Don’t feel like wasting time and money on restaurants when traveling? Everyone wants to eat their best meals when they go on vacation.
Scrolling through endless Yelp reviews trying to pick a restaurant becomes the norm. You end up wasting time visiting tourist-traps just for an average meal with a price tag you’d usually reserve for something special.
But luckily, veteran travelers know better. Planning meals ahead of time can mean the difference between a good vacation and a great vacation. So…
Want to know how you can plan awesome meals every time you travel?
What you’ll pick up:
- Why Dining Is the Biggest Vacation Splurge
- How To Pick Restaurants Like a Seasoned Traveler
- Why an 8 Course Tasting Menu Is Worth It
- The 5 Best Fine Dining Restaurants to Visit in Las Vegas
- Smart Tips for Booking Upscale Restaurants Abroad
Why Dining Is the Biggest Vacation Splurge
Here’s the thing…
Did you know dining is the number one thing travelers choose to splurge on when visiting a new city?
It’s true. In a recent survey, Americans say they’re most likely to splurge on dining experiences over activities or lodging when they travel.
That means that over half of all travelers put eating above all else. Restaurants and food become the priority.
The dinner you have on vacation is the memory that sticks with you long after you’ve returned home and forgotten about your hotel room.
The problem is…
Knowing that meals are important, most travelers never discover the restaurants worth traveling for. Too often travelers fall back on typical top-10 style lists.
Seasoned travelers understand that often the restaurants worth visiting are off the beaten path. They know how to find upscale restaurants that are worth spending your hard earned money on.
Las Vegas, NV is one of the premiere destinations to find upscale restaurants to satisfy any palette.
How To Pick Restaurants Like a Seasoned Traveler
Picking the perfect restaurant while traveling isn’t easy. It’s easy to get bogged down with all of the reviews and find yourself going to a place that’s “good” versus a place that’s unforgettable.
Thankfully, there’s a methodology that most veteran travelers swear by. Here’s how you can pick restaurants like a seasoned traveler every time you visit a new city.
Look up restaurants before you go.
Too many people rely on big-name travel sites to find restaurants. Instead, do some research on local food blogs.
Real people who eat at restaurants all the time write these. The best restaurants will show up on multiple blogs and sites.
Look at the menu online.
Take a peek at the menu, if there is one online. A good restaurant will change their menu with the seasons.
They should be proud of the food they serve and want you to check it out before you go.
Are you dining at a place that serves an 8 course tasting menu? Even better. Restaurants with amazing tasting menus take pride in the quality of their food.
They want you to know what you’re getting ahead of time.
Seasoned travelers know to look for restaurants that pride themselves on their menus.
Why an 8 Course Tasting Menu Is Worth It
Tasting menus is big business.
Checking off restaurants with “experience dining” or “tasting menus” on Yelp is more popular than ever. OpenTable reports there’s been a 27% increase in customers looking for experience dining year over year.
What’s the big deal about tasting menus? Why do so many well-seasoned travelers recommend visiting restaurants that offer them?
Here’s the thing about a tasting menu: They’re incredible.
Take an 8 course tasting menu as an example.
Eight Courses = Eight Distinct Dishes
You get to try eight different dishes that are meticulously prepared by the restaurant’s top chefs. Each dish is crafted to impress.
Guests Know What They’re Getting
A restaurant that offers an 8 course tasting menu knows exactly what food they’ll be serving to you.
There’s no surprises with the dishes that are part of the tasting menu.
More Details, With Love
Tasting menus allow restaurants to show you exactly what they can do.
Each plate is explained with care and attention when served. They can even make the plating part of the experience.
Bottom Line?
Seasoned travelers know that if a restaurant has a tasting menu, it’s worth splurging.
Taking your time and enjoying an 8 course tasting menu means spending more time tasting flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
The 5 Best Fine Dining Restaurants to Visit in Las Vegas
Want to discover upscale restaurants in Vegas? The city is quickly becoming a world-class dining destination. Forget what you thought you knew about dining in Vegas.
Looking for upscale restaurants in Las Vegas? No buffet here. This list contains 5 of the absolute best fine dining restaurants serving up tasting menus that rival any big city.
They’re the best restaurants to visit if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience the next time you’re in Vegas.
1. Stubborn Seed
Chef Jeremy Ford is serving up some of the most creative meals in Vegas. Stubborn Seed’s kitchen plays with your perception of hot and cold, delivers bold flavors, and presents each dish like edible art.
The dishes range from dry-aged steak served with stoneground chicken butter to their cheesiest mac & cheese served tableside.
It’s one of Vegas’s best upscale restaurants that was recently awarded a Michelin star.
2. Joel Robuchon
A true staple in Vegas’s fine dining scene. Joel Robuchon is a French restaurant with three Michelin stars located inside MGM Grand.
If you’re looking for modern French food with old-world technique, this place won’t disappoint.
3. É by José Andrés
Head Chef José Andrés’ restaurant, É, is hidden inside the Cosmopolitan. It’s an upscale counter-style restaurant that only seats 12 guests per night.
Expect unique dishes like strawberry mojitos, marinated galician seafood, and jamón ibérico.
4. Wing Lei
Experience fine Chinese dining at Wing Lei. Located inside the Wynn, Wing Lei is Vegas’s only Michelin star Chinese restaurant.
Authentic Cantonese meals are served in an upscale environment with bold, satisfying flavors.
5. Picasso
If you’re looking for something that fills up your stomach and your eyes, Picasso is the place to dine. Located inside of Bellagio, with views of the fountain, Picasso boasts a French Spanish tasting menu.
The venue itself is filled with artwork from none other than Picasso.
Smart Tips for Booking Upscale Restaurants Abroad
Booking restaurants before traveling isn’t difficult. Here are some tips to know when booking upscale restaurants abroad.
Book Reservations Early
The first tip to booking upscale restaurants abroad? Simple. Book as early as possible.
Popular restaurants fill up quickly, so booking as far in advance will help you not miss out.
Go During the Week
Dining during the week usually means you’ll receive better service.
This is typically due to less clientele than during the busy weekend.
Ask Your Concierge
If you’re staying at a hotel, ask your concierge to help book you a spot.
They usually have connections with restaurants and are more than happy to help.
Ask About Special Menus
When calling to make that reservation, ask if the restaurant offers any exclusive menus.
You’ll be surprised to find some restaurants offer special tasting menus or seasonal dishes not listed online.
Bringing It All Together
Knowing where to eat while traveling is crucial to any vacation. It’s not just about eating — it’s about taking the time to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Seasoned travelers know that rushing through meals takes away from the experience. An 8 course tasting menu is the perfect way to spend an evening tasting dishes you don’t find anywhere else.
To eat at your best while traveling…
- Research restaurants online before you go.
- Visit local restaurants with seasonal menus.
- Don’t be afraid of menus that lay it all out front.
- Book those tasting menus well in advance.
- Try an 8 course tasting menu when you can.
Meals don’t have to be an afterthought when you travel. Be a smart traveler who plans your meals just as you would plan your trip.
