Must-Try Design & Dine Destinations in 2025
Discover a culinary journey where exquisite design meets delectable dining, creating unforgettable atmospheres that elevate every meal into a luxurious experience.
The Jane | Antwerp, Belgium
Dutch designer Piet Boon, known for his effortless fusion of elegance and functionality, gave a second life to this 19th-century military hospital alongside chef and owner Nick Bril. With its original cathedral-like ceilings and stained-glass walls, this space complements the high-concept dishes offered on this two-Michelin-starred restaurant’s lunch and dinner tasting menus that include fare that spans from Latin America to Asia. Patrons sit under an impressive chandelier with a whopping 150 lights as they enjoy seafood and shellfish-centric dishes decorated with vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers that urban farmers cultivate right behind the restaurant. thejaneantwerp.com
Known for:
- Historic setting: A stunning 19th-century building repurposed into a modern culinary space.
- Seafood-focused tasting menus: Ingredients sourced from local urban farms.
- Iconic chandelier: A striking centerpiece with 150 lights.
Japón at The Setai Miami Beach | Miami, Florida
Japón at The Setai Miami Beach celebrates the simplicity of authentic Japanese cuisine. Led by Executive Chef Vijayudu Veena, the menu features sushi, sashimi and robatayaki, with standout dishes like miso-marinated sea bass and lamb chops with kimchi-based miso sauce. The restaurant’s intimate atmosphere showcases intricate wooden patterns, fabric pendant chandeliers and velvet seating, creating a serene dining experience. Diners can watch chefs at work at the sushi counter and enjoy an extensive sake selection, featuring over 40 varieties. thesetaihotel.com/miami-beach-restaurants/japon-lp
Known for:
- Signature dishes: Miso-marinated sea bass and lamb chops.
- Intimate ambiance: Thoughtful design reflecting traditional Japanese aesthetics.
- Extensive sake selection: Over 40 types available.
Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic | Hong Kong
The one-Michelin-starred Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic is a luxurious French fine dining restaurant located on the 44th floor of Hong Kong’s experiential dining destination Forty-Five. The opulent decor features mirrored panels and a magnificent Baccarat chandelier, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Renowned French Chef Anne-Sophie Pic, celebrated for her 10 Michelin stars, offers a six- or eight-course tasting menu that artfully blends traditional French cuisine with subtle Japanese influences. Highlights include delicate amuse-bouches, Yunnan peas with Oscietra caviar and her signature pasta, Les Berlingots ASP, served in a flavorful consommé. The restaurant boasts stunning views of Victoria Harbour. cristalroombyasp.com
Known for:
- Luxurious setting: Opulent decor with mirrored panels and a striking Baccarat chandelier.
- Innovative tasting menus: A blend of traditional French cuisine and Japanese influences and exclusive Rhône Valley Prestige wines.
- Breathtaking views: Panoramic vistas of Victoria Harbour.
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant | Maldives
Over 16 feet below the ocean’s surface is the world’s first underwater restaurant, Ithaa (meaning “pearl” in Dhivehi, the local language in Maldives). It’s obvious how this spot received its name as sunlight ripples into the intimate space through the rich turquoise Indian Ocean. Offering a one-of-a-kind experience, this restaurant is also regarded as the world’s largest aquarium tunnel. Guests who pull up a chair—one of 14 to be exact—expect Western-influenced dishes from one of three menus: Visiting Hour, Lunch Tasting or Dinner Tasting. Or they can enjoy the 270-degree underwater views with cocktails only during the restaurant’s mid-morning hours.
conradmaldives.com/dine/ithaa-undersea-restaurant
Known for:
- Underwater dining: A 270-degree panoramic view of the Indian Ocean.
- Unique ambiance: Dining in the world’s largest aquarium tunnel.
- Western-inspired menu: Options for lunch, dinner or cocktails.
Baan Rim Pa | Phuket, Thailand
Baan Rim Pa, Thai for “house on the cliff,” offers guests the view they would assume dining on a cliff’s edge. Soak in panoramic views of Patong Beach with the sun setting over the Andaman Sea while listening to waves crash against the rocks at this award-winning restaurant. Traditional Royal Thai food, which gets its name from being the cuisine served to Royal Thai families over the centuries, is served alongside what visitors consider the best cocktails in Phuket. If wine is preferred, get excited. Baan Rim Pa has earned a Wine Spectator Award. baanrimpa.com
Known for:
- Cliffside location: Panoramic views of the Andaman Sea.
