Ready to savor the flavors of the world? Whether it’s a beautifully crafted cocktail in the heart of London or a culinary exploration in Oaxaca’s cultural hub, this list will inspire your next foodie adventure.
From the bustling energy of New York City’s dining renaissance to the laid-back beach vibes of Puerto Escondido, these destinations promise memorable bites and sips that are as vibrant and diverse as their settings. Get ready to indulge your senses and discover your new favorite spots to eat and drink right now.
ENGLAND: THE ART OF THE COCKTAIL
The Lobby Bar at One Aldwych Hotel, London – where timeless elegance meets contemporary charm. Photo @danrubin
The striking Michael Foucault by Philip Diggle graces the lobby, offering guests a vibrant glimpse into the 1980s punk movement that inspired this dynamic artwork. Photo: One Aldwych
The stunning lobby bar at the newly refurbished One Aldwych hotel in London, England, is a wonderful mix of old-world Brit cosy with a dollop of contemporary thrown in. The building is a beauty, making its debut in 1905 as the offices of the Morning Post newspaper – its location, on the edges of Covent Garden, the West End, the Strand and Fleet Street made it ideal then as now. Floral arrangements play spectacular garden party roles around the softly curved room, colourful blooms revel in the light let in by enormous arched windows that line the sides of the bar (not bad for people watching either), but the eye candy gets even better. Works of art from the hotel’s private collection of more than 400 pieces, also inform the cocktail menu.
An ode to one of London’s favourite drinks, the old fashioned. Smoky, aromatic and sweet. Served to your favourite corner of the Library or tableside in the Lobby Bar. Photo: One Aldwych
Whether sipping on a Horseradish Martini inspired by the London-based sculptor André Wallace’s bronze, “The Boatman,” or the Blueberry Enzoni – a take on the Negroni and the abstract splashings of Philip Diggle’s “Michel Foucault” from his series of paintings created while on stage to the live sounds of his brother’s punk band The Buzzcocks, there’s refreshment for all. But the classics are also spectacular works of art: A bit of performance theatre acts out with an Old Fashioned served tableside from the traditional cocktail trolley; an Espresso Martini will boost any pre-theatre goer’s mood – and why not add a little extra? The Martinis are a perfect foil for the Buckwheat blinis begging for a tiny spoonful of Exmoor caviar. —Vivian Vassos onealdwych.com
UNITED STATES: NOMAD REVIVAL
The Ritz-Carlton, NoMad, boasts one of the most stylish lobbies in New York City.
Walking into the lobby of the newly minted Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, one would have to take a moment. Which way to turn, left or right? Go right, and find yourself in Zaytinya, the Michelin-starred and philanthropist chef José Andrés’ glistening bronze and warm white oak ode to Mediterranean cuisine. Turn left, and you’re in an intimate hotel lobby that spills into the stunning Bazaar Bar. Neither is a bad choice.
The private dining room at The Bazaar NY. Photo: The Bazaar by José Andrés
The Vittore 1950 Carpaccio: tenderloin of beef enhanced with black pepper, parmesan, capers, croutons, and sherry dressing—a true masterpiece for your palate. Photo: The Bazaar by José Andrés
In an almost hidden corner of the bar, you’ll find a curved tiled staircase that leads up to The Bazaar by José Andrés (all the food and bev at the hotel is under his eye), a luxe dining space that feels as much Barcelona as Tokyo as NYC. The innovative food is anchored in Spanish (hello, jamón Iberico), adds in a generous slice of Japanese (wagyu, kobe, ramen) and wraps it up with a sumptuous raw bar. Speaking of bars, there’s one here too; but save the nightcap for the rooftop’s Nubelez, where a quartet of spirit-free cocktail concoctions lead the concise menu. The view from the top’s not bad either, if we do say so ourselves. —Vivian Vassos ritzcarlton.com
MEXICO: OAXACA
The colours and traditions of Oaxaca. Photo: Criollo, Oaxaca.
Oaxaca may be the foodie capital of Mexico, but here, two ways to go beyond the culinary and take a bigger bite of this beloved area of the country. Of course, you should still book a table.
CULTURE IN OAXACA CITY
Criollo offers a 6-course tasting menu based on seasonal items accompanied by drink pairings ranging from wine, beer, cocktails, mezcal, tequila. Photo: Criollo Restaurant
Oaxaca is a city that will stay with you. Surrounded by mountains, webbed with cobblestone streets, splashed with colour, and simmering with rich flavours, Oaxaca City is full of heritage, art, culture, and beauty. Start in the buzzy Centro Historico, with its grand cathedral, street food vendors, rooftop terraces and mezcal bars. Venture out of town to explore centuries-old ruins, and check into one of its stunning design-forward boutique hotels. BOOK A TABLE: Criollo, from chef Enrique Olvera (of the three-star Michelin resto Pujol in Mexico City), which made the World’s 50 Best Discovery list.
WAVES IN PUERTO ESCONDIDO
Fresh market ingredients used in Almoraduz. Photo: Almoraduz
Almoraduz tuna tataki, reflects the essence and tradition of Almoraduz cuisine. Photo: Almoraduz
Surf culture collides with rustic fishing village vibes at this bustling town on the Pacific coast. Gentrification has certainly taken its course across this palm-tree fringed boho backpacker town, with luxe cocktail bars, experimental cuisine and sexy-chic beach clubs. Still, the ethos of Puerto Escondido is toes in the sand, stop for the sunset, and leave your watch at home. Experience its many rugged beaches, the biggest surf pipeline in Mexico, jungle hot springs, and dramatic ocean views. BOOK A TABLE: Almoraduz, an haute-cuisine ode to local Oaxacan by chefs Shalxaly Macías and Quetzalcoátl Zurita. —Meagan Drillinger
Recommended: 8 Beautiful Small Towns in Mexico Too Often Overlooked by Tourists
