Inside The Most Unique Restaurants & Bars Around The World

1. Ristorante Cavallino, Italy

image source: portaventura worldWho doesn't love Italian food?! Italy's very own Enzo Ferrari could be found at his favourite place to eat, a few miles outside Modena in Maranello. A simple plate of Risotto or Tortellini with a bottle of Lambrusco on ice was all he wanted after a day by the racecourse. Since then, the Cavallino has been remodelled, still keeping it's sense of history with it's classic Ferrari red and yellow palette and racing horse motif on the wall. As for the menu, it's kept it's very typical, generations-old recipes, with a slight price change.

2. Masa – New York, New York

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Masa is a Japanese restaurant that promises to offer exceptional hospitality, no strict dress code and although it appears to have a casual vibe to it, there's nothing casual about this place. If you're wanting some dinner here, you'll be expecting a $600 bill per person & if you cancel your reservation less than 48 hours beforehand, each person gets charged $200. OUCH.

3.

Sublimotion – Ibiza, Spain

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For a long time, Ibiza's, Sublimotion has been known for being the most expensive restaurant in the world. At almost $2,000 per person, it's safe to say the average Joe wouldn't afford a meal at this place. But what do you actually get for $2,000? The futuristic, innovative, immersive & exclusive experience is like no other. The atmosphere in the room changes according to the courses throughout the night, ensuring diners are in the appropriate mood for each of their meals. The 2-star Michelin chef, Paco Roncero is also known for his inventive creations with the food.

4. Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée – Paris, France

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Paris - the most romantic city in the world - is not only known for it's beauty but also it's amazing restaurants. With it's retro 70s feel with mod white leather chairs, round oak tables and crystals hanging from the ceiling., Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée will set you back around $400, at least! The cuisine is described as 'fresh and inventive' with Alain Ducasse focusing on "natural" cuisine. Their seasonal "Jardin-Marin" menu, includes three dishes, cheese & dessert for $395. Wines are sold separately. Obviously...

5.

Restaurant de l’Hôtel de ville – Crissier, Switzerland

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Serving 'classic European cuisine' with a focus on French cuisine, this Swiss restaurant is renowned for its impeccable service and food and are continuously rated as one of the best restaurants in the world. During the winter season, they offer foods like foie gras, truffles, black diamonds, duck and fresh seafood - with prices setting you back as much as $200. An entire meal per person can cost upwards of $600.

6.

Maison Pic – Valence, France

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Another luxurious French restaurant, where you can dine like a Billionaire for the night, is Maison Pic, in Valence, France. Better known as Anne-Sophie Pic, after it's chef of the same name. This beautiful restaurant, has separate dining areas, a crystal chandelier and large windows to show off the surrounding gardens. As for the menus, the Discovery Menu is $180, the Harmony menu if $260 and their Essential menu is $340. So not exactly $20,000, but it'll still set you back a pretty penny!

7. Misoguigawa in Kyoto, Japan

image source: marketing91Misoguigawa's specialtiy is taking Japanese style of cooking and serving, Kaiseki, and fusing it with French style of flavours and spice as well as cooking and prep. It gives you a real taste of Japan with a little sprinkle of France, Oooh La La! With Kyoto being the cultural epicentre of Japan, this restaurant is everything you're looking for when you visit this beautiful city.

8. Bob Bob Ricard, Soho, London

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So incase you're wondering who the hell Bob Bob Ricard is...he's the creator of the famous "Press for Champagne" button. He's also a famous restauranteur who created this Art Deco inspired eatery. It has a Russian-British menu overseen by Head Chef Tom Peters and sells 25,000 bottles of Champagne each year. Each glass starting at £12.50. If you're looking for a more intimate dining experience, then you can take a seat in one of the private dining rooms.

9. Kitcho in Kyoto, Japan

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If you're looking to splurge out, not caring about the cost or the state of your bank balance after your meal, then this is the place for you. Kitcho offers one of the best dining experiences in the world. Kitcho, in Kyoto alone, has 6 restaurants, but this on in Arashiyama is no doubt the best. The chef picks ingredients, fresh and cooks them in front of diners. Lunch starts at 11:30am and dinner starts at 5pm, so if you're on vacation and near Kyoto, this is definitely a place you need to visit.