- Royal Thai cuisine: Traditional dishes served to royalty.
- Award-winning wine list: Recognized by Wine Spectator.
Museum H.R. Giger Bar | Gruyères, Switzerland
Step into the mind of Swiss artist H.R. Giger while entering this otherworldly cave-like, skeletal space with arches made of vertebrae. Yes, vertebrae. After all, Giger, who is known for his seamless blending of human physiques with machines, conceptualized the Alien in the 1979 film. This restaurant within the historic Château St-Germain in Switzerland offers a menu of light bites and libations. hrgiger.com/barmuseum.htm
Known for:
- Unique design: An imaginative space that transports guests into Giger’s artistic realm.
- Diverse menu: A selection of light bites and beverages, from coffee to cocktails.
- Historic setting: Nestled within a picturesque castle, enhancing the dining experience.
Bazaar Mar | Las Vegas, Nevada
José Andrés’s Bazaar Mar at The Shops at Crystals in Las Vegas, is just one of the chef’s impressive portfolio of over 30 restaurants worldwide. This seafood-driven counterpart to Bazaar Meat emphasizes shareable tapas, complemented by a Spanish-inspired wine list and innovative cocktails. Highlights include the visually stunning sea anemone and a salmon roe cone, as well as a market section where guests can select whole fish like branzino, snapper or sea bream, prepared in various ways. thebazaar.com/location/the-bazaar-mar-las-vegas-nv/
Known for:
- Seafood-forward menu: Featuring innovative shareable tapas and fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Visually stunning presentations: Dishes like the sea anemone and salmon roe cone delight the eyes as much as the palate.
- Bar Centro: Offering a unique coffee and pastry experience by day, transforming into a cocktail hot spot by night.
Disfrutar | Barcelona, Spain
It’s no wonder the name of this restaurant translates to “enjoy.” This three-Michelin-starred restaurant’s kitchen acts as a laboratory, where chefs prepare innovative seasonal dishes. Disfrutar wants diners to be surprised not only by flavor pairings but also by presentation. Chefs Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch and Mateu Casañas (CXC)’s creations have a playfulness to them by juxtaposing the flavors and visuals of each dish. disfrutarbarcelona.com
Known for:
- Inventive tasting menus: Surprising flavors and artistic presentations.
- Playful culinary style: Balancing flavor with unexpected visuals.
- Award-winning chefs: Led by renowned Spanish culinary talents.
Liza Beirut | Beirut, Lebanon
Located in Beirut’s historic Achrafieh districts, Liza Beirut is an incredibly stylish restaurant in the 19th-century Abdallah Bustros Palace with multiple rooms featuring Idarica Gazzoni-designed wallpaper and bespoke lighting by architect Jan Van Lierde. Lebanese interior designer Maria Ousseimi combines marble, brass and mirrors to create an atmosphere that nods to the past while embracing modernity. Diners can enjoy a mezze of dishes such as labne, tabbouleh and fattouche. The fare embraces tradition, with sometimes unusual additions that offer subtle modernization. lizabeirut.com
Known for:
- Historic Lebanese palace: Chic, modern interiors in a 19th-century setting.
- Traditional mezze: Featuring Lebanese classics with subtle updates.
- Stylish design: By Maria Ousseimi, merging heritage with modernity.
The Rock | Zanzibar, Tanzania
Why dine with an ocean view when you can dine in the ocean? This intimate spot on the east coast of Unguja Island offers 12 tables across an open-air terrace, shaded by Makuti palm fronds. Serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes with local, sustainable seafood, much is sourced by fishermen from nearby Michamvi village. Low-impact dining lets food and location shine, with guests invited to relax under the African sky as waves surround The Rock. therockrestaurantzanzibar.com
Known for:
- Ocean dining experience: A unique setting surrounded by the Indian Ocean.
- Sustainable seafood: Locally caught, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Open-air terrace: Inviting diners to unwind under palm fronds and African stars
La Tour d’Argent | Paris, France
Designed as a local inn in the 16th century, it wasn’t until the 19th century that this building, overlooking the Seine, transformed into the opulent Michelin-starred restaurant it is today. Wine lovers, rejoice, as La Tour d’Argent boasts a wine cellar housing 300,000 bottles and 15,000 unique labels. While the dishes remain traditionally French, the service is both playful and knowledgeable. One unforgettable dish is the “duckling Frédéric Delair.” Every duck served is assigned a unique number, and diners receive an illustrated card marking their duck’s number—a cherished tradition since 1890.
