From the finest ingredients to exquisite culinary techniques, the most prestigious restaurants in the world are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the kitchen. Let’s take a look at the Top 10 Most Expensive Restaurants in the World in 2023.
This article was written by Jike Eric and originally published by Insider Paper.
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate gastronomic experience as we explore these awe-inspiring restaurants.
1. Sublimotion – Ibiza, Spain ($2,380 Per Head)
When it comes to dining experiences, Sublimotion is undoubtedly the crème de la crème. Run by Michelin two-star chef Paco Roncero, it’s the most expensive restaurant in the world, costing $2,380 per head. Open for only three months a year in the Spanish summer, this restaurant offers a 20-course tasting menu presented by a team of twenty-five professionals over three hours. Moreover, the dining experience is elevated with laser light shows, virtual reality elements, and projection mapping.
2. Per Se – New York, United States ($680 Per Head)
Per Se is the world’s second most expensive restaurant, established in 2004 as Thomas Keller’s second three-star Michelin restaurant. Known for its delicate presentation and exquisite flavors, the restaurant offers three tasting menus, including a vegetarian option. The most sought-after nine-course tasting menu primarily focuses on French and American cuisine. With 19 tables boasting views of Columbus Circle and Central Park, the luxurious restaurant also offers an award-winning wine collection, featuring over 2,000 bottles to select from.
3. Ultraviolet – Shanghai, China ($570 – $900 Per Head)
Ultraviolet is not just one of the most expensive restaurants in the world, but it’s also one of the most exclusive. With only one table that can accommodate up to ten people, and a well-guarded secret location that adds to the mystique, securing a reservation here is almost impossible. But those who can afford it, can expect an innovative and immersive dining experience that engages all the senses, thanks to the audio-visual effects and 10-20 tasting courses created by French chef Paul Pairet.
4. Masa – New York ($595 Per Head)
Masa specializes in sushi, headed by three Michelin-starred chef Masa Takayama. The restaurant offers a simple sushi tasting menu focusing on essential flavors, with no actual menu available as chefs prepare fresh ingredients only available on the day. A meal at Masa will cost around $595 per person, excluding drinks and taxes, making it a spot for A-listers and celebrities. The menu changes daily, depending on the seasonal specialties available, so reservations are taken up to four weeks in advance.
5. Maison Pic Valence – Paris, France ($445 Per Head)
Sophie Pic is one of the few female chefs to run a three-star Michelin restaurant, and she continues to carry on the family legacy at this renowned establishment. Sophie is known for her innovative approach to cooking, using unique flavor combinations to create visually stunning and delicious dishes. The restaurant, now in its 130th year, offers a serene dining experience in its beautiful Mediterranean gardens.
6. Restaurant De L’Hôtel De Ville – Crissier, Switzerland ($415 Per Head)
Despite its mouthful of a name, the restaurant is renowned for providing an exceptional dining experience and serving some of the best food globally. You can indulge in an eleven-course tasting menu, which includes specialties such as saffron mussels, lamb fillet, and Imperial Ossetra caviar. Restaurant De L’Hôtel De Ville offers an extensive forty-page wine list to complement your meal. The kitchen is led by the celebrated chef, Frank Giovani, and the restaurant holds three Michelin stars.
7. Guy Savoy – Paris, France ($385 – $626 Per Head)
Guy Savoy is a world-renowned chef with two restaurants named after him, one in Paris and one in Las Vegas. The Paris restaurant is the flagship and offers a 13-course meat-focused tasting menu. Savoy has trained Gordon Ramsey and owns four other successful restaurants in France. The restaurant is known for serving delectable delicacies, including caviar with smoked sabayon and marmite of braised duck foie gras. The Las Vegas location offers a similar experience but at a cost of about $565 for the thirteen-course dinner menu.
8. Kitcho Arashiyama – Tokyo, Japan ($380 – $570 Per Head)
If you’re searching for a Japanese-style dining experience, Kitcho Arashiyama is the place to go. It is the only restaurant on this list that exclusively serves kaiseki cuisine. The ten-course tasting menu features some of the finest ingredients in the world, served in a beautifully decorated setting that overlooks stunning gardens. And the current head chef, Kunio Tokuoka, demands nothing less than perfection.
9. Ithaa Undersea – Maldives ($320 Per Head)
Ithaa Undersea is located on Rangali Island in the Maldives, famous for being the first underwater restaurant globally. You’ll get the chance to dine five metres below the Indian Ocean, surrounded by panoramic views of marine life and coral gardens. This restaurant can accommodate up to 14 guests and offers fine dining experiences, dinner menus, and cocktails. Italian chef Marco Amarone is in charge of the kitchen, serving a four-course lunch or a six-course dinner of mainly European cuisine and paired with the world’s best wines.
10. Aragawa – Tokyo ($260 – $370 Per Head)
Aragawa is situated in the basement of an old office building in Tokyo. It truly stands apart from other upscale restaurants in terms of its menu offerings. This restaurant serves an à la carte menu that allows diners to determine the final price of their meal. Aragawa is best known for its exquisite selection of beef dishes, such as Kobe and Wagu, which are raised under the best conditions and receive special treatment before being slaughtered to ensure an exceptional taste.
These top 10 most expensive restaurants in the world in 2023 offer a truly exceptional culinary experience for those willing to spend the money. From the world-renowned chefs and impeccable service to the finest ingredients and unique dining settings, these restaurants are truly a feast for the senses.
