We regularly update the LUXE app with inside intel sourced from our smart and savvy global resident editors. Here are our top ten tables to get your knees under this month. Sleeves up, bums down!
The Ocean, Hong Kong
Seaside sophisticate repping big-city respite and bank account-haemorrhaging bites from the team behind Bibo and TRi. Cruise chef Yukio Kimijima’s omakase UMI bar, then drift onto succulent marine spoils, artfully presented in aquatic-chic interiors.
3/F, The Pulse, 28 Beach Rd, Hong Kong. +852 2889 5939, theocean.hk
Gurdulù, Florence
Fifty shades of grey surround, but this time it’s a gal on top in this sleek, intimate, tonal paean to adventurous, Balkan and Spanish-inflected mouthfuls by lauded domin-eat-trix Entiana Osmenzeza. Admire whimsical art and dramatic vaulted ceilings alongside your tripe with truffles, and chestnuts with sweetbreads. Ace long bar and cocktail program for pre/posts too, but be warned, you’re in for a wallet spanking.
Via delle Caldaie 12r, Oltrarno, Florence. +39 05 528 2223, gurdulu.com
Upland, New York
Cue California dreamin’ in Stephen Starr’s West Coast inspired patch-to-plater, firing up gourmet pizza and meaty mouthfuls à la Justin Smillie. You’ll come for Obama-approved burgers, but stay for a full frolic through the menu.
If you’ve got a group of 6+, book ahead for Tuesday evening ‘Dinner Downstairs’ in the private dining room, with a monthly rotating 4-course family-style menu. Truly spesh!
345 Park Ave South, New York. +1 212 686 1006, uplandnyc.com
Le Bougainville, Paris
Frill-free, 50s mosaic and formica-clad bistrot that style forgot, but waitertude found and embraced. But the food! Trad homestyle dishes like herring salad, goose rillettes and stuffed cabbage lure suits and beauts from the surrounding biz district including Monsier Gaultier himself. Dress down, come hungry.
5 Rue de la Banque, 2eme, Paris. +33 1 4260 0519
Bull & Claw, Shanghai
Industrial vibe and convivial atmos, but who’s really paying attention to the decor when you have live lobsters flown in daily from Nova Scotia, Australian prime steaks, and 18 craft beers on tap? Good service too.
466 Xikang Lu, Jing’an, Shanghai. +86 21 6266 6819, thebullandclaw.com
Creekside, Dubai
Emirati bros Ahmed and Raashid bin Shabib pull in the UAE’s creative crowd with local bites and Arabic film nights at this hotspot on the banks of Dubai Creek. The patio swelters in summer, but becomes the place to be in cooler climes. Plus Mid-East art and literary stash worth peeping.
Dubai Creekside, Dubai. +971 4 3599220, creeksidedubai.me
A Side / B Side, Hong Kong
Not just flipping vinyls, this gently Japanese styled 3-sided bar-seater brings the fruits of a New Territories farm to a Sheung Wan table. Expect a mashup of veg-centric seasonal dishes, organic wines, and of course, Billie spinnin’ in the background. Great for a date.
53 Sai St, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. +852 2857 5055, a-side-b-side.com
IDES, Melbourne
Ex-Attica young Gunn gets trigger happy with bold, mod Oz flaves at this degustation-only, fance-free fine diner. While the explanations of each dish in this six-course prix fixe might be rough, the tastes are anything but. Only the grey walls could be called bland.
For an extra serve of fun, book a spot at one of the monthly, themed ‘One Day Sunday’ sessions (previous editions incl. ‘Hotel Buffet’ and ‘Jazz Club’).
92 Smith St, Collingwood, Melbourne. +61 3 9939 9542, idesmelbourne.com
Dóttir, Berlin
The shab-Scandi-chic dining room might feature peeling ceilings and mismatched stained glass windows, but young chef Victoria Eliasdóttir’s plates can only be described as perfectly polished. The five-course Icelandic sets change weekly, but it’s flip-fresh fish and deftly handled vegetables that usually play the starring roles.
Mittelstr. 41, Mitte, Berlin. +49 30 330 060 760, dottirberlin.com
Cho Cho San, Sydney
Concrete, Nordic v. Nippon izakaya serving up refined neo-Japanese nibbles like ponzu scampi, udon bolognese, and jasmine-smoked duck steamed buns (order all). The drinks list stars a slew of sake, shochu and spirited cocktails. Don’t skip the matcha green-tea soft serve for dessert.
73 Macleay St, Potts Point, Sydney. +61 2 9331 6601, chochosan.com.au
