Calling all foodies and sipsters. Planning your spring city break, or a gourmet escape and at a loss on where to eat and drink? So many options, too little wine. Save yourself endless hours of scrolling by downloading our guide to Best Bars and Restaurants in 12 LUXE cities.
Drawing on the personal recommendations from our crack team of resident and in-house editors, the guide spotlights the one bar and restaurant worth visiting in each destination. Some are under the radar, others are longstanding favourites – all are worthy of your time. Bon appétit lovelies!
Too busy to read the entire guide? Download the PDF and save for later.
New York
by Peter J Frank
Best bar: Broken Shaker
Why we rate it? The skyline views scream “Manhattan”, which combined with this joint’s immense popularity (come early to avoid the lines) are testament that a good rooftop bar in New York City is still a rare commodity.
On the roof of the new Freehand New York hotel in Flatiron, the drinks — courtesy of the team that opened the original Broken Shaker in Miami — have a decidedly tropical vibe.
Broken Shaker, 23 Lexington Ave, freehandhotels.com
Best restaurant: Frenchette
Why we rate it? New Yorkers still get misty-eyed at the mention of Pastis, the beloved Meatpacking brasserie that closed in 2014, and they’ve long since ceded their tables at Balthazar to out-of-towners. Thus the rejoicing for this venture from both restaurants’ former chefs.
Team Balthazar (Nasr, Hanson) breathes new life into the red banquettes with the exquisite French bistronomy for which they originally found fame. Think scrambled eggs with escargots, roast duck with frites, and a rich rotisserie lobster with curry butter, all dished up in a simple, faff-free dining room that draws queues round the block. Hellish to get in to, delish once you do. The wine list is mostly natural, biodynamic and organic bottles, many of them from unfamiliar grapes or regions. Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance.
Frenchette, 241 W Broadway, frenchettenyc.com
Psst. Nab a full guide with all the juicy tidbits to each of your favourite cities here.
Los Angeles
by Amelia Rynkowska
Best bar: The Rooftop at NoMad Hotel
Why we rate it? Quintessential LA daytime sipper with 360-degree views to boot.
Easy-breezy poolside terrace floating 12 floors above Downtown Los Angeles. Designer Jacques Garcia pays homage to the building’s former Bank of Italy roots; Med-veering terracotta is accented with wrought iron and orange and lemon trees. Sip frozen margs and Aperol by day (or night); go for golden hour to max out the LA light and vibe.
The Rooftop, NoMad rooftop bar, 649 S Olive St, thenomadhotel.com
Best restaurant: Bestia
Why we rate it? A consistently good restaurant that keeps us coming back for more.
Pioneering husband-and-wife duo Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis delight over and again with their ode to fuss-free, multi-regional Italian fare in the Arts District. Dishes are meat-centric (vegans beware!) and while every plate delights, the bone marrow, beef heart tartare and house coppa di testa are divine – end with pannacotta or chocolate tart. Reservations are like gold dust (up to six weeks in advance), so book ahead.
Bestia, 2121 E 7th Pl, bestiala.com
Psst. Nab a full guide with all the juicy tidbits to each of your favourite cities here.
London
by Romilly Molyneux (bar) and Suzanne Delahunty (resto)
Best bar: The Coral Room
Why we rate it? On-point Pantone-esque prettykin that’s a must for pre- or post-theatre tipples, plus a satisfying small bites menu.
Flit with the bright young things at this luminescent, Martin Brudzinski-designed va-va voom room within the Bloomsbury Hotel. Statement chandeliers, gleaming mother of pearl, sumptuous teal velvet sofas and pink-hued everything else are nods to 1920s decadence. Just add in razor-sharp service. Go. Nip downstairs to check out the Bloomsbury Club and Bar in the basement for a sumptuous night cap.
The Coral Room, 16-22 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, WC1, thecoralroom.co.uk
Best restaurant: Evelyn’s Table
Why we rate it? Great things might come in small packages, but you’ll find London’s best-kept secret in a tiny basement.
Down the secret staircase you go to the Blue Posts’ teeny basement dolly. Just 15 diners can experience Evelyn’s Med morsels and impeccable service; menu standouts include flip-fresh Cornish seafood and the steak tartare. Nabbing a walk-in slot is as likely as bumping into Benedict Cumberbatch on Baker Street, so book well ahead. Pure London magic.
Evelyn’s Table, The Blue Posts, Cellar, 28 Rupert St, Chinatown, W1, theblueposts.co.uk
Psst. Nab a full guide with all the juicy tidbits to each of your favourite cities here.
Barcelona
by Lisa Robinson
Best bar: Two Schmucks
Why we rate it? An outrageously fresh breath of air, these wild things pour unfiltered pasión into every glass.
So hip it actually hurts, from the profane street signage and DIY recycled material fitout, to the tattoo splashed ‘schmucks’ themselves and their stick-it-to-the-man ‘tude (hello, brunch at night!?). The scene and crowd veer young, but the cocktails, coffee, comfort eats, and relaxed, albeit tad-pretentious, atmos make it a buzzy still-so-hot-right-now spot in gritty Raval.
