#1 Akira Back im Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London
The new "Mandarin Oriental Mayfair" immediately impresses city insiders with its coveted location: W1S, right in the heart of Mayfair on Hanover Square. As you enter the brand-new hotel, you're welcomed with the words, "This is your home," and guided through a kaleidoscopic floral arrangement into the atrium, the heart of the property.
The atrium houses Akira Back's restaurant, where the celebrated chef blends his Korean heritage, Colorado upbringing, and experience in Japanese fine dining into a bold culinary offering. Many dishes from the open kitchen are likely new to most guests, but the modern fusion cuisine has something for everyone. Highlights include Akira's signature "AB Tuna Pizza," featuring thin slices of raw tuna, ponzu sauce, and truffle oil.
#2 Epicure at Le Bristol Paris
One of the major trends in fine dining is plant-forward cuisine. Surprisingly, the traditional "Le Bristol Paris" has championed this movement. Under the leadership of culinary legend Eric Fréchon for 25 years, its gourmet restaurant "Epicure" was a bastion of classic French haute cuisine.
In summer 2024, Arnaud Faye, formerly a two-star chef at "Château de la Chèvre d’Or" on the Côte d’Azur, took the reins of the hotel's three restaurants, creating a stir in the industry. With a plant-based approach featuring premium vegetables, Faye adds fish and meat upon request, offering a fresh perspective on Parisian haute cuisine. Despite steep prices—around €1,270 for a seven-course menu with wine pairings for two—the restaurant draws global foodies, and reservations are a must.
#3 Tiger Lily at 25hours Hotel Paper Island Copenhagen
The newest "25hours Hotel" is Copenhagen’s second, located on the up-and-coming Christiansholm Island in the inner harbor. Known as "Paper Island" due to its past as a paper warehouse, the area has been completely redeveloped. The hotel's striking building, designed by COBE Architects, resembles a folded piece of paper, while its lobby and 128 rooms exude the relaxed charm of a Scandinavian summer house.
The "Tiger Lily" restaurant offers a sensory journey through various Asian cuisines. Favorites include Hamachi sashimi with minty shiso, yellow curry cauliflower, and devilishly spicy pasta with coriander and spring onions. The prices are mid-range, but the quality far exceeds expectations.
#4 Limón at Hotel Grand Ferdinand Vienna
The "Hotel Grand Ferdinand," located on Vienna's Ringstrasse, recently reopened its rooftop restaurant as "Limón." Previously exclusive to hotel guests, the revamped venue now invites everyone to enjoy its Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere and culinary classics from Italy, France, and Spain.
The menu features dishes like Vitello Tonnato, Gazpacho Andaluz, and Cotoletta alla Milanese. Some specialties, such as truffle linguine (prepared tableside) and Crêpes Suzette, add a touch of theatrics. Open from Tuesday to Saturday starting at 5 PM, the rooftop remains a haven for hotel guests during the day.
#5 Ottolenghi at Mandarin Oriental Geneva, Geneva
If there’s one chef who defines the concept of “Comfort Food,” it’s the Israeli-British culinary genius Yotam Ottolenghi. His cookbooks are bestsellers, and his cozy yet trendy restaurants in London have gained a cult following, especially for their focus on vegetables, fermented foods, and bold flavors. Ottolenghi’s colorful, fire-cooked dishes, often designed as sharing plates, seamlessly combine Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences.
In early 2025, Ottolenghi will open his first restaurant outside the UK at the stylishly modern Mandarin Oriental Geneva on the banks of the Rhône. At the heart of the show kitchen is an impressive grill, setting the stage for a vibrant dining experience. Hotel General Manager Paul Jones has created an inviting backdrop for Ottolenghi’s delightful comfort food.
#6 Florio at The Charles Hotel, Munich
In the bright and airy space previously home to Sophia’s at The Charles Hotel, the Florio opened in autumn 2024. The kitchen reflects the influence of Fulvio Pierangelini, the culinary mastermind of the Rocco Forte group. The dishes are timelessly Italian with a modern twist, such as red wine-braised veal cheeks with truffle potato purée or linguine with zucchini, lemon, and red prawns.
