Ranked: the world's bucket-list restaurant dishes everyone should try

The ultimate foodie bucket list

Some restaurant dishes are so legendary that food lovers will travel across the globe to seek them out. And we’re not just talking about high-end, expensive food here; some of the world’s greatest dishes are served at humble spots you might otherwise overlook. Here, we reveal the amazing restaurant dishes that should be on everyone's bucket list, from once-in-a-lifetime meals at Michelin-starred restaurants to cult-favourite fast food dishes and soul-nourishing comfort food.

Read on to discover the world's tastiest culinary gems worth a journey, counting down to the tastiest of them all.

We've based our ranking on the enduring popularity of each dish in its place of origin and beyond, and on the opinions of our well-travelled (and well-fed) team. The list is unavoidably subjective.

43. Älplermagronen at Alpgschwänd, Hergiswil, Switzerland

The original mac ’n’ cheese, Älplermagronen (or Alpine macaroni) is a decadent dish from the Alpine region of Switzerland, consisting of pasta, potatoes and onions, bound together in a rich cream and cheese sauce. For a real Alpine adventure, head to Alpgschwänd – an idyllic mountain farm that’s only accessible via gondola (unless you’re a skilled mountaineer, that is). Locals say the remote spot makes the best version of the hefty carb feast you can get, and the breathtaking views seal the deal.

42. Pollo a la brasa at Pardos Chicken, Lima, Peru

Deliciously crispy on the outside, moist and juicy on the inside, pollo a la brasa (which simply translates to 'roast chicken') is one of Peru's most beloved national dishes. To make it, a whole chicken is marinated in a zingy blend of spices and herbs, then cooked slowly on a rotisserie – either over an open flame or in an oven. Lima is peppered with rotisserie chicken chains, but Pardos is the go-to spot to try the dish at its very best. Founded in 1986, the chain has branches all over Peru, and has amassed a loyal following for its supremely tasty chicken and homemade sauces.

41. Moreton Bay bug spaghettini at Il Bacaro, Melbourne, Australia

Don't be put off by the name – Moreton Bay bugs are actually flathead or skipper lobsters, named after a bay in Brisbane, Queensland. They have a stronger taste than other varieties of lobster and are the centrepiece of one of Melbourne’s most iconic restaurant dishes – Moreton Bay bug spaghettini, which is served at old-school Italian spot Il Bacaro. The simple but sensational dish consists of juicy lobster, delicate homemade spaghettini, garlic, chilli and rocket. It's been on the menu for a quarter of a century, so you know it’s something special.

40. Pizza fritta at Pizzeria De' Figliole, Naples, Italy

The lesser-known cousin of Neapolitan pizza, pizza fritta (or fried pizza) is a legendary Italian street food whose humble beginnings stretch back to the Second World War, when people didn’t have easy access to pizza ovens. It consists of a particularly light and fluffy dough that's stuffed with classic pizza ingredients, then fried carefully in hot oil until golden brown, puffy and crispy. Tucked away in the backstreets of Naples, Pizzeria De' Figliole is the temple of pizza fritta, offering just a few different flavour options – including a sweet version stuffed with Nutella. It’s a dish best consumed piping hot from a piece of greasy paper.

39. Bacon Naan Roll at Dishoom, various locations, UK

There are regular bacon sandwiches, and then there’s the Dishoom Bacon Naan Roll. Dishoom is a small British chain that pays homage to the old Irani cafés of Bombay, and its wildly popular twist on the classic British breakfast dish is more than worth the hype. The restaurant’s zingy, spicy version sees super-crispy streaky bacon, cream cheese, fresh herbs and homemade chilli jam stuffed inside blistered, warm-from-the-tandoor naan bread. Perfect with a cup of chai or a mango lassi!

38. Chả cá Lã Vọng at Cha Ca La Vong, Hanoi, Vietnam

Vietnam is a food lover's paradise brimming with amazing dishes, but in Hanoi there’s a particularly iconic delicacy that begs to be tried: chả cá Lã Vọng. It’s a bright, light and spicy dish of turmeric-fried fish cooked with vermicelli, dill, ginger, galangal, onions and shrimp paste. It was invented at Hanoi’s Cha Ca La Vong restaurant back in 1871. Today the original spot still only serves this signature dish, and guests eat it from charcoal burners at communal tables.

