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Chef’s Kiss: The World’s Best Hotel Restaurants

From Michelin-starred dining in Singapore to Maldivian cuisine on desert island treetops, this is our pick of the world’s best hotel restaurants. 

Spectacular celebrity chef-designed tasting menus, one-of-a-kind backdrops and a commitment to plating the extraordinary set these restaurants apart. This is your invitation to experience the finer things in life, from ten courses of Japanese-inspired decadence in the heart of Singapore to grilled seafood served in a limestone grotto in Krabi. The best part? Each of these restaurants is connected to exceptional accommodation, meaning you won’t have to journey far from your room to experience one of the best meals of your life. 

Awtar, Grand Hyatt Dubai

Feast like a sultan as you dine beneath a massive luxury tent at the Grand Hyatt Dubai’s adults-only Arabian restaurant Awtar. Be transported to the streets of Lebanon as you feast on seafood platters, succulent shish taouk (chicken kebabs), crispy meat-stuffed lahme pastries and mezze sharing platters. Open only for dinner, a winning combination of belly-dancing acts, soulful music and an expansive cocktail and wine menu make for an enchanting evening.

Rick Stein at Bannisters, Bannisters Pavilion, Australia

Renowned British chef Rick Stein brings his signature cooking style to the South Coast of New South Wales at this refined hotel diner. The relaxed dining room, an extension of the hotel’s casual coastal style, is the perfect setting as not to draw attention away from the headliner: the seafood. With a kitchen motto of fresh seafood done simply, diners can expect their menu choices to encompass Sydney rock oysters and grilled Shark Bay scallops to barbecued kingfish collar, steamed whole snapper and chargrilled Ulladulla tuna. Wine pairing recommendations are available.

Flying Sauces, Soneva Fushi, Maldives

Everyday dining takes the backseat when you arrive – by zipline – at Flying Sauces, Soneva Fushi’s high-flying concept restaurant. After gliding over jungle treetops on the restaurant’s 200-metre-long zipline, experience an ever-changing menu co-designed by a rotating roster of acclaimed resident chefs, including Michael Wignall and Tim Raue. Expect new takes on old favourites: menu highlights have included chilled gazpacho soup topped with pink grapefruit, olives and almond cream and savoury-sweet teriyaki black cod served with artichoke puree. At twelve metres above the island’s golden sands, you’ll be perfectly placed to savour the iconic Maldivian sunset as it falls beneath the Indian Ocean.

346 reviewsOutstanding9.6
Baa Atoll, Maldives
Soneva Fushi
Maldives Private Island Barefoot Luxury with the World’s First Zipline Fine-Dining Experience
3 nights, 1 villa from
US$5,421 total with
Non-memberUS$4,122
Valued up to US$6,373-14%
View offer
10.0
David H.
We stayed at this property last year and I completely forgot to leave a review. This really was a fantastic stay, we spent half the stay in a overwater pool villa and half in a family villa. The family villa is lovely but if you can I would stretch to the overwater, it’s is a truly awesome experience (slide into the sea, retractable roof to see the stars at night etc.) We were there with our two girls and the whole team was fantastic. Snorkelling off the different restaurants was definitely a highlight but the team really make the stay special. One side of the island looks onto a local island, that doesn’t give you the quintessential Maldives views but on the plus side, if you need medical attention it’s 5 mins away (which we did for our daughter). We’ve stayed at a number of resorts in the Maldives and this is the one we want to go back to.
10.0
sovon a.
Soneva Resort has always felt less like a destination and more like a dream I’m still chasing. I haven’t had the chance to stay there yet, but everything I’ve seen and read about it makes it seem almost unreal—like a place where luxury, nature, and peace exist in perfect balance. From the iconic overwater villas to the “no news, no shoes” philosophy, Soneva isn’t just about comfort, it’s about an experience. The idea of waking up to endless ocean views, having a private pool, open-air bathrooms, and personalized service sounds incredible. What fascinates me even more is their focus on sustainability—eco-friendly luxury that doesn’t compromise on indulgence. What makes this place even more special (and a little painful 😅) is the price. A stay at Soneva literally costs around my entire CTC, which makes it feel both aspirational and slightly out of reach—for now. But that’s also what makes it a dream worth working toward. One day, I hope to experience it for real—walking barefoot on white sand, watching a movie under the stars, and finally understanding what true luxury feels like. Until then, Soneva remains on top of my bucket list.
10.0
Julis c.
Amazing hotel in the Maldives! The place is beautiful, clean, and peaceful — exactly what you want for a relaxing holiday. Our room was modern, comfortable, and had an incredible view of the ocean. The staff were so friendly and always ready to help. They made us feel welcome from the first day. The food was delicious with plenty of choices, and the beach was perfect with clear blue water. We truly enjoyed every moment here. A wonderful hotel for anyone looking for comfort, good service, and a beautiful island experience. Highly recommended! 🌴✨
10.0
Antoni D.
Our stay at Soneva Fushi was nothing short of extraordinary. From the very first moment until the last, we felt deeply cared for in a way that is both rare and unforgettable. A very special mention goes to Micky, our Barefoot Guardian, who looked after us from start to finish with an incredible balance of discretion, warmth, and efficiency. Always present, never intrusive—simply perfect. The culinary experience deserves its own standing ovation. The entire restaurant team was outstanding, led by the remarkable Chef Subah, whose vision and consistency elevate every outlet. Rahima at Fresh in the Garden made each visit feel personal and joyful, and Nimal, whom we seemed to encounter everywhere, was always attentively making sure everything (and everyone) was taken care of—especially during breakfast. Speaking of which: breakfast is absolutely mind-blowing, as are all the other outlets. The level of service and quality across the resort is exceptionally high and genuinely hard to match. The Spa: Soneva Soul is wonderful and so it is the gym, the jungle gym and the long walks on the sea shore! Our villa was equally impressive. We stayed in a Robinson Crusoe One Bedroom Villa with Pool, and it was perfection: ideal proportions, beautiful natural light, and an extraordinary sense of comfort. Quite honestly, it is one of the villas we have enjoyed the most in all our travels. We wholeheartedly recommend Soneva Fushi and will most definitely return. We had already stayed the previous year at Soneva Kiri, so expectations were already high—but Soneva Fushi still managed to exceed them. Thank you to the entire team for creating such a magical experience. Until next time. 💛

