The establishments on the list are certainly pricy; a trip to any one of them will set you back the equivalent of more than 500 dollars. They have also all – with one exception - been awarded at least two Michelin stars.
Most can be found in Asia (with half the restaurants on the list located in Japan alone), and only one is based in America. Surprisingly, the most expensive restaurant on the list is the only one that has yet to be awarded any Michelin stars – although most would say it deserves at least one.
This kind of experience is out of most people’s reach and budget, but fortunately, there are many other ways to enjoy the cuisine of whichever city you are visiting. Getting to know world-famous cities like New York, Rome or Paris by food tour is a great way to make your experience even more memorable.
Food tours are increasingly popular among tourists and locals alike these days. Taking a food tour is a fun and out-of-the-ordinary experience which dedicated foodies should consider adding to their itinerary. We've taken food tours in Iceland, Spain and New York, where we ate the amazing blackout cupcakes above.
And there are many options to choose from, from a Rome food tour focused on local pizza or desserts, to a Paris food tour which takes participants through the most romantic spots in the French capital. Not only will you learn a little about the culture and traditions of your destination through typical local dishes, but you’ll also get to sample the best food which the region has to offer!
But back to the subject at hand: read on to discover the most expensive restaurants in the world!
10. Piazza Duomo, Alba, Italy
With three Michelin stars and a menu totalling 528 dollars, Italy’s most expensive restaurant is under the management of Enrico Crippa, whose innovative ideas are the stuff of legend. Fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruit from the Piazza’s own biodynamic garden elevate the establishment’s dishes in terms of flavour, presentation and overall quality.
9. Guy Savoy, Paris, France
In the luxurious Hôtel de la Monnaie on the banks of the Seine, Guy Savoy continues to break new gastronomic ground in France’s most expensive restaurant. The chef is fiercely true to his vision, and the food is consistently honest and passionate as a result – all framed by six stunning rooms decorated with contemporary art pieces by François Pinault. Hard to resist!
8. Gion Maruyama, Kyoto, Japan
“It is not about the seasoning, but the flavour”. This is how Gion Maruyama’s chef, an indisputable leader in Kyoto cuisine, describes the restaurant’s concept, which celebrates the traditional culture of Japanese cuisine. The venue’s ingredients, recipes, dishes, and decorations are all perfectly calibrated to instil a warm and comforting feeling in its customers.
7. Joël Robuchon, Tokyo, Japan
This restaurant is named after one of the leaders of modern French cuisine, whose legacy is more alive than ever today in Japan. Kenichiro Sekiya runs the kitchen, fascinating gourmet chefs around the world with his specialities, which include some of the most delicate creations from traditional French cuisine.
6. Kikunoi Honten, Kyoto, Japan
Yoshihiro Murata describes this venue as “an art gallery of Japanese aesthetics”, inspired by the ryotei (a traditional type of Japanese restaurant). The stylish garden and restaurant interior reveals an environment born from an atavistic tradition. The food, known as “Kirei Sabi”, is elegance incarnate.
5. Masa Nueva, New York, The United States
With three Michelin stars and an 800-dollar menu, Masa serves the best and most expensive Japanese cuisine in New York and the whole US. It is a true bucket-list destination for sushi-lovers who are prepared to put up with long waiting lists to get a taste of Masayoshi Takayama’s prized creations.
4. Azabu Kadowaki, Tokyo, Japan
Back in Japan, owner and chef Toshiya Kadowaki surprises patrons with his “flavours to discover” experience, presenting fresh, innovative ideas for dishes while demonstrating his creativity. The venue is at the avant-garde of Japanese cuisine, thanks in part to the refined sensibility of its gifted head chef.
3. Kitcho Arashiyama Honten, Kyoto, Japan
A humble establishment which first opened its doors in 1948 is now one of the most acclaimed and respected venues in the world, with three Michelin stars to prove it. Tukouka Kunio has succeeded in keeping his family’s legacy alive all these years, working with the kaiseki concept to create a unique space over several decades. The fantastic, ever-changing view of the mountains and garden is an essential part of the dining experience.
2. Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet, Shanghai, China
Paul Pairet is constantly pushing boundaries, both personally and in his cooking style; that’s how he got his three Michelin stars. The talented chef is not afraid to experiment and present exciting dishes unencumbered with prejudice or preconceptions. Pairet’s concept of ‘Psycho taste’ is all about expectation and memory, the before and the after. His motto: “A dish is ready once there’s nothing left to add or subtract”.
1. Sublimotion, Ibiza, Spain
The most expensive restaurant in the world is the only one on this list which doesn’t have any Michelin stars. Located in Ibiza, this venue is the culmination of a risky, crazy dream by Paco Roncero, which opened its doors to the public in the Hard Rock Hotel in 2014. Roncero’s aim was to make something truly unprecedented, which combines an authentic culinary experience with cutting-edge technology. The venue has only one table, which seats twelve people, and the customers become the protagonists on any given evening.
For those who can afford it, these restaurants represent a truly unforgettable dining experience. The exclusivity adds an extra frisson, for sure, but it’s the passion and dedication of the chefs and their cooking staff which make these restaurants so special.
These restaurants are out of most people’s price range, so if you’re able to go, grasp the opportunity and be sure to share your experience afterwards with the rest of the world!
*Collaborative post
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