It’s a new year and new adventures await! It’s the time when we get out our calendars (if we haven’t already) and plan the trips for the new year. There are so many places to see, experiences to have, and delicious food to eat!

It’s the time to book the flights, rent the cars, and reserve the tables! Emphasis on reserving the tables! If you haven’t guessed already – we are letting our stomachs lead the way in 2024 as we bring you restaurants you don’t want to skip out on this year. Join us for an unforgettable gastronomic journey curated from the esteemed LUXE Global Portfolio!

Location: Rovaniemi, Finland
Cuisine: Finnish
LC Rating: 5.0

Our first stop is in the winter wonderland of Rovaniemi, Finland, at Rakas Restaurant & Bar. This culinary gem is nestled in the heart of Finland and offers a unique ambiance that beckons food enthusiasts who are seeking a modern twist on local ingredients. The impressive centrepiece fireplace, panoramic windows, and large summer terrace create an atmosphere that earned Rakas “Most Romantic Atmosphere” in Europe during the 2023 LUXE Global award season. The name "Rakas," meaning "my beloved" in Finnish, perfectly encapsulates the restaurant's passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences, as demonstrated by their wins for “Best Food Presentation” in Europe and “Best Culinary Experience” in Finland during the same award season.

Rakas Restaurant & Bar is not just a dining spot; it’s a love letter to Finnish cuisine.

Location: Jordan Wine Estate, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Cuisine: Contemporary Farm Cuisine
LC Rating: 4.9

From north to south, we travel to South Africa for an afternoon at The Restaurant at Jordan with Marthinus Ferreira. Nestled in the Jordan Wine Estate, this culinary masterpiece showcases a menu crafted by Marthinus Ferreira, awarded “Best Head Chef” in Africa during the 2023 LUXE Global award season. With panoramic views of Table Mountain and a contemporary ambiance, this restaurant is a must-visit for those seeking a blend of scenic beauty and culinary excellence. The Restaurant at Jordan also secured 3 Global wins during the 2023 award season, including “Best Luxury Wine Estate Restaurant”, “Spectacular Scenic View Restaurant”, and “Best Contemporary Cuisine”.

Location: Hilton Darwin, Australia
Cuisine: Fusion
LC Rating: Be the first one to rate!

Venturing even further south to the land down under, we explore the new age of dining at Le Petit Chef Darwin in Australia. In the age of technological innovation, the culinary world has not been left untouched. In the heart of Hilton Darwin, a culinary marvel awaits. This is not just dining; it’s a rendezvous with technology and storytelling as the world tiniest chef breathes life into captivating stories through mesmerizing 3D mapping technology. It’s a truly immersive experience you don’t want to miss, so be sure to book your table in advance and experience a new way of dining in 2024!

Location: Marrakech, Morocco
Cuisine: Moroccan
LC Rating: Be the first one to rate!

Bringing our focus back to reality, we find ourselves in the enchanting city of Marrakech, Morocco, at Al Aïn. This culinary oasis overlooks the golf course and majestic Atlas Mountains, promising an authentic experience and a sensory escape into the myriad flavours of Moroccan cuisine. Enjoy an intimate evening surrounded by hand-crafted Moroccan lanterns, Andalusian live music, and the exquisite aroma of spices that define the essence of Al Aïn.

Location: Bolívar, Colombia
Cuisine: International
LC Rating: 5.0

Across the Atlantic Ocean in Colombia, we stop at HUMO, a restaurant promising innovation and diversity. With influences from Japanese, Chinese, Thai, French, and Peruvian cuisines, this dinner-only robata grill concept is a canvas of culinary creativity. HUMO secured several awards during the 2023 award season, including “Best Asian Fusion Cuisine” -, “Best International Cuisine” in Colombia, and “Best Fine Dining Cuisine” in South America. Enjoy an evening where each dish is a harmonious blend of international flavours, highlighting the freshest local ingredients.

Location: Thailand
Cuisine: Varied
LC Rating: 5.0

Experience a taste of Thailand's beauty as we elevate the dining experience at Sizzle Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, the ultimate rooftop destination in Thailand. With stunning sea views, delectable steaks, signature cocktails, Tikis, and unforgettable sunsets, Sizzle is where culinary excellence meets breathtaking ambiance. Immerse yourself in an evening of convivial dining, savouring mouth-watering steaks, live lobster, and a variety of fresh seafood from the raw bar. Sizzle promises an unforgettable dining experience under the stars.

Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Cuisine: Portuguese
LC Rating: 5.0

While on urban explorations in Lisbon, MATIZ takes you on a culinary journey that requires no walking. Experience the best selection of Portuguese gastronomy in an elegant setting. From breakfast to lunch and dinner, MATIZ stays true to simplicity, seasonality, and authenticity. Having won “Best Luxury Lifestyle Restaurant” and “Best Culinary Experience” in Europe, along with “Best Portuguese Cuisine” in Southern Europe and “Best Luxury Hotel Restaurant” in Portugal during the 2023 award season, take a load off exploring and embark on a gastronomic journey of exploration instead!

Location: Trivandrum, India
Cuisine: Multinational
LC Rating: 5.0

Our culinary journey concludes at the 2023 LUXE Global Restaurant of the Year – VILLA MAYA (A Fabled Kitchen) in Trivandrum, India. Step into a lovingly restored 18th-century Dutch manor that weaves together timeless elegance, contemporary design, and haute cuisine. Villa Maya invites you to surrender to the immediacy of your senses as they take you on a gastronomical journey through Kerala, India, Morocco, and Italy. Fall into the delight of exciting flavours, textures, and aromas in dishes that are authentic and full of cultural heritage. Villa Maya (A Fabled Kitchen) dominated during the 2023 award season, winning “Best Luxury Heritage Restaurant” -, “Most Luxurious Ambience” -, “Best Luxury Theme Restaurant” -, “Best Food Presentation” Globally, and being crowned the 2023 Restaurant of the Year.

As we wrap up our culinary journey around the globe, the prospect of tasting the world in 2024 is more enticing than ever. From the snowy landscapes of Finland to the vibrant streets of Marrakech, each restaurant on this curated list beckons with a promise of unique flavours, innovative experiences, and unforgettable moments.

So, as you plan your travels for the year ahead, let your taste buds be the compass, guiding you to these culinary gems that promise to make 2024 a year of delightful indulgence. Reserve those tables, explore new flavours, and create memories that linger on your palate long after the journey ends. Here's to a year filled with gastronomic wonders, where every meal becomes a celebration of culture, creativity, and the joy of shared experiences. Cheers to tasting the world in 2024!