Embark on a global culinary adventure with expert-recommended destinations that promise unforgettable gastronomic experiences. From the traditional flavors of Kyoto to the Michelin-starred restaurants of San Sebastian, this guide unveils the world’s most enticing food scenes. Discover hidden gems and iconic eateries as we explore ten diverse locations, each offering a unique blend of local ingredients, cultural heritage, and culinary innovation.
- Kyoto: Tradition Meets Culinary Artistry
- San Sebastian: Michelin Stars and Pintxo Paradise
- Italy: Authentic Culinary Journey Through Regions
- Etang de Thau: Simple Luxury of Local Oysters
- London: Sophisticated Global Cuisine Destination
- Southeast Asia: Culinary River Cruise Adventure
- Kosher Luxury: From Mexico to Israel
- Japan: Kaiseki and Omakase Dining Experiences
- Mohonk Mountain House: Farm-to-Table Mountain Retreat
- Courmayeur: Gourmet Skiing in Italian Alps
Kyoto: Tradition Meets Culinary Artistry
Kyoto is where culinary tradition becomes an art form. It’s not just about the food—it’s about how it’s served, where it’s eaten, and the quiet reverence behind every bite. For luxury foodies, a multi-course kaiseki dinner in a traditional Ryokan is non-negotiable. It always makes me think of seasonal, hyper-local dishes served on lacquerware that feels museum-worthy.
Book ahead for a seat at Gion Sasaki or Kikunoi. Don’t skip the market scene either—Nishiki Market is a curated chaos of pickles, skewers, mochi, and yuba (tofu skin) that feels like a street food tasting menu dressed in a kimono. A private tea ceremony with wagashi sweets is also a must—the ultimate palate cleanser in every sense.
Alex Wieteska Gasior
Founder Roam & Thrive, Travel Writer, Photographer, Roam & Thrive
San Sebastian: Michelin Stars and Pintxo Paradise
San Sebastian is my current favorite! It’s a total culinary powerhouse, with 20 Michelin stars across 12 restaurants, including three that have the full three stars (Arzak, Akelarre, and Martin Berasategui). It actually has the highest number of Michelin stars per capita anywhere in the world.
However, what I really love about it is that you don’t have to do fine dining to have an incredible food experience. The pintxo scene in the Old Town is unreal, the local markets like Mercado de la Bretxa are amazing, and there are so many immersive culinary experiences available like fantastic cooking classes and working with a top chef in their own personal kitchen. And you’re just a quick hop from La Rioja for wine tasting!
Plus, you can stay at the incredible Hotel Maria Cristina, which is the only true luxury property in San Sebastian. It is gorgeous, the location couldn’t be better as you can walk to everything, and the on-site restaurants are genuinely really good.
Serena McClain
Founder, Wonder Travel Studio
Italy: Authentic Culinary Journey Through Regions
There is no doubt, for me, that Italy is the best culinary destination! It is the only country in the world with so much variety in its cuisine. Every region is different! From the North to the South of the country, there is so much to try!
Nowadays, upscale dining is available in many cities and places in the world, Italy included. But what makes Italy stand out to me is that it’s one of the rare places where you have the luxury to experience the “mamas and papas” places, those smaller, family-owned farms, restaurants, wineries, and factories. Here, the meals are home-cooked, recipes are traditional, and every ingredient is sourced locally, as they say, at “0 kilometers.” It feels like you’re a guest in somebody’s home. This is the most authentic experience you can get!
Just to name a few of my favorite culinary experiences:
1. A food and wine tasting in Tuscany, where they pair the dishes and wines to perfection, with an entertaining presentation.
2. A food tour of Emilia Romagna, to see a Parmigiano Reggiano factory and Aceto Balsamico di Modena production. Of course, it all comes with a tasting of those high-quality, delicious products.
