It’s easy to end up with a forgettable meal when you don’t know the area. These are the restaurants I’d go back to. Prices listed in the posts have likely changed by a few dollars due to inflation.
🇯🇵 Tokyo, Japan
- Harajuku Gyoza Lou (Tokyo, Japan) → The long lineup is worth the wait. Delicious gyoza and refreshing lemon sours at dirt cheap prices.
- Iroriya Higashiginzaten (Tokyo, Japan) → Try the famous Ikura bowl and watch the servers come out with the drums and theatrics. Better yet, no lineups if you book a reservation via TableCheck.
- Yakitori Sanki (Tokyo, Japan) → Excellent yakitori and sake. My number one pick for Tokyo. Book your reservation via TableCheck.
🇨🇦 Montreal, Quebec
- Vin Mon Lapin (Montreal, Quebec) → Wonderful natural wines and strong starters. Book well in advance through OpenTable.
- Le Vin Papillon (Montreal, Quebec) → My favourite spot in Montreal, even better than Vin Mon Lapin. Book through OpenTable. If you can’t get a reservation, try walking in late in the evening, after 10:00 p.m.
- Olive et Gourmando (Montreal, Quebec) → Now accepting reservations on their website. If you don’t have a reservation, expect to wait at least an hour during brunch. The sandwiches are my go-to dishes.
🇺🇸 Boston, Massachusetts
- Oleana (Boston, Massachusetts) → Make a reservation through Oleana’s website. This was the best meal we ate in Boston. Service is excellent.
- Neptune Oyster (Boston, Massachusetts) → Expect to wait in line for the best raw clams and fried oysters. So good, I came twice.
- Peach Farm (Boston, Massachusetts) → Must go if you like Cantonese-style lobster.
- James Hook (Boston, Massachusetts) → Touristy for sure, but if you’ve never had a lobster roll, this is the place to go. The rolls are packed with the plumpest, juiciest lobster meat.
🇬🇷 Greece
- Atlantikos (Athens, Greece) → Expect a line-up. This is the spot for cheap and delicious seafood.
- To Elliniko (Naxos, Greece) → You can make a reservation online on To Ellinko’s website. This was my favourite restaurant in Greece, try the fish and other local specialities.
- Meraki (Santorini, Greece) → The most local and affordable restaurant to eat in Santorini. You won’t regret going.
🇬🇧 UK (Liverpool, Newcastle, London, Edinburgh)
- Belzan (Bib Gourmand) (Liverpool, England) → Come at 5:00 p.m. for the early fixed-price menu: two courses for £35 or three courses & a glass of wine for £49. You’ll need to Uber out to Belzan if you are staying in the heart of Liverpool.
- Yanni’s Fish and Chips (Liverpool, England) → Conveniently located in the city centre. Order the fresh, lightly battered fish.
- Geordie Bangers (Newcastle upon Tyne, England) → Excellent sausages and meat pies. This is a must visit spot if you are in Newcastle.
- The Broad Chare, Bib Gourmand (Newcastle upon Tyne, England) → Lovely beers and bites in the pub section. Reservations are needed for the upstairs restaurant.
- Salt Horse (Edinburgh, Scotland) → Incredible list of beers and some tasty burgers. Very reasonable prices for Edinburgh.
- Prince of Wales Pub (London, England) → Indian grilled meats and curries in a pub atmosphere.
🇲🇽 Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
- Pezcabo (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico) → Torres de Mariscos ($12 US), Sierra Instante tosado ($6 US). If you aren’t a walker, I would recommend getting an Uber to Pezcabo. It’s an out-of-the-way spot.
- Taco spots in Cabo (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico) → As a Canadian, I bring pesos for a better return. Note that each place usually does one or two taco particularly well.
🇺🇸 Las Vegas, Nevada
- Raku (Las Vegas) → Off strip. Popular spot for yakitori and tofu. Make a reservation via telephone (702) 367-3511.
- Shang Artisan Noodle House (Las Vegas) → Off strip. Good option for hand pulled noodles.
- Bobby’s Burgers (Las Vegas)
- Lefty’s J’s Island (Las Vegas) → Off strip. Popular place for Hawaiian combos, like short ribs, fried chicken, BBQ meats, and macaroni salad.
Cities I’d Return To Just to Eat Again
- Greece
- Tokyo
- Montreal
Hitting the Sauce 