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Life-Changing Culinary Experiences
30
items A collection of the most unforgettable meals, restaurants, and dining experiences. From hole-in-the-walls to some of the best restaurants in the world.
Map
Very fortunate to have been able to eat here a few times. Their service level is unmatched. If you watch season 2 of The Bear, there's an episode called Forks that actually references their service philosophy when Richie gets the deep dish pizza to t...
Eleven Madison Park
I did the twelve-course Field Guide tasting menu + wine pairing and it blew my mind. One of the most ambitious restaurants I've ever experienced. Noma co-founder, Mads Refslund, and team are playing fucking jazz in there. It's wild. I cannot stress e...
ILIS
Traditional ingredients, innovative techniques. The tasting menu takes you on a journey, an exploration of Mexico's diverse culinary traditions. Every plate is a masterpiece. The food, the drinks, the design, and the service are all absolutely amazin...
Pujol
My favorite restaurant in London. Probably best known for the nose-to-tail concept, using every single part of the animal, including very rare cuts. Not surprising at all that Anthony Bourdain loved this place, it's attitude, and it's weird wine list...
St. John
Once you're inside, everything about this place just feels right, and unlike anything you've experienced before. You know that scene in the movie High Fidelity when Rob tell's Dick that he's organizing his records autobiographically? Well this is the...
Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi
Jiro is a principled, meticulous sushi chef that has dedicated his life to painstakingly perfecting his craft. It was a very cool experience eating with him in this tiny place inside of Ginza Station. I love a dining experience where no phones are al...
Sukiyabashi Jiro
I love taking the train up to Tarrytown with a window seat overlooking the Hudson River. Then arriving at this little farm that looks like a castle, which is the birthplace of the entire farm-to-table movement. The tasting menu not only changes daily...
Blue Hill At Stone Barns
Anthony Bourdain once said that this is “the best restaurant in the world, period.” And it really lives up to that. They have perfected every single bite of their tasting menu. It's very French, very technical, and very luxurious. I'm still a fan aft...
The French Laundry
Without a doubt the most fun culinary art experience I've ever had in my life. It's engaging, emotinal, weird, and extremely high quality in both concept and execution. This meal altered my brain chemistry.
Alinea
The most decadent Omakase I've ever done in my life. Sitting at this sushi bar in the hyper minimalist blank canvas of a space is a peaceful experience. Chef Masa uses some of the rarest ingredients in the world and is very opinionated about every si...
Bar Masa
Such a great tasting menu. Chef Lee's Chinese, Korean, and Japanese influence make this food super exciting. This menu kind of has it all: small bites, snacks, experimental dishes, seasonal dishes, raw. It's just so good. Incredible balance of flavor...
Benu
I was having a beer in the Lower East Side with a friend and he looked up from his phone and said, “I got it!” And he looked at me and asked, “do you want to fly to Copenhagen to eat at Noma?” Easily one of the coolest experiences of my life. The cra...
Noma
Fourteen course seasonal tasting menu. The best “New Nordic” tasting menu I've had. Quality in service, food, wine, and overall design are really high. A lot of craft in their seemingly simple plates. And a lot of really memorable bites. Great experi...
Sons & Daughters
Hidden in plain sight on 7th Street in DTLA, this place is soooo insanely good. I'm a repeat visiter to this Omakase-only restaurant and it honestly reminds me of the places I used to go in Tokyo. It feels like time travel every time I eat here. It's...
Q Sushi
One of my favorite places to eat dinner in SF. The duck is a must-have and in my opinion and life-changing dish. Also their signature cocktails are insanely good and original. Everything they do tastes amazing. Their service is solid and relaxed and ...
Mister Jiu's
Despite some of the touristy aspects of this place, it was really impressive to see the work spaces, watch the students train, and eat their amazing food. We went here for dinner after wine tasting and it was really fun. The food was excellent.
The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone
A meal prepared in a Pachamanca or “earth oven” (hole dug in the ground). The food is wrapped in banana leaves and places on hot stones before being buried in the earth. Later, the chefs excavate the food, and there is a traditional Incan celebration...
Qespi Restaurant & Bar
These beignets will change your life. That's all you need to know.
Cafe Du Monde New Orleans
The late night burger is insane. I'm not really a fan of fancy, stunt-y burgers, but this might be one of the best burgers on earth. They only make 24 burgers a night, starting at 10pm. The burger is a combo of chuck and brisket (two 4oz patties) and...
Holeman and Finch
Tootsie Tomanetz, high school custodian by day, pit master by night, makes this legendary Texas BBQ. A brisket unlike any you've ever tasted. The drive is worth it. It's an adventure.
Snow's BBQ
I am obsessed with this place and I won't shut up about it. You can only get this food in person for dine-in or take-out at their spot in the Mission in SF. It's cash only. And it's a tiny, gritty hole-in-the-wall with maybe like 6 counter seats. You...
Yamo
Speaking of yelling. Go here. Get roasted. Eat a glizzy.
The Wiener's Circle
Perfect 8-course tasting menu with wine pairing. Amazing service, incredible crudos, pastas, breads, and wines. They deserve their James Beard award. One of my favorite spots in Philly.
Friday Saturday Sunday
Bring friends and order the entire menu. You must experience this place and taste all of this incredible non-traditional Thai food. This award-winning chef deserves all the hype she gets. It's so good. And so spicy. 🥵
Kalaya
Another place you should do family-style with a group of friends to try everything they have to offer. I'm telling you, you will taste flavors you've never had before and become addicted to this place.
AKADI PDX
I guess I just love it when there's yelling in the kitchen. Just have your answer ready for the most important question of your life: What'll ya have?
The Varsity
Step 1: have some drinks in North Beach. Step 2: get a burger at Sam's. Those are all the steps.
Sam’s Pizza & Burgers
Ambitious and innovative Haitian food. The plantain brioche muffins, the Haitian coffee-spiced beef rib, all of the smoked vegetables, the pickles, everything is so good and unlike anything I've had before. Loved the overall design and service. Big f...
Kann
2
One of the best counters you can sit at in the world. Cold beer, fresh oysters, crab, and the “Sicilian Sashimi” are a perfect afternoon snack. Highly recommend.
Swan Oyster Depot
One of my favorite spots in Galway. I keep coming back here for the really nice food, the views overlooking the water, and the cozy vibe of this place. It's an experience.
Ard Bia at Nimmos