My Top Five restaurants for the world list this year, while not totally devoid of Michelin stars, has very few, mainly because there were some truly stand-out restaurants that really outshined others this year regardless of international accolades. Overall, this list is also probably the least expensive list of restaurants on ChiLuxe Travel, which simply means that we ate really well on our vacations this year without spending a ton. Here we go!

5. Luna Muna, Roatan, Honduras

Luna Muna is the sole restaurant at the Ibagari Boutique Hotel in Roatan, Honduras. We ate just about every single meal for seven days at this restaurant and nothing was ever bad, and there was a lot that was very surprising about eating here. Everything was fresh and made with care, and the cocktails were out of this world delicious and unique. Eating here daily was one of the best parts of our trip to Honduras, and if you are headed to Roatan any time soon, you definitely want to book a table at Luna Muna. Check out my full review for everything we ate here!

4. Coco Maya, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Coco Maya in Virgin Gorda may be one of the only restaurants that completely lived up to its hype this year. It’s a top ranked restaurant in Virgin Gorda, and everyone says to go here, and they are all actually right! An Asian inspired menu with little winks of Caribbean flavors mixed in made this an amazing experience. We tried SO many menu items here between the four of us, and everything was not only beautifully plated, but super delicious. The view of a BVI sunset may draw you in, but the food and fun vibes will have you leaving happy and satisfied. Click here to see EVERYTHING we ate!

3. Eleven Madison Park, New York City

With three Michelin stars, and very glowing recommendations from friends, we had high expectations for Eleven Madison Park. When we dined here, the menu was fully vegan, which was awesome since I rarely have the time or patience to cook anything vegan, let alone a multi course fancy-pants tasting menu. There were truly some stand out dishes here, from the laminated bread rolls to start, to the hasselback potato presentation, this was a fun indulgence on our recent trip to NYC. Is it the best three star meal I’ve ever had? Definitely not, and see this year’s best of Chicago list, which will be published in the coming weeks, but it was definitely an amazing experience with memorable dishes. Read more about it here!

2. Retrobottega, Rome

Retrobottega was one of the first restaurants we went to in 2025, and nearly 12 months later, I’m still dreaming about it, and hoping we can find some time on our next trip to Rome in July to come back. The colors of all of the food, the beautiful plating, the real ingredients, and the reasonable prices all come flooding to mind when I think about our impeccable meal here. I can still picture (and taste) that perfectly prepared artichoke. I still drool over the thought of the crunch of the fried cabbage with harissa powder, or the buttery, yet firm lamb agnolotti. OK, I just convinced myself to be sure to get a reservation for our next trip to Rome! Yum! Check out the details of this amazing place here!

1. Esquina Comun, Mexico City

Esquina Comun was the easiest choice for a number one restaurant of the year yet. Usually there are several that come to mind when I’m reflecting on our year of traveling, but this year EC is the easy winner. When you arrive, you get the feeling that you are at a very exclusive place, and yet everyone here is easygoing and very chill. The seats are comfortable and the semi-outdoor space takes advantage of Mexico City’s lovely climate.

The food is extremely good and memorable, and while you have the option of ordering a la carte, just get the whole menu. It’s a reasonable price, won’t break the bank, and you don’t want to miss a single thing they have to offer here which is constantly changing. I would venture say our dinner here was easily the best value of every other Michelin-starred dinner we’ve had in Mexico City. Every plate was a work of art, not only gorgeous to look at, but oh so delicious to devour. I totally died over the barbacoa with sticky rice, as well as the wagyu flank steak taco, and the vanilla and mango dessert. There’s an amazing wine menu, as well as an extensive vermouth menu too, and I really recommend digging in to their vermouths, at least at the beginning of your meal – absolutely divine.

I loved spending my birthday here, and if you are even remotely considering spending one of your evenings in CDMX at Esquina Comun, do not hesitate to book it. Word has gotten out! Check out my article about the best restaurant of the year here!