From the Med to the vibrant streets of Asia, these foodie hotels connect diners with the rich histories and traditions of their locales.
If you’re a traveller who likes to follow your taste buds, you’re increasingly spoiled for choice as hotels and hotel chefs ramp up their culinary efforts to seduce a new generation of travelling gourmands. Here are some of the world’s most intriguing foodie hotels for travelling gourmands.
Bangkok, Thailand
Already considered a culinary destination in the Thai capital, Capella Bangkok recently welcomed Côte by Mauro Colagreco, the first Asian outpost from the visionary behind the former World’s Best Restaurant, Mirazur. At the new venue, chef Colagreco will elevate the region’s dining scene to greater heights with his ‘Riviera to the River’ mantra that allows guests to celebrate the flavours of the French and Italian Riviera by the banks of the Chao Phraya.
At Côte, Thai ingredients and techniques are infused into a menu featuring ginger, lemongrass, kaffir lime and pomelo, with a pestle and mortar central to creating sauces – a key component in French Riviera and Italian Liguria cuisine. The collaboration will see Colagreco work closely with chef Davide Garavaglia, the former chef de cuisine of Mirazur to create an unforgettable dining experience at the heart of the Thai capital.
Paros, Greece
With an extraordinary Mediterranean bounty, it’s little wonder that the quality of food in Greece is exceptional. At Design Hotels’ Parīlio’s Parōn restaurant—aptly named to blend Paros island with the Greek word (παρόν) for “the present”— chef Thanos Feskos has crafted an innovative menu. His focus? An ethical supply chain that emphasises local, seasonal ingredients, champions zero waste, and upholds sustainability principles.
Feskos artfully transforms simple comfort food into a nostalgic exploration of the flavours he cherished in his youth. Expect Myconian meatballs paired with handmade pita and tzatziki, a savoury traditional green pie, and buttery lobster orzo. Nestled within timeless Greek architecture, Parīlio not only showcases the culinary wonders of Paros on the palate but also offers an enchanting stay in its sublime private suites.
Penang, Malaysia
Already a haven for street food, the rising fine-dining scene in George Town is turning Penang into Malaysia’s most exciting gourmet city. Macalister Mansion, set in a century-old building, adds to this allure by blending Penang’s rich heritage with modern culinary twists. The mansion’s Cellar restaurant offers standout dishes like nasi lemak with crispy chicken thigh and homemade spicy sambal, alongside the flavourful ikan bakar sambal fried fish with rice.
At the Guest Lounge, Penang’s beloved flavours enhance the mocktails, including the vibrant, zesty Floral Laksa with ginger flower and the tart Plum Lime juice with sour plum. Echoing Macalister Mansion’s colonial roots, the afternoon tea experience offers delightful bites paired with expertly crafted cocktails, creating an indulgent homage to the past.
Gonnesweiler, Germany
Atop a wooded hill in the Saar-Hunsrueck Nature Park, the award-winning Seezeitlodge Hotel & Spa overlooks Bostalsee Lake. At its core, the resort emphasizes wellness, highlighted by Chef Daniel Schöfisch’s refined, no-frills cuisine. Seasonal harvests blend with spicy herbs, freshly picked from the hotel’s garden, to create delightful dishes.
The lakeside Restaurant Lumi serves plates that celebrate authenticity, lightness, and naturalness, utilizing ancient grains like spelt, einkorn, and emmer, along with home-grown mushrooms and an array of fermented, smoked, and pickled vegetables. Bar Nox pays homage to the hotel’s heritage with signature cocktails infused with Celtic herbs. Meanwhile, the spa bistro offers home-baked cakes and tarts that perfectly complement the Celtic tea blend.
Lech Am Arlberg, Austria
Vorarlberg, one of Austria’s smallest states, delivers a powerful experience with its breathtaking peaks and rich local gastronomy. A highlight is the Rote Wand Chef’s Table, housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century schoolhouse at the Rote Wand Gourmet Hotel in Lech am Arlberg. Here, celebrated chef Julien Stieger uses ultra-local ingredients like char from a nearby lake for a multi-course dining experience that draws patrons from around the world.
The hotel boasts a culinary lab dedicated to pioneering techniques in fermentation, charcuterie, and zero waste. Coffee grounds are reused as kombucha or vinegar, and leftover bread is transformed into miso paste. Rote Wand also hosts European chefs for events and masterclasses. In summer, the tradition of feldküche takes feasts to unique spots like high Alpine meadows or riverside glades.
Hong Kong, China
The Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong is not only renowned for its luxurious accommodations but also serves as an exceptional dining destination, offering a range of culinary experiences that reflect the vibrancy and diversity of Hong Kong’s food scene. These include Lung King Heen, a Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, celebrated for its authentic dim sum, speciality seafood dishes, and outstanding Peking duck; and Michelin-starred Caprice, a French fine dining restaurant that features classic French dishes crafted with premium, seasonal ingredients.
The hotel is also home to Sushi Saito, one of the city’s most coveted sushi counters. Here, guests can experience an authentic omakase dining encounter, featuring the masterfully crafted Edomae-sushi of respected chef Takashi Saito; as well as coveted two Michelin-starred Italian omakase restaurant Noi (above) by award-winning chef Paulo Airaudo, who honours seasonal ingredients with unexpected flavour combinations and consistent cooking techniques.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, epitomizes striking contradictions where age-old traditions blend effortlessly with a vibrant, modern culture. In the heart of Old Town, the Michelin-starred Restaurant Pacai stands as a testament to the city’s innovative spirit, establishing itself as a must-visit for culinary aficionados.
This renowned space at Hotel Pacai, a Design Hotels member, excels in revealing the genuine flavours of Lithuania, with a culinary team that skillfully crafts expressive and unique dishes using local ingredients. Caraway seeds, dill, horseradish, and a variety of other flavorful elements are combined to create groundbreaking dishes. These culinary creations are complemented by an award-winning wine selection curated by head sommelier Kamilė Bartusevičiūtė, enhancing the dining experience.
Porto, Portugal
Porto, a coastal gem in northwest Portugal, is stepping out of Lisbon’s shadow and earning global acclaim for its culinary scene, highlighted by the Michelin-starred restaurant at Vila Foz Hotel & Spa. Chef Arnaldo Azevedo’s skill and creativity elevate the fresh, authentic flavours of local fish and seafood, served through exquisite meals in the atmospheric old ballroom of the historic manor house that the hotel is located in.
At the Flor de Lis restaurant, a seasonal menu leads diners on an exciting journey of flavours and textures. Truffled broken eggs add a luxurious spin to a traditional dish, while scallops with green risotto vividly bring the season’s colours to life on the plate.
Hamburg, Germany
Another jewel in Hamburg’s crown is The George, a Design Hotels member, which presides over the bustling St. Georg district. The hotel’s restaurant, DaCaio, offers Italian cuisine complemented by an extensive wine list. The ever-evolving menu features standout dishes such as conchiglioni with prawn ragout, lobster bisque, peas, and watercress, and pink roasted lamb carée accompanied by artichoke, radicchio cream, and pine nuts.
Echoing the hotel’s stylish design, Bar DaCaio merges stylish design elements with a trendy speakeasy ambience, serving up artisanal drinks. This harmonious blend of fine dining and chic bar culture makes The George a definitive destination for those seeking a sophisticated culinary and social experience in the heart of Hamburg.