Two Schmucks, Carrer de Joaquín Costa, 52, @schmuckordie
Best restaurant: Bistrot Levante
Why we rate it? One of Barcelona’s best little secrets right now.
Colourful, perf-plated morsels star on weekly changing, seasonal Med-with-a-Mid-East-twist menus at this tucked-away Barri Gotic bolthole. Subdued and intimate interiors plus a diminutive alleycat situ have kept it firmly off the tourist circuit thus far, plus there’s a natural wine expert leading the front of house vin-charge. Winner, winner.
Bistrot Levante, Placeta de Manuel Ribe, bistrotlevante.com
Psst. Nab a full guide with all the juicy tidbits to each of your favourite cities here.
Paris
by Sylvia Sabes
Best bar: Le Mary Celeste
Why we rate it? Chic rendezvous fave among Parisians.
She’s still one of the most popular gals in town with wild west cocktails, Asian-ish nibbles, shab-fab fitout and many a trendoid admirer. Oyster sliders make for the perfect sip sider.
Le Mary Celeste, 1 rue Commines, 3rd, lemaryceleste.com
Best restaurant: Bouillon Pigalle
Why we rate it? Unique little hotspot packed with character.
A clever riff on a C.19th soup kitchen, Bouillon Pigalle ladles out simple (with a hint of indulgence) comfort fare à la grandmère. The light n’ lofty food hall seats dozens, but expect to queue for hearty dishes like this season’s crab bisque with Kari Gosse and profiterole with housemade ice cream. Game changer.
Bouillon Pigalle, 22 Boulevard de Clichy, 8th, bouillonpigalle.com
Psst. Nab a full guide with all the juicy tidbits to each of your favourite cities here.
Rome
by Erica Firpo
Best bar: Roscioli Caffe
Why we rate it? This is my trustworthy local bar, and quite possibly the best coffee in the city.
By day, satisfy your sweet tooth cravings with divine Roman pastries, by night sip offbeat takes on classic cocktails and coffee-infused twists. Nothing beats the sugar rush of a Roscioli maritozzo!
Roscioli Caffe, Piazza Benedetto Cairoli, 16, rosciolicaffe.com
Best restaurant: Luciano Roma
Why we rate it? Romeo’s most adored Michy-star morsels. Bellissimo!
Carbonara king Luciano Monsilo’s eponymous tratt is a rare find: a casual, chic neighbourhood joint that dishes up Michy-standard Roman fare without pretension or playing to the tourist crowd. Award-winning pizza man Elio Santussoo is responsible for the divine pies. Order the suppli, they are incredible.
Luciano Roma, Piazza del Teatro di Pompeo, lucianocucinaitaliana.com
Psst. Nab a full guide with all the juicy tidbits to each of your favourite cities here.
Bangkok
by Liz Weselby
Best bar: Q&A Bar
Why we rate it? Sophisticated and discreet high baller.
A dark alley in minimart-studded North Asoke is not where you’d expect to find Bangkok’s most sophisticated secret sipper – but then, that’s part of its appeal. Just 10 counter seats line this narrow, dim-lit 20s-style imbiber, pouring grown-up libations to a (mandatory) well-dressed clientele. Gussy up or go home. Advance bookings are a must, no food and strict dress code. Changing menu, but any variation on the Negroni is a good bet.
Q&A Bar, 235/13 Sukhumvit 21 (Asoke), Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, qnabar.com
Best restaurant: Paste
Why we rate it? Bangkok has seen a slew of fine-dine Thai restaurants riffing on heritage recipes open in recent years, and Paste is our pick for its tongue-tingling shareable plates and unpretentious atmosphere. Yes, it’s in a mall but don’t let that deter you.
Bee Satongun scoured historic cookbooks to conjure up a refined take on trad Thai recipes, earning Paste a loyal following and a Michelin star. Ignore the shopping mall situ, this light, feminine greige salon is one of Bangkok’s best fine diners.
Paste, 3rd FL, Gaysorn Village, 999 Ploenchit Rd, pastebangkok.com
Psst. Nab a full guide with all the juicy tidbits to each of your favourite cities here.
Hong Kong
by LUXE Eds
Best bar: Popinjays
Why we rate it? An all-in-one wonder at heritage hottie The Murray.
Biz suits and socialites flock together at The Murray’s sleek n’ sprawling balcony, which has one of the best city aspects – the sweeping vista spans from the jungle-clad Peak to Central’s heritage buildings and architectural marvel the HSBC building, peeking through to the Harbour beyond. Inside, Didier Quenouelle’s seasonal degustations await, but you’re really here for the views. Come at sunset, order a cocktail off the expansive menu or bespoke and simply soak it up.
Popinjays, 22 Cotton Tree Drive, niccolohotels.com
Best restaurant: Neighborhood
Why we rate it? Discreet, understated star tucked off Hollywood Road.
Sleek minimal bunker where acclaimed chef-owner David Lai serves up aces with Federer-esque consistency. The French-meets-Italian menu changes according to the fresh produce available so don’t get too attached to a dish, though keep peepers peeled for the local chicken rice in aged white wine sauce. Mmmmm-goi!
