Let us take a look at my top 5 favorite meals we had at restaurants we had while Out and Abroad in 2023. I thought this would be a fun post as everyone likes a good meal. Favorite meals do not mean best restaurants around the world as that is not practical. These were just my favorites taking into consideration service, taste, ambiance and just non-qualitative pleasure. The list below is in no particular order.

Pla Restaurant- Gothic Corridor, Barcelona, Spain

Cuisine: Typical Catalonian

Why Did We Love It: This is the only restaurant on the list that we have previously visited and both times we had wonderful meals. Truthfully the menu as written is nothing special as it is similar to most traditional restaurants in Barcelona. Paella, Patatas Bravas, croquettes, etc. However, the atmosphere at this restaurant is just lovely, the owner is a delight, and it is always a wonderful evening. Most restaurants in Barcelona are empty until closer to 9pm, but this one requires a reservation and is filled by 7 telling you everything you need to know.

Alfresco Restaurante-Sitges, Spain

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Why Did We Love It: We had two nights in Sitges, and I wanted to find a romantic dinner for the two of us. All my research pointed to this place, and I sent an email for a party of two at 7pm a few weeks prior. I was a little taken aback when the restaurant responded that they required a credit card and that they did not take cancellations. I almost balked, but figured it was safe enough to book and I am so happy I did as we had a fantastic dinner. The seafood was right off the boat and the service was impeccable. The décor was just stunning. Sure enough, they were turning people away without reservations as every table was taken by 7:15pm in a town where dinner is usually closer to 9pm

Sunrise Picnics, Ogunquit, Maine-USA

Cuisine: Bring Your Own Food

Why Did We Love It: Okay I am cheating with this one, but it was one of our favorite meals of the year and we all know how much I love Maine and equate it to traveling abroad. Megan sets up a beautiful picnic setting on our local beach, and it was just a divine experience. When you do travel up here, I cannot suggest this enough.

Cantina Salon Rios, Mexico City, Mexico

Cuisine: Mexican

Why Did We Love It: This is barely a step up to a hole in the wall, but the tacos at this restaurant were life changing. I ate lunch or dinner here every single day during our 4 days in Mexico City. The food was incredible and cheaper than a meal at McDonalds.

Avista, Funchal, Portugal

Michelin Award restaurant in Madeira and located at our hotel Les Suites at the Cliff Bay. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was just perfect, but of course the real reason it was a top meal experience for the year was because Matt said YES.

I am excited about our 2024 travels as it will provide us with many more memories at local restaurants around the world. What are some of your favorites?

Bon Voyage,

Andrew