MCKAY'S TRAVEL, OUTDOORS AND PHOTOGRAPHY
Favorite Experiences
I have always been one for quality food and cool vibes and great eating experiences. As time has gone by, that interest has only grown. Here are my favorite places to eat. Weather that is my top 10, other honorable mentions or random favorite dishes. Every place worth rating gets graded and given a "Culinary Experience Score" out of 100.
Top 10 All Time
Here are our top 10 dining experiences ever, based on quality of ingredients, value, location, vibes and more. This list is always changing. Only all time dining experiences fit in this top 10 ish restaurants.
#t10 Animae
San Diego CA, USA | Fusion
A really cool spot in sunny San Diego. The vibes were luxurious and the food was too but at a reasonable price if you want.
Lets start with the food, 2 of my 3 dishes were phenomenal bit the 3rd was average at best. The tuna and the prawns however were fantastic and very well priced. I loved the vibes, you don't want to come here in shorts and a tee. Very upscale atmosphere and a highly rated place.
- 84.5 -
#t10 San Laurel
Los Angeles UT, USA | Spanish
Like a lot of restaurants the appetizers were the best. They were phenomenal here, the vibes were awesome too as was the service.
This was an expensive meal but I think its always more as a solo diner. Either way I think it was worth it. The 100% acorn fed Jamon Eberico was absolutely amazing. The salad was one of the best salads I have had as well, so much depth. Then the grilled fish with fennel and a great sauce with smoky roe was nothing short of great.
- 84.5 -
#t10 Jack Stack BBQ
Kansas City, MO. USA | BBQ
This #1 BBQ join in KC makes our list, tied at #1o. KC classic Burnt ends are the star of the show. Hard to make top 10 as a BBQ joint but this place is the real deal.
We have tried a few places here in park city and there are some great ones. This is one of them. The setting was really cool even in the off season. The live music was great and the vibes were too. The food quality was very high but the portions were slightly small. The menu is always changing so it would be worth another visit. They did give us 3 tiny dishes on the house.
- 84.5 -
#9 Veneto
Salt Lake City, UT. USA | Italian
This is the most authentic Italian food we have had. The chefs are right from Veneto Italy and it shows. Amazing experience.
This place was all about the experience. I have never had my table scraped of crumbs between courses and that was very cool. They didn't let us tip either to end the night. The food itself was extremely authentic, unique and exquisite. Lots of new flavors and there was only 10 tables in the place which made it intimate and ensured the food was carefully prepared
- 85 -
#8 Holbox
Los Angeles, CA. USA | Mexican
A pleasant surprise in LA. Stumbled upon a Michelin Star Place by accident. Still to this day THE BEST value for any meal I've had.
We accidentally found this place and I'm glad we did. This was arguably the spot that turned me into a foodie. It was so cheap for a Michelin Star but the quality was just as top notch. The value for your money here is off the charts.
- 85.25 -
#7 Grappa
Park City, UT. USA | Italian
Cool Italian place in Park City. Great ambiance. The service was tremendous and the food was high quality and very very good.
First off, this place looked amazing inside and out and was right on main street of Park City. The free focaccia bread was a great way to start and it only got better. Loved the whole experience and the food was so rich in flavor. If you are in Park City this has to be on the list.
- 86 -
#t6 Din Tai Fung
Las Vegas, NV. USA | Taiwanese
Tied at #4, Din Tai Fung was a great experience. Food was tasty and unique and the vibes were great.
This place looked amazing on the inside and was located right on the Vegas strip making the ambiance of this place fantastic. The food was amazing especially the pork dumplings that they are famous for, they came steamed in bamboo baskets. Dessert was also great and we liked everything we tried.
- 86.25 -
#t6 Kimos
Lahaina, HI. USA | Hawaiian
The other place that comes in at #4 was one of my best eating experiences ever. High quality of food overlooking the ocean in Hawaii.
Kimos was great in so many ways. My surf and turf meal was phenomenal. The beachside view with the setting sun also helped. The poke avocado starter was fresh and delicious as was the rest, from the island made pop to the free dessert cake we got for our anniversary.
- 86.25 -
#5 Riverhorse On Main
Park City, UT. USA | American
A new top 10 place we discovered in Park City UT. Really good food and a decent price. The setting was great and the service was as well.