37. Foie gras poutine at Au Pied de Cochon, Montreal, Canada

If you’re in need of a quick comfort food fix, it doesn’t get much better than poutine – ideally served from a no-frills roadside stand. But for something a bit more elegant, Montreal fine-dining institution Au Pied de Cochon is famous for its elevated take on Canada’s signature dish. The poutine here still has all the classic hallmarks of the fast food version (perfectly crispy fries, squeaky cheese and rich, dark gravy), but all the flavours are all ramped up to the next level. The classic poutine is delicious enough, but the decadent foie gras version, made with duck fat fries, a decadent duck gravy and buttery foie gras, is out of this world.

36. Hot chicken at Prince's Hot Chicken, Nashville, Tennessee, USA

You can grab a plate of tongue-tingling fried chicken at restaurants all over Nashville, Tennessee, but Prince's remains the gold standard for the simple but iconic dish of crunchy fried chicken doused in a spicy sauce. The story goes that the fast food favourite was invented by accident in the 1930s by founder Thornton Prince – and these days, the bustling chicken shop is still run by his family. The concise menu features whole wings, legs, breast, tenders and sandwiches, all smothered in a spice mix that ranges in strength from plain to blazing XXX hot.

35. Nyama choma at The Carnivore Restaurant, Nairobi, Kenya

For an unforgettable taste of nyama choma – which literally means 'grilled meat' in Swahili – head to this buzzy outdoor dining hotspot, where you can feast on a huge variety of local meats, roasted over an enormous charcoal fire at the centre of the restaurant. Alongside juicy steaks, lamb and grilled chicken you’ll also find goat, crocodile, ostrich and all kinds of sizzling game meats, which are served tableside by an army of carvers.

34. Francesinha at Majestic Café, Porto, Portugal

One of Porto’s most elegant cafés also happens to serve its most joyfully unsophisticated delicacy. Dating back to 1921, Café Majestic is a Belle Époque gem with mirror-lined walls and opulent period features. Alongside elegant cakes and afternoon teas, the spot also serves a sensational Francesinha sandwich. Portugal’s take on croque monsieur consists of Portuguese sausage, ham and roast beef, served with a fried egg and an incredibly rich beer and cheese sauce. The city may have more famous Francesinha spots, but none are as gorgeous as Majestic Café.

33. Gelato at Gelateria Pepino, Turin, Italy

Gelato aficionados flock to Europe’s oldest – and possibly the world’s finest – ice cream parlour in Turin, where well-turned-out staff scoop gelato into cups with due reverence. Plough through the medley of hazelnut ice cream, chocolate ice cream, vanilla ice cream, mint stracciatella, sorbet and gianduja, before finally sampling a famous Pinguino popsicle (the first-ever ice cream on a stick).

32. Pad Thai at Thipsamai, Bangkok, Thailand

Queues snake around the block long before this Bangkok restaurant opens, but it’s well worth the wait – Thipsamai is the place to taste an original version of Thailand’s most famous dish. A sweet and spicy egg-wrapped combination of noodles, prawns and prawn-oil sauce, pad Thai is a comfort food classic.

31. Ah Yat Abalone at Forum Restaurant, Hong Kong

Abalone is one the most expensive shellfish you can eat, and fans say there’s nothing quite like its sweet, buttery and slightly salty flavour. For a taste of the best, head to Hong Kong’s legendary three-Michelin-starred Forum. Founded in 1977 by the late Yeung Koon-yat – a celebrity chef who was affectionately known as ‘the abalone king’ – the restaurant’s signature dish is Ah Yat Abalone, which is said to taste like a cross between scallops and foie gras. The dish is made by soaking the shellfish in water for 24 hours, then simmering it for over 10 hours in a special sauce, which gives the dish its distinctive flavour.

30. Choux à la crème at Odette, Paris, France

Where else would you go in search of the world's most exquisite pâtisserie treats, but Paris? Odette is world-renowned for its perfect choux à la crème, colourful cream puffs loved for their melt-in-the-mouth pastry, creamy custard filling and delicate frosting. They’re available in several classic flavours, including chocolate, vanilla, caramel, praline and pistachio, but there are some incredible seasonal varieties, too. The shop is located in a charming, cobbled side street, so pull up a seat outside, order an espresso and a cream puff, and prepare for the quintessential Parisian experience.

