Food Reviews
I have always been one for fancy restaraunts and cool dining experiences, as time has gone by, that interest has only grown. Here is my two cents on my favorite places to eat.
Most of the new places I eat at and rank are local to Utah and at most in the United States. However I will try as many places as I can around the world when possible.
Here Are My Favorite Restaraunts
Top 10 All Time
#10 Nolan
Athens, Greece
A little expensive for a Bib Gourmand joint but it was really good food. Right on the street downtown in Athens. Made top 10 because of unique and great tastes.
This was a great stop. We had some amazing dishes that were a unique fusion of Greek and Japanese. Some great flavors and quality of ingredients. Loved the streetside location and the service was really good too. Great experience, final score for Nolan was 84.25
Kansas City, MO. USA
#9 Jack Stack
BBQ
This #1 BBQ joint makes our all-time list at #5. KC classic burnt ends are the star of the show paired with all kinds of delicious sides. 5-Star BBQ in the heart of KC.
If you are in KC and looking for BBQ this is the best place to go. High end place with high end food. The sides are all great and the burnt ends are my favorite in the area. Brisket, pulled pork and even seafood are also all high quality and tasty. Jack Stack scores a solid 84.5.
#8 Veneto
Salt Lake City, UT. USA
This is likely the most authentic Italian food I have ever had. The chefs are right from Veneto, Italy and it shows. Amazing experience.
This place was all about the experience. Earning it a score of 84.75 I have never had my table scraped of crumbs between courses. They didn't let us tip either to end the night. The food itself was extremely authentic, unique and delicious. It was a lot of new tastes for us but a really great eating experience. Only 10 tables were even in the place so food could be carefully prepared.
#7 Holbox
Los Angeles, CA. USA
A pleasant surprise in LA. Stumbles upon a Michelin recommended (Bib Gourmand) place that was amazing.
We accidentaly found this place and we are glad we did. For a Bib Gourmand restaurant it was extremely cheap and extremely good. Food was unique and fresh and tasted great. Location and service weren't top notch but the food made up for it. It scored an 85.25, mostly because the value of food for your money is off the charts.
#6 Grappa
Park City, UT. USA
Cool Italian place in Park City, great ambiance, tremendous service and really good food.
First off, this place looked amazing, inside and out. The free focaccia bread was a great way to start and it only got better. Loved this whole experience and the food was so rich. If you are in Park City then this is our #1 recommendation so far. Total score of 86.
#t4 Din Tai Fung
Las Vegas, NV. USA
Tied at #4, Din Tai Fung was a great experience, food was tasty and the vibes were great!
This place looked amazing on the inside and was located right off the Vegas strip and the ambiance of the place was fantastic. The food was amazing, especially the pork dumplings that came to the table steamed in a bamboo box. Dessert was also great and we liked everything we tried. Scored a total of 86.25.
#t4 Kimos
Lahaina, HI. USA
The other place that comes in at #4 was one of my best eating experiences ever. High quality food overlooking the ocean.
Scoring a total of 86.25 Kimos was great in so many ways. My meal of surf and turf was phenomenal. The beachside view with the setting sun also helped. The poke avocado starter was delicious and so was the rest, from island made pop to the free desert cake we got for our anniversary.
#3 Cafe O'Lei
Waikapu, HI. USA
Cafe O'Lei was an amazing dining experience in every way. A close #3 on the list of our favorite places.
We risked it and ordered the calamari steak to start and it was one of the best things We have ever eaten. My Swordfish had so many flavors I am not sure how to describe it. Allie had an amazing lamb dish. We capped it all off with a tasty ice cream desert. For the overall rank, it scored 89.25.
#2 Palisade
Seattle, WA. USA
So far this takes #2. Amazing seaside location, delicious food and near perfect experience.
From the second our car was valet parked to leaving this was amazing. Appetizer was great, food was fresh and delicious. The crab legs were huge and fresh and maybe my favorite part aside from the lobster dip and bread for the starter. My salmon was also very good. Our final ranking for this restaurant was a score of 90.5.
#1 The Zillers
Athens, Greece
Easily the best eating experience I have ever had. Unparalleled food quality and taste with an exquisite view of the Acropolis of Athens.
This is the most I've ever spent of food but it was absolutely worth it. This 13+ course meal was incredible. The tastes I cant even describe but were so diverse, rich and phenomenal. The view and service was also prime. Again, best food I have ever eaten, course after course. This Michelin star place earned a place in our hearts and a score of 92.
Other Favorites
Bonterra Trattoria - Calgary AB, CAN
We got 2 delicious starters and shared a big meal together. I have never been one for oysters but loved these. The cheese ball to start along with a salad and bruschetta was a great way to start. The rating for this one was 83.
Rollin' Smoke - Las Vegas Nevada
Rollin' Smoke was a great little spot off the strip of Vegas. The meat was great, there was a pile of different sauces and the service was good. Very very good for what you are paying and some of my fav BBQ. Scored a 81.25 total.
Joe's KC BBQ -
Kansas City KS, USA
Joe's BBQ was in a cool spot, it started in a gas station way back when and has stayed there. This is a staple for locals and tourists alike. The BBQ was so good and high quality meats. 100% would recommend to anyone in the area. Great food and fun vibes. 83 Total score.
For a starter we tried an ahi tuna topped nacho which was really great. The tacos we both got tasted fresh and had quite the diverse flavors. The piña coladas were delicious and the vibes were even better. Nustled in downtown Whistler overlooking mountains and ski lodges. Pulled an 84 total.
Mexican Corner - Whistler BC, CAN
With a score of 81.75 Roka was a perfect stop for lunch. Tucked away in the streets of Santorini. The food was great and the appy was really special with a smoked salmon in creamy dill sauce. The place itself had great vibes and it was just a good experience.
Roka - Oia Santorini, Greece
This one barely missed the top 10, scoring 84. If there was any reason to make it it would have been because of the burrata, completely home made this was one of the best dishes I've ever eaten. Vibes and service were also good.
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana -
San Antonio TX, USA
Specialties + Desserts etc
Hruskas Kolaches - SLC UT
Hruskas Kolaches is one of if not my favorite spot for a treat. These kolaches are a Polish dish. They have both sweet and savory and I love every one I've tried. The location + Vibes lack a bit but as a Diners Drive Inns and Dives place you HAVE to try it if in the area. 73.5 Total score.