We have tried a few places here in park city and there are some great ones. This is one of them. The setting was really cool even in the off season. The live music was great and the vibes were too. The food quality was very high but the portions were slightly small. The menu is always changing so it would be worth another visit. They did give us 3 tiny dishes on the house.
- 88 -
#4 Junah
Salt Lake City, UT. USA | Fusion
Junah was a gem in SLC. Great food at a good price. Wonderful vibes, phenomenal appetizers and all made from scratch.
After finding out there was a James Beard nomination in Utah we knew we had to check it out. This was a fantastic meal. The appetizers were some of the most unctuous food we've had. Everything was unique and made from scratch and all very delicious at a solid price. Good service and ambiance only made it better.
- 88.25 -
#t3 Arca
Tulum, Mexico | Modern Mexican
Ranked #67 on Worlds 100 best, Arca was an incredible find. Detailed, delicious food and a charming atmosphere made for an incredible evening.
This was simply an incredible place to dine. From the gravel floor and jungle canopy to the street location and fresh incense, this place had a great atmosphere. The food itself was extremely fresh and had so many levels of flavor. Some of the best food we have ever tasted. I am sure in a few years this place will be laden with awards.
- 89.25 -
#t3 Cafe O'Lei
Waikapu, HI. USA | Hawaiian
Cafe O'Lei was an amazing dining experience in every way. A close #3 on the list of our favorite places. Vibes+Food+Service, all great.
We risked it and ordered the calamari steak to start and it was one of the best things we have ever eaten. My swordfish dish had so many delicious flavors it is hard to describe. Allie had a great lamb dish and we capped it all of with some local flavored ice cream.
- 89.25 -
#2 Palisade
Seattle, WA. USA | Seafood
So far this is our #2 place and is hard to beat. Amazing sea side location and delicious food. A near perfect experience.
From the second our car was valet parked to leaving this was a purely enjoyable time. Lobster Appetizer was fantastic and rich. The crab legs were huge and fresh and my favorite aside from the lobster dip appy. My salmon was great as well. A+ views as well.
- 90.5 -
#1 The Zillers
Athens, Greece | Contemporary
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 have ever spent on food but it was absolutely worth it. This 13+ course meal was incredible. The tastes I can't even describe but were so diverse, rich and phenomenal. The view and service was also prime. Again, best food we have ever eaten, course after course. This Michelin star place earned a place in our hearts.
- 92 -
Other Favorite Restaurants
Though not in the top 10, these places are worth going out of your way for, amazing experiences all around. Lots of fantastic food, ambiance and value in this list. All around great dining.
Nolan - Athens, Greece | Fusion
Nolan was a really cool place, on the streets of Athens. The food was slightly expensive for a Bib Gourmand but it was high quality. It was an enjoyable experience with an amazing blend of Asia and Greece. The Chub Mackerel was so good.
- 84.25 -
Bonterra Trattoria - Calgary AB, CAN | Italian
We got 2 delicious starters and shared a big meal together. I have never been one for oysters but loved these. The burrata to start along with a salad and bruschetta was a great way to start.
- 83 -
Rollin' Smoke - Las Vegas NV, USA | BBQ
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.
- 81.25 -
Joe's KC BBQ - Kansas City MO, USA | BBQ
Joe's BBQ was in a cool spot, it started in a gas station in 1996 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.
- 82.5 -
Dough Pizzeria - San Antonio TX, USA | Italian
This one barely missed the top 10. 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.
- 84 -
La Caille - Draper UT, USA | French
La Caille was an amazing experience. The location and vibes were pristine and the building was so cool. Small things from some free dishes to the palette cleansing sorbet between courses was so cool. The food was fantastic but slightly pricey.
- 83.75 -
Sushi Saint - Orlando FL, USA | Japanese
Sushi saint was a great experience. First off the decor and whole vibe there was awesome, loved being there. I will say I think it was a shade overpriced and the value lost points. The Temaki was new. They served me the best sushi roll I've ever had. Very fresh ingredients and experience lead the rating.
- 80.75 -
Roka - Oia Santorini, Greece | Greek
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.