29. Jerk Chicken Lasagna at Rasta Pasta, Toronto, Canada

Jerk spice and lasagne are a combination that probably shouldn't work, but Rasta Pasta makes it happen. This much-loved Italian fusion spot in Toronto’s Kensington Market has a dedicated fanbase for its signature Jerk Chicken Lasagna, a saucy, spicy delight that sees punchy jerk chicken nestled between layers of pasta, in your choice of Alfredo or rich tomato cream sauce. The Reggae Lasagna, a vegetarian version made with layers of ricotta, mozzarella and steamed callaloo, comes a close second.

28. Famous Smash Burger at Neon Pig, Tupelo, Mississippi, USA

When it comes to fast food burgers, the USA has too many amazing options to list. However, if it's fancy, elevated burgers you're after, you can't go wrong with a visit to Neon Pig. Burger lovers travel from across the globe to this old-school butcher's shop and restaurant to try its Famous Smash Burger, which has twice been named the best in America. Made with a special grind of aged beef fillet, sirloin, rib-eye, shoulder, New York strip and Benton’s bacon – and packed with onions, pickles and barbecue sauce – it's almost too delicious to describe.

27. Döner kebab at Mustafa's Gemüse Kebap, Berlin, Germany

You’ll probably see the huge queue before you actually spot Mustafa's, a famed Berlin kebab stand that attracts crowds of tourists (many of whom head straight to the spot from the airport) – but it’s safe to say that the phenomenal kebabs served here are worth the hype. Every element of the stall's signature chicken döner kebab is pure perfection; soft, warm, fluffy pitta breads are stuffed to the gills with fresh griddled vegetables, feta cheese, juicy slices of chicken and plenty of secret sauce. It's still heavenly if you opt to leave out the meat.

26. Plankstek at Villa Godthem, Stockholm, Sweden

This delightfully old-school dish – featuring steak that's cooked and served on a wooden plank, surrounded by piped potatoes – was all the rage in Sweden in the 1970s. It's undergoing a bit of a revival at the moment, but it's been the signature dish at Villa Godthem for decades. This throwback spot, located in Stockholm's central Djurgården island, dates back to the 19th century. It serves a superlative rendition of the iconic dish, featuring tender striploin steak, bacon, green beans, a baked tomato, béarnaise sauce and duchess potatoes.

25. Suya at University of Suya, Lagos, Nigeria

Suya is Nigerian street food at its finest. To make it, juicy skewers of beef or chicken are generously seasoned in a fiery-hot dry marinade (made with ground peanuts and red peppers), then roasted over an open charcoal grill. University of Suya, a buzzy, no-frills spot that’s open pretty much 24 hours a day, is a mecca for the delicacy. In fact, it's widely regarded as the finest suya spot in all of Lagos. It really comes alive at night, attracting large crowds of locals to feast on perfectly charred beef, chicken gizzards, tripe and kidneys.

24. Avocado Tatemado Tacos at Tizne Tacomotora, Mexico City, Mexico

It goes without saying that Mexico City is a haven for taco lovers, with literally thousands of taquerías to visit. But for something different, head to Tizne Tacomotora, a fusion restaurant that takes inspiration from China, Lebanon, Japan and beyond. There are loads of punchy fillings to try, but the must-order is the simple but sensational Avocado Tatemado – an avocado half that’s seasoned with a punchy and salty spice mix, then smoked and charred over an open flame until wonderfully caramelised. Served on house-made blue corn tortillas with salsa, it’s a triumph of taste and texture.

23. Kobe beef at Dining Mouriya, Kobe, Japan

Kobe beef comes from wagyu cattle raised in the Hyogo region of Japan. Its rich flavour and tender texture make it highly desirable (and pretty pricey) – but for steak fans, there’s no better meat. For a really special dining experience, head straight to the source. Kobe is a foodie city with plenty of steak restaurants, but Dining Mouriya is said to be the best of all. The kitchen strictly selects high-quality beef from Tajima cattle, the breeding cattle of Kobe, which are fattened for 32 months to maintain the quality of their subtle, tender and deeply savoury meat.

