Restaurants Worth Traveling For

Mouth-watering dishes and food destinations you'll want to add to your list.
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Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, FL
Founded back in 1905, the Columbia Restaurant is the oldest operating restaurant in Florida. The beautiful hand-painted mosaics and grandiose Spanish-styled architecture accentuate the establishment’s storied history. (It’s even said that Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe were casual diners here.) Don’t forget to order their famous Cuban sandwich, a favorite amongst patrons.
Get a Drink at Cigar City Brewing
Cigar City Brewing has a fun, laid-back vibe, and serves excellent pub food such as pretzel sticks, cheeseburgers, and of course, Cuban sandwiches. The brewery has created handcrafted, award-winning beers since 2009, so be sure to get a flight of beers to hunt for new favorites. Before you leave, take a tour of the brewery and enjoy complimentary samples while learning about the history of beer making.
Java Kai, Hawaii
Java Kai has it all: acai bowls, nitro cold brew, and lots of gluten-free options. Post up at one of the Travelers’ Choice Award winner’s picnic tables or take your meal to-go—you’ve got a busy day ahead.
Holiday Dining at Rome Cavalieri
Rome is worth visiting any time of year, but it takes on a special glow around the holidays. For wintry adventures, The Christmas in Rome bus tour from Italy Rome Tour costs a pretty penny (starting at $440), but is well worth it for all the terrain you’ll cover, from admission to the Colosseum and Roman Forum to taking in Christmas Nativity scenes at local churches and shopping in the many markets.
Ajo & Oregano, New York City
Moving to the other side of Hispaniola and to the only borough on the mainland of New York state, you’ll find Ajo & Oregano in the Bronx. This Afro-Dominican hotspot is one of a kind, bringing diners straight to the Dominican Republic for homestyle cooking. Visiting the restaurant is a truly transformative experience, as NYC-based Dominicans often compare it to visiting home and enjoying the food they grew up on.
The Islands, Jamaican Cuisine
There’s a saying in New York about Jamaican restaurants: “The ruder the staff, the better the food.” While that might be true in some cases, The Islands has found the perfect balance of serving food prepared with attitude as opposed to serving it alongside the meal. This popular Jamaican spot was originally located in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights neighborhood, and reopened in a larger space in Prospect Heights several years ago.
The Cubano at Margon
One neighborhood every New Yorker dedicates their city life to avoiding is Times Square. It’s likely a surprise then that one of the best Cuban spots in NYC can be found here, surrounded by gargantuan advertisements, beaming street lights, and packed crowds. The Afro-Cuban Margon is a tucked-away must-visit with fast service and delicious, inexpensive food. The trek is worth it for the perfectly prepared Cubano, alone—but consider the tripe soup or pig feet, as well.
Singh’s Roti Shop and Bar
Singh’s, while still being a restaurant, has a full bar, so as the night goes on, the food keeps coming as the soca music and the people get a whole lot louder. Once the drinks start flowing, you may as well be at a fête. Must-try items include the curry shrimp roti (add pepper sauce to it for some heat), doubles (with a side of tamarind sauce), and a Peardrax (pear-flavored soda). End your meal with a “Peanut Punch”—a thick and sweet peanut-flavored smoothie—for dessert.
Coffee Beans at Kona Plantation
Wake up with a strong cup of locally grown Kona coffee at Waimea Coffee Shop. Then, grab some picnic supplies at local grocer Foodland (the macaroni salad is a must) and snorkel gear from Longs Drugs.
Caribbean Food in New York City
Eat your fill of Dominican sancocho, Guyanese dhal puri, and more across the city.
Poke at Umeke’s Fish Market
Dig into fresh poké bowls and Lomi Lomi salmon from Travelers’ Choice Award–winning Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill.
Oaxaca City, Mexico
Of the many attractions in Mexico, the food may be at the top of the list. Stop by Oaxaca City to experience some of the best.
Zurich, Switzerland
Dar, a Moroccan- and Spanish-influenced vegetarian restaurant in Zurich, has the best shareable plates for those looking for a casual vibe.
Global Vegan Tour
If you eat vegan, this article is for you. Some of the top places around the world that you should try at least once.
African Cuisine in Washington, D.C.
Sample the flavors of the African continent right at home in Washington, D.C. Click through for our restaurant picks.