- 81.75 -
RPM - Las Vegas NV, USA | Contemporary
RPM was a great find in Vegas, for the food quality and location the value was great. It had a fun atmosphere. First time I ate beef tartare and it was fantastic. The octopus we had was delicious as well. The squid ink pasta was a great entree too.
- 81.5 -
Cesarina - San Diego CA, USA | Italian
Cesarina was a cool little stop. The vibes inside were really cool. Watching them hand make the pasta as well as the decor and overall vibes make it a great experience. The food was also very good, the pasta and free bread especially.
- 84.25 -
Mexican Corner - Whistler BC, CAN | Mexican
We started with an ahi tuna topped nacho which was delicious. The tacos we both got tasted fresh and had diverse flavors. The piña coladas were great and the vibes were even better. Nestled in Whistler with beautiful views.
- 81.75 -
Dish Specific Favorites
Some restaurants dont make the cut for favorite places to eat but still have some killer dishes that deserve some spotlight, here are some all time dishes that stick out.
Thinly sliced fennel crusted duck with baked pair, plums and homemade truffle duck pate. This appetizer was a a bit of a risk we took and we loved everything about it. This was the best thing we had here and I'd do it agin and again.
Valters Osteria
Salt Lake City UT, USA
- 79.5 -
Smoked Duck Breast Appetizer
Caribbean green curry roasted mahi mahi, green papaya, cabbage, passionfruit & fresno dressing, cashew furikake crunch
Some of the best tacos I have ever had, they were fresh and quality ingredients that made an absolutely delicious taco.
Mister Oso
Denver CO, USA
- 78.25 -
Green Curry Fish Taco
This is an ideal meal for me. I love tacos but always have a hard time deciding, this was essentially a taco sampler. It was so good, all the ingredients were fresh. Solid meal and each taco was delicious in its own way and they were all different. It was also extremely affordable.
La Tosdadaria
Los Angeles CA, USA
- 79.25 -
6 Taco Sampler
Cafe Molise
Salt Lake City UT, USA
- 83.5 -
Butternut Squash Ravioli
Butternut squash ravioli in a garlic brown butter sauce topped with Asiago cheese and balsamic reduction. This was an appetizer that Allie got as her main. This was some of the best if not the best pasta I have ever had, both the color and taste were impressive.
This was a duck breast Al Pastor and it was fire. It came out on a smoking hot cast iron on a wooden box that had a literal drawer for the branded home made tortillas. Such a unique and delicious taco. I will add that the atmosphere here was awesome as well and the other dishes were crazy too.
Chico Malo
Phoenix AZ, USA
- 83 -
Duck Al Pastor Tacos
Skirted Heifer was a great find, as far as burgers go this is one of the best ones I have ever had. They were real beef, great toppings and as the name comes from, slathered in cheese. The place itself was a little small and nothing special but the burger itself was great.
Skirted Heifer
CO Springs CO, USA
- 78.25 -
Real Burger w/ Cheese Skirt
Awards Legend
When I go to a new city there are always a few different awards I look for. From James Beard or Diners Drive Inns and Dives that are more US based to the World Top 50, Michelin Guide and Le Liste etc that are more worldwide. This legend breaks down the source, level and icon for each award won.
AAA Travel
Diners, Drive Inns, Dives
Forbes Travel
James Beard
La Liste
Michelin Guide
The Worlds 50 Best
5 Diamond - Crown Jewel
4 Diamond - Notable Splurge
3 Diamond - Trendy Dining
Flavortown Destination
5 Stars - World Class Experience
4 Stars - Exceptional Quality Restaurant
Recommended - Excellent, High Quality
James Beard Winner
Finalist
Semi Finalist
World Culinary Temple
National Culinary Reference
Major Culinary Destination
Regional Gastronomic Landmark
Standout Local Gem
Special Journey Exceptional Cuisine
Detour Worthy Excellent Cooking
Very Good Restauraunt
Good Food at Moderate Prices
Top 1-100 Worldwide
My Own Scoring System
-Culinary Experience Score-
Any restaurant I rank will finish with a score out of 100. That number is based on everything from quality of ingredients to the cleanliness of the bathrooms and everything in between. Anything above 85 is considered gold and 90 is Diamond