Are outrageously priced menus and lavishness precursors to the ultimate fine dining experience? Gastronomes would have us believe so. From the space-age glamour of Alain Ducasse's period-themed Plaza Athénée in Paris, to the temple-like Masa set within Manhattan's trendy Time Warner Center, the world's most luxurious restaurants have one thing in common: extravagance. Sadly for most of us, venturing into these other-worldly banqueting havens will never be anything more than an indulgent fantasy. But just imagine for a moment you had the bank balance of a movie star, and use of a private Cessna to jet off to one of the world's premier Mitchelin-starred restaurants.
Which would you choose?
Masa
10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019, USA.
It may be better known for it's eye-wateringly expensive Omukase menu (it starts at €340 per person) and overpriced sake, yet Masa still manages to inspire awe with its sophisticated brand of Oriental minimalism. Inspired by the iconic Ginza Sushi-ko in Japan, chef Masayoshi Takayama's 'Masa' conforms to the Japanese concept of 'shibui'; a space devoid of unnecessary clutter and interruption. Upon arrival, visitors are transported from the hustle of modern life into a 26-foot temple of Zen-like calm, complimented by trickling waterfalls, decorative koi ponds and bamboo gardens. At its heart stands the blonde cypress-wood sushi counter; the stage upon which humble ingredients and dramatic flavours are brought together in theatrical fashion. With a 20-course prixe fixe menu comprising, among other things, Kobe steak, sushi and osetra caviar, who wouldn't want a front row seat?
Le Louis XV
Place du Casino, 9800 Monte-Carlo, Monaco.
With its fantastical setting in the aptly named Hôtel de Paris – Monte-Carlo, Le Louis XV Restaurant boasts many similar characteristics to the Plaza Athénée, Paris, yet is arguably far more beautiful. Themed around the Versailles Grand Siècle, Le Louis XV has been designed to reflect the luxury and sophistication of a bygone era; the hands of each clock forever frozen at 12 to convey that time has little meaning for those who live for life's pleasures. Acres of gold leaf and Versailles antiques hint at a menu designed to sate the indulgent desires of patrons. Combining classical techniques with a melange of distinctive Mediterranean flavours, Ducasse lures with an array of enticing dishes, including the celebrated fire-roasted Pyrenean Lamb with Esplanette peppers, flat-cooked Mediterranean sea bass with marjoram, and trademark Rum Baba – Monte Carlo style!
Plaza Athénée
25 Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France.
French interior designer Patrick Jouin is credited for the theatrical interior of the Art Nouveau Plaza Athénée; his vision marrying the exquisite elegance of traditional Art Nouveau features, such as 'raining' crystal chandeliers, with decidedly retro soft furnishings that scream 60's chic. With such charismatic ambience, you'd be forgiven for thinking the a la carte could be found wanting to some degree. Fortunately that isn't the case. Working under the supervision of culinary artiste Alain Ducasse, chef Christophe Saintagne treats guests to a dramatic a la carte menu of lavish offerings, including delectable smoked, tea-glazed pigeon, pasta with black truffles and langoustines served cold on a bed of caviar. With an extensive wine list and soul-stirring deserts, like the signature Monte Carlo Rum Baba, Alain Ducasse's envisioned concept restaurant sets a precedent for upscale European sophistication that few can match!
The French Laundry
6640 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599, USA.
Stylistically, chef Thomas Keller's rustic Napa Valley restaurant can ill compete with the likes of the Plaza Athénée, yet that's probably what makes this former den of iniquity all the more intriguing. Situated in Yountville, California, this humble 19th Century timber building has seen many uses in its lifetime, including a stint as a country saloon and latterly, a steam laundry. While it may lack the pretentiousness of most restaurants in its class, The French Laundry has garnered somewhat of a reputation for its lavish menu offerings, including the stalwart tapioca pudding 'Oysters and Pearls' and Salmon 'ice-cream' cones. With two nine-course prixe fixe menus to choose from, the requirement to book your table at least two months in advance doesn't seem quite so absurd after all!
Aragawa Steakhouse
2-15-18 Nakayamate-dori,Tokyo.
With its quirky, Las Vegas aesthetics and neon-lit facade, the exuberant corner building in Shinbashi District, Tokyo, seems an unlikely spot for an upscale eatery, let alone one which ranks alongside the likes of Noma and The Fat Duck for Mitchelin-class fayre. But its here beneath the dusty streets and throb of feet that you'll find Aragawa Steakhouse: the world's most expensive and (some would say) popular restaurant. A palatial, airy space that seamlessly blends period features with casual Asian minimalism, Aragawa feels more like an exclusive cigar lounge than a steakhouse – only far less formal. At nearly €360 per person, Aragawa certainly lives up to its repute as the most expensive eatery on the planet, however, it has also garnered a reputation for serving up the most succulent marbled Kobe steak known to man. The Kobe steaks here is served by weight: 12, 16 or 20 ounces, with the option of an appetizer or salad accompaniment. Don't expect silver service or fine sake; Aragawa Steakhouse is merely a hip stop-off for the curious (and loaded) that just so happens to dish up fine Kobe steak at exorbitant prices!
Shiroube Team