A Food Guide to Authentic Eats, Unique Dining Experiences, Sweet Delights, and Beyond!
Welcome to the Mi Bella Mondo Food Guide! A compilation of our favorite food from around the globe and our backyard. An honest recommendation and real experiences crafted by our team who simply love to eat—from fancy meals to cheap eats, restaurants that are good value, unique dining experiences to must-try food. We are sharing our guide to help you discover the best meals around! Bon Appetit!
“One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing to devote our attention to eating.” –Â Luciano Pavarotti
Food Guide Disclaimer:
Members of the Mi Bella Mondo team offer all food recommendations and photos featured in the food guide based on personal experiences. While we strive to offer honest reviews and accurate information, individual experiences with restaurants and dishes may vary. Please check with the businesses directly before you visit to get information like schedules and hours of operation.
Food Categories
LOCAL MARKETS
We love visiting local markets. There are markets you just have to pay a visit to experience and step into the world of sensory delights! In cities like Marrakech, the souks offer an array of spices and street food that transport you to a different time. In Barcelona, La Boqueria is a feast for the senses with its dazzling selection of fruits, cheeses, jamons, and an assortment of tapas. Oh, and our favorite Tsukiji market!
Phsar Chas or Old Market
Cambodia (Siem Reap)
Mercado Central and La Vega Markets
Chile (Santiago)
Dolac Market
Croatia (Zagreb)
Central Market Hall
Hungary (Budapest)
Tsukiji Outer Market
Japan (Tokyo)
Jemaa el-fnaa Market
Morocco (Marrakech)
Time Out Market
Portugal (Lisbon)
La Boqueria Mercado
Spain (Barcelona)
Mercado San Miguel
Spain (Madrid)
La Bretxa
Spain (San Sebastian)
Mercado de Abastos
Spain (Santiago de Compostelo)
Grand and Spice Bazaar
Turkey (Istanbul)
San Francisco Ferry Building - Farmers Market
USA (San Francisco, California)
CULINARY SCHOOLS
While Michelin-starred restaurants offer an unparalleled dining experience, they often come with a hefty price tag. There are alternatives you can indulge in without breaking the bank. Culinary schools, where aspiring chefs receive training from industry leaders, are our favorite option. These meals often offer the same level of creativity and quality as a Michelin-starred restaurant at a fraction of the cost.
For example, dining at Institut Paul Bocuse instead of dining at the world-renowned Paul Bocuse restaurant in Lyon, France. This prestigious culinary school offers a dining experience where students, under the supervision of expert chefs, prepare and serve meals that are every bit as refined and flavorful. Must try!
Paul Bocuse Institut
France (Lyon)
Basque Culinary Academy
Spain (San Sebastian)
FINE DININGÂ Â
To splurge or not to splurge. Dining at a Michelin-starred or fancy restaurant offers more than a meal; it offers an ultimate culinary excellence that tells a story through each course. Your meal is prepared and presented with attention to detail for a sensory experience. Celebrating a milestone or just because, the experience is worth every penny and creating memories that linger long after the dessert is served!
Monsieur P
France (Lyon)
Petra
Greece (Santorini)
Yasuda
Japan (Tokyo)
La Petite Colombe
South Africa (Franschhoek,)
Pier Restaurant
South Africa (Cape Town)
Concinados
Spain (Leon)
Nahm Restaurant
Thailand (Bangkok)
Kusakabe
USA (San Francisco, California)
Sorrel
USA (San Francisco, California)
MUST TRYÂ Â
This category is dedicated to showcasing unforgettable dining experiences and standout dishes we believe everyone should try. This highlights meals and restaurants that offer unique flavors and memorable moments, leaving us with a lasting impression. The meals and restaurants on this list, we believe everyone should at least try once. We’ve tasted it, loved it, and now we’re sharing it with you—so you can experience the same culinary joy!
