, served in our room of course. This was very good and in some ways better than Sojiki (91/100). Photos below from Maz. The white and blue in the bowl was an edible concoction you mix in with the other ingredients. Turtle (farmed). |
corky I'll see if I can find the printed menu they gave us and upload it.
(Two more data points from Bangkok (neither Michelin but very good nonetheless): Jhol (Indian) - excellent food, beautiful presentation. Really enjoyed this (another great Indian restaurant nearby is Jharoka). Soma - a new (Feb) high-end Thai restaurant. Excellent and with great service.) |
Finnjavel Salonki :star: Helsinki, Finland
Very playful restaurant (notice the custom cutlery). The name comes from a derogatory meaning "Finnish devil" that was used in Sweden. They do a refined take on old-school Finnish foods, literally -- some dishes are inspired by school cafeteria food from the 50s. Some dishes, like sweetbreads, are an acquired taste, but the brown bread was an absolute knockout https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...307b1011b.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4149899b1.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0074a81b2.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b887e5ab5.jpeg . |
We are going to Le Bernardin tomorrow. We never went when we lived in NYC, and apparently Mr Gfunk always wanted to. I have decided that I'm over fancy restaurants, but it'll be fun to check it out.
|
Originally Posted by gfunkdave
(Post 37101540)
We are going to Le Bernardin tomorrow. We never went when we lived in NYC, and apparently Mr Gfunk always wanted to. I have decided that I'm over fancy restaurants, but it'll be fun to check it out.
With lots of other options in NYC, I'm not sure I would go back. But let us know how the meal goes. |
The Ritz in London is the best French food in London. It was 1 star for a long time but recently couple years ago was bumped to 2. In the states it would be 3 without a doubt. There aren't outside of France a lot of palace hotels left and the food they can produce is unparalleled.
|
Originally Posted by Keowns900
(Post 37360009)
The Ritz in London is the best French food in London. It was 1 star for a long time but recently couple years ago was bumped to 2. In the states it would be 3 without a doubt. There aren't outside of France a lot of palace hotels left and the food they can produce is unparalleled.
|
Originally Posted by 1P
(Post 37383351)
I beg to disagree with every statement here. There are much better French food restaurants in London. The food at the Ritz is underwhelming, relying on the pseudo-swanky surroundings to make an impression. Certainly not worth three stars, The food produced by "palace" hotels is generally mediocre. YMMV
|
Yes, Ritz restaurant is fine, particularly for those who enjoy a little tableside food prep theatre, and the terrace is nice in the summer. Dinner dances are fun. But it's certainly not in the league of the best French restaurants in London!
Normal everyday lounge suit and tie are perfectly adequate. Love the strict dress code! |
Originally Posted by ExpatExp
(Post 37391996)
But it's certainly not in the league of the best French restaurants in London!
|
Originally Posted by aetane
(Post 37401087)
Curious what you'd recommend? I'm a big fan of Galvin La Chapelle for fine-dining on a budget, but haven't looked into the higher end.
|
On a recent trip to London, after lunch at the Wolseley, I took my teenage daughter to the Ritz just to show her the dining room, which I genuinely think is the most beautiful in London. I was not wearing tie, but did have a jacket (I think). The maitre'd was charming and welcomed us into the dining room, and was not snobby at all, which was appreciated. I think it helped that my daughter is very charming in turn!
I've never actually dined there, so can't comment on the food, but I think it's fine that some "old school" institutions exist: it's the minority++ of places, and it's good to have diversity. Dining isn't just about the food (or the abhorrent insta-bait presentation that has overtaken restaurants). tb |
Not that anyone is likely to go to a small country town in Austria but Lieperts (*) in Leutschach am Weinstrasse (SW of Graz, close to Slovenia) is a stellar experience.
Small restaurant of 4-6 tables. Menu (only offered in the evenings, 4-5x a week so the crew is always fresh) is a minimum of 5 course with 6th being seafood and 7th being a cheese course. Wine pairing is by an aficionado (calling him a sommellier will be in injustice as he personally owns some of the wines) who describes with great enthusiasm. All wines from the local area. The chef, Mario Liepert, personally comes out and serves the amuse bouches, albeit in German only. (One of) his assistants does the same for the courses, though his level of English may not provide a full description. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...aa31290904.jpg Menu is provided at the end. (photos to come) |
My cheesesteak from Angelo's in Philadelphia, which was recently awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand.
It was the best cheesesteak I've had in my life... highly recommended. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...50f31a798.jpeg |
Should also mention Die Weinbank (*) in Ehrenhausen on the east side of the Suedsteiermark weinstrasse. Only dined in the wirthaus annd not the Michelin * restaurant (perhaps indistinguishable as the space apparently floats according to demand). Very good food and the chef didn't go on a rampage.
|
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 4:52 am. |
This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.