Nothing allows out-of-towners to get to know a city better than sampling its best restaurants – but of course, not just any restaurant will do! You’re looking for somewhere that showcases the very best food, the country’s signature cuisine, a wow-worthy setting and perhaps even the city itself courtesy of some sparkling skyline views… so here are a few of our favourite establishments that do just that:
HONG KONG
Hutong: Meaning “narrow alley” in Mandarin, Hutong offers panoramic views of the harbour, with an equally impressive interior decorated with traditional Chinese motifs. Meanwhile, the kitchen serves some of authentic Northern Chinese dishes in the city – the crispy deboned lamb ribs are a particular speciality.
Sevva: Unlike other harbour-side restaurants in Hong Kong, Sevva is located bang in the middle of the city’s financial hub Central, giving your guests an awe-inspiring close-up view of the iconic skyline’s dazzling lights and glittering grandeur. Its cuisine is a contemporary take on international classics around the world – and don’t forget to save room for one of their signature show-stopping cakes for dessert too.
SHANGHAI
M on The Bund: A feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, M’s scenic terrace overlooks Shanghai’s gorgeous skyline, making it one of the best viewpoints in the city. Meanwhile its expansive menu lets you have your pick of anything from Mediterranean to North African-inspired dishes.
Lost Heaven: For a dining experience paired with history and folklore, Lost Heaven’s four-story world transports you to Yunnan with a dark, atmospheric interior decorated with traditional art. Get ready to feast on Yunnan specialities, many of which blend Burmese, Vietnamese and Thai influences – and don’t forget to enjoy a tipple on their spacious roof terrace too.
MELBOURNE
MoVida: Behind its spectacular graffiti-covered exterior lies a modern tapas bar that many critics believe is the best Spanish restaurant in Melbourne. Serving authentic Catalonian cuisine for over a decade, MoVida has a deserved reputation for being home to excellent sherry, warm service and delicious jamon croquetas in town.
Taxi Kitchen: Overlooking the Yarra River with an almost 360-degree view of the city itself, Taxi Kitchen is sure to take any visitor’s breath away. The cuisine here is mostly modern European-Australian with the occasional South Asian influence, as evidenced in signatures like Szechuan roast duck with Vietnamese mint, and candied pork with a coconut and red chilli salad – all ideal for sharing.
KUALA LUMPUR
Bijan: Bijan is where provincial Malay home cooking meets fine dining, with much-loved hawker-stall flavours receiving a fresh modern twist. Here you’ll get to try local favourites like beef rending, plus new spins on classics like durian cheesecake, all in a homely rustic atmosphere – including a fantastic outdoor terrace for dining under the stars.
Marble 8: With a stunning view of the Twin Towers, Marble 8 is the perfect place to impress clients thanks to its luxuriously plush setting and top-quality steakhouse menu. Serving only the finest Wagyu and Angus beef, all the steaks here are dry-aged in the restaurant’s state-of-the-art ageing cellar to further enhance their flavour.