Top 25 Hidden Gem Restaurants Worth Traveling For

by The OpenTable Team

Updated September 11, 2019

KAYAK and OpenTable found 25 local gems in popular destinations around the world that are worth checking out on your travels. Our research shows that 1 in 5 Americans are willing to travel for great culinary experiences - and we think these spots should be on your list. So dig in.

Alux Restaurante

4.4

4.4 (2007)

MXN500 and over

Contemporary Mexican

Playa del Carmen / Riviera Maya

About the restaurant

Alux is a restaurant inside a natural cave. A unique place to enjoy a magical evening. The creation and formation of the cave is ancient. In this environment of true underground palaces decorated with unique stalactites and stalagmites you can enjoy a natural spectacle. With a capacity of more than 250 guests, our cavern has various environments designed for you to enjoy your stay to the fullest, all accompanied by our haute cuisine and mixology that distinguishes us in this region of the Riviera Maya.

Service only for dinners. À la carte service. Entry with reservation. Dress Code: Smart Casual. Kitchen closes at 11:00 pm. Payments are accepted with Cash, Credit and Debit Card AMEX, MasterCard and Visa. Children welcome. Smoking area. There is no corkage.

Minimum consumption $1,000.00 pesos per person.

Top review

Ivan

Dined 3 days ago

Amazing place to have an extraordinary dinner experience

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Battista's Hole in the Wall

4.7

4.7 (7882)

$31 to $50

Italian

The Strip

About the restaurant

Battista's Hole in the Wall is a local favorite serving Las Vegas since 1970. Immerse yourself with our old-time Las Vegas memorabilia and the finest authentic Italian food in a friendly, casual atmosphere. All dinners include Minestrone Soup or Italian Salad, Garlic Bread, Pasta Side, FREE House Wine (Red or White) with Dinner, and a Homemade Cappuccino for dessert. We're located just off the Strip at Flamingo and Linq Lane, across from The Horseshoe, and next to the Linq and High Roller Observation Wheel.
Dining Room Hours:
Sunday through Thursday, 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Friday and Saturday, 4:30 pm to 10 pm
Reservations by phone from 9 a.m. Pacific Time to 9 pm Pacific Time

Top review

kellieVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Pleasantly surprised great place loved that it’s been here since 1970.

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4.8

4.8 (8625)

$31 to $50

French American

Upper West Side

About the restaurant

Delicious food and service. We came on a busy Sunday evening, but the service was spot on during our visit and food was delicious. We will come back!

Top review

CarolVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Really fun, lots of activity and great atmosphere. Yummy food!

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4.9

4.9 (3653)

$50 and over

Californian

The Castro

About the restaurant

At Frances, chef Melissa Perello’s seasonal menu reflects modern California sensibilities and focuses on ingredients from local markets, farms and producers in a casual, neighborhood setting. Named after Chef Perello’s grandmother, Frances is an ode to refined but comfortable sensibilities in both food and decor. Whether it’s the technique-rich, yet simple approach to food, or the open, familiar atmosphere and stellar service, Frances' honest, focused approach has resonated with customers and critics alike.

Top review

Alex

Dined 6 days ago

Always delights and sessional delicious treats at Frances. Perfect for a date with warm lighting and a cozy vibe. I have come to love the service and superior quality of the food / wine selection.

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New Year's Eve at Frances

Gilda by Belgious

4.9

4.9 (183)

€31 to €50

Belgian

El Gòtic

About the restaurant

Authentic Spanish Tapas with a Belgian Twist !

Enjoy Delicious Tapas and Entrees and choose out of two ambients : (1) the Tapas bar with more informal setting and (2) the restaurant space with can accommodate private dinners and parties of up to 20 guests.
Our most popular Tapas include the crispy Argentinian shrimps on artisan curry ice-cream, steak tartare, Thai-style mussels or Belgian cheese croquettes ...and if you prefer Comfort Food: Our awarded Belgian Steak Frites ranks us amongst the top 3 steak places in Barcelona.
To finish well you will be temptedthe Belgian chocolate fondant with Canabis ice-cream ;-)

Top review

amyVIP

Dined on Nov 18, 2024

We are so glad we found this fantastic restaurant nestled in the Gothic Quarter. If you want a creative menu instead of the same tapas you can get anywhere, make this fun spot a must-try in Barcelona.

Mamma Maria

4.7

4.7 (5522)

$31 to $50

Italian

North End

About the restaurant

More availability on our website. Our restaurant also offers unique private rooms for small parties starting at 4 people- email mammamariaboston@gmail.com to inquire.
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Superior local and seasonal ingredients distinguish our Italian cuisine. Our menu is updated daily to reflect market changes. Our setting is historical and unique. Five elegant dining rooms ( most with views of the city) are tucked throughout an antique brick townhouse overlooking North Square in the heart of Boston's North End neighborhood.

Top review

Joline

Dined on Nov 29, 2024

I liked the location of the restaurant, just off the main rd, away from the hustle and bustle of Hanover St. The staff was welcoming and service was great throughout dinner. The food was excellent. No complaints on presentation, portion sizes or taste. It was all good. We had osso bucco, beef tenderloin and the rabbit pasta.

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4.8

4.8 (11256)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Hollywood

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Musso & Frank Grill where we provide an authentic Old Hollywood dining experience one would have received in the early decades of last century. We welcome you to Old Hollywood!

Top review

CarolVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Always the best experience, great food and people and wonderful ambience. And of course the history is fantastic!

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Spaghetti and Meatballs

Nusr-Et Dubai

4.3

4.3 (2410)

AED 185 and over

Steakhouse

Jumeirah 2

About the restaurant

Was superb. Nothing more to say! It was a blast, thank you for everything!

Top review

Marian

Dined 7 days ago

Amazing stuff and food! I will always remember that moment.

Paddock & Vine

4.7

4.7 (428)

$41 to $100

Mediterranean

Mona Vale

About the restaurant

We are a newly opened restaurant & wine bar on the northern beaches, located in one of the busiest suburbs, Mona Vale. Paddock and Vine brings in rustic food too the plate and home cooking with a twist. Creating an amazing feel-like home dining experience.

We do our utmost to please all palates by bringing wine from throughout the world to be enjoyed in our venue.

Our relaxed and friendly atmosphere is created to indulge our customers in comfort.

Our bar