Destination restaurants for every kind of diner

Set inside the belle époque Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern, Colonnade has one of the city’s loveliest dining rooms, punctuated with pale marble pillars and bold, curving banquettes. The lake views are reason enough to come, but what’s on the table’s even better: precision-plated, modern French dishes built around the finest local produce, from Alpstein chicken to seasonal mushrooms. Matched with inventive wine pairings, this is food as fine art – and within just five months of opening, executive chef Gilad Peled had scooped a Michelin star.

For dinner with an edge, head to Abu Dhabi’s Les Dangereux, overseen by executive chef James Soo Young Kim. Awarded Opening of the Year 2024 by the Michelin Guide, it occupies a prime seafront spot on Saadiyat Island, serving up an upscale spin on farm-to-table dining. It’s a striking showcase for the organic produce grown at Al Ain’s White Farms, along with local ingredients like Dibba Bay oysters (decadently served with caviar). Elsewhere, its French-leaning menu runs from duck confit to escargots, audaciously paired with Oaxacan-style mole and spherified laban.

The second of Gilad Peled’s unmissable Lucerne dining experiences is Minamo, an intimate chef’s table-style concept. A maximum of eight guests are treated to an exclusive Japanese omakase meal, with eight seasonal courses chosen by the chef. It’s a true culinary journey, with a view of the chefs at work, conjuring up note-perfect nigiri or talking guests through the next course. An exceptional array of sakes adds to the appeal; just ask if you’d like help choosing.

When Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair opened on Hanover Square in London, it saw the launch of two new restaurants, dreamt up by Michelin-starred maverick chef Akira Back. The eponymous main restaurant is modern Japanese, while Dosa offers a Korean-inspired tasting menu and chef’s-table experience. Just 14 seats flank its granite counter, so enjoy the front-row views of its culinary wizards at work (‘dosa’ is the Korean slang for master or expert). The dining space is sleekly futuristic, and the menu will blow your mind – not least the chilled mulhoe fish soup, paired with wasabi sorbet.

Welcome to Forty-Five, perched high above the Landmark’s Gloucester Tower in Hong Kong. Masterminded by hip hospitality group Leading Nation, it’s a vast, multi-concept space that takes in five destination eateries and bars, with stellar city views. French super-chef Anne-Sophie Pic is behind the Cristal Room, whose thrilling tasting menus have already won a Michelin star. The Merchants is the place for Shanghainese classics and impressively opulent surrounds, while Kaen Teppanyaki is a slick Japanese steakhouse. Cardinal Point offers cocktails with a view, while Gloucester Arts Club is members-only, so check your contacts book.

With its floor-to-ceiling windows, olive-edged terrace and views across the bay, Costa Navarino’s most scenic dining destination Oliviera shows off a real taste of Messenia. Executive chef Bertrand Valegeas adds his own twist to traditional Greek flavours, from red prawn saganaki to slow-cooked beef cheeks, using ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishermen. (If it’s on the menu, don’t miss the terrific whole Greek lobster.) For more intimate suppers, retreat to the Private Kitchen, a polished 16-seater space for a special meal or masterclass.