BEST OF 2023
Every time you go into a restaurant, it's an experience, from the flavors of the food, the staff, the location, and the people you're with. I've been so lucky this year to eat in some amazing places and with some of even more amazing people. Sitting down to eat with family and friends is basically my favorite thing to do on earth. It was so fun to look back, and very hard to pick my favorites but i did it. These are all my pics and some of these are repeats from my other lists but overall, these are my absolute top and best bites of the whole year.
01
PIER
Cape Town
I always love a tasting menu and each dish here was presented so beautifully, the whole experience was really a treat. It's right on the waterfront so the views are lovely. The milk bun to start was so fluffy and light and came with daikon hummus. I loved the mushroom dumplings and cauliflower risotto. The attention to detail in each bite, so good. I think we had like 8 or 9 courses and they constantly change their menu but if you're ever in cape town i def recommend stopping here. (Pier)
02
Robin
Menlo Park
This was a ground breaking meal for me and the best omakase i've ever had. Robin started in Sf and i was so excited when they opened a location closer to my house. this was actually one meal where every single bite i had i was like no way this could get better and then it did. The fish was so fresh and each bite was so flavorful. I tried uni for the first time here and loved it. highlight of the meal though was 100% the dessert, coconut ice cream with strawberries, pistachio, olive oil, and sea salt. I would go back here a million times. (Robin)
03
Carbone
New York City
I feel so annoying to write about Carbone but it really is one place I keep going back to because it just always hits. Everything is so well prepared, down to the pickled cauliflower they bring you to start. something about the mozzarella here is so good it enters my dreams frequently and the spicy rigatoni is unmatched, the other pastas aren't even really worth getting imo. every time i go here, i am equally satisfied as i was the first time.
04
Cariñitos
Mexico City
I went on a biking taco tour when I was in Mexico city and this was by far the best one. This is a tiny little stand with standing room only where you get served in a banana leaf. They make asian inspired taco and it is such an unexpected flavor combo but it is so incredible. I tried to track down a menu so i could tell you guys exactly what was in it but i couldn't find it. These guys are blowing up and it is a CDMX aboslutely must stop. (Cariñitos)
05
Red Hen
Washington D.C.
I had heard so much about this place and was so excited to try, this was on my birthday weekend with one of my bestest friends and we had so much fun. The whipped ricotta toast was delicious and usually i don't love whipped ricotta. We also had the mafulde pasta. The vibes in here are so sweet and charming with the bar in the middle and the red brick walls. (Red Hen)
06
Ponto Final
Lisbon
I wasn't sure whether or not to include this one on the list because honestly, i didn't love the food (think lots of fish stew) but i had to because it's just such an incredible dining experience. It was like my number one spot i wanted to go to in Lisbon (make sure you make your res super in advance). You have to take a boat to the other side of the bay but you get to eat right on the water with these stunning views of the city, it was really special. (Ponto Final)
07
Galatoire's
New Orleans
I''m cheating a little tiny bit because technically this was 2022, but it was at the very end. This piece of fish was incredible. Meunière Amandine so it was pan fried and crispy, rich and buttery. The crushed nuts on top gave it the best little crunch and texture. You can feel the history of this restaurant the second you step inside and it's a cozy, elegant break from bourbon street. (Galatoire)
08
Cento Pasta Bar
Los Angeles
I think i just loved this place because of how unique and well done every single pasta dish was. Sometimes when things get a little too experimental, they get bad but not here. The broccoli bucatini was such a different pesto substitute but so yum. And the beet spaghetti (which i've tried to make before at home and did not turn out well) was so creamy and bright. I had also never had a sweet corn pasta and i loved it. Go with a bigger group so you can try all of them. (Cento)
09
Villas Tacos
Los Angeles
I will never stop talking about Villas. When i first discovered Victor in 2020 it was a stand outside his house, now they have an actual restaurant and are opening another one soon. This is exactly what a taco should be; messy, saucy, spicy, and loaded up with goodness in every bite. their black corn tortilla is my perfect tortilla. No taco will ever be better then this one. (Villas)
10
La Cabra
New York
I'm honestly not a huge pastry girl, but the one thing I will always go for is a butter croissant. La Cabra's is sooo buttery and flakey, soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, it tastes just like paris. They also have a cardamom bun here that is to die for and sell loaves of sourdough that are so fresh and delicious. ugh yum, i want it right now. (La Cabra)
11
Thanksgiving
My house <3
Thanksgiving is my absolute most favorite day of the year. The best part of good food is enjoying it with good people and i love having my family all together in the kitchen. We keep mostly the same menu and everyone has the same little things they're in charge of every year. Literally already counting down the days until next November.
12
Nobu
Palo Alto
Nobu will always have a special place in my heart because it's where i first tried fish and where i first tried raw fish and all the sushis and sashimis. These are actually some of my most favorite bites on earth; the truffle lobster, chilean sea bass, miso eggplant. just every single time i go it's so freaking good, i will never be bored of it. (Nobu)