Darley’s Restaurant, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, Australia

With an ornate fireplace, crystal chandeliers and intricate artwork adorned on its walls, the multi-award-winning Darley’s Restaurant, housed in Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, exudes old-world elegance. Explore Darley’s innovative take on Australian cuisine, prepared from local, organic ingredients, which saw it gain two chef hats from the Australian Good Food Guide. Highlights include crispy dry-aged duck breast, flaky Murray cod, and venison tartare; finish your degustation on a sweet note with refreshing mandarin sorbet or caramelised apples topped with blackcurrants and cream. 

Brasserie 1930, Capella Sydney

Step into a bygone era at the decadent Brasserie 1930, a two-Chef Hat-winning bistro at the ultra-elegant Capella Sydney. Reflecting the personality of the hotel through its opulent designs, checkerboard tiles and monochromatic ceramics, Brasserie 1930 features a menu curated by Bentley Restaurant Group’s Head Chef and co-owner Brent Savage, covering oysters and caviar to southern rock lobster and whole roast duck. The restaurant’s wine program, crafted by Head Sommelier Nick Hildebrandt, is just as impressive, featuring over 400 international producers, including iconic Australian and European labels.

54 reviewsOutstanding9.8
Sydney, New South Wales
Capella Sydney
Landmark Five-Star Sydney Luxury in the Heart of the City with Two Restaurants, Bar & Tranquil Spa
1 night, 1 room from
US$685 total with
Non-memberUS$639
View offer
10.0
AnonymousAU
Convenient location, welcoming staff, good facility, kids loved the pool. Will stay again
10.0
AnonymousAU
Beautiful stay. Great service, food and facilities.
10.0
AnonymousSG
Excellent services, beautiful interior and building, most comfortable bed, huge room, everything is just perfect! We stayed for 3N and didn’t wana leave the hotel! This is truly a great hotel!
10.0
Mary H.AU · 6 escapes · 1 review
A truly beautiful stay !
10.0
AnonymousAU
One of the most beautiful hotels we’ve stayed at, from location to staff everything was wonderful.

Soleil, Mulia Bali

The award-winning Soleil restaurant, housed in Mulia Bali, overlooks the golden sands of Nusa Dua and has been declared by Architectural Digest as having the ‘Most Luxurious Brunch in the World’. Naturally, the Sunday Brunch is a must-try, with highlights including traditional Italian antipasti, a decadent seafood bar, a live grill with a vast selection of meats and a seasonally focused tropical dessert buffet. With internationally acclaimed chefs at the helm, Soleil is known for going the extra mile: expect freshly prepared seafood plucked directly from the Bali Sea, handmade pastas, complex Pan-Asian dishes and authentic Mediterranean favourites.  

