The 10 Best Restaurants in the World ...
Our top picks from 2024
Every year, we scour the globe for mouthwatering meals, soul-stirring flavours, and unforgettable dining experiences.
Below, we’ve curated our list of top 10 restaurants—along with a few honourable mentions that we think you have to try and get to.
1. Gandarias (San Sebastian, Spain)
Gandarias offers the best of both worlds: irresistible pintxos in a lively bar setting and a sublime three-course meal if you’re in the mood for a sit-down dinner. The scallops, turbot, and beef fillet—served with perfectly roasted red peppers—will leave you speechless. The atmosphere is energetic, the location is quintessentially Basque, and the local vibe makes it a can’t-miss experience in San Sebastian.
2. Cultiva (Nairobi, Kenya)
Cultiva is a stunning farm-to-table gem tucked away in a tranquil part of Nairobi. Every plate here showcases fresh, locally sourced ingredients arranged with an artistic flourish. The serene garden surroundings complement the creative dishes, making it a brilliant spot to escape the city bustle while indulging in bold Kenyan flavours.
3. Trattoria Latte di Luna (Pienza, Italy)
Located in the birthplace of pecorino cheese, Trattoria Latte di Luna is the ultimate stop for pasta lovers. Their cacio e pepe is simplicity done to perfection—creamy, peppery, and incredibly flavorful. The lasagne was outstanding, too. Nestled in a small picturesque Tuscan town, this family-run trattoria feels like you’ve stepped straight into an Italian pasta daydream.
4. Høst (Copenhagen, Denmark)
With its chic, woody interior and laid-back Danish ambience, Høst delivers a tasting menu that’s as warm and inviting as its surroundings. Outstanding service and a surprisingly reasonable price point make this a top pick if you’re looking for Copenhagen’s modern dining scene without completely breaking the bank.
5. Chez Lamine (Marrakech, Morocco)
For a taste of old-world Morocco, queue up at Chez Lamine, known for its underground-baked lamb served with cumin and rustic bread. It’s messy, hearty, and bursting with flavour—exactly the kind of culinary adventure that leaves you happily licking your fingers. Prepare to wait, as there is always a queue, but trust us: it’s worth it.
6. Phat Phuc Noodle Bar (London, UK)
A London favourite for steaming bowls of delicious laksa, Phat Phuc always has a queue—thankfully, it moves quickly! The broth is rich and fragrant, with just enough spice to keep you craving more. Despite being in the heart of Chelsea, this hidden courtyard gem remains unpretentious and downright soul-warming.
7. Malaysian Deli (London, UK)
A true hidden gem serving honest-to-goodness Malaysian fare. The unassuming setting makes the flavour explosion on your plate all the more surprising. Each bite, from spicy rendang to fragrant Nasi Lemak, proves that sometimes the best finds are in the most unexpected low key places.
8. Il Saraceno (Arezzo, Italy)
A classic Italian trattoria that feels delightfully old-school—complete with no music, so you can fully savour the top-tier pasta. Whether it’s the rabbit or wild boar ragù over pici or pappardelle, the flavours sing with Tuscan pride. Don’t skip the tiramisu from the dessert trolley; it’s a creamy dream that pairs perfectly with a glass of local wine.
We loved it here for it’s true, authentic Italian vibe
9. Simba Dishes (Malindi, Kenya)
If you’re craving authentic biryani in a laid-back local joint, Simba Dishes delivers. Sure, you might share the space with a few curious cats, but that’s part of the charm. The aromatic rice and tender meat reflect the melting pot of East African coastal flavours.
10. Seafront Dishes (Malindi, Kenya)
Fresh, grilled fish with coconut curry for under £4? Yes, please. This low-key seaside spot was recommended by our driver, and we can’t thank him enough. The meal is as local as it gets—simple, delicious, and a true reflection of Kenyan coastal cooking.
Honorable Mentions
Below are places we enjoyed this year that didn’t make it to the top 10, but we still want to share.
Xian – Bang Bang Noodles (London) – Biang biang noodles so good they nearly cracked the top 10.
Narru (San Sebastian) – Stellar value tasting menu that proves San Sebastian’s dining scene is unbeatable. There is a lovely view into the kitchen, too.
Hand and Flowers (Marlow) – Two Michelin stars, sky-high prices, but undeniably memorable if your wallet can handle it.
Nolio (Krakow) – Surprise standout in Poland, where the pizza is spectacular.
Talisman (Nairobi) – Stylish venue frequented by diplomats, pairing lush ambience with fantastic Kenyan cuisine.
Evernight (London) – Innovative Japanese fusion that adds a new dimension to the city’s diverse food scene.
Oma (London) – Cool, casual vibes reminiscent of Greece, serving up bold flavours in each dish.
Musu (Manchester) – The tuna-cutting experience is spectacular.
Vivoli Gelateria (Florence) – TikTok hype that’s worth it; the affogato is a social media star for a good reason.
All’Antico Vinaio (Florence) – Another viral sensation, yet the overstuffed sandwiches do live up to the fame.
Taca Tacos (London) – Authentic birria tacos that whisk you straight back to Mexico.
Tamil Prince (London) – South Asian flavours in a trendy setting and good food, but you need to book 6 weeks in advance when seats are released.
Mountain (London) – Basque-inspired menu that earned its Michelin star just a week after our visit.
Ones to skip
Across Hungry Soles, we tend to only feature positive reviews and experiences. After all, we aren’t food critics. But sometimes, we have to call out over-hyped spots.
Cockfighters & Chick n Sours (London) – Overhyped fried chicken that left us more than a little let down.
Sindhu (Marlow) – Premium prices for Indian food that doesn’t match up to the UK’s more’s more affordable gems.
Il Latini (Florence) – The restaurant is great, but Florentine steak just isn’t our style; we found the cooking method overrated and underwhelming in general. Go to Il Latini, but don’t get the Florentine steak.
Thank you for joining us on our 2024 adventures. We’ve loved hearing your thoughts, tips, and must-visit spots—it’s what keeps our soles (and stomachs) forever wandering.
We’re already gearing up for 2025 with fresh guides, deeper dives into new cuisines, and plenty of delicious detours along the way.