•Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, UAE
Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, nestled in the vibrant United Arab Emirates, has claimed the coveted top spot on the global stage as the most enchanting restaurant, following closely is Reine & La Rue established in the cosmopolitan hub of Melbourne, Australia, celebrated for its allure and ambiance.
Tuju, situated in São Paulo, Brazil, clinched the third position, offering a culinary journey amidst São Paulo’s dynamic atmosphere, reports The PUNCH.
These exceptional establishments are among the 16 newly opened or renovated restaurants featured in the prestigious Annual Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Restaurants List for 2024.
Each venue not only showcases architectural excellence but also captivates with its unique charm, from the romantic streets of Paris to the cultural richness of Kazakhstan.
The forthcoming announcement of the Prix Versailles laureates for Interior, Exterior, and overall design at UNESCO Headquarters in late November promises to highlight these venues’ seamless blend of aesthetics and hospitality, honouring their profound impact on dining experiences worldwide.
FULL LIST:
1. Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, Dubai, UAE
Located in Atlantis The Royal, this female-led restaurant by TV chef Ariana Bundy offers modern twists on traditional Persian cuisine, inspired by generations of family recipes.
2. Reine & La Rue, Melbourne, Australia
Housed in a historic Melbourne Stock Exchange building since 1891, Reine & La Rue combines French fare with a dark, intimate bar setting, set amidst Gothic architecture.
3. Tuju, São Paulo, Brazil
Chef Ivan Ralston’s Tuju in São Paulo offers a dynamic menu named after weather conditions, with a vertical garden creating a serene dining environment in Jardim Paulistano.
4. Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic, Hong Kong, China
Overlooking Victoria Harbour, this restaurant showcases French culinary artistry by Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic, featuring a stunning mirrored centerpiece and optical fire illusions.
5. Tomacado, Hong Kong, China
Inspired by the Hong Kong orchid, Tomacado blends Western and Asian cuisines in a floral-themed setting hidden behind a florist’s window, offering a unique dining experience.
6. Virador Beach Club, Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica
Situated at Four Seasons Resort, Virador Beach Club offers Mediterranean flavours by Chef Khaled Natour, complemented by an adults-only pool and private cabanas directly on the beach.
7. Blanc, Paris, France
Michelin-starred Blanc in Paris offers a theatrical dining experience with a glass bubble table in the kitchen, surrounded by wooden vaulting and bronze accents, creating a magical ambiance.
8. Ladurée, Champs-Élysées Paris, France
Ladurée on Champs-Élysées is not just a restaurant but a floral-inspired oasis in Paris, featuring a 180-seat restaurant, winter garden, music room, café area, and dessert bar.
9. Riviera Fuga, Paris, France
Floating on the Seine near Pont Alexandre III, Riviera Fuga offers Italian-Japanese fusion cuisine in a setting reminiscent of 1970s French Riviera yacht clubs, with rope columns and varnished tables.
10. Beefbar (Milan, Italy
Located in Milan’s historical heart, Beefbar offers Italian-inspired comfort food and classics like Wagyu and Kobe beef dishes, set in a Baroque-inspired space within Hotel Portrait Milano.
11. The Oreum, Goyang, Republic of Korea
Designed to simulate an outdoor hike, The Oreum in Seoul features modern birch forest interiors leading to a cloud-like dining area, offering a serene start to a culinary journey.
12. Auyl, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Set in a former Soviet-era yurt residence in the Medeu mountain district, Auyl is an experimental restaurant blending open kitchen dining with breathtaking modernist design and cuisine.
13. Madi Hiyaa, North Malé Atoll, Maldive
Crafted entirely from bamboo overwater, Madi Hiyaa at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru offers an authentic Japanese dining experience in a sustainable architectural setting over the Maldives’ clear waters.
14. Harudot, Chonburi, Thailand
Harudot in Chonburi combines coffee culture with seaside views, featuring warm pine wood interiors designed in collaboration with a rare plant connoisseur, creating a cozy coastal café experience.
15. Nusara, Bangkok, Thailand
Nusara pays homage to Thai cuisine and Chef Ton’s grandmother with a lavish 12-course tasting menu, focusing on intricate flavors served in a sophisticated, familial setting in Bangkok.
16. ILIS, New York, United States
ILIS in Brooklyn offers a unique wood-fired kitchen experience by Danish chef Mads Refslund, presenting seasonal North American dishes in a theatrical, industrial-chic setting with live cooking performances.
