2017 Destination Restaurants Worth Traveling For

Whether discovering the secrets of a healthy Mediterranean diet in Greece, traipsing through jungle to reach a new Mexican fine dining mecca or hitting up Italy’s culinary capital of Bologna, these restaurants and their signature dishes are worth the trip.

Nice n Easy, Greece - Athens’ hip bar & restaurant scene/Mykonos diversifies past its posh party reputation

Owned by Greece’s of-the-moment entrepreneur Dimitris Christoforidis, the wildly popular Nice n Easy restaurants offer organic, sustainably-sourced Greek specialities in their hip Kolonaki neighborhood location in Athens to their iconic locale in Mykonos’s Little Venice. Pioneers of supporting local agriculture by using small farm purveyors in Greece, Christoforidis and his chef partner ensure each menu details sourced ingredients, nutritional value and vegan, vegetarian or gluten/dairy free options. Their upscale Nesaea Restaurant debuted in Mykonos last summer to rave reviews and a jet set clientele including Leonardo DiCaprio. Try Nice n Easy’s Gilthead Seabream a la plancha with Cretan wild greens and herbs gremolata with lemongrass, while at Neasea the Risotto with “Graviera” Cheese, Asparagus, Mykonian prosciutto, and Caramelized Kumquat is not to be missed.

Los Xitomates, Punta de Mita - Pre Colombian Influences meets New World Flavors

Acclaimed Mexican Chef Luis Fitch opened Los Xitomates this past November, offering his take on modern Mexican cuisine with elevated ancient influenced dishes. In a stunning location nestled in the jungle landscape, this fine dining mecca offers expansive terraces and views over Bandaras Bay and Puerto Vallarta in the distance, just 30 minutes by car from the city center. Not only does the menu offer organic locally-grown ingredients with vegan, gluten and dairy free options, diners can sample from an extensive Mezcal menu while tucking into his signature Duck Confit Tacos made with Mexicali Style Soy-Chili Sauce or Oaxaca Pasilla Chilli-Rubbed Mexican Prawns.

Il Palazzo Bologna

Il Palazzo, Bologna - Italian Classics Reinvented in a Stunning Countryside Retreat

Nestled within the luxe Palazzo di Varignana Resort & Spa, Il Palazzo translates traditional Italian flavors into forward-thinking haute cuisine situated inside the resort’s converted 18th century country residence. Birthplace to the tortellini, the world’s best balsamic vinegar and “the king of cheeses” Parmigiano, the culinary heritage of the Emilia-Romagna region is reflected in Chef Francesco Manograssos' use of local ingredients (and from the on-property garden) and his passion to push the envelope on the future of Italian cooking. A perfect example? Squid Stuffed with Burnt Wheat flour Pancotto (bread soup) and Mussels with a Dandelion and Lemongrass sauce, or “Fake” Bolognese Cutlet of seared beef fillet with parmigiano sauce, crumble bread, egg foam and Culatello (salumi) wafer.

208 Rodeo, Beverly Hills, CA

Beverly Hills restaurant, 208 Rodeo. Whether a tourist or an L.A. native, having a meal at this luxurious restaurant is the quintessential Beverly Hills experience that everyone should enjoy. Take in a spectacular view of Rodeo Drive while enjoying exquisite Southern California cuisine including fresh seafood, spring salads, Truffle French Fries, and classic cheese plates, along with seasonal cocktails and perfect wine pairings.