It’s been a tough couple of years for the hospitality industry, with restaurants and bars suffering the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent regulations and guidelines that were put in place to protect the public following the outbreak of the virus.

Our approach to eating out may well have shifted for the long-term, such is the impact COVID-19 has had on the restaurant industry and our attitudes to eating out in public, and it’s likely that what was a relatively frequent treat for individuals, couples, families, and work groups, may now become more of a luxury for us all.

With this in mind, we’ve come up with a list of the most highly respected restaurants in the world right now and the creme de la creme of the industry. Luxurious locations that you might want to give a try if you happen to be in the relevant locations they are situated in

These restaurants are among the top in the world for a multitude of reasons, from being the purveyors of exquisite dishes to those with stylish restaurant booths and decor that is to die for. Any of the five on our list are essentially must-visit locations, so let’s take a closer look.

Noma, Copenhagen

This restaurant, perhaps the most famous in the world today, is located in Copenhagen and it’s very much on the high-end of the spectrum. Noma has been voted the best restaurant in the world by many relevant lists on a number of occasions since it opened 15 years ago.

The key element here is that the menu is made up entirely of ingredients from the Scandinavian region and is focused on foraged foods from the nearby area. The list of dishes available is a tad on the eccentric side for sure, including dried moss and ants (and, on occasion, mold), so be prepared in advance.

It offers menus that cover three seasons, depending on when you visit, one four-month period focuses on seafood, the next on vegetables, and the final is centred around game, and this is part of chef Rene Redzepi’s sustainable approach to the use of ingredients, and it’s charming but takes a little getting used to.

Among their most popular dishes are quail’s eggs, topped with fragrant berries and chorizo made from rose hips. Another trait of Noma is that your food is often served by the chef who prepared the meal instead of table staff, and this adds to the charm of the place.

Disfrutar, Barcelona

This restaurant, launched by three celebrated chefs, opened in 2014 and is fast becoming one of the trendiest places to eat in the whole of Europe. It’s a two-star Michelin restaurant, and as such, it’s clearly on the upscale end of things.

Here the presentation is key, with meals coming out as if they were museum exhibits, the bonus being they taste as fantastic as they look. The ceviche here is hugely popular, and we can well see why, and we recommend the 15-course ‘classic’ menu to really get to know just what Disfrutar is all about.

If you really want to give your taste buds a treat, then we suggest you order the Panchino bao bun, which is filled with Beluga caviar and is frankly out of this world. This elegant and modern restaurant is certainly one to visit if you happen to be in this part of the world but two things to factor in. Firstly, obviously, make a reservation (don’t just turn up and hope for the best), and if you are a vegetarian or vegan, then you may not have quite so much to select from.

Cosme, New York

This might well be the best Mexican restaurant outside Mexico, and it sits in the Flat Iron district of New York, and it’s ridiculously popular right now. Run by celebrated Mexican chef Enrique Olvera, this place is superb.

The dishes here are simple and authentic and so good you’ll be thinking about the tastes you’ve experienced for months after you’ve consumed them. The location is intimate and not as stuffy as you might think for a restaurant that is considered among the best in the world; it’s a great place to take a date.

The Duck Carnitas is one of their signature dishes, and we can well see why. Be warned; it’s a big dish, so don’t be afraid to take some home as leftovers. Their stuffed seafood avocado is another item that you simply have to try. A visit here for anyone with a penchant for a taste of Mexico will not be disappointed.

The Clove Club, London

Founded by Scottish chef Isaac McHale, this ‘modern British’ restaurant has been pulling in the punters since 2013 and is always a popular location for locals and tourists alike. You can opt for a full-tasting menu or a shorter five-course version; either way, be prepared with a stomach that is ready to take a pounding (in a good way).

Fish is very much the order of the day here, regardless of the season, with their Orkney scallops and mackerel sashimi being popular options that are sure to impress. This may be an upscale location, but the atmosphere is pleasantly relaxed, and the open kitchen means you can see precisely how your delicious dish is prepared.

Be sure to complete your meal with an apple tart Tatin doused in sour cream; you’ll thank us later.