The most exquisite hotels around the globe

For food lovers on the go, few places offer a more refined culinary experience than the Michelin-starred restaurants nestled in the world’s top hotels and resorts.

From Bangkok to Piedmont, and Hanoi to Tokyo, these breathtakingly beautiful hotels provide the ultimate indulgence in fine dining, exceptional wines, and the luxury of retreating to your room after a perfect meal.

Here are 20 of the world’s most extraordinary dining experiences, with a glimpse of the dishes you might savor, and the plush rooms where you can rest after your culinary adventure. Keep in mind that menus shift with the seasons, so the dishes listed may not always be on offer during your stay.

The Restaurant, Dolder Grand: Zurich, Switzerland

Perched in the hills above Zurich, The Dolder Grand has hosted renowned guests like Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, and the Rolling Stones. With its impressive collection of contemporary art, it offers a luxurious escape for Swiss high society and sophisticated international travelers.

Though simple in name, ‘The Restaurant’ is a culinary powerhouse helmed by Chef Heiko Nieder, boasting two Michelin stars and numerous other prestigious awards. Chef Nieder often collaborates with world-renowned chefs for pop-up events and special dining experiences.

Innovative dishes such as beef brisket with snails, horseradish, and cabbage, or chili con carne featuring tomato, coffee, and kidney bean ice cream, highlight the restaurant's creative flair. Paired with one of Switzerland's finest wine cellars, each meal is a masterpiece.

Hjem: Northumberland, England

In both life and work, Swedish chef Alex Nietosvuori and British restaurateur Ally Thompson have transformed a modest location called Hjem into one of the UK’s most coveted dining and lodging destinations.

Nestled in the serene hills near the historic Hadrian's Wall, Hjem – which means 'home' in Swedish and the local Northumbrian dialect – features inviting rooms and a remarkable Michelin-starred tasting menu crafted from the finest local ingredients sourced from Hexhamshire Organics.

Small plates might feature a venison tartlet with celeriac and wild garlic, or North Sea trout paired with preserved rhubarb and dill oil. For a fresh take on surf and turf, don’t miss the lobster tail with morel mushrooms. And don’t forget to enjoy the unforgettable breakfast, included with your stay, showcasing premium local ingredients like fresh fruits, cheeses, smoked meats, and fish.

Piazza Duomo: Alba, Italy

Enrico Crippa, one of Italy’s most respected chefs, leads the three Michelin-starred Piazza Duomo in Alba, Piedmont. Though unassuming at first, this town is a true culinary gem, known for its truffles, chestnuts, mushrooms, and exceptional wines that are all sourced locally.

As a result, nearly everything he serves is sourced from Piazza Duomo's own garden or from within a 50-mile radius of the restaurant. Crippa’s culinary journey includes years spent in Japan, where he embraced the nation’s dedication to quality and elegance in food. His time with Spanish legend Ferran Adrià also helped refine his culinary philosophy.

One of Crippa’s signature dishes, a salad called “21, 31, 41, 51,” features a remarkable variety of leaves, vegetables, and herbs. Another standout is the raw beef from the Langhe region. The wine list is among Italy’s finest, thanks to the restaurant’s ties to the Ceretto winemaking family from Piedmont. The rooms radiate quintessential Italian style and warmth.

Côte By Mauro Colagreco, Capella Bangkok: Thailand

Argentinian culinary master Mauro Colagreco made history as the first non-French chef to earn three Michelin stars in France at Mirazur on the legendary French Riviera. He brings his exceptional experience to Côte, his restaurant at Capella Bangkok, located along the Chao Phraya River in Thailand’s bustling capital.

The sophisticated dining room offers views of the bustling “River of Kings,” though all attention is drawn to the inventive dishes that blend French culinary techniques with authentic Thai ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, and pomelo, creating a harmonious “Riviera to River” experience.

Open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, Côte by Mauro Colagreco offers both à la carte options and a choice of seven or nine-course tasting menus. Highlights include a luxurious choux pastry filled with chicken mousse, foie gras, and black trumpet mushrooms, all drizzled in a rich black winter truffle sauce.

Chaat, Rosewood Hong Kong

Perched high above Hong Kong’s harbor, Chaat at Rosewood Hong Kong has become a hotspot for enthusiasts of pan-Indian cuisine, thanks to the inventive and expertly crafted dishes by Chef Manav Tuli. Despite opening only in 2020, the restaurant quickly earned a Michelin star for its exceptional takes on traditional Indian recipes.

For example, Chef Tuli’s modern twist on samosas features delicate cones stuffed with spiced jackfruit. Other popular street food offerings include Pav Bhaji, a flavorful vegetable curry mashed and served with a soft bread roll.