10. The French Laundry, Napa Valley

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Award winning chef, Thomas Keller, opened this restaurant in California's, Napa Valley. Formerly a steam laundry the stone building has been carefully modernized. The entree could be oysters or caviar with the main course being something like Snake River Farms Calotte de Boeuf. But if that's not tickling your fancy, this restaurant offers a tasting menu that changes daily to reflect the seasons.

11. Eleven Madison Park, New York

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Another Art Deco inspired restaurant is New York's Eleven Madison Park, also known as one of the world's best restaurants. Since the pandemic, it's completely changed to a plant-based menu, with each dish made up of vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes and fungi. And just when you didn't think this restaurant could get any better, with every dinner purchased, they give five meals to New Yorkers in need.

12. Jules Verne, Paris

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Le Jules Verne is located on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower and could be one of the fanciest restaurants in the world. There are 3 dining rooms 125 meters above the ground, giving you stunning views of Quai Branly, Trocadero and the Champ-de-Mars. The wonderful a la carte menu is available from Monday to Friday and the 5 and 7 course tasting menus are popular for a special occasion.

13. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant in Conrad Rangali Island, Maldives

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This exclusive and discreet restaurant can only serve 14 customers at a time and is the first undersea restaurant in the world, opening back in 2005. They either serve a 4-course lunch or 6-course dinner. With a distinct European vibe to it, they definitely serve the freshest seafood. Unlike, Ibiza's Sublimotion, there are no effects in this restaurant, everything you see is real, the fishes, water and ocean surrounding you whilst you're submerged and suspended underwater. A four-course meal in this amazing place will set you back around $400.

14. Atelier Crenn, San Francisco

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Located in Cow Hollow, San Francisco, this restaurant is a minimalists dream. Chef Dominique Crenn creates delicious French dishes at Atelier Crenn, with a firm focus of the 14 course Pescatarian menu - which is extremely popular and gets booked out months in advance. If the 14 course menu isn't enough for diners, they can move to Chef Crenn's Salon at Bar Crenn next door for dessert.

15. Connaught Bar, London

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With textured walls of platinum silver leaf, dark leather and mirrored panels, The Connaught Bar has a 1920s elegant and stylish vibe to it. The eye-catching drinks and specialist cocktail list makes this bar all the more unique. Admittedly, Connaught Bar is a tad fancy, but if you're after a superb selection of Whiskeys and Champagne then this is the place for you.

16. Paradiso, Barcelona

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Hidden behind a freezer door at the back of a pastrami shop, Paradiso shot up the World's 50 Best Bars list in 2019. After stuffing your face with pastrami and smoked cheese sandwiches, guests can pass through a narrow curtain into a packed bar where they'll be greeted by an imaginative mixologist.

17. The Clumsies, Athens

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Despite the fact this bar is set over multiple levels, there is still an intimate vibe to it. The building was built in 1919 and restored back in 2000, before it was voted one of the best bars in the World in 2016 & 2017. It can be found in central Athens, within walking distance of the Panepisitimio metro.

18. Floreria Atlantico, Buenos Aires

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This Speakeasy bar is very much a subterranean cocktail bar, hidden behind a bulky refrigerator door at the back of a florist shop in Buenos Aires. With exquisite drinks from legendary mixologist Renato Giovannoni, the intimate space is the ideal spot for couples visiting the Latin city. Situated near the docks, the drinks menu takes its inspiration from the story of the city's immigrants from past and present.

19. Coa, Hong Kong

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Named after the machete-like tool used for harvesting agave - the plant form which both Mezcal and Tequila are distilled -  this candle-lit bar pays homage to both spirits. Coa's owner Jay Khan, visited every distillery in Hong Kong and offers the largest agave collection in the city. In 2020, Khan teamed up with the Coa team and launched Mezcal Mission which donated all money raised from Tequila tastings to local homeless charities.