Tourdargent.com
Known for:
- Historic duckling Frédéric Delair dish: A tradition since 1890, each duck is assigned a unique number with an illustrated card for diners.
- Extensive wine cellar: One of the largest in the world, holding 300,000 bottles with 15,000 distinct labels.
- Stunning views of the Seine: A remarkable backdrop that enhances the dining experience.
Sketch at the Gallery | London, England
Designed with the quirkiness of a Wes Anderson film, this 18th-century tea room has stood as one of the most photographed destinations in London for over 15 years. The historic building in which Sketch is housed was built in 1779 as the Royal Institute of British Architects and later became the London Atelier of Christian Dior. Opt for an elegant afternoon tea experience that includes “The Caviar Man:” a designated server dressed in a pink suit and matching hat who brings caviar, cheese and toast to the table.
Known for:
- Quirky ambiance: Styled like a Wes Anderson set in a historic building.
- Afternoon tea service: Including “The Caviar Man” with caviar, cheese, and toast.
- French fusion cuisine: A blend of elegance and modern flair.
Playa Grande Beach Clubhouse | Dominican Republic
At the Playa Grande Beach Clubhouse, the meals are simple but fresh, and the ambiance is laid-back but elevated. This restaurant is tucked between beautiful pools, the stunning Caribbean Sea and lush preserves. No detail has been overlooked thanks to interior designer Celerie Kemble. Menus change daily, but guests can always look forward to the fresh catch of the day, lobsters delivered by locals, tropical fruit, and a bartender so cool they have been known to invite guests behind the bar.
playagrandebeachclub.com
Known for:
- Casual Caribbean elegance: Blends luxury with laid-back charm.
- Fresh, local seafood: Menu highlights include daily catches and local lobster.
- Interior design: Detailed touches by Celerie Kemble.
La Sponda | Positano, Italy
A Michelin-starred gem nestled along the Amalfi Coast, La Sponda is inside the exclusive Le Sirenuse boutique hotel, which was once the summer house of four Neapolitan siblings and to this day remains a private, family-owned establishment. With an extensive wine list and ever-changing dishes to match the season, guests are surrounded by views of the sea while being immersed in lush green tones, from the vines along the walls to the opulent jade tiles on the ground. La Sponda and its Neapolitan Chef Gennaro Russo offer a culinary love letter to Southern Italy.
sirenuse.it/en/la-sponda-restaurant
Known for:
- Picturesque setting: Overlooks the Amalfi Coast with lush greenery.
- Seasonal Mediterranean dishes: Featuring fresh ingredients.
- Historic charm: Inside a former Neapolitan family summer home.
White
Rabbit | Moscow, Russia
Vladimir Mukhin, featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, is on a mission to bring Russian fare to the main stage via an immersive menu and reinvention of homestyle Russian meals at White Rabbit. Nestled into a glass dome, it offers one of the most spectacular views of Moscow. Mukhin’s highly awarded restaurant has placed 15th best in the world and offers a dining experience inspired by seasonal ingredients, sometimes centered solely on one ingredient or meat. An example of this is the king crab set, where diners enjoy an entire meal inspired by king crab with an array of complex sauces and accompaniments. whiterabbitmoscow.ru/en
Known for:
- Russian-inspired tasting menus: Reinvented classics with seasonal ingredients.
- Iconic setting: Enclosed in a glass dome overlooking Moscow.
- Famed chef: Vladimir Mukhin, featured on Chef’s Table.
The French Laundry | Yountville, California
This three-Michelin-starred restaurant is elegant yet intimate at only 62 seats. With a history dating back to 1900, the magical structure is made from river rock and was once a saloon. However, its operation as a French steam laundry in the 1920s is where its namesake originates. While the menu changes daily, diners should expect classic French cuisine with the freshest ingredients via either the chef’s daily nine-course tasting menu or vegetable tasting menu. The French Laundry’s signature dish: Oysters and Pearls. thomaskeller.com/tfl
Known for:
- Iconic tasting menu: Nine-course French classics by chef Thomas Keller.
- Signature dish: Oysters and Pearls, a guest favorite.
- Historic charm: Housed in a 1900s stone building.