22. Roast Bone Marrow and Parsley Salad, St John, London, England, UK

Known for popularising nose-to-tail cooking, chef Fergus Henderson celebrates the simple joy of traditional British foods like pies, kippers and Welsh rarebit at his trio of St John restaurants. The menus at all three branches change with the seasons, but one thing you’ll always find is the cult-favourite Roast Bone Marrow and Parsley Salad. The dish combines wobbling, melt-in-the-mouth veal marrow (served still on the bone) with crisp toast, grains of sea salt and a slightly piquant parsley salad, which cuts through the meal's glorious richness.

21. Miso Black Cod at Matsuhisa, Los Angeles, California, USA

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's eponymous California restaurant opened in the 1980s – and when Hollywood stars flocked there to try his signature dish, he instantly shot to fame, later going on to launch the Nobu chain with none other than Robert De Niro. His iconic Miso Black Cod recipe is famous for a reason; the buttery and luxurious fish is soaked for several days in a salty-sweet miso marinade, resulting in a silky, deeply seasoned delicacy. These days the dish is sold at Nobu outposts all over the world, but we think the original LA hotspot, Matsuhisa, is still the best place to try it.

20. Macarons at Ladurée, Paris, France

Located on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, Ladurée's original store dates back to the mid-19th century, when Pierre Desfontaines first thought of taking two macaron shells and joining them together with a delicious ganache filling. An exquisite tea shop opened up above the pâtisserie so that people could enjoy their macarons straight away. Customers still visit in their droves today to snack on the classic sweet treat surrounded by acres of rich fabrics, and walls painted in soft green and gold.

19. Spaghettieis at Eis Fontanella, Mannheim, Germany

Spaghettieis, or spaghetti ice cream, is a cult-favourite German ice cream sundae designed to resemble a plate of spaghetti. To make it, vanilla ice cream is pushed through a spätzle press or potato ricer, turning it into noodle shapes. It's then topped with strawberry sauce and white chocolate shavings to resemble tomato sauce and shaved Parmesan. The uncanny creation was invented in the late 1960s by second-generation gelato parlour owner Dario Fontanella at Eis Fontanella in Mannheim, and it’s still a best-seller today.

18. Afternoon tea at Bettys Café Tea Rooms, Harrogate, England, UK

Afternoon tea is treated as a fine art at Bettys, a legendary Yorkshire tearoom that was established by a Swiss confectioner back in 1919. Over the years it's grown into a small chain with five branches – but its flagship Harrogate location is the real draw, with its old-fashioned charm and impeccable bakes. Food lovers from all corners of the world regularly queue down the street to get a taste of its delicate, perfectly made finger sandwiches, elegant cakes and hand-picked teas. Don’t come away without trying the Fat Rascal – the tea room's signature plump, extra-fruity scone.

17. Mole at Casa Oaxaca, Oaxaca City, Mexico

For an unforgettable meal that celebrates the rich heritage of Oaxacan cuisine, head to Casa Oaxaca: an elegant 18th-century colonial townhouse housing chef Alejandro Ruíz's acclaimed restaurant and hotel. Oaxaca City is generally considered to be Mexico's gastronomic heart, and Alejandro is a global ambassador for Oaxacan cuisine – particularly mole. His dishes put a modern twist on classic regional dishes, so expect the likes of rich and creamy white mole drizzled on crispy duck, and tender beef tongue with an umami-rich caper mole.

16. Tunday kebab at Tunday Kababi, Lucknow, India

Lucknow’s signature melt-in-the-mouth Tunday kebab (also known as galouti kebab) has an amazing history – it was first served to royalty in the 17th century, and was originally flavoured with a whopping 160 different spices. To make it, minced lamb or mutton is bathed in a secret marinade (which includes everything from ground papaya to coconut), before being formed into patties and fried in ghee. The best place to try the dish is Tunday Kababi, which was founded in 1905. These days it's one of the city’s most loved restaurants, famous for its sensational buffalo meat version.