20. El Capitos, St. Petersburg

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Another hidden gem is El Capitos, a Mexican bar in the middle of St Petersburg. With various cocktails along with simple Mexican food, it's hard to find anything wrong with this place. When you arrive, you ring a bell & a bartender appears and escorts you to a secret door, but with the bar only seating 25 people, you've got to be sure to book a table far in advance.

21. Zuma, Dubai

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Zuma has 12 venues around the globe, with Dubai's best voted one of the best. The place is a twist on the traditional Izakaya style of informal eating and drinking - hence the popular brunches it offers. So if you're not feeling the variety of dishes offered from the main kitchen, the sushi counter or the robata grill, then drinks in Zuma, Dubai could be the ideal starting point for a great night out.

22. Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London, UK

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With around 35 establishments around the UK, US, Middle East and Asia, it's safe to say, Gordon Ramsay's businesses are doing well. But the one to talk about is the restaurant along Royal Hospital Road, with 3 Michelin stars you would think this restaurant would cost you an arm and a leg to dine in...and you would be right. But then how often do you get the chance to dine in one of his eateries?

23. Drink Kong, Rome

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Located near the Colosseum, Drink Kong is divided into four room, each room with a completely different atmosphere. From smoke to neon, to the Ginza Room inspired by Tokyo's hidden bar. The menu is divided in colours, from soft to strong and each guest can choose the base of their cocktail. Not only is this bar unique, but it offers an amazing tapas-style menu influenced by different cultures around the world, which includes bao, dumplings, tacos and even British scones.

24. Lucy's Flower Shop, Stockholm

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You'll find the entrance to this bar behind an abandoned flower shop. If you manage to find this special place, you'll step into a purple world with subtle lighting and an impressive cocktail menu. This speakeasy is the winner of the prestigious Gulddraken award for best bar in Stockholm 2020 and named best bar in the Nordic countries.

25. Sober Company, Shanghai

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Sober Company is separated into Sober Cafe, Sober Kitchen and Sober Society and as you consume alcohol in each space, you get a token. Sober Company's wicked marketing strategy gets people drinking and if you collect three tokens, you get access to the restaurant's hidden speakeasy. Sober Kitchen, is on the first floor in a cosy space with limited seating. The kitchen does a modern take on Chinese food, starting at $73 per person per course.

26. Above Board, Melbourne

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Above Board isn't exactly a bar you just stumble upon. You have to walk down Chopper Lane, a back alley and up a set of stairs at the back of a beer bar before you come across this special place. The intimate space seats around 16 people, where guests can experience old fashioned hospitality where drinks are made in a classical manner.

27. Per Se in New York, USA

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Who doesn't like a meal with a view? Per Se offers a gorgeous view of Central Park and Columbus Circle but if that wasn't enough, they offer a 9 course tasting menu, with a chilled intimate vibe as they serve you one course after another, each one better than the last. Per Se is known as the New York version of The French Laundry in Yountville, California. Located in the centre of Manhattan, what more could you ask for from a restaurant?

28. Kumiko, Chicago

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This upscale Japanese bar in West Loop, Chicago has earnt its spot as number 61 on the World's 100 Best Bars list. Those lucky enough to get a seat at this cocktail bar are treated to bespoke drinks made with rare spirits and ingredients. Since the pandemic this bar has been operating with a pick-up window on and off and has earned a Michelin star for it's seven course menu.

29. Hanky Panky, Mexico City

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This sexy, low-lit space enters the list at number 12. Hanky Panky's address is given out only after you make a reservation, along with instructions on how to get into the bar. This one-of-a-kind establishment sets the standard of quality and service in Mexico city with cocktails made by legendary mixologist Ada Coleman.

30. Insider Bar, Moscow

image source: the worlds best 50 bars

This futuristic bar relies on nature and technology co-existing while the walls are built using an ancient pressed-soil technique. The space is built around a high tech hexagonal station right near the center of the bar. This is a place where people meet to have a drink out of exquisite Baccarat glassware. Appearing in the list at number 13, who wouldn't want to visit this Russian hybrid wonder.