What’s the number one reason people are traveling these days?
Skip past famous landmarks and luxury hotels… it’s all about food. Restaurant bookings during travel is increasing at 7.6% through 2030, faster than any other luxury travel category.
Why Restaurant Dining Is Worth Booking Flights Around
It used to be “if we’re going, we need to stay at a nice hotel.”
Now it’s more like, “Where should we stay if we can get into this restaurant?”
50% of travelers say they book restaurant reservations before booking flights.
Travel is no longer the main event. It’s how you get to that dining experience.
Restaurant Dining Experiences Are Determining Destinations
Don’t underestimate the draw of a great meal.
Not only are travelers craving food and drink experiences that allow them to connect with their destination, but delicious meals can also create lifelong memories.
81% of travelers are most excited to try local foods and cuisines when visiting a new city.
Think about your favorite trips from the past year.
What’s something you’ll remember forever? Was it that delicious meal at this outdoor restaurant in Miami where you watched boats drift by on Biscayne Bay while enjoying creative seafood dishes from James Beard nominated chef Jeff McInnis.
Food creates memories.
Incredible Restaurants You Should Travel For
Some restaurants are worth traveling to.
You know the kinds of restaurants we’re talking about. Oftentimes boasting jaw-dropping views and award-winning chefs, people plan trips around visiting these exclusive destinations.
A true luxury travel experience comes from combining a once-in-a-lifetime dining room with unforgettable food.
Here are 5 of the best waterfront restaurants around the world.
Miami Restaurants Worth Booking Your Flight Around
Bayshore Club is Changing Miami Restaurant Dining
South Florida has always been known for great restaurant dining. From celebrity chefs to picturesque waterfront views, Miami is becoming one of the best culinary destinations in the world.
Which waterfront restaurants are at the top of the list?
Book these destinations before your next visit to South Beach.
1. Bayshore Club – Miami, Florida
Located at the historic Dinner Key dining club started by José Martí in the early 1900s, Bayshore Club welcomed crowds when it opened last year. Featuring world-class food from James Beard nominated chef Jeff McInnis and a rooftop patio overlooking beautiful Biscayne Bay, visitors are flocking to Miami just to see what the buzz is about.
Make dinner reservations months in advance to catch live jazz bands performing on their circular bar while dining under the stars. Don’t miss sunset.
Insider Tip: Take a walk down the private beach after dinner. Post up at one of the fire pits by the marina and grab a drink from the cabanas where you can continue to people watch and watch boats drift by on the bay.
2. Glass & Vine – Coconut Grove, Miami
What most people don’t know is that Glass & Vine actually sits inside of a park. Hidden in the heart of Coconut Grove, Glass & Vine invites guests to take a seat at their outdoor garden restaurant amongst lush greenery with views of Biscayne Bay.
Food at Glass & Vine will transport you from American classics to worldly Latin and European dishes. Created by James Beard nominated chef Giorgio Rapicavoli, this menu has something for everyone.
Live jazz performers play from Wednesday to Saturday night so you’ll feel like you’re at the destination restaurant regardless if you live in Miami or not.
Insider Tip: Make sure to try the chicken and black truffle gnocchi. Trust us, the line is always out the door for a reason.
3. Stubborn Seed
Another amazing restaurant from Chef Jeff McInnis, Stubborn Seed made waves when it opened last year by earning a Michelin Star.
The restaurant features a tasting menu format allowing them to show off their kitchen’s talent without being over-proud. Ideal for foodies.
4. Chug’s Diner
Yes. Another MUST on your Miami dining bucket list.
Contrary to its name, Chug’s isn’t your typical diner. Serving up innovative Cuban-American cuisine while telling the story of Miami through food, Chug’s is a Miami hotspot that recently earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand award.
Known for their tasty sandwiches and rooftop views, guests regularly travel from around the world to dine at Chef Igor Valentin’s award-winning restaurant.
5. Le Bouchon du Grove
Craving French cuisine?
Head over to Le Bouchon du Grove to taste traditional recipes your mom would approve of. Located in Miami’s boutique restaurant neighborhood, Coconut Grove.
Must Try Restaurant Dining Experiences Around The World
1. Mediterranean Cuisine Along Waterfront Restaurants
From the small island restaurants in Greece serving fresh catch seafood with unreal views across the caldera to the coastal towns along the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia where Italian tradition mixes with Adriatic staples.
2. California Coast Line Restaurants
Take a drive down the Pacific coastline and stop at Big Sur’s cliffside restaurants with views of the California sun setting over the water. Or stick to beaches in Malibu where you can feel celebrity glam while enjoying the laid-back vibes of California cuisine.
3. Sydney Waterfront Restaurants
Down under in Australia, try fresh barramundi and Moreton Bay bugs while watching the sunset at your table with a view of the Sydney Opera House.
How to Plan Restaurant Dining Into Your Trip
Planning a restaurant-centric trip can be tricky.
Most notable restaurants require reservations up to 2-3 months in advance. For Miami’s Bayshore Club and Glass & Vine book your weekend reservations now.
Start with your bucket list.
What restaurants have you always wanted to try? Italian, sushi, vegan? Make a list of restaurants and chefs you dream of visiting, then plan your vacation around those reservations first.
Is your dream dinner at the shore? Waterfront restaurants have the best viewings during sunset. If you’re traveling to Miami, try to plan your vacation between November and April to take advantage of the best weather.
Pro Tip: Find popular destinations where multiple award-winning restaurants are located within close proximity to each other. If you’re traveling to Miami, Coconut Grove is the place to stay to explore these 5 restaurants within walking distance of each other.
Making the Most of Your Exclusive Restaurant Experience
Booking the reservation is only half the battle.
Talk to your waiter. Where did they attend culinary school? What’s their favorite ingredient to work with? The team at Bayshore Club loves talking about Dinner Key’s history and how it inspired their menu.
Ask about chef’s tasting menus. Many restaurants offer an option that allows the chef to pick and choose what they want you to try best that day.
Take your time eating.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when dining at a high-quality restaurant is trying to rush their food.
You’re eating at one of the best restaurants for a reason. Enjoy your craft cocktail. Spend hours people watching on the patio.
Try something new.
Order that weird dish on the menu. You won’t regret it.
Restaurant Dining Experiences: Conclusion
Restaurant dining is the number one reason people are traveling these days.
Not only are travelers booking reservations around restaurant bookings, but finer dining is the quickest growing category in luxury travel.
If you haven’t yet made that dining reservation that will dictate where you book your hotel stay… you’re missing out.
Create lifelong memories over your next meal.
Whether that’s at one of Miami’s waterfront restaurants, a sushi bar in Tokyo, or your neighborhood French bistro… life is short, eat delicious food.
