I once received a fortune cookie fortune that promised that Iâ??d step on the soils of many countries. Lucky for me, itâ??s come true so far! We love traveling to new places and trying out the local flavors while there. Below are some of our favorite restaurants that we’ve encountered on our trips. Some of these are highly regarded, others are just favorites and really delicious. Don’t just take my word for it thoughâ??check out Washington Post Food Critic Tom Sietsema’s Postcards.
Albuquerque, NM
Zinc Wine Bar and Bistro – A stand out among an otherwise simple dining scene. Delicious food.
Anchorage, AK
Glacier Brewhouse – Just a brewhouse, but they had an amazing smoked salmon salad, which I had both times we ate there.
The Marx Brother’s Cafe – Great restaurant overlooking the water.
Atlanta, GA
Ecco – Wine bar in Midtown. Great wine selection and delicious cheese plate.
TWO Urban Licks – In a converted warehouse. Cool environment and all their wine is in “kegs.”
Austin, TX
Blind Pig – This is a bar, but one of my favorite bars of all time. I just found out that there is also one in Cleveland!
The Salt Lick – Texas BBQ. A little outside of Austin, but worth the drive.
Truluck’s – Great seafood and amazing bread and butter!
Boston, MA
Rendezvous in Central Square – This was one of Tom’s recommendations from his Boston Postcard. We celebrated our one year anniversary here and it was delicious!!!
Buenos Aires, Argentina
We went to Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls November 2007 and wrote all about the great food we ate and wine we drank. With the exchange rate, the dollar really goes far and you can live like a King/Queen down there!
Chania, Crete
Antigoni – Fresh seafood. As in off the boat. As in we went to the back of the restaurant and picked out which specific fish we wanted.
Charlottesville, VA
Mas – Spanish tapas. I highly recommend the warm artichoke and goat cheese spread (queso cocido con alcachofa), and so many other items on the menu. It will be hard to choose!
Chicago, IL
Mercat – Spanish Catalan tapas.
Rosebud – Yummy Italian food.
Sushi Samba – Think of it as Sushi meets Carnival. Really good food and cocktails!
Topolambo – Great Mexican food from Rick Bayless.
Weber Grill – They do what they do best – GRILL!
Wildfire – Steaks and seafood prepared in a beautiful open kitchen.
Cleveland, OH
Blind Pig – A bar. Finding one in Cleveland totally made my night!!
Bice – Delicious homemade pastas. I had beet and potato gnocchi, which was amazing! This restaurant group has a ton of restaurants all around the world – including one just up the road in Maryland. I had no idea, but I’ll have to check it out!
Johnny’s Downtown – A Cleveland institution. We ate in the wine cellar, which was really cool. You can also visit Johnny’s Bar and Johnny’s Little Bar.
Cordoba, Spain
El Caballo Rojo – Traditional Spanish food, great roof patio, and the best wine (from the owner’s personal vineyard) I’ve ever had. Except for Argentina.
Rincon del Carmen – Near the University, perfect for a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack and cafe.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The Mussel and Steak Bar – Self explanatory and delicious!
Hartford, CT
Trumbull Kitchen – A favorite from college and today.
London, England
Balan’s – Banoffe Pie! If you don’t know what it is, I suggest you go there and try some!
Miami, FL
Ola – Located in the Santuary Hotel. Serves modern Latin cuisine–everything we tried was amazing!
Milan, Italy
Cracco-Peck – Tasting menu. There is also a separate store where you can buy gourmet products.
Minneapolis, MN
Bar Lurcat – The food and drink were delicious! We had mini burgers, calamari and cheese puffs.
Masa – Classy Mexican, beautiful decor.
Napa Valley, CA
Ad Hoc – A Thomas Keller creation in Yountville. There is a set menu, served family style, that changes daily. The night we were there it was four courses of Heaven!
New Orleans
Nola – One of Emeril’s restaurants. I’m not really a fan of Emeril, but the food here was amazing!
W.I.N.O – Wine Institute New Orleans. Wine bar where you can fill up your own glass and try 20 or 30 different wines. Order some cheese or pate and you’re good to go!
New York, NY
Sarabeth’s – Great spot for brunch.
Ottawa, Ontario
Domus Cafe – Canadian regional and seasonal cuisine.
Portland, OR
St. Honore Bakery – Classic French bakery with delicious sandwiches and bread.
Urban Farmer – Local, organic food in a beautiful space.
Veritable Quandry Restaurant – Amazing food in a beautiful space near City Hall.
Voodoo Doughnut – Craziest donuts you can imagine.
Rockport, MA
The Lobster Pool – A must-visit every time we go to Rockport. I love the fried clams (with belly’s, of course).
San Diego, CA
Coronado Boathouse 1887 – On Coronado Island with spectacular views!
Osetra – Seafood and flying wine angels.
Prado at Balboa Park – Fabulous Tex-Mex restaurant in Balboa Park. Sit outside and enjoy some empanadas, fish tacos and a flavored margarita or martini.
San Francisco, CA
Nopa – Simple and delicious!
Kokkari – Really good Greek food.
Masa’s – Tasting menu.
Sushi Ran – Located in Sausalito and worth a trip across the bridge.
Zuni Cafe – Beautiful copper bar and delicious food!
Santorini, Greece
Archipelagos – Fresh seafood and delicious meats.
Vanilia – I think we ate here twice while we were on our honeymoon. All I remember is the tomato, orange and feta salad. Amazing!
Seattle, WA
Beecher’s – A great cheese shop (where you can watch it being made). Great grilled cheese and mac & cheese.
Scottsdale, AZ
Rusty Spur – This is a bar, but it is one of my favorite bars of all time. Great live music.
Truro, Nova Scotia
Murphy’s Fish and Chips – The best fish and chips I’ve ever eaten!
Vancouver, British Columbia
Cardero’s – Along the water.
Chambar – A Belgium restaurant. I recommend the lamb, which is similar to a recipe we’ve made before.
The Fish House in Stanley Park – Great views along the bay, wonderful seafood, and a terrific brunch!
West – Fabulous tasting menu.