15. Canard de Rouen à la Presse at Otto's French Restaurant, London, England, UK

Order Otto's Canard de Rouen à la Presse (pressed Rouen duck) – a 19th-century dish that sees a cooked duck carcass crushed in a silver press at the table – and you'll get a side of theatre with your meal. Lots of brandy, plenty of drama and a big silver contraption all play a part in this three-course dining experience for two. Restaurants don’t get more unashamedly old-school than Otto's, whose other signature dishes include duck pie with truffle sauce, pressed lobster, and all kinds of game meat, depending on the season.

14. Best Pizza at Pequod's Pizza, Chicago, Illinois, USA

If you want to get your hands on the greatest Chicago deep-dish pizza of all, head to Pequod's. Ranked as the number one pizza place in the whole of America by Yelp, the local institution opened in 1970. It's famed for its pies' amazingly crisp, cheesy edges, achieved by placing a ring of mozzarella around the rim of the pan; the cheese caramelises as the pizza cooks, forming an amazingly dark crust. Topping options are kept simple here – Pequod's recommends diners add no more than five for the best result.

13. Tagine at Al Fassia, Marrakech, Morocco

Al Fassia might be one of Marrakech’s most famous restaurants, but the gorgeous spot is still a local favourite – which is always a good sign. The kitchen is run entirely by women, and serves up the kind of hearty traditional cooking you’d normally only experience in someone’s home. Diners rave about the crisp pigeon pastilla (a salty-sweet pastry) and the mezze platters, but it's the authentic tagines that really stand out, delivering layer upon layer of complex flavours and textures. The go-to order is Tagine de Poulet à la courge caramélisée (chicken tagine with caramelised squash), but all of the tagines here are exceptional.

12. Pastrami sandwich at Katz's Delicatessen, New York City, New York, USA

Founded in 1888, this foodie institution has been giving hungry New Yorkers the best sandwich experience money can buy for well over 100 years. The iconic deli has appeared in countless TV shows and movies – most famously, When Harry Met Sally – and is loved by tourists and locals alike, so you can expect to wait for a table. However, the enormous pastrami sandwiches, simply served on seedless rye bread with a healthy schmear of deli mustard, are well worth the wait. The pastrami at Katz's is cured slowly for up to 30 days, resulting in impossibly juicy, tender meat.

11. Picanha steak at Churrascaria Majórica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Picanha – a tender and flavour-packed cut of beef taken from the top of the rump – is a national obsession in Brazil, and you’ll find it pretty much everywhere that serves meat. However, for a taste of Rio’s finest, head to Churrascaria Majórica, an old-school steakhouse in the city’s historic centre that’s been a must-visit for meat lovers since 1962. Here the beef is prepared according to true churrasco tradition: over an open flame, with simple seasoning. A side of farofinha (a crunchy, crumbly dish made from toasted cassava flour) is essential.

10. Ricotta hotcakes, banana and honeycomb butter at Bills, Sydney, Australia

The late, great chef Bill Granger pioneered the quintessentially Australian version of brunch culture, putting avocado toast on menus around the world. At his iconic restaurant chain Bills, which has four locations in Sydney (plus several overseas), the signature dish has been the same for years: wonderfully light, fluffy hotcakes, served with bananas and honeycomb butter. It’s an enduring favourite that's essentially Sydney on a plate!

9. Sushi at Sukiyabashi Jiro, Tokyo, Japan

Sushi is an art form – and its grand master is Jiro Ono who, at almost 100 years old, is regarded as one of the greatest living sushi craftsmen. His legendary restaurant, which featured in the award-winning 2011 documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi, has just 10 counter seats and a waiting list that's months long, so getting a spot takes commitment. However, when you do get in, the omakase tasting menu of around 20 sushi pieces, made in front of you for immediate consumption, should provide an almost religious experience.

8. Tapas at Bar Cañete, Barcelona, Spain

One of Barcelona’s most loved restaurants, Cañete is a wonderful place to eat traditional Spanish tapas with added fine-dining flair. Located just off the touristy La Rambla, it doesn’t look like much from the outside – but you’re guaranteed a night to remember at this lively and welcoming bar and restaurant. Wait for a counter seat in the Barra, where clients gather around the bar for a drink and a few tapas. Quality products and attention to detail ensure the silky slivers of jamón ibérico, zingy gazpacho, crispy fried fish and perfectly made pan con tomate go down a treat.

