With travellers increasingly making food a top priority when planning holidays, and the global culinary tourism market expected to be worth US$3.46 billion dollars by 2028, travel and food has never been in the spotlight more than it is now. Going beyond simply eating things that you like, travel centred around cuisine also helps immerse you in local culture and customs, gives travellers a richer insight into a destination, and builds deeper connections and unique encounters between tourist and locals. It’s a win-win travel trend, really, as it feeds both appetite and soul.
When planning any trip though, having an authority to turn to, that will sort through the endless info and curate a well-researched and more refined list on a particular topic, is hugely beneficial, not to mention time-saving. For those seeking an epicurean adventure, that authority is The Luminary Set – a brand new collection of critically acclaimed tastemakers and culinary innovators across Europe, Middle East and Africa, each curating gastronomic experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
Launching this spring, The Luminary Set will bring together 52 hand-picked venues across 15 different countries with a total collection of 26 Michelin stars between them, whilst shining a spotlight on the most talented chefs and their critically-acclaimed culinary creations.
Currently live in Europe and the Middle East, gastronomes can choose from 11 venues across Portugal, Spain, Greece and Italy with nine Michelin stars between them, and 14 venues with four Michelin stars across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Worn like a badge of honour, the restaurants featured in The Luminary Set are the bastions of culinary greatness, turning dining into an exceptional bucket-list adventure worth making a trip for. So, where are we going first?
Starting in Europe, Penha Longa Resort in Portugal serves up one-Michelin-starred Mediterranean cuisine at LAB by Sergi Arola, and Asian cuisine at Midori, the first Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant in the country. Spain has four restaurants up its sleeve, including two-starred Enoteca Paco Pérez at Hotel Arts in Barcelona, which spotlights contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, and an innovative Basque-inspired menu at two-Michelin-starred M.B by Martín Berasategui at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama in Tenerife. In Greece, fine-dining devotees will love one-Michelin-starred Tudor Hall, with its breathtaking views over Athens and a menu of modern Greek food. While in Italy, it’s rich pickings, with six different restaurants to choose from, including the exquisite Club del Doge Restaurant at The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in Venice, which champions authentic Venetian dishes.
Hopping over to the UAE to Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s booming restaurant scene, and you have every kind of epicurean experience at your fingertips. In Dubai, City Social promises modern European dishes alongside ‘dinner with a view’, thanks to its 43rd-floor vantage point at Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Or for something as colourful as it is flavourful, there’s Indya by Vineet at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa Hotel, with its modern Indian cuisine. If you’re in the capital, Abu Dhabi brings you a sophisticated meat-lover’s menu at Oak Room at The Abu Dhabi EDITION, and for seafood connoisseurs, there’s Catch at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, where oysters, sushi, crabs and caviar are served with a backdrop of sparkling sea views.
The over-riding benefit of The Luminary Set, is that wherever you go you know you’ll be in good hands, as only the most talented chefs, sommeliers and mixologists make it onto the list, in turn putting their restaurants on the map, and ensuring every dining experience is unforgettable. Whether you’re an experience seeker, a foodie traveller or a true gourmand, this new vanguard of culinary excellence will be your favourite new dinner guest.