316 reviewsOutstanding9.8
Nusa Dua, Bali
Mulia Villas
Luxury Escapes inclusions:
coffee_cupDaily breakfast at Living Room, The Lounge or The Café
wine_glass_and_beer_glassDaily free-flowing cocktails at Living Room or The Lounge
appleDaily afternoon tea at Living Room or The Lounge
appleDaily canapes at Living Room or The Lounge
+3 more
3 nights, 1 villa from
US$3,230 total with
Non-memberUS$2,770
Valued up to US$4,085-19%
View offer
10.0
AnonymousKR
또가고 싶을정도로 행복한 2박이였습니다.. 빌라 극구 추천드립니다
10.0
Amanda J.AU · 6 escapes · 2 reviews
2nd visit to Mulia Villas and it never disappoints. Exceptional service from all staff, beautiful villa, cleanliness is exceptional, nothing is too much they all go out of their way to help. The restaurants are all fabulous, we always do LE as you get so many extras and it's definitely worth it. LOVE IT
10.0
Paul P.AU · 11 escapes · 7 reviews
We have stayed multiple times at The Mulia and Mulia Villas now and every time we are blown away by the service.
10.0
Veronica O.AU · 8 escapes · 1 review
My Husband and I stayed at the Mulia villas for 5 nights and feel it really was not enough. It was a wonderful experience. Cannot fault anything. The villa, the pool, the staff, everything was so wonderful. Thank you Mulia team for a wonderful experience!
10.0
Darren S.AU · 4 escapes · 2 reviews
Just a simply amazing luxury resort. The restaurants and bars were fantastic, our villa was beautiful and the staff were absolutely incredible. We will definitely be back.

Koral Restaurant, The Apurva Kempinski Bali

Dive into an unforgettable dining experience at Koral, Bali’s first aquarium restaurant, located within the opulent beachfront resort The Apurva Kempinski Bali. Koral invites diners into a fantastic underwater world, with renowned chef Jean-Baptiste Natali plating modern cuisine that highlights the diversity and flavours of Bali’s spectacular coast. Don’t miss the restaurant’s extravagant tasting menus, with highlights including dry-aged grouper, a classic lobster bisque, Australian Wagyu beef and mango yuzu desserts. 

Tamarind, Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, Cairns, Australia

Daintree whole baby barramundi slathered in tangy tamarind-chilli sauce, melt-in-your-mouth Penang duck curry and a decadent plum pannacotta infused with Szechuan peppercorns: countless culinary delights await at the acclaimed Tamarind at Pullman Reef Hotel Casino Cairns. Featuring a contemporary menu of ‘Australian freestyle’ dishes, inspired by multiple cultures and cooking traditions from across the world, Tamarind also boasts an incredible cocktail list – highly recommended is the spicy mango, sesame and applewood-smoked old-fashioned. 

5.8 Undersea Restaurant, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Maldives

Experience the world’s largest all-glass underwater eatery at 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, located beneath the waters surrounding the adults-only Hurawalhi Island Resort. This multi-award-winning restaurant serves five or seven-course menus tailored for seafood lovers, meat eaters and vegans, refreshing with each new season. Savour Alaskan king crab topped with saffron foam, Maldivian saku tuna soaked in a chilli garlic emulsion or a stellar Kagoshima Wagyu beef tartare, presented with pickled shallots and madeira jelly. For an extra-special meal, allow the sommelier to guide you through the ideal wine pairing for every course. 

Waku Ghin, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Celebrity Japanese-Australian chef Tetsuya Wakuda’s Waku Ghin holds two Michelin stars and is designed as an ode to Singapore’s melting pot of cultures. Housed within the extraordinary Marina Bay Sands, this is Japanese culinary excellence at its finest: a showstopping menu, sourced from fresh seasonal ingredients, include marinated botan shrimp with sea urchin and caviar, and diners can opt for sushi omakase featuring rare delicacies like hotaruika (firefly squid) and ankimo (monkfish liver) in their intimate Sushi Room. For the ultimate indulgence, take a seat at the Chef’s Table for a 10-course degustation of seafood and premium meat cuts. 