Using traditional tandoor ovens, Chaat prepares chicken, fish, and paneer cheese to perfection, adding a smoky char that enhances the flavors. Their selection of breads also showcases India’s rich culinary diversity. After a sumptuous meal, guests can retire to some of the city’s finest rooms and suites at Rosewood Hong Kong, offering stunning views of the harbor.

Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons: Oxfordshire, UK

Chef Raymond Blanc is one of the most well-known and adored French figures in the UK. He has cooked for a range of notable figures, from Lady Gaga to Queen Elizabeth II. First earning two Michelin stars in 1984, he has maintained them ever since and was also awarded a “green Michelin star” for his commitment to sustainability.

Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons, a Belmond Hotel, is an idyllic 15th-century manor house with warm honey-colored stone. It features one of England’s most stunning walled gardens, brimming with a diverse array of vegetables, an expansive orchard, herbs, flowers, and even a dedicated “mushroom valley.”

Blanc and his team, led by Executive Head Chef Luke Selby, transform the garden’s bounty into exquisite dishes served in their dining room overlooking immaculate lawns. A refreshing fruit soup with mint and basil is a standout, while a dish of sea bass, scallops, and mashed potatoes with red wine sauce offers perfect harmony. For dessert, a trio of chocolate—fondant, ice cream, and marquise—is the ideal finale.

Plénitude, Cheval Blanc Paris: France

A fresh addition to Paris, Cheval Blanc Paris has become the city’s most talked-about spot since it opened in late 2021. Situated on the right bank of the Seine, this luxurious hotel features just 72 rooms and suites, each with a personal butler and panoramic views of Notre Dame and the iconic Parisian skyline.

The gastronomic restaurant Plénitude, led by chef Arnaud Donckele, made an extraordinary impact, earning three Michelin stars just six months after opening. With only 26 seats, reservations are made months in advance to experience Donckele’s exceptional dishes, renowned for their mastery of sauces—the cornerstone of French culinary tradition.

Menus are crafted around the seasons, so dishes might include scarlet shrimp paired with artichoke under a sauce called “Chopin Carmin,” a stunning blend of ingredients such as Thai basil, shrimp broth, and bergamot. As expected in France, the desserts – created by Maxime Frédéric – are equally impressive.

Ynyshir: Powys, UK

A remote coastal spot in Wales has become one of the UK’s most sought-after culinary destinations, thanks to Ynyshir. This restaurant and inn, which boasts two Michelin stars, offers an unforgettable and immersive dining experience. Guests enjoy the sound of a DJ spinning music during their meal, the warmth of an open kitchen, and the option of indulging in a menu by chef Gareth Ward that can stretch up to 31 courses over four hours.

Fortunately, the dishes are mostly bite-sized, but each one packs a punch. The burger, for instance, features local Welsh wagyu that’s aged, brined, minced, and infused with ginger and scallions, then smoked on the grill. It’s paired with fermented lettuce, gherkins, and a charred bread mayonnaise – a bite-sized masterpiece.

The rooms are individually styled and many offer views of the Cambrian Mountains and the 14-acre grounds. After indulging in 31 courses, guests often enjoy a stroll through the beautiful surroundings. A note: due to the extensive tasting menu, dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated.

Il Ristorante Niko Romito, Bulgari Resort Dubai: UAE

Italian chef Niko Romito was a major winner at the inaugural Dubai Michelin Awards, with his eponymous restaurant at Bulgari Resort Dubai earning two stars. Romito is widely celebrated in the culinary world for his three Michelin-starred restaurant, Reale, located in Italy’s Abruzzo region, where he’s garnered both critical acclaim and the respect of his peers.

In Dubai, his head chef, Giacomo Amicucci, brings the same philosophy to the kitchen, delivering innovative yet unpretentious Italian dishes. A seemingly simple dish like “Spaghetti and tomato” becomes revolutionary through the use of cutting-edge extraction and reduction techniques. Likewise, the risotto alla milanese is a fresh and brilliant take on one of Italy’s most cherished dishes.

Set on a private island connected by a causeway, Bulgari Resort Dubai offers villas, rooms, and suites that exude Italian elegance, particularly the Bulgari Suite, which spans 1,300 square feet, complete with a wraparound terrace and sweeping views of luxury yachts docked below.

SingleThread: California

Nestled in the charming town of Healdsburg in Sonoma’s wine country, SingleThread is the brainchild of Kyle and Katina Connaughton. Since 2021, the restaurant has held three Michelin stars for its exceptional cuisine, which showcases the finest produce from their sustainable farm just seven miles away.

