Versailles (Miami)
Miami is a tropical escape for most Americans looking to seek refuge from the cold, harsh winters. When traveling here, visitors want to lounge on the beach, explore the Wynwood Walls, and of course sample the most authentic Cuban food outside of the island. The place to go to understand all things Cuban food and culture is also the most famous restaurant in its genre of cuisine, Versailles. Versailles is a nearly 50-year-old establishment that has risen to become one of Miami’s most historic and vital dining institutions. Low prices, authentic execution, and a welcoming atmosphere to all have made this restaurant a favorite among locals and tourists. The croquetas, Cuban sandwiches, and the ropa vieja are some of my strong recommendations when dining there. Whether you’ve eaten here your whole life like me or visiting for the first time, Versailles always provides everyone with a home-like Cuban atmosphere.
(Versailles, Miami)
Cesare al Casaletto (Rome)
When traveling to Rome, choosing which restaurants to eat at can seem as daunting as approaching the line to enter the Colosseum or Vatican Museum. The key to finding a great restaurant to eat in Rome is to go where the locals go and doing your research ahead of time. Situated just 3 miles west of popular Trastevere is one of the city’s best local culinary treasures, Cesare al Casaletto. Located on a quiet residential street, this family-run trattoria is as authentic and local as it gets. The cardinal pasta dishes of Rome are some of the best menu items here (Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, Gricia, & Amatriciana) as well as the meatball appetizer. This home-like establishment has everything one could ask for in a Roman restaurant, high-quality ingredients, a cozy atmosphere, and a great selection of wine.
(Cesare al Casaletto, Rome)
Bâoli (Cannes)
The French Riviera is known best for being the luxury summertime playground for the famous & affluent. Therefore, when that caliber of clientele comes into town, the region has to show off their best & brightest stars in the culinary arts. Bâoli in Cannes is an establishment that does just that and more. Located beachside off the main Boulevard de la Croisette, this outdoor eatery combines fine dining, nightclub atmosphere, and an interactive show all wrapped into one place. Bâoli summed up is an over-the-top dining experience that’s best described by going in person.
(Bâoli, Cannes)
La Guarida (Havana)
A restaurant I would rank in my top 3 favorite establishments any day of the week is not even a traditional restaurant yet a paladar (a privately owned restaurant) better known as La Guarida. Upon entering this dilapidated, private home in Central Havana, one is transported to another era where opulent staircases greet sparkling crystal chandeliers. The grandeur of La Guarida is not lost amongst the layers of decay and rubble yet is revived to its fullest potential inside the restaurant upstairs. The main dining room features a bustling scene while the rooftop terrace showcases a relaxed setting overlooking the beauty of Havana. Although everything on the menu is great some of my favorite dishes include: the pesto tortellini, the three tenderloins, and the fish of the day.
(La Guarida, Havana)
Aba (Chicago)
One of the latest creations from the culinary goldmine that is the Lettuce Entertain You Group is the Mediterranean-inspired Aba, and no not the Swedish pop band. From the people who brought us River North’s Ema, Aba is the edgy, cool, West Loop sister to the first-born Ema. Located in the Fulton Market section of the West Loop, Aba is an expansive restaurant that boasts a balanced Mediterranean menu inside an eclectic yet welcoming environment. Several olive trees surround an array of grand, suspended lamps providing the dining space a romantic ambiance at night. Situated behind the impressive cocktail and wine bar is Aba’s rooftop overlooking the West Loop from several stories above. Some of my favorite menu items include the lamb ragu hummus, the grilled chicken kebab, and the black garlic shrimp scampi.
(Aba, Chicago)
Ms. Cheezious (Miami)
Miami’s Mimo District is a strip along the famous Biscayne Boulevard between 54th & 79th streets, where mid-century motels are now converted into some of the most popular hotels, bars, and restaurants. Ms. Cheezious is a casual restaurant with a loyal, cult following that takes inspiration from this peak Americana era of the neighborhood and creates a modern spin on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. The cute meets quirky motif of the restaurant is reflected in both the design of the space as well as the unique menu. The goat cheese & prosciutto, as well as the s’mores melt, are just two of their bestsellers. The inexpensive prices and welcoming atmosphere make this a perfect spot on a tour of vintage Miami.
(Ms. Cheezious, Miami)
Nobu Milano (Milan)
Milan much like its other fashionable counterparts is no stranger to trendy restaurants, of-the-moment nightclubs, and a very see and be seen clientele. The culmination of this dynamic was perfectly executed when world-renown sushi restaurant, Nobu was opening inside the exclusive Armani Hotel in Milan’s fashion quarter. This double-level eatery features a smoker-friendly lounge downstairs with an expansive bar. While upstairs is a dimly lit section with an ambiance perfect for a business meeting or fashion industry reunion. The branzino and tuna nigiri rolls were two of my favorites when I visited.
(Nobu, Milano)
Il Gabbiano (Miami)
Miami is known for having a plethora of Italian-inspired restaurants but no other establishment blends Haute Italian cuisine with the aesthetic of Miami than Downtown’s Il Gabbiano. Situated on the corner of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay, Gabbiano boasts impressive views of Miami Beach to the east and bustling Brickell to the south. Upon arriving at your table, a waiter greets you with a giant block of Parmigiano-Reggiano and aged balsamic reduction to begin the evening. Everything from the al dente pasta to the perfectly prepared meat and seafood dishes to the exceptional bottles of wine makes this very Miami restaurant one of the most memorable. While the food may be incredible and the views spectacular, their detail to service makes this Haute establishment worth returning to again and again.
(Il Gabbiano, Miami)
Pizzarium (Rome)
Pizzarium, created by the undisputed king of pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), Gabriele Bonci, elevates the experience of ordering a simple slice of margherita or diavola. Designed like a modern deli, you take a number, wait your turn and proceed to the impressive casing showing off some of Bonci’s culinary masterpieces. There is no proper seating at Pizzarium, so once you take your order, you find a spot along the curb and enjoy the explosive slices. One of my personal favorites and one of his most popular is his potato and rosemary pizza. For those of us in North America, the master of 1500+ pizza variations operates the same restaurant under the name Bonci in Chicago, Miami, & New Orleans.
(Pizzarium, Rome)
Catch NYC (New York City)
Occupying three levels in a historic Meatpacking District structure, Catch NYC blends classic seafood dishes with the chic, club-like atmosphere of Europe. Lively music, over-the-top seafood towers, and great people-watching make this downtown hot spot, one of the best. Great for date night or with a large group of friends, Catch makes ordering branzino or tuna sushi rolls a brand new seafood experience.
(Catch NYC, New York City)
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