374 reviewsOutstanding9.6
Singapore, Singapore
Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands Singapore Glamour with Rooftop Infinity Pool
3 nights, 1 room from
US$1,708total
Valued up to US$2,222-7%
View offer
10.0
AnonymousAU
Everything is perfect
10.0
AnonymousUS
if you can afford just pick to stay here as everything is so nearby and its just amazing just in the hotel !
10.0
AnonymousSG
We had an amazing girls' staycation at Marina Bay Sands! What made our experience even more special was the unexpected complimentary room upgrade. Such a wonderful surprise! The suite was absolutely stunning — spacious, luxurious, beautifully furnished and equipped with excellent amenities. The breathtaking views of Singapore's skyline were simply spectacular. We especially enjoyed the iconic infinity pool, both in the evening and during the day. It was definitely one of the highlights of our stay. We had such a memorable time relaxing, laughing and enjoying each other's company. The beautiful suite made our girls' getaway even more special. Thank you, Marina Bay Sands, for the lovely gesture and wonderful experience. Truly a memorable stay, and we would definitely love to return!
10.0
AnonymousSG
MBS made it special for the both of us as it was our wedding night stay. The facilities are so fancy and classy that we didn't fully know how to use them XD. Definitely lives up to its name, and reserved for special occasions!
10.0
David M.NZ · 6 escapes · 1 review
An incredible hotel. Visually amazing night and day. Breakfast buffet was an excellent start to the day. Great quality of food. Something for everyone. Start very professional and polite. Would stay here again next time in Singapore

Salted Egg, Quincy Hotel Melbourne

Tucked within Quincy Hotel Melbourne, Salted Egg serves playful twists on Southeast Asian favourites. Here, the flavours are tropical and the spices pack a punch: think Thai-style curries, the juiciest of dim sums, chilli scrambled eggs with crabs and whipped coconut cream desserts. Pair your picks with a sip from the wide selection of cocktails, from cocktails inspired by Melbourne to refreshing tiki cocktails. 

The Grotto, Rayavadee Krabi, Thailand

Hidden inside an ancient limestone cliff at the edge of Phra Nang Beach, The Grotto at Rayavadee offers an unparalleled dining experience with a spectacular backdrop. Explore Thailand’s fiery flavours with dishes like tom yum, salt-crusted whole red snapper with lemongrass and pandan and mango meringue. rich Australian Wagyu beef for a meal to remember. After something special? Dial up the romance with a sunset Twilight Menu beach feast, starring butter-brushed, yuzu-drizzled Andaman lobster, slow-braised lamb shoulder, lemongrass-scented wood-fired red snapper and tropical desserts.  

87 reviewsOutstanding9.6
Krabi, Thailand
Rayavadee
Luxury Escapes inclusions:
coffee_cupDaily breakfast
crossed_utensils_with_plusTHB2,000 resort credit per package
taxiRoundtrip transfers from Krabi Airport
3 nights, 1 room from
US$1,977 total with
Non-memberUS$1,735
View offer
10.0
AnonymousIL
The hotel is amazing and the service is different level
10.0
AnonymousIL
The hotel is amazing and the service is different level!
10.0
AnonymousTH
Rayavadee is easily one of my favourite places to stay in Krabi. The setting is absolutely beautiful and feels incredibly private and peaceful, surrounded by nature with access to three stunning beaches. The service was excellent throughout our stay, and we especially loved the restaurants. The steak was genuinely one of the best we’ve had. I also really like that the restaurants are mainly reserved for hotel guests, which keeps the whole experience quiet and exclusive. The resort itself has a very special atmosphere and is perfect for a relaxing family getaway. That said, the location, privacy and overall experience make Rayavadee very special. We would definitely come back.
10.0
AnonymousIL
We had an incredible stay at this beautiful hotel. The service was truly top-notch, and every detail exceeded our expectations. The bedding was incredibly comfortable, the room amenities were luxurious, and the entire property was impeccably maintained. The pool and beach are absolutely stunning and unlike anywhere else. Grotto Restaurant was another highlight of our stay, the food was excellent, the service was outstanding, and the breathtaking views of the beach and towering limestone cliffs created an unforgettable atmosphere. A truly special experience from start to finish. We can’t wait to come back!
10.0
AnonymousTH
Very good service.

Looking for more gastronomic inspiration? Read Spice Up Your Life: 23 of Thailand’s Best Restaurants.

Feature Image: 5.8 Undersea Restaurant. Source: Hurawalhi Island Resort, Maldives.

Written by Sohinee Basu

Dedicated dumpling and popcorn lover, this teeny-tiny adult kid loves all things words, travel, cinema, Roger Federer and Plath. She can be easily discovered gushing about the latest cocktail bar in town, planning her next trip, soaking up seaside sunsets or scouring for the hottest chillis on the planet.
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