What makes for a legendary restaurant? Maybe it’s a certain chef. Maybe it’s a certain cuisine. Or maybe it’s an iconic dish that is served. According to this list of 150 restaurants in the world, it’s their iconic dishes. While I have broad tastes across cuisines, I don’t at all consider myself a foodie. That’s why in looking at the first fifty restaurants on the list, I was quite surprised at how many I’d actually been to.
Can restaurants be thought of as destinations in their own right? I’d say yes. That would make them comparable to the world’s most famous museums, galleries and monuments. Withstanding the test of time as a restaurant is no easy task. Perhaps that’s why having an iconic dish, as these restaurants on the list do, helps create the legend.
This list spans continents, exploring everything from taverns in Spain to hawker stalls in Asia. Each restaurant holds its own story, preserving its culture, upholding traditions, and creating lasting memories for all its patrons. According to the creators of the list, these 150 legendary restaurants prioritize substance over show, serving honest, no-nonsense food that is simply delectable.
Here are just a few of the ones I’ve enjoyed. I’d suggest not reading the list of 150 while hungry! But do take a look and let us know which ones fit YOUR bill for providing both a legendary experience and a dish worth making the restaurant a destination in its own right.
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Naples, Italy
Restaurant founded in: 1870
Iconic dish: Pizza Napoletana
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Naples has etched its name into the annals of gastronomic history as the purveyor of what many consider to be the epitome of Neapolitan pizza. By steadfastly adhering to time-honored methods and using the highest quality local ingredients, da Michele has consistently produced a pizza that offers a sublime balance of flavor and texture.
The soulful simplicity of its pizza, cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven, offers a testament to Naples’ enduring pizza legacy.
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Café de Tacuba
Mexico City, Mexico
Restaurant founded in: 1912
Iconic dish: Enchiladas
Operating since 1912, Café de Tacuba is both a gastronomic destination and a living museum, preserving the nation’s past in its vibrant, Baroque-inspired interiors. Its signature dish is enchiladas, a testament to the heart of Mexican cooking: corn tortillas rolled around a chicken filling, and draped in a flavorful chili sauce, garnished with cheese, sour cream, and onion slices.
The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity and the consistent quality of their enchiladas has led to its widespread recognition and popularity among both locals and tourists.
Din Tai Fung
Taipei, Taiwan
Restaurant founded in: 1958
Iconic dish: Xiao long bao
Established in 1958 as a cooking oil retail shop, Din Tai Fung later transitioned into a restaurant, becoming a global phenomenon with branches across the world. The restaurant’s signature dish is the xiao long bao, or soup dumpling, a delicate and juicy steamed bun filled with a flavorful broth and pork.
This dish, celebrated for its intricate preparation and burst of flavors, embodies the culinary craft that Din Tai Fung upholds and firmly establishes it as a beloved icon in Taipei’s food scene.
Tosokchon
Seoul, South Korea
Restaurant founded in: 1983
Iconic dish: Samgyetang
Tosokchon, tucked away in the busy streets of Seoul, holds an esteemed status in South Korea’s culinary scene due to its exceptional rendition of samgyetang, a traditional ginseng chicken soup. This dish, known for its revitalizing properties, is prepared meticulously, filling whole young chickens with sweet rice, ginseng, dates, and chestnuts before being simmered into a rich, hearty broth.
In the realm of South Korean cuisine, Tosokchon is adored not just for its food, but for carrying forward a cherished culinary tradition with dedication and authenticity.
Final Thoughts on Legendary Restaurants and Iconic Dishes
I know, I know, so many amazing restaurants and dishes to enjoy, so little time! And these 150 restaurants are way more than just a starting point. And really, one never reaches the finish line. Which ones on the list have you been to? Would you recommend their iconic dishes? Let us know!
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