Savoring innovative cuisine from diverse cultures around the world has long been one of the pleasures associated with travel. In fact, a recent survey indicates that 82 percent of travelers consider available food options at destinations worldwide before booking their vacations. And nowadays hotels are catering to travelers with discerning palates by offering their guests a gourmet experience within the confines of the property itself. Today, a wealth of five-star restaurants and renowned chefs can be found on-site at leading properties across the world. These four hotel restaurants are leading the charge with creative menus, top-notch chefs and unexpected twists on traditional favorites.
Wadakura Restaurant, Palace Hotel
Tokyo
Chef Shinji Kanesaka directs a top-notch culinary team that features some of the city’s most skilled cooks. After earning a Michelin star with his first outpost, Sushi Kanesaka, located in Tokyo’s Ginza district, Kanesaka went on to debut in Singapore before setting up his second Tokyo restaurant inside the Palace Hotel’s Wadakura Restaurant. Here, edomae (a classic Tokyo sushi style) is artfully crafted in one sublime piece at a time, resulting in delicious flavors and textures. Named for the eponymous moat outside its windows, Wadakura pays tribute to Japan’s cuisine with staples such as tempura, teppanyaki, sushi and kaiseki from four distinct areas.
1981 Restaurant, Naïa Resort and Spa
Placencia, Belize
All of Naïa Resort and Spa’s dining options are designed to please its patrons. Named after the year that Belize attained independence, 1981 is the resort’s signature restaurant and offers guests a modern take on Belizean cuisine, with an emphasis on high-quality local ingredients and inventive cocktail creations. Appetizers include fresh ceviche made with catch of the day and octopus and shrimp tossed with red onions, cilantro, roasted garlic and ginger. A must-try is the creamy al dente risotto made with shank steak that’s been braised for six hours and topped with parsley, tomatoes and parmesan cheese.
Luke Dale-Roberts x, Saxon Hotel
Johannesburg, South Africa
Luke Dale-Roberts X at the Saxon opened in 2016 to critical acclaim and has already become a firm favorite for local gourmet food aficionados. If you’re itching to reserve a table, keep in mind advance bookings are essential. Under the guidance of Luke Dale-Roberts, the chef renowned for The Test Kitchen, Cape Town’s award-winning restaurant, the venue underwent a complete decor overhaul and now reflects a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere. Guests can enjoy Wagyu beef grilled over coals at their table, adding a bit of flair and drama to their dining experience. Five- or eight-course meals are featured, and include vegetarian options.
Red Rooster Shoreditch, The Curtain
London
The first European venture from New York hotelier Michael Achenbaum, The Curtain brings a creative energy to ever-emerging Shoreditch, fusing luxury hospitality with the dynamism of east London. The new hotel is home to Red Rooster Shoreditch, which is helmed by acclaimed chef Marcus Samuelsson. Red Rooster celebrates the roots of American cuisine, channeling Southern soul food alongside New York City’s diverse culinary traditions. The Bird Royale Feast features waffles, biscuits, mac and greens, pickles and rooster sauce, while the glazed salmon is perfectly complemented with morels, pea puree, asparagus and port butter. A scrumptious Sunday brunch is accompanied by the House Gospel Choir.