Wat Damnak Cambodian Cuisine
Cambodia (Siem Reap)
Croatian Cuisine / Seafood
Croatia
La Puntalina
Croatia (Rovinj)
Czech Republic Cuisine
Czech Republic (Prague)
La Poule au Pot
France (Paris)
Alsacian Cuisine
France (Colmar and Strasbourg)
Donner Kabob
Germany (Berlin)
Kafer Restaurant
Germany (Berlin)
Dimitris
Greece (Santorini)
Katikies Hotel
Greece (Santorini)
M Restaurant
Hungary (Budapest)
New York Cafe
Hungary (Budapest)
Sorbillo
Italia (Napoli)
Buffalo de Mozarella
Italia (Sorrento)
Shabu-Shabu
Japa (Tokyo)
Ali Barbour Cave Restaurant
Kenya (Diani Beach)
Nomad Restaurant
Kenya (Diani Beach)
Carnivore
Kenya (Nairobi)
Quinta
Portugal (Douro Valley)
Ramiro
Portugal (Lisbon)
Francesinha
Portugal (Porto)
Manna Restaurant
Slovenia (Ljubljana)
Cape Malay
South Africa (Cape Town)
Basque Cuisine
Spain (Bilbao)
Botin
Spain (Madrid)
La Bola
Spain (Madrid)
Galician Cuisine
Spain (Santiago de Compostelo)
Farm to Table
Turkey (Cappadocia,)
Bouchon
USA (Napa, California)
Brenda
USA (San Francisco, California)
High Tea at Bergdorf Goodman
USA (New York)
Born and Raised
USA (San Diego, California)
Juniper and Ivy
USA (San Diego, California)
Morning Glory
USA (San Diego, California)
Ken's Fried Clams
USA (Scarborough, Maine)
GOOD VALUEÂ Â
Good value highlights our favorite spots where flavor, quality, and affordability meet—places where you don’t have to compromise your wallet for a memorable meal. We love uncovering hidden gems that deliver exceptional value without sacrificing taste. Each spot featured in this category has earned our stamp of approval for offering delicious meals that don’t break the bank.
Eins Restaurant
Germany (Berlin)
Tapabento
Portugal (Porto)
Ichika
USA (Brisbane, California)
Bravas
USA (Healdsburg, California)
Buvette
USA (New York)
Che Fico
USA (San Francisco, California)
Coqueta
USA (San Francisco, California)
Gao
USA (San Francisco, California)
Sotto Mare
USA (San Francisco, California)
CHEAP EATSÂ Â
A no-frills thrill that gives you satisfaction, and you keep coming back for more.
The joy of discovering these places where vendors perfect their craft for generations and flavors stays the same. Nothing fancy; a good meal not just satisfies your hunger but nourishes your soul!Â
Otomisan
USA (Los Angeles, California)
Good Mong Kok Bakery
USA (San Francisco, California)
Moya
USA (San Francisco, California)
Saigon Sandwich
USA (San Francisco, California)
Truly Med
USA (San Francisco, California)
STREET FOOD
Street food is the heartbeat of local culture. Eating like a local, with the locals, brings you closer to the heart of your destination. Street vendors in cities like Bangkok, Mexico City, Ho Chi Minh City, and Taiwan serve up some of the most delicious and authentic dishes you can find. From Vietnamese pho to Thai-spice papaya salad, stinky tofu, or Hainanese Chicken, it’s not only budget-friendly but also an adventure to navigate the bustling food scene.
Kyoto Street Food
Japan (Kyoto)
Tokyo Street Food
Japan (Tokyo)
Bangkok Street Food
Thailand (Bangkok)
Taipei Street Food
Japan
DESSERTSÂ
No meal is complete without desserts, the highlight of any culinary adventure.Â
Wherever your travels take you, you must always eat dessert; life is uncertain!
Cafe Diglas
Austria (Vienna)
Demel
Austria (Vienna)
Cafe Sacher
Austria (Vienna)
Lyon Pastries
France (Lyon)
Angelina
France (Paris)
Berthillon
France (Paris)
Crepes
France (Paris)
Eric Kayser
France (Paris)
Fauchon
France (Paris)
Flavio
Italia (Roma)
San Crispino
Italia (Roma)
Japanese Desserts
Japan
Pasties de Belem
Portugal (Lisbon)
Churro
Spain (Madrid, San Sebastian)
Camino de Blas
Spain (Oviedo)
La Vina
Spain (San Sebastian)
Burmese Coco Mochi Cake
USA (Corte Madera, California)
Miller and Lux
USA (San Francisco, California)