SingleThread
The great American road trip is almost mythic in status and there’s no place better for it than the sun-drenched Golden State on the west coast. Starting from LA and heading north through San Francisco and Santa Rosa eventually leads you to unassuming Healdsburg, the site of SingleThread. A three Michelin star farm restaurant and inn set in the home state of executive chef Kyle Connaughton. It features a 10-course tasting menu with seasonal ingredients sourced directly from their farm. It’s also based in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country.
Where: 131 North Street, Healdsburg, California, USA
Bookings: singlethreadfarms.com
Lido 84
Coming down from the Alps into Italy (perhaps after a trip to Switzerland’s premier resort town St Moritz) you encounter Lake Garda and it’s there on the shores of the lake where you’ll find Lido 84. Despite its name, it’s not actually a swimming pool, it’s a Michelin star restaurant with a menu featuring dishes like Fior di latte ice cream, Bagòss cheese tortellini, Stracchino cheese and sardine risotto, as part of their seasonal tasting menu, with ingredients like their raw mountain milk sourced locally.
Where: Corso Giuseppe Zanardelli, 196, 25083 Gardone Riviera BS, Italy
Bookings: ristorantelido84.com
El Chato
If you’re cruising through the many national parks of Colombia, there’s a good chance you’ll visit Bogotá. El Chato is an award-winning contemporary Colombian bistro that celebrates regional ingredients and local Colombian suppliers. And it’s the only Colombian restaurant that finds a place on the official World’s 50 Best Restaurants year after year, securing its status as a gastronomic leader in Latin America.
Where: Cl. 65 #4-76, Chapinero, Alto, Bogotá, Colombia
Bookings: elchato.co
La Colombe
La Colombe has the distinction of being awarded the Best Restaurant in Africa, which is quite the commendation. It makes use of its African heritage in its menus with dishes like Namibian crab, while also embracing an international outlook with kimchi and lasagna. The kitchen is overseen by renowned chef James Gaag, who first joined La Colombe as a student before rising to sous chef before leaving on international travels to gain experience. Upon his return he took up a position back at La Colombe as head chef, bringing with him a blend of local and international experience.
Where: Silvermist Wine Estate, Main Road, Constantia Nek, Cape Town, 7806, South Africa
Bookings: lacolombe.restaurant
Schloss Schauenstein
An alternative road trip starting in St Moritz, rather than taking you into Italy, heads further into Switzerland, where you can discover Schloss Schauenstein. A three Michelin star restaurant and guest house with a choice of three, four or five course menus inspired by the landscape and ingredients from the Graubünden mountain region. As a mainstay of luxury dining since 2009, they have the experience and confidence to make a trip specifically to visit them worth it.
Where: Schauenstein Castle, Obergass 15, CH-7414, Fürstenau
Bookings: schauenstein.ch
Ristorante Reale
Operated by brother and sister duo Niko and Christiana Romito, Ristorante Reale is a three Michelin star establishment in the Italian heartland of Abruzzo. It’s roughly halfway between Rome and Naples (if you go a little out of your way) and if that doesn’t sound like a summer road trip then I don’t know what does. It features a seasonally changing tasting menu following the research of chef Niko. The Casadonna Hotel and complex where the restaurant is based is also home to the Niko Romito Academy, meaning it’s a site of culinary growth and teaching of the highest level.
Where: Contrada Piana Santa Liberata, 67031 Castel di Sangro AQ, Italy
Bookings: nikoromito.com
Quique Dacosta
If you want to take in the Balearic Sea, why not start your road trip at the restaurant Quique Dacosta before heading up to Valencia and taking the ferry across the Balearic Islands. Quique Dacosta is the eponymous restaurant of Chef Quique Dacosta, who has studied the art of gastronomy since he was 14 years old with a professional career spanning gourmet restaurants across Spain. He’s known for his tasting menus and tapas, having literally written the book on the subject.
Where: Carrer Rascassa, 1, 03700 Dénia, Alicante, Spain
Bookings: quiquedacosta.es
