Top Eleven Restaurants I Love in the World

Who doesn’t love food. Even the Skinny Bitch loves food. Let me just say, I’m not a foodie, nor do I want to be. But I do enjoy learning about a culture through my belly. To me, food is not just for nourishment, it’s about culture, experiences, friends, family…you get the picture. So here it is, the Top Eleven Restaurants I Love in the World.

1. La Giostra in Florence, Italy

This Italian restaurant is the only restaurant the I constantly crave. To me, this is the best restaurant in the world. I spent a week in Florence and I think I ate her half of that week, including New Year’s Eve. You may be saying, “why would you go to the same restaurant over and over?”. Go once, then ask me that question. This father and son prince team are as eccentric as the food is amazing. The son (who invented Criss Angel’s look many years before Criss Angel) spent five minutes doing this decanting ritual with our wine only to taste it first himself and decided it was not good and got another bottle.

2. Marismo in Jose Ignacio, Uruguay

Follow the dirt road with no lights for 2km, turn left into the woods (don’t look for a sign, there isn’t one), then look for a guy with a flashlight waving you as to where to park. This sounds more like an off road adventure than directions to the best restaurant in Jose Ignacio. But as you enter this sand floor, tree house-ish, candle and bonfire lite restaurant, you’ll know you’ve arrived at the most “in the know” spot in Punta del Este. The food is unbelievably amazing, however you can’t pinpoint it to any one cuisine. Sorry Amex, it’s cash only.

3. Los Bandidos in Puerto Banús, Spain

Who thought I’d fall in love with a little port side French & Swedish restaurant? Not me! However, after one night in this laid back yet very hip open air eatery I was singing another tune. Not only is the food amazing, but because it’s adjacent to Louis Vuitton, the people watching was second to none! Reservations are a must.

4. Ambrosia in Santorini, Greece

Santorini is one of the most picturesque places in the world and the owners of Ambrosia were smart to capitalize on it. With just a few tables on their famed top deck, it’s the perfect place for a romantic dinner with the one you love. The menu is limited but the food is delicious. Watching the moon rise over the caldera is an experience you’ll never forget.

5. Kiki’s in Mykonos, Greece

This is as simple as it gets. Located on Agios Sostis beach. There’s no sign, and it’s not so easy to find. But if you’re one of the lucky few that do, you’ll soon see why this is the hidden gem of Mykonos. No electricity, no frills, just a dozen fresh salads, bread & olive oil, house wine and grilled favorites like octopus, eggplant and the catch of the day. With less than 10 tables, there isn’t a bad seat in the house.

6. Casa Tua in South Beach Miami, USA

Easily the most consistently amazing restaurant stateside. With high perfectly manicured bushes surrounding it and without a sign, it’s easy to miss. However this family owned Mediterranean hideaway serves up a chic, romantic experience with authentic Italian cuisine. My favorite part is the menu. Each page has a large candid photo of the owner’s beautiful family engaging in day to day life. Reservations are a must.

7. Aqua at the One & Only Palmilla in San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico

This will be controversial, however the more casual dining experience at the One & Only Palmilla is far superior (in my opinion) to their high end C by Charlie Trotter restaurant. And I don’t think I’m the only one that thinks so. I just love this candle lite, outdoor, set on the ocean, Mexican flavored restaurant and adjacent bar. On my last dinner there, we heard this very familiar and infectious laugh coming form the table behind us…it was Will Smith! If he chose Aqua over C, then I must be onto something here!

8. Nammos in Mykonos, Greece

Located on jet set Psarou beach, this is one of the see and be seen spots in Mykonos. You may approach it around 3pm on any given day and see 90% of the tables empty. However, if you try to get seated, you’ll quickly be denied and told that they are full with reservations. You won’t believe it, but just wait an hour and you’ll see the wealthy Athenians rise from their beach chairs and fill every table in this place. And yes, everything you order will be delicious. Go for lunch as there’s a better view and people watching.

9. Chez Black in Positano, Italy

Celebrities come here, movies have been filmed here and locals love it. Located directly on the beach of Positano, Chez Black is somewhat of an institution on the Amalfi Coast. With fresh ingredients, mostly that came out of the ocean or off the vines earlier in the day, any meal you choose is sure to be perfect. Great for large parties of friends or even a romantic dinner for two.

10. La Huella in Jose Ignacio, Uruguay

This is the place to see and be seen for lunch in Jose Ignacio, but unless you have a reservation, you’ll be standing in line for a very long time. This favorite noshing spot of the Buenos Aires elite serves up a little bit of everything, brick oven pizza, sushi, leg of lamb and gazpacho. You would think with such a variety of food items on the menu, that nothing would be good, but you’d be wrong. Everything is amazing! This is easily the best place for a long, lazy lunch. The line that forms at the from of this open air restaurant will blow you away. They actually have to block the doorway so they people waiting don’t overflow into the restaurant!

11. Villa Rosa in Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is filled with tons of “traditional Moroccan” restaurants. But, after you eat your 100th tagine, you may want to try something a little different, a little more refined, a little sexy and if you do, this is it! This high end French restaurant has the ambiance of Paris, the patrons that look as if they stepped off the runway and a menu that can compete with the best in the world. This is the new Marrakech!

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