Doolittle’s Restaurant and Bar is located at Marigot Bay, which is one of the most beautiful spots in St. Lucia and as an interesting fact it was the setting for the first Dr. Dolittle movie that made everyone laugh so much. The sunsets from Marigot Bay are spectacular and because of this, it is also the home of many great restaurants. Doolittle’s is a beautiful location to have lunch and to enjoy a cold local beer, Piton while enjoying the view of palm trees, the Caribbean sea, and marvelling at the show of many mega-yachts docked at Marigot Bay, and the selection of the finest sailing vessels and yachts from all over the world. In Doolittle´s restaurant, it is easy to find local dishes such as conch fritters or fish croquettes. After trying a couple of the dishes the best one was the grilled tuna steak and not only is it one of the healthiest options on the menu, but the way it was cooked, and seasoned was delightful.
Tapas On The Bay is located in the busiest and most popular area of St. Lucia and is a gorgeous spot to attend lunch or early dinner and have the ability to watch the sunset while having dinner or a glass of wine. The location on the waterfront in Rodney Bay has a casual setting and makes it a perfect place to enjoy a peaceful evening. The name of the restaurant says it all, and this restaurant is for sharing and trying as much as you can off their menu. If visiting St. Lucia during the lobster season the lobster mac & cheese is not to be missed. Another tapas that I wished I had ordered more of, was the grilled calamari with orange zest, smoked paprika and cumin. A plus of this restaurant is that you can start early with some sun-downers with friends during their happy hour from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm every day.
La Destilería is located in Cancun´s hotel zone. It is an area that is full of restaurants, busy with activity and can sometimes be somewhat overwhelming especially when it comes time to decide where to dine. This restaurant is a great option when looking to have authentic Mexican cuisine overlooking the beautiful lagoon. The guacamole is made in front of the commensal who can decide the amount of spiciness he or she wants on it. “Molcajete de arrachera y Pollo” is one of the best dishes to share at the restaurant, and allows the patron the opportunity to try authentic tacos with homemade tortillas that were made some minutes before they are served at the table. This dish is a combination of chicken and steak fajitas and comes accompanied by sides such as cactus, chorizo, panela cheese, avocado, and a house sauce. Being Mexican I can be picky sometimes, especially when it comes to Mexican restaurants, and this one is always on the top of my list to visit while in Cancun. One more tip – don´t miss out on the fried cheese with homemade green sauce and tortillas – absolutely crunchy delicious!
Irori is an authentic Japanese restaurant that has been in Cancun for more than 12 years. It is located in the city center, far away from the touristic sites and usually more attended by locals. At Irori there is great quality food, exceptional flavor, and tables with Teppanyaki for the show seekers. Usually, all maki rolls come with algae and rice, but sometimes a healthy mood might be in order, and for those trying to be healthier there is this option of “La Bomba” which is a riceless roll with crabmeat paste, eel, shrimp, cheese, and avocado. There is also a great selection of other sushi rolls, kushiages, sashimi, and a lot more options to have a nice Japanese meal in the beautiful city center of Cancun. After an excellent meal in this restaurant, it is a smart idea to walk around that area to see more of the local side of this city in the Mexican Caribbean.
Jacinta is located in the city center in Cozumel Island and has an exceptional decoration as the restaurant was built inside a Yucatán-influenced home, making the experience a lot more real and unique. The restaurant has outdoor and indoor dining, a private dining area and also a boutique where it is easy to find beautiful artisanal and handmade products crafted by local artists. The menu is filled with an incredible selection, and some of the best dishes to try are; as an appetizer the guacamole with castakán, which is served with chicharrón, grilled onions and Pico de gallo. The “queso de bola and Chaya empanadas” are delicious and perfect to pair with the guacamole. The green salad tastes delicious as it comes with a mix of salad, green beans, goat cheese, cashews, avocado puree, & lime vinaigrette. In regards to the main courses, the fettuccine al pesto with grilled shrimp and Jacinta Burger are two of my favorites. Last but not least, the cheesecake Jacinta and ice cream selection will surprise your palate. All of the traditional dishes are prepared in a way that will take you straight to the Mexican region they come from, all with a modern touch.
Guido’s is an exclusive restaurant that all locals living in Cozumel would describe as "classy, a restaurant not to miss, and delicious." It is the place to go when there is a special celebration, or just wanting to have a pleasant evening. Guido’s has been in Cozumel since 1978 and now is managed by Yvonne Villiger, Guido’s daughter. The décor of this place is special, with an outside dining area under trees, and a rustic, perfect setting. As you enter this small but cozy restaurant, you will notice their wood-fired oven where they fabricate their great Pizza and lasagnas. One of the unique drinks at Guido’s is their award winning sangria, an absolute must for the table. Other recommendations include trying their garlic bread which is oven baked with butter, rosemary, and garlic, the goats and greens salad is great and tasty, and when it comes to main meals, the fresh catch of the day is a good option as well as Yvone’ pizza with Oaxaca cheese, arugula, bacon & sun-dried tomato and sauce.
Bariloche's finest restaurant is perched on the edge of Lake Gutiérrez where the food and the views compete harmoniously. The husband and wife team serve innovative, delicious plates featuring local ingredients. The signature dish is "Cubanitos", Cigars of Patagonian lamb. It is slightly out of the way but well worth it.
The Ristorante Pila Vecia in Isola della Scala specializes in rice based specialties and is known for producing some of the most delicious risotto. From starters and desserts to risotto tasting menu and à la carte menu all is prepared in their open air kitchen. Adjacent to it is the Pila Vecia, the ancient mill of 1650 run by the Ferron family since five generations. The mill produces the famous Rice Nano Vialone Veronese I.G.P and other varieties of rice, such as Carnaroli, Venus, and Ermes.They also produce gourmet products such as rice breadcrumbs and rice croutons, pasta with rice flour, as well as a range of gluten-free sweets. Guided tours, cooking lessons and educational walks takes place at this historic site of Pila Vecia.
Umberto an Italian restaurant and pizzeria in the Long Island are known for their signature dish the Grandma Pie. It is a family owned restaurant and was established in 1965 by Umberto Coreo. Grandma pie was initially prepared in-house by the homesick emigrated Italian Americans. But in no time it became famous and Umberto was the first one to sell it commercially. It is a rectangular/square pizza cooked in an olive oil-coated pan, covered with a layer of mozzarella and in uncooked canned or fresh tomatoes. The cheese goes directly on the dough with the sauce on top. It is tossed in the oven immediately after being stretched on the pan, giving it a slightly denser and crispier crust.
For a delicious charcuterie platter tailor-made to your preferences, and the biggest selection of wines in Wellington, head to Noble Rot wine bar in Swan Lane, off Cuba Street. Because Noble Rot uses the Coravin system, there are multitudes of wines available by the taste or glass that would otherwise be too expensive to try. And with four of Wellington’s hospitality stalwarts behind the venture, the food is quality too.