The Connaughtons cultivate their extraordinary ingredients based on the concept of ‘micro seasons,’ breaking the year into 72 five-day periods to ensure every ingredient is harvested at its peak. Their time spent at the renowned Michel Bras restaurant in Toya, Japan, deeply influences both the food and the design at SingleThread, infusing it with a distinctly Japanese ethos.

The menu evolves weekly, but you might find dishes like venison hobayaki, cooked over an open flame on a magnolia leaf and paired with carrot miso, or a dessert of rhubarb served with green tea and almond cream. Presentation is a key focus, especially with their iconic appetizer, ‘Summer in Sonoma,’ where small, delicate dishes such as lemon panna cotta topped with caviar are served alongside fresh flowers and plants.

Le Saint-Martin, Château Saint-Martin Hotel & Spa: Provence, France

At Le Saint-Martin’s one Michelin-starred restaurant, the four-course menu celebrates local produce and traditional flavors. Dishes include hake with fondant potato and fennel, paired with a bouillabaisse-inspired sauce reminiscent of Marseille’s famed fish stew, and veal shank served with smoked bell pepper and zucchini. Guests can enjoy these with sweeping views of the Mediterranean, with wine expertly selected by head sommelier Vincent Arhuro to complement each dish.

The menu at Le Saint-Martin features four exquisite courses, each highlighting the best of the surrounding Provence region. Signature dishes include hake served with fondant potato, fennel, and a bouillabaisse-inspired sauce, and veal shank paired with smoked bell pepper and zucchini. Each course is thoughtfully paired with wines by head sommelier Vincent Arhuro.

Lung King Heen, Four Seasons Hong Kong

Lung King Heen, located at Four Seasons Hong Kong, became the first Chinese restaurant in the world to earn three Michelin stars in 2008. It held onto that prestigious status until 2023, when it was downgraded to two stars. The restaurant's exceptional reputation is built on the expertise of Hong Kong native Chan Yan Tak, a chef with over 50 years of experience mastering Cantonese cuisine.

Every dish at Lung King Heen reflects the skill, patience, and creativity that have become the hallmark of chef Chan Yan Tak’s career. The restaurant’s dim sum offerings include baked buns filled with barbecue pork and pine nuts, and crispy scallops crowned with fresh pear, shrimp paste, and Yunnan ham.

Lung King Heen also serves classic Chinese dishes, including shrimp coated in salted egg and both deep-fried and roasted Peking duck. The Four Seasons Hong Kong is home to another three-star dining venue, Caprice, offering exquisite French fine dining, making this destination a true culinary haven.

Pergola, Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel: Italy

La Pergola is Rome’s first and still only three Michelin-starred restaurant. Located in the rooftop garden of the Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, it offers diners not only a stunning view of the city but also Mediterranean cuisine by the acclaimed chef Heinz Beck.

The highlight of La Pergola’s menu is its house-made pasta. A standout dish is the Fagotelli La Pergola, delicate pockets of pecorino, egg yolk, and whipped cream, paired with slow-braised veal and a zucchini and guanciale sauce. Other options include risotto with baby squid and saffron, or lamb served with carrots and myrtle sauce, though the seven and ten-course tasting menus are always a favorite.

As for the hotel accommodations, the suites are adorned with priceless art pieces from the past three centuries, and many feature terraces perfect for spontaneous outdoor gatherings.

Tapas Molecular Bar, Mandarin Oriental: Tokyo, Japan

Located high above Tokyo, Tapas Molecular Bar holds a Michelin star and offers a truly unique dining experience. The restaurant is an intimate space for just eight guests, where Chef Kento Ushikubo redefines traditional dishes using molecular gastronomy – combining innovative techniques and technology to create surprising flavor and texture combinations that engage all five senses.

Ushikubo, who majored in art, views his menu as an 'art gallery' and takes diners on a global culinary journey. One of his signature creations is a donut filled with luxurious caviar and mascarpone, perfectly paired with a glass of champagne. Another standout is his take on the classic Spanish 'bikini' sandwich, reimagined with Iberico ham, truffle butter, and a trio of cheeses.

Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo is situated in the heart of Nihoni, an area rich in history and culture. The district’s artisan food producers and craftspeople further enhance the hotel’s appeal, offering guests an immersive and authentic local experience.

Raby Hunt: County Durham, UK

Chef James Close’s journey into the culinary world is anything but conventional. Originally a semi-professional golfer, he switched gears to take over Raby Hunt, a quaint pub in the rural village of Darlington, northeast England, once owned by his parents. Today, he runs it alongside his wife Maria, who serves as the pastry chef.

Remarkably, Close has never received formal culinary training, yet Raby Hunt has earned two Michelin stars under his leadership. Over 13 years, he has never missed a single service, demonstrating unwavering dedication to his craft. His tireless commitment results in exquisite renditions of global dishes, which form a tasting menu that lingers in the memory long after dining.

