Luxury Travel Blogs & Travel Guides: 2025

7 Surprising And Unique Places To Eat

Elderflower amber at Disfrutar Restaurant, Barcelona

When it comes to unique places to eat, the jury is out! There are so many incredible spots around the world. If you’re looking for gourmet food in fascinating destinations – it’s time to reveal which restaurants are really worth the air fare.

We travel, we eat, we travel some more. Sometimes though, we travel specifically to eat! We excite our taste buds with new flavours, learn about spices, herbs and unique cooking techniques. We return home with photos not just of stunning landscapes, but also beautifully presented plates of food.

While I’m just as happy in a buzzy food market as in a Michelin starred restaurant, there are a few meals from my travels that would make me hop straight back on the next plane…

Disfrutar

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Without a doubt, this is my favourite restaurant in the world! Dishes are creative, colourful, and served with a touch of magic. Things aren’t always what they seem, whether that’s an exploding liquid-filled olive or ceviche transformed into ice cream. Service is attentive but relaxed and the buzz of the open kitchen spreads throughout the dining area. Two visits and one Michelin star later, I’m already contemplating returning for a third time.

The signature olive dish at Disfrutar Restaurant, Barcelona

Cotton of cocoa and mint at Disfrutar Restaurant, Barcelona

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Smoked haddock with radishes, beetroot and horseradish cream at The Artichoke, Amersham

The Artichoke has consistently been rated as the best restaurant in the Amersham area. After an impressive experience in January, I couldn’t wait to sample their autumn menu.

Amersham’s old town offers a range of dining options. Along with upmarket coffee house The Grocer, chain restaurants Cote, Prezzo and Ask, and several historic pubs, there’s a gourmet neighbourhood offering – The Artichoke.

Chef Patron Laurie Gear and his wife Jacqueline opened the Artichoke in 2002. The restaurant focuses on high quality, beautifully presented seasonal dishes, served with a dash of magic. I visited on a weekday evening to sample the seven-course autumnal tasting menu (with wine pairings). But first… a glass of rosé champagne to kick off a very special dining experience.

Swimming pool at Hotel Ombak Sunset, Gili T

Hotel Ombak Sunset provides a relaxed base for exploring the kooky island of Gili T in Indonesia, with its legendary sunsets, tasty food and famous Datu Swing.

Beautiful flower arrangement at Hotel Ombak Sunset, Gili T

My time on Gili Trawangan started not at Hotel Ombak Sunset but at its sister hotel – Vila Ombak. It was a smart complex of villas and deluxe rooms just moments from the hubub of Main Street. After a day checking out the hippie beach shops and lively nightlife I was ready to slow things down and head 15 mins by horse and carriage to the quieter side of the island.

Hotel Ombak Sunset’s reputation preceded it.

“The swing! You just have to go on the swing,” my friend Hazel said.

She’d visited earlier in the year, and like many tourists queued up for a photo on the swing at sunset. While there are a few swings located around the island, this hotel is home to the most famous one.