In a world where the quality of food continues to skyrocket, it’s simply not enough just to provide brilliant standalone dishes any more. People want a little magic sprinkled here and there, something that elevates their food into the realm of the remarkable. From dinner served in the middle of the desert to dining like royalty in Vietnam and even trying your hand a traditional Aboriginal hunting techniques, we’ve selected some of the most spectacular dining experiences in the world, to make sure your culinary adventures are truly unforgettable.
Jekyll Island, USA
Located off the coast of Georgia, Jekyll island has luxury hotels, historical ruins and picnic spots galore. However, the culinary highlights here can be found on the water, on board the “Lady Jayne.” Learn all about shrimping before tucking into a traditional (spicy) “shrimp boil” on deck.
Shrimping Boat © iStock/earl_of_omaha
Barberino di Mugello, Italy
Best of Italy
Lots of places talk the talk when it comes to home cooked food, but Barberino di Mugello walks the walk, too. That’s because there’s a nonna (grandmother) in the kitchen cooking up dishes from her childhood at this Florentine, family-run restaurant, where people swear by the quality of the desserts.
Spaghetti alla vongole © iStock/GMVozd
Daintree, Australia
Don’t just sample Aboriginal food; get your hands dirty and hunt for mud crabs for your lunch! Learn about the traditional tactics used in spear hunting, and enjoy a fresh-as-can-be lunch in the relaxed rainforest setting of Daintree.
Mud crabs © iStock/cookie_cutter
Pasteis de Belem, Portugal
While many inventive chefs dream their signature dishes will become national favorites, Lisbon’s Pasteis de Belem really did win the baking lottery. The birthplace of the “Pastel de Nata” – the humble and delicious custard tart – sample these sweet and creamy treats, which are still made to their original (secret) recipe, at this airy bakery and café.
Custard tarts © iStock/Anna_Pustynnikova
Jaisalmer, India
Imperial Rajasthan
Sometimes the setting really is everything. This is especially true in the Jaisalmer desert, where the Kanoi Sand Dunes make the perfect backdrop for some culinary hedonism. Feast as the sun paints the sands a million colors, and dance to the accompaniment of musicians under bright, twinkling stars.
Indian dancer and musicians © iStock/avid_creative
Ancient Hue Restaurant, Vietnam
Most people have heard the phrase, “dining like a king,” but few have actually done it. Here’s your chance to not only savor the dishes typically served to Vietnamese royalty, but also to dress in the traditional royal costumes, too!
City of Hue © iStock/fototrav
Rick’s Café, Morocco
If you’ve ever felt like recreating a famous film sequence, now’s your chance. Rick’s Café, made famous by the 1942 film Casablanca, harks back to Morocco’s golden age with tinkling pianos and sultry jazz that includes everybody’s favorite tunes from the 40’s and 50’s.
Girl playing the piano © iStock/Furtseff
Maison Cailler, Switzerland
There’s something about chocolate factories that never fails to capture the imagination, and there are few in the world that can compete with Maison Cailler. One of Switzerland’s oldest and most important chocolate factories, a visit here will introduce you to the highest echelons of Swiss chocolate making.
Maison Cailler © Maison Cailler
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