Neighborhood, Basement, 61-63 Hollywood Road, @neighborhoodhk
Psst. Nab a full guide with all the juicy tidbits to each of your favourite cities here.
Shanghai
by Sharon Leece
Best bar: Speak Low
Why we rate it? A hidden den in downtown Shanghai, and a fine contrast if teamed with Bund fine-dining. Fab cocktails.
Don’t be fooled by the Ocho Bar Tools shop facade, its back wall bookshelf slides to reveal a Nippon-tinged 3-storey lair, with each floor repping a different concept. Cocktails classic and quirksome are shaken and stirred – adventurous tipplers should try the pisco sour topped with Parmigiano. Another mystery lies in wait if you can find the secret door disguised within the bar. Queues can be a pain but it’s well worth the wait.
Speak Low, 579 Fuxing Middle Rd, Huangpu Qu, facebook.com
Best restaurant: M. on the Bund
Why we rate it? Having celebrated its 20th year in December, kudos to Michelle Garnaut for setting the bar high and thriving (and surviving) in this ever-changing city. M is exceptional and inspirational.
Slinky pet with pops of indigo, and a veritable Shang institution for both its unbeatable Bund-site terrace and day-to-night scene. We particularly love the laidback weekend brunch starring eggs Benny and an artery-lining fry up – don’t miss the Pavlova for dessert.
M. on the Bund, 5, 7/F, Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, cnr Guangdong Lu, m-restaurantgroup.com
Psst. Nab a full guide with all the juicy tidbits to each of your favourite cities here.
Singapore
by Andrea Seifert
Best bar: Atlas
Why we rate it? Of all the gin bars I’ve ever been to, this is the by far the grandest, with mixology, service and people watching to match, natch.
Colossal, ritzy Gothamite gin palace pulling out all the stops with sumptuous Art-Deco good looks and more than 1,000 bottles of the juniper tipple. Food can be hit and miss, but for grown-up libations, it’s an original.
Atlas, Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Rd, Bugis, atlasbar.sg
Best restaurant: Nouri
Why we rate it? A surprising and complex fine dining menu in a cosy shophouse on Amoy St serving globally inspired dishes, with ingredients sourced from the Malaysian Highlands and from their very own rooftop garden.
Progressive pan-handler Ivan Brehm (ex-Fat Duck and Sing’s Bacchanalia) struck out on his own a couple of years ago with this slick yet homely dining room. Expect complex plates which draw on Brehm’s eclectic Euro-Brazilian-Mid-East heritage and globetrotting – he’ll happily share the story behind each dish and ingredient.
Nouri, 72 Amoy Street, Chinatown, nouri.com.sg
Psst. Nab a full guide with all the juicy tidbits to each of your favourite cities here.
Tokyo
by Jessica Kozuka
Best bar: Gen Yamamoto
Why we rate it? Secluded and elusive, worth the schlep for a true Tokyo experience.
Bare but for an austere eight-seat bar, it’s one for the purists with 4- and 6-course ‘tail tasting menus prepared with the precision you’d expect of a sushi sensei.
Gen Yamamoto, 1/F, 1-6-4 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku, genyamamoto.jp
Best restaurant: Den
Why we rate it? Owner Zaiyu Hasegawa serves “homemade dishes that bring a smile” to a select few punters each night. Booking is essential.
High-end Japanese home cooking from enfant terrible Zaiyu Hasegawa, with a dash of Western flair and a hearty dose of humour. Snag a seat at the counter for 8-course kaiseki, featuring classical techniques and quirksome prez. Don’t miss the Dentucky Fried Chicken – fried, stuffed Daisen jidori chicken wings served in a paper box – a cheeky nod to a certain fast food joint.
Den, 2-3-18 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, jimbochoden.com
Psst. Nab a full guide with all the juicy tidbits to each of your favourite cities here.
Melbourne
by Eleani Purcell
Best bar: Carlton Wine Room
Why we rate it? Like the gracefully mature woman who’s had some work done but kept it very subtle; Carlton looks fabulous, yet hasn’t lost her character.
A longstanding Melbourne institution, Carlton was taken over by co-owner Andrew Joy and chef John Paul Twomey (ex Marion and Coda, Cutler & Co) who last year breathed new life into it via a gentle reno. A white palette backdrops a menu that’s elevated but stays true to its Euro roots.
Carlton Wine Room, 172-174 Faraday St, Carlton, thecarltonwineroom.com.au
Best restaurant: Hotel Esplanade aka The Espy
Why we rate it? The folks behind Garden State Hotel know how to make a place that pleases both laidback sundowners and late-night party animals.
Reclaiming its posi as the St. Kilda go-to, Hotel Esplanade emerged from a big-buck nip/tuck with vintage-meets-mod good looks, vibey music nooks and a rooftop with scorching beach views. Come for the simple mod-Oz plates, stay for sundowners.
Hotel Esplanade, 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda, hotelesplanade.com.au
Psst. Nab a full guide with all the juicy tidbits to each of your favourite cities here.