Steirereck | Vienna, Austria
In the heart of Vienna’s most central park is a historic building dating to 1904 that has been newly adorned with mirrored-glass extensions that give guests striking visuals as they dine. In fact, the entire front side of this two-Michelin-starred restaurant is built out of glass and metal, offering a futuristic feel that is in line with its high-tech cooking. The modern architecture continues inside as diners can enjoy a unique presentation of the dishes, which are presented with small cards placed on the table. Each card offers information, which is a lovely way to be introduced to Chef Heinz Reitbauer’s exceptional culinary talent. steirereck.at
Known for:
- Modern design: Futuristic mirrored-glass architecture.
- Seasonal Austrian dishes: Focus on locally sourced ingredients.
- Informative dining: Cards introduce each dish.
Silfra Restaurant & Bar | Selfoss, Iceland
Perched up in a remote lava field in Selfoss, Iceland, is Silfra. That’s plenty of cool factor all on its own, but guests can also catch the elusive Northern Lights while dining here. Expect New Nordic cuisine, which celebrates traditional Scandinavian cooking while emphasizing local ingredients and seasonal produce, with dishes that lean more toward simplicity so individual flavors can truly shine. This space was created to offer an experience of bringing the outdoors in and inspiring intentional living and a purposeful lifestyle, which is embraced effortlessly through Silfra’s commitment to the slow-food movement. ionadventure.ioniceland.is/restaurant-bar
Known for:
- New Nordic cuisine: Celebrating simplicity and seasonal flavors.
- Lava field setting: Surrounded by Icelandic wilderness.
- Northern Lights views: A unique dinner backdrop.
Hueso | Guadalajara, Mexico
This restaurant takes patrons not only on a culinary journey, but its architectural concept is visually stunning and stimulating. The name, Hueso, translates to “bones,” truly encapsulating the 10,000 animal bones displayed on the walls. The textural atmosphere is a nod to Darwin. Diners do not know what the menu will hold each visit, as the restaurant takes cooking seasonally seriously, so dishes are ever-changing. However, expect plates from Chef Cadena such as chuletas de cerdo (pork chops), grilled pulpo (octopus) and mussels in beef broth. Wash them all down with plentiful tequila cocktails. huesorestaurant.com
Known for:
- Eclectic decor: 10,000 animal bones create a unique atmosphere.
- Seasonal menu: Ever-changing, inspired by local ingredients.
- Bold Mexican flavors: Dishes crafted with distinctive flair.
Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant | Diani Beach, Kenya
On the other side of a moody staircase is a 120,000-180,000 year-old coral cave and Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant. During the day, sunlight radiates off the cave’s walls, and in the evening, guests experience a cozy atmosphere with candles and stained glass lanterns illuminating their experience. With an emphasis on seafood, this restaurant, located on the Southeast coast of Kenya, offers a wide variety of international cuisines.
alibarbours.com
Known for:
- Unique cave setting: Dine in a historic coral cave with natural lighting and ambient candles.
- Fresh seafood focus: Locally sourced ingredients highlight the coastal cuisine.
- Cozy ambiance: Stained-glass lanterns create a magical dining experience.
Stratosfare Restaurant | Queenstown, New Zealand
After a breathtaking gondola ride that is the steepest in the Southern Hemisphere, diners can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand. Once arrived at the floor-to-ceiling glass enclosure, an award-winning buffet awaits, filled with everything from locally sourced wild meats to seasonal vegetarian dishes, inspired by both New Zealand and international flavors.
queenstown.skyline.co.nz/things-to-do/stratosfare-restaurant-queenstown
Known for:
- Stunning views: Panoramic vistas of Lake Wakatipu enhance the dining experience.
- Award-winning buffet: A diverse selection celebrating local and international cuisine.
- Scenic journey: Access via the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest gondola ride.
Berggasthaus Aescher | Appenzell, Switzerland
Hiking enthusiasts look no further than this one-of-a-kind spot for a lunch break while hiking the Alpstein mountains of Switzerland. Located in a 160-year-old house at 1,454 meters above sea level, Berggasthaus Aescher offers a scenic retreat. After a cable car ride, enjoy a walk through unique rock villages and a 400-year-old Wildkirchli cave church before being seated in what was once the guest house of local goat farmers. The menu is simple and locally sourced, featuring dishes like plant-based Bolognese, charcuterie boards, and Käsefladen cheese tarts.
Known for:
- Scenic hiking location: A perfect lunch spot amidst the stunning Alpstein mountains.
- Local flavors: Dishes crafted from fresh, regional ingredients.
- Historic charm: Dine in a former guest house of local goat farmers.
