Unforgettable Meals Worth the Journey: Travel Experts' Top Dining Memories
Miami
During a spontaneous trip to Miami, I dined at José Andrés's Bazaar at the SLS South Beach. Seated at the tapas bar, I watched the chefs in action and teamed up with a fellow solo traveler to share plates, maximizing our tasting adventure. The magic unfolded with tuna ceviche in a dragon fruit shell topped with airy tart foam; sea urchin “yogurt” served with a tiny wooden spoon under a foil lid; a margarita infused with salt air; and king crab with raspberries tucked in a tin can. Refined yet whimsical, the experience shone through in every detail—from impeccable service to playful décor. -- Whitney HolmesSan Juan Islands, Washington
I enjoyed the most memorable meal of my life at Willows Inn on Lummi Island in Washington's San Juan Islands. Here, the cuisine embodies its sense of place, using hyper-local, seasonal ingredients fished, foraged, and farmed daily.
The eight-course tasting menu with wine pairings told stories of the land. Highlights: house-smoked salmon in a cedar box; black cod with house-made horseradish and dill on a crispy potato chip; scallops with frozen shaved horseradish; grilled asparagus with miner's lettuce and pressed pine shoots; spot prawns with pickled green seaweed and kohlrabi; local peas with house-made havarti cheese; king salmon with turnips and nasturtium; and candied wildflowers for dessert. Most ingredients came from the island, many gathered by staff en route to work. Each bite deepened my connection to the region.
The open kitchen let diners observe prep and plating. Passionate, knowledgeable staff matched the cuisine, rivaled only by stunning views—whales included. -- Erin Roth
Nepal
Fried noodles and rice with veggies in Nepal's Himalayas. Simple yet hearty, these meals were pure bliss after 8-hour treks—a chance to rest weary feet. Knowing porters carried supplies to remote teahouses amplified our gratitude. -- Kelsey Rexroat
Nassau, Bahamas
Café Matisse delivers upscale dining in Nassau. My standout was the lobster salad: light, flavor-packed, and perfectly executed—rivaling NYC's finest. Set in an historic colonial house, we dined on the balcony overlooking the courtyard. In downtown Nassau near the Paradise Island bridge, buildings stand close. A cat bounded roof-to-roof, even visiting our table before a waiter gently intervened. A truly magical evening. -- Lydia SmithNew Orleans
Visiting for Mardi Gras in March 2014, my highlight was perched on Jackson Square steps, gazing at St. Louis Cathedral on a warm, sunny afternoon, with beignets and café au lait from iconic Café du Monde. Pure bliss. -- Jennie DrygulskiLas Vegas
At Nobu in Las Vegas, it ranked among my top three meals ever. Impeccable service and outstanding food, with wines paired to a custom menu based on my budget. I ventured into new flavors, like roasted crossbreed peppers—a spicy roulette where one in ten was fiery-hot. -- Amy WallaceIceland
Icelandic hot dogs are the unofficial national dish—and exceptional. Stands like Baejarins Beztu in Reykjavik are legendary. I craved the traditional version nightly after bar-hopping. -- Chris VassilVenice
Tipped off by friends, my companion and I sought Osteria alle Testiere, a modest Venice gem. Fully booked, host Luca went above and beyond to seat us. The exquisite Italian meal was elevated by his warmth; we shared stories, dishes, and wine long after closing. Unforgettable. -- Caroline EberTokyo
At Shinjuku's Robot Restaurant, our bento boxes were overshadowed by the spectacle: bikini-clad performers battling giant robots in a dazzling basement light show. The food? A blur amid the chaos. -- Hilary SolanHungry? Our Deal Experts scour the globe for exceptional dining deals tailored for members.