3. The Mozzarella di Bufala production in Paestum, in the region of Campania, not far from the beautiful Amalfi Coast.
That’s not all! I also recommend trying the food and market tour in Palermo, Sicily, as well as food tours in Rome, Naples, Florence, and Bologna. Every corner of Italy has good culinary experiences to offer! And when it comes to luxury services, from high-end hotels to white glove services, Italy has it all!
Alida Paljevic
Founder & CEO, Vagabonda Travel
Etang de Thau: Simple Luxury of Local Oysters
One of my favorite “luxury” destinations for food lovers isn’t a five-star resort or a Michelin-studded capital—it’s the shores of the Etang de Thau in southern France, just outside the little port of Marseillan. I used to work along the Canal du Midi, and I would take travelers oyster tasting there—not in a sleek, air-conditioned tasting room, but right by the water, sitting with the people who’ve farmed these oysters for generations.
It’s easy to associate foodie travel with high-end dining—and there’s no denying that luxury restaurants can be a treat. But often, the most memorable culinary experiences come not from polished presentation or prestigious labels, but from the joy of eating something utterly local, made by someone who cares deeply about what they do.
The Etang de Thau is a perfect example. The oysters here are world-famous, but only among oyster aficionados, not the general public, and that’s what makes them special. They’re grown in a calm lagoon and eaten fresh within sight of where they were harvested, usually still wet with brine. You’ll find no silver cutlery or waiters in crisp jackets. Just a simple plate, a squeeze of lemon, and a chilled glass of Picpoul de Pinet, a local white that pairs so naturally with the oysters that it feels like they evolved together. It’s not on a grand wine list, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s exactly right for that time, that place.
For me, that’s real luxury: sitting outdoors in the southern sun, talking to the farmer about how tides and weather affect the flavor of the shellfish, watching locals pop by for a quick dozen to go. There’s an authenticity that no amount of money can replicate, a sense of connection to place, to people, and to the rhythm of everyday life.
Luxury food travel doesn’t need to mean foie gras and fine linens. It can mean tasting something real, fresh, and perfectly suited to its surroundings. The elegance comes from simplicity and the privilege in being welcomed into a tradition that’s quietly been perfected over generations.
That’s why, if I could take someone anywhere for a true foodie experience, I’d take them to the Etang de Thau in the south of France. Not for what it looks like on Instagram, but for how it makes you feel when you’re there.
Adrian O’Brien
Travel Consultant, self-emlpoyed
London: Sophisticated Global Cuisine Destination
There is one luxury destination that always wins hands down for us: London.
While some destinations offer beachfront opulence or remote exclusivity, London defines luxury through sophistication, heritage, and world-class experiences. From its legendary hotels and private members’ clubs to its Michelin-starred dining and curated global cuisine, London is where the well-traveled return, including us! For both comfort and culinary discovery.
For food lovers, London is a treasure trove. Begin with a tasting menu at Core by Clare Smyth, where seasonal British ingredients are elevated to art. At Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, centuries-old British recipes are reimagined with scientific precision, delivering a dining experience that’s both rooted and revelatory.
For international indulgence, reserve the Chef’s Table at Hakkasan Mayfair for contemporary Cantonese in a seductive, luxe setting. Or opt for Jamavar, where Indian fine dining meets palatial elegance. Even afternoon tea becomes an experience—Claridge’s, Sketch, or The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental all offer impeccable service paired with Champagne and unforgettable bites.
London is a place where culture, cuisine, and luxury intersect, effortlessly and endlessly.
Isheeta Borkar
Owner, Travelicious Couple
Southeast Asia: Culinary River Cruise Adventure
Southeast Asia is one of the most rewarding luxury travel destinations, especially when experienced slowly by river. Cruising through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos offers an intimate look at the region’s landscapes, culture, and cuisine from a unique perspective. Onboard culinary experiences often go beyond the food. Explorers learn the art of making fresh Vietnamese spring rolls or watch experts perform the intricate art of fruit carving. With locally inspired menus, daily regional specialties, and immersive cooking demonstrations, it’s a journey where the flavors are just as memorable as the views, all without the hassle of unpacking and repacking.