The interiors perfectly complement the cuisine: large olive trees, round rust-red banquettes, moss-green linen wallpaper, and botanical illustrations honor the hotel’s proximity to Munich’s Old Botanical Garden.
#7 The Dining Room at The Goring Hotel, London
This discreetly extravagant 69-room hotel in the refined Belgravia neighborhood has upheld traditional British style since 1910. Owned by the Goring family for four generations, it radiates timeless elegance, from its brass fittings and parquet floors to its classic afternoon tea.
The recently renovated dining room, designed by Russell Sage Studio, has taken opulence a step further. Its ambiance could easily serve as the backdrop for a period drama. The kitchen, entirely rebuilt during the renovation, exclusively uses British ingredients, though French wines dominate the cellar.
#8 GAIA at Puente Romano Beach Resort, Marbella
The Costa del Sol may be known for its dense development, but the Puente Romano Beach Resort, located along the beach promenade between Marbella’s Old Town and Puerto Banús, stands out as a beautiful oasis. With 23 restaurants and bars, it offers an unparalleled culinary variety.
One of the highlights is GAIA, which opened in spring 2024. Chef Izu Ani, known for his successful ventures in Dubai, Doha, Monte Carlo, and London, brings a modern twist to Greek cuisine. Signature dishes include moussaka, sea bass carpaccio, and wood-fired lamb, all prepared with local ingredients. The portions are generous, and dishes are served family-style for sharing. The ambiance is both chic and down-to-earth, complemented by a warm and attentive service team.
#9 Casa Monti Ristorante, Rome
Rome has recently experienced a hotel boom with high-profile openings like Six Senses, Soho House, Bulgari, and W Hotels. However, the charming Casa Monti stands apart from these flashy newcomers. Located on Via Panisperna between Piazza Venezia, the Colosseum, and Termini Station, it sits amidst artisanal workshops, vintage boutiques, and wine bars.
Housed in an 18th-century historic residence, the 36-room hotel features a colorful design by Parisian interior architect Laura Gonzalez. The restaurant’s terrace offers a delightful escape, where chef Umberto Tuccio prepares fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced dishes without unnecessary frills. Highlights include Parmigiana di Melanzane, Fettuccine with Duck Ragù, and Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe.
#10 Villa Dahlia Gastro Bar, Stockholm
Opened in summer 2024, the Villa Dahlia is a sister property to the Villa Dagmar, located in the residential Vasastan neighborhood north of Stockholm’s city center. The heart of the hotel is the long, Scandi-chic lobby-bar-restaurant, which is bustling from morning until midnight with hotel guests and locals alike.
Classic hotel dishes like Salade Niçoise, Club Sandwiches, and Entrecôte with Fries are impeccably prepared. The more adventurous might enjoy dishes like pan-fried char with vermouth sauce and broccoli purée or pistachio tiramisu. On warmer days, the rooftop bar and pétanque court in the courtyard are irresistible. The 103 elegantly designed rooms, many overlooking the Tegnérlunden park, offer a peaceful retreat amidst the urban hustle.
#11 Dear Jackie at Broadwick Soho, London
London is living up to its reputation as Europe’s culinary capital, with countless new restaurants showcasing multicultural diversity. Many hotels contribute to this vibrant scene, and the chic Broadwick Soho is a prime example. Designed by Martin Brudnizki, the interiors reflect the opulence of Soho in the 1920s.
The restaurant Dear Jackie, located in the basement of this theatrical retro hotel, creates an intimate atmosphere with Murano chandeliers, red silk wallpaper, and plush armchairs. Promising “part dolce vita elegance, part disco fabulous,” it serves contemporary Italian cuisine at premium prices. Despite the high costs, Dear Jackie proves that quality and ambiance make all the difference. Especially during the colder months, there’s nothing better than ascending the stairs post-dinner to enjoy the comfort of one of the 57 glamorous yet cozy rooms.
