Our Top 10 Restaurants #7-10
Although 2023 may seem like a long time ago, we thought there was no better way to kick off our first Substack post than by recapping some of our most memorable meals from last year. We’ve got an insane lineup of restaurants for this year that we can't wait to share, but first, let’s take a look at the best spots we visited in 2023. It’s a diverse and exciting list, covering incredible dining experiences from all over the world. Let’s dive into the first half of this culinary adventure!
#10 - Steirereck (Vienna, Austria)
Vienna’s Steirereck is a restaurant that truly pushes the boundaries of creativity and flavor. Known for its stunning location within Stadtpark and its architecturally striking design, both inside and out, the restaurant already stands apart before the meal even begins. Once seated, you're taken on a culinary adventure that celebrates Austria’s rich gastronomic heritage with an innovative twist.
One of the most unforgettable moments was witnessing fish Char being cooked tableside in beeswax—a technique that locked in moisture and infused the fish with subtle flavors. The combination of eggplant and strawberries in one of the main dishes was delightfully unexpected. While these ingredients might seem like an unusual pairing, the balance of acidity and earthy richness made it a standout course.
Another highlight was the lentils and caviar, combining the textures of firm lentils with the briny pop of caviar. Every dish was thoughtful, playful, and incredibly inventive. And let’s not forget the cheese tart—rich, creamy, and utterly divine. Steirereck’s menu, coupled with its breathtaking setting, made for an unforgettable experience.
#9 - Moor Hall (Aughton, United Kingdom)
Moor Hall feels like a tranquil escape from reality. As you drive up to the estate, you're immediately struck by the sense of calm that washes over you. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s as if you’ve entered another world—a secluded culinary haven where nature and gastronomy come together in perfect harmony.
Chef Mark Birchall has created a menu that reflects both the beauty of the surroundings and his unique talent for creating multi-layered, multi-textured dishes. Each bite is a discovery, with flavors and temperatures working in unison to create something truly special. The estate itself is steeped in history, yet the food feels fresh and modern.
The menu showcases the incredible produce from Moor Hall’s own gardens. There’s something magical about dining here—an experience that will stay with us forever!
#8 - Enigma (Barcelona, Spain)
If there’s one restaurant that feels like stepping into a futuristic dream, it’s Enigma in Barcelona. The brainchild of legendary chef Albert Adrià. From the moment you walk in, greeted by a team of around 60 staff members lined up in formation, you know you’re about to embark on something extraordinary.
The interior design is like something out of a sci-fi film—sleek, modern, and filled with surprises at every turn. The food matches the ambiance with its unusual combinations and playful presentation. Enigma introduced us to flavors and textures we’d don’t often see combined, with courses that challenged our expectations of what fine dining could be.
From experimental techniques to fun, surprising bites, the meal was a whirlwind of creativity. One dish after another brought something new and exciting to the table. It’s an experience that stays with you, not just because of the food, but because of the way it breaks down the traditional fine dining experience and rebuilds it in a way only Adrià could imagine.
#7 - Iris (Rosendal, Norway)
Perched on the water and only accessible by an electric boat, Iris is a restaurant like no other. Located in the remote beauty of Norway, this floating restaurant provides an intimate dining experience with just a few tables per seating. The journey to get there is part of the allure—you’re disconnected from the world, surrounded by the serene Norwegian landscape.
While the menu may not have been our personal favorite in terms of flavor, the experience itself was unforgettable. Personally, we feel like we visited the restaurant shortly after opening and that with a bit more time and work the menu will be amazing. There’s something magical about dining in such a unique location, with the sound of the water gently lapping around you. The minimalistic approach to the meal and the natural elements that played into the dishes felt fitting for the remote, peaceful setting.
The staff at Iris were welcoming and made the evening special, even as the flavors leaned toward simplicity. Overall, this whole experience was surreal and one of the most interesting restaurant venues and concepts we’ve ever been to!
Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll reveal the #3-6 restaurants that truly defined 2023 for us!
Excited to see the in-depth breakdowns of our upcoming Michelin Dining experiences… Subscribe now to get our first real post this week!