Where to Eat While Travelling: Restaurants Worth the Detour (By City)

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 lineup 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.

🇨🇦 Banff, Alberta

Fairmont Banff Springs — Especially worthwhile during the off-season, when the quieter pace makes it easier to enjoy the Fairmont Gold lounge, spa pools, hotel activities, and the history and atmosphere of the iconic castle-like property. Full review → Fairmont Banff Springs: Is Fairmont Gold Worth It?

🇨🇦 Canmore, Alberta

Crazyweed Kitchen — A relaxed Canmore restaurant with mountain views, an affordable wine list, and one of the better happy hours near Banff. The beef tartare, burrata and pickled fried chicken were excellent. Full review → Crazyweed Canmore Review: Happy Hour, and Mountain Views.

🇺🇸 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) → No reservations. 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 is 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) → Better than other fast food options on the Strip.
  • 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

Disclaimer: I pay for all my meals. No invitations or comped dining.