By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Whether money is no object, or you’re treating yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime meal, these restaurants feature eight of the most expensive degustation menus in the world, to deliver a dining experience that is equal parts indulgent, innovative and incredibly unforgettable (to both your budget and your belly!)
Priced at an eye-watering average cost of just under $US2400 per person, you would expect an experience that is both subliminal and emotional at Sublimotion - and, it does not disappoint.
The global menu at the 12-seat eatery (that delivers an edible invitation to guests who successfully secure a spot) is created by Chef Paco Roncero - who boasts two Michelin stars and offers an avant-garde dining experience that combines imaginative, high-end Mediterranean cuisine with virtual reality and futuristic theatrical elements.
The endorsement of its recently-opened Dubai outpost by the popular Instagram account Rich Kids Of The Internet suggests a trip to Sublimotion is a truly special one.
Eclectic, exclusive and yes, very expensive, every meal on the 20-course menu at Ultraviolet offers a multisensory journey that employs light, sound and technology to complement taste and showcase the gastronomic genius of the French Chef at its helm.
Priced at approximately $US1422 per person, and recognised by the Michelin Guide as among The World's 50 Best Restaurants (though little is actually publically shared about the food) Ultraviolet invites enthusiasts of fine fare to indulge in a multicourse meal that is equal parts innovative, intimate (owing to the extremely limited seating) and unforgettable.
Nestled in the heart of The Big Apple, Masa requires an equally supersized spending allowance to match! Alongside its status as one of the most expensive restaurants in America (with patrons expected to pay $US950 per person for the Dinner Omakase: Hinoki Counter Experience - minus tax and beverages!) Masa is renowned for its exquisite Japanese cuisine.
The responsibility of developing a dining experience when culinary excellence and exclusivity reigns is one that Chef Masa Takayama takes seriously - crafting a range of menus, where each meticulously prepared dish reflects a mastery of ingredients and technique and offers a symphony of flavours inspired by the Land of the Rising Sun but served in the city that never sleeps!
Got a lazy $US454 (plus tax and service charge) lying around? Skip the steaming bowls of ramen and make a reservation at Kitcho Arashiyama Honten. Nestled in Kyoto's serene Arashiyama district, this popular three-Michelin-starred restaurant is celebrated for its seasonal dishes that highlight the essence of Japanese culinary artistry.
Renowned for his meticulous attention, Chef Kunio Tokuoka crafts a dining experience that transcends mere sustenance. Instead, each course is a masterpiece, showcasing the delicate balance of flavours and textures that define kaiseki cuisine. The restaurant's elegant ambience and impeccable service complement the exquisite dishes, ensuring a dining journey that is both serene and unforgettable.
Given its recognition as the best restaurant in the world for 2024 (for the seventh consecutive year) Guy Savoy’s flagship French restaurant is almost as synonymous with the City of Love as The Eiffel Tower! In the presence of pioneering peers, the Chef behind the namesake eatery stands out for his ability to consistently serve up a sophisticated spin on local cuisine, alongside impeccable service.
Priced at approximately $US300 for a seven-course lunch (excluding drinks), dining at Savoy is almost as exclusive as securing a front-row seat at Fashion Week and a testament to the fact that while French women may adore haute couture, for food enthusiasts, haute cuisine is the ultimate trend to try!
$US300ish could get you a lot of dollar slices and street-side snacks. However, if you’re after a truly special take on classic Italian eats that skip pasta and pizza for a more personalised approach, then Piazza Duomo’s tasting menu may well satisfy your cravings.
Here, Chef Enrico Crippa's creations showcase the finest Piedmontese ingredients in innovative ways with each dish a celebration of creativity, cuisine and their combination with Italy’s rich culinary heritage. During Alba's famous white truffle season (October and November), the restaurant also offers an exclusive truffle-tasting menu that truly elevate the idea of indulgent eating.
At Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, British fare goes beyond bubble and squeak, bangers and mash and beef Wellington and is instead inspired by the country’s historical recipes, reimagined for contemporary palates.
From the intriguing Tipsy Cake to the infamous Meat Fruit (which pays homage to the sense of humour of Medieval Chefs by forming meat to look like fruit) each quirky creation is a fusion of innovation and tradition, that will set you back approximately $US212 to experience.
In Sydney, Quay offers a tasting menu starting at $US165 per person for four courses (and hitting almost double for the 8-plate version).
However, its location along the spectacular Sydney Harbour - and the opportunity to indulge in Chef Peter Gilmore’s inventive approach to Australian cuisine - including dishes such as wild black lip abalone, native freshwater marron and the occasional return of the iconic snow egg, make it a truly tantalising culinary experience.
