There’s no shortage of great restaurants on this planet, but only a select few can be considered influential. The latter inspires future generations of chefs and diners to crave something different – and it can manifest in countless ways. It’s the avant-garde cooking techniques that blow your mind and the sustainability efforts that give you hope. These dining destinations are helmed by chefs who are blazing a new path forward, trends be damned.
And they’re not just Michelin heavyweights. The world’s most influential restaurants come in many shapes and sizes – they’re underdogs, bygone kitchens and fast food chains. After all, influence is really determined by the eye of the beholder. That’s why we turned to some of the world’s best chefs to share the restaurants that have left a lasting impression on them. Their answers – and, perhaps more importantly, their stories – offer a new perspective on some of the world’s top restaurants.
Craving more insider insight from the world’s best chefs? You’re in the right place. Talk to the Chef! is a weekly food series that taps into the minds of culinary leaders around the globe. The conversation changes just as often, and we’ll chat with chefs about everything from podcasts and kitchen equipment to travel and trends.