A signature dish includes a toasted tortilla tostada topped with chipotle crema, ahi, sesame, crispy leeks, and finished with a smoky twist. The tartare of 60-day aged beef, complemented by smoked eel cream and horseradish 'snow,' is simply breathtaking. A standout entrée features a rack of Herdwick lamb paired with anchovy emulsion and steamed romaine lettuce. To end the meal, Chef Maria’s extraordinary desserts cement her status as one of the UK’s most innovative pastry chefs.

Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, Hotel Adlon Kempinski: Berlin, Germany

Located in the heart of Berlin with sweeping views of the Brandenburg Gate, Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer boasts two Michelin stars. Under the direction of young Swiss chef Reto Brändli, the restaurant fuses inventive techniques with contemporary haute cuisine, blending European flavors with subtle Asian influences.

The six, seven, and eight-course tasting menus feature dishes that harmonize flavor and texture, such as sea bass paired with chicory, kohlrabi, and orange, or wild turbot accompanied by grapefruit, celery, and hazelnuts. The duck liver with apple variations and sour cream showcases the chef’s masterful approach to classic ingredients.

The restaurant’s refined wood-paneled dining room exudes sophistication and timeless luxury, a fitting homage to the Adlon’s rich history. Among its past guests are the likes of Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and John D. Rockefeller.

Waku Ghin, Marina Bay Sands: Singapore

Chef Tetsuya Wakuda, who originally gained recognition in Australia, has built a reputation for his exceptional knowledge of Japanese seafood. At Waku Ghin, located in Marina Bay Sands, guests are treated to the finest ingredients, such as wasabi from Shizuoka and sea urchin from Hokkaido, prepared with unrivaled precision and skill. A signature dish includes marinated Botan shrimp with sea urchin and caviar.

Waku Ghin serves simple yet flavorful dishes like grilled bamboo shoots with kinome miso and a citrusy touch from ground sansho leaves, reflecting the purity and delicacy of Japanese cuisine.

A short walk from Waku Ghin, guests can access the Marina Bay Sands’ massive three-tower complex, home to the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool, offering stunning views across Singapore.

Marchal, located at the Hotel d’Angleterre, offers an elegant dining experience in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Diners at Marchal can begin their meal with a lavish selection of caviar, oysters, and Spanish jamon iberico, setting the tone for an exceptional dining experience. For mains, options include champagne-steamed Danish turbot, a chanterelle mushroom and truffle tart, or lobster paired with avocado and horseradish cream.

At Marchal, the menu reflects a seamless fusion of French heritage and Nordic innovation, creating an unforgettable fine dining experience.

After enjoying dessert, guests can retreat to one of the 92 luxurious rooms. For those seeking ultimate indulgence, the Royal Suite offers breathtaking views of The Royal Theater and features a grand fireplace, ideal for cozying up on a chilly Danish evening.

Memories, located at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, is a renowned restaurant in Zurich, Switzerland.

At Memories, chef Sven Wassmer’s decision to give his team more time for work-life balance has paid off. With a more focused team, the restaurant, nestled in the Swiss Alps, was awarded a third Michelin star in 2022, a recognition of their dedication to culinary excellence.

Wassmer takes a minimalist approach to cooking, believing that less is more. With a bounty of local ingredients at his disposal, his philosophy is encapsulated in dishes like char from the Val Lumnezia river, paired with just burnt dairy cream and Douglas fir, bringing a pure taste of the Alps to the plate.

Guests can choose from seven, nine, or eleven-course tasting menus, each offering a refined experience. After the meal, retreat to the hotel’s luxurious rooms or indulge in a relaxing session at the spa, which draws on the healing thermal waters from the nearby Tamina Gorge.

Hibana by Koki, located at the Capella Hanoi, offers a unique dining experience in Vietnam.

Vietnam marked a milestone in June 2023 with the debut of its first-ever Michelin Guide, awarding coveted stars to just four restaurants. Among them was Hibana by Koki, located in the luxurious Capella Hanoi, which earned a prestigious star.

Hiroshi Yamaguchi, the head chef at Hibana by Koki, is a master of teppanyaki, the Japanese art of cooking on a metal griddle. With a focus on top-quality ingredients, his courses feature premium items like Hokkaido crab, spiny lobster, and Yaeyama Kyori beef. After the meal, guests can unwind in their imaginative rooms, designed by the renowned Bill Bensley, which blend historical inspiration with whimsical elegance.

Chris Dwyer is a freelance food and travel writer. Follow him on Instagram @chrismdwyer for more culinary adventures and travel insights.