7. Beef brisket at Franklin Barbecue, Austin, Texas, USA

No place is more celebrated for its barbecue than Texas, and there are several cult restaurants across the state – but none really compare to Franklin. Anthony Bourdain dubbed the joint’s beef brisket (which is notoriously difficult to cook) as the best he’d ever had, and the legions of fans that make a pilgrimage here every year certainly agree. This no-frills Texan smokehouse started life as a food truck but, these days, you’ll have to wait in line for hours to be served its luscious sliced beef brisket with pickles, onions, barbecue sauce and white bread.

6. Meat Fruit at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, London, England, UK

Eccentric British chef Heston Blumenthal has countless signature dishes – including snail porridge and bacon and egg ice cream – but it's his Meat Fruit that’s arguably the most iconic. Served at his two-Michelin-starred restaurant Dinner, set inside the swanky Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, the recipe is based on a dish served at Henry VIII's royal court. It consists of a rich, perfectly light chicken liver and foie gras parfait covered in a ‘peel’ of mandarin jelly, which is decorated to look exactly like a piece of fruit. It takes several days to perfect, and fans say it tastes as good as it looks.

5. Oysters and Pearls at The French Laundry, Yountville, California, USA

As bucket-list meals go, the elaborate tasting menu at Thomas Keller’s California restaurant probably ranks top for many foodies. This fine-dining spot is famous the world over, carrying three Michelin stars and delivering classic French cuisine to the highest of standards. Thomas has plenty of famous dishes, but Oysters and Pearls is probably his most iconic, consisting of shucked oysters submerged in a pool of creamy pearl tapioca custard, topped with a generous quenelle of white sturgeon caviar. Oysters and Pearls is pretty much as opulent as it gets – and happily, it’s always on the menu.

4. Pizza at Pepe In Grani, Caiazzo, Italy

Naples may be the home of pizza, but the small nearby city of Caiazzo boasts what many say is the best pizzeria in the entire world. High-quality ingredients are sourced from the immediate area, then turned into fluffy dough at Pepe In Grani, overseen by master chef Franco Pepe – whose family has been baking in the region for three generations. Chef Franco is known for his unique takes on the classics, including a margherita pizza with the tomato sauce on top of the cheese, not underneath (pictured), and a fried dessert pizza with apricot jam and ricotta.

3. Murgh Makhani at Gulati, Delhi, India

If you’re already a fan of this indulgent curry, which was invented in Delhi in the 1950s, you’ll be utterly blown away by the one served at Gulati. This culinary landmark has been serving high-quality North Indian fare in the heart of Delhi since 1959, and has a loyal following for its incredible Murgh Makhani, also known as butter chicken. This version sees whole bone-in pieces of chicken marinated in spices before being cooked slowly in a rich, buttery, tomatoey sauce. It’s devilishly delicious.

2. Da Dong Roast Duck at Da Dong, Beijing, China

A Chinese restaurant favourite across the world, Peking duck has been cooked and eaten in Beijing since the Imperial era. There are countless methods of preparing and cooking it that go back centuries, but it’s actually a more contemporary spot that’s said to make the world’s best. Da Dong (and its founder Dong Zhenxiang) is renowned for pioneering a new method of cooking Peking duck using a spherical wood-fired oven – the technique creates meat that’s lean but exceptionally juicy and tender, with perfectly crisp skin. Da Dong has several branches, but the original Michelin-starred spot in Beijing’s Dongcheng District is the most iconic.

1. La Carbonara at Roscioli Salumeria, Rome, Italy

This traditional Roman dish is arguably one of the world's most loved pasta dishes. You can grab sensational takes on spaghetti carbonara at restaurants all over the city, but foodies in the know say the version at Roscioli Salumeria, a gastronomic hotspot that doubles as a bakery, deli and wine shop, is simply unbeatable. Each individual ingredient is treated with the utmost love and attention, from the freshest al dente pasta to the crispy, savoury guanciale (cured pork jowl), silky eggs, and the seasoning – just the right amount of black pepper and pecorino romano.

Now discover 39 once-popular dishes that have disappeared from restaurant menus