Cassidy Newman
Senior Marketing Manager, Pandaw
Kosher Luxury: From Mexico to Israel
For kosher foodie travelers seeking luxury experiences, I typically recommend upscale resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean, such as Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Cabo, and similar properties.
Trips to Panama can be planned as a foodie-only excursion, with the influx of upscale dining options there, catering to both general and kosher foodies alike.
For true overseas foodie experiences, you can’t overlook Israel’s blossoming culinary scene, where its top chefs have been opening restaurant outposts all over the world. You can find a microcosm of every style of cuisine in Tel Aviv and its surrounding towns, Jerusalem, and in the countryside—particularly at its vast number of wineries open for tastings.
On a recent visit to Israel, two upscale dining experiences stood out: Super HaMizrach, a beautiful Asian fusion restaurant hidden behind a faux supermarket; and Imersion, a secretly located restaurant in Jaffa (Tel Aviv) that you can only access via a luxury shuttle. At Imersion, you dine with a dozen other guests in a modern tech-first experience that engages all of your senses, making it a must for foodies seeking a luxury experience, regardless of their origin.
Dani Klein
Founder, YeahThatsKosher
Japan: Kaiseki and Omakase Dining Experiences
For foodies seeking a luxury travel destination that offers an unforgettable culinary experience, Japan is hard to beat. Two standout dining experiences that I highly recommend are Kaiseki cuisine and Omakase sushi.
Kaiseki is the pinnacle of Japanese haute cuisine, where each dish is a meticulously crafted work of art, reflecting the changing seasons and the chef’s expert craftsmanship. Perfect for special occasions or those looking to indulge in the finest Japanese food, Kaiseki presents a multi-course meal, starting with delicate, light flavors and gradually building to richer, more savory dishes. The menu, carefully curated by the chef, highlights the freshest seasonal ingredients, often locally sourced, and is served on beautiful ceramics or lacquerware that complement the food’s vibrant colors and textures.
In Kaiseki, everything is planned to the finest detail, leading to the perfect meal before the traditional matcha tea at the very end of the experience.
On the other hand, Omakase (meaning “I’ll leave it up to you”) offers a more intimate, tailored dining experience, inviting the chef to select the freshest ingredients and prepare a multi-course meal just for you. The meal unfolds slowly, with each course served one at a time, allowing you to enjoy the freshness and artistry behind every dish.
The personal interaction with the chef adds an educational element, giving you a deeper understanding of sushi culture. It’s a rare and exquisite dining adventure that’s bound to leave a lasting impression.
Laura Teixeira
Project Manager, Flip Japan Guide
Mohonk Mountain House: Farm-to-Table Mountain Retreat
One of my top recommendations for a luxurious culinary escape is Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York. Nestled in the mountains of the scenic Hudson Valley, this grand, castle-like resort serves breathtaking views along with its fresh farm-to-table dining experience.
What I think sets Mohonk apart as the perfect culinary experience is its serene nature-filled setting that lets you unwind, unplug, and indulge in breathtaking views while enjoying delicious world-class cuisine.
For those who want an experience that goes beyond just food, this historic haven offers a feast for the senses and solace for the soul.
Jessica James
CEO, Past Lane Travels
Courmayeur: Gourmet Skiing in Italian Alps
Courmayeur, nestled high in the Aosta Valley, unashamedly boasts the most stunning views of Mont Blanc, painting the perfect backdrop for an incredible mountain holiday. In addition to the views (and the skiing!), Courmayeur also plays host to some incredible experiences for food enthusiasts. Courmayeur has been a regular haunt for some well-known chefs such as Heston Blumenthal and Gino d’Acampo, both of whom need no introduction. These chefs are drawn to the area by the high-quality local ingredients produced in the Aosta Valley. There is a wealth of high-end restaurants, both on the mountain and in the town, each serving painstakingly created dishes that are guaranteed to impress.
Robert McIntosh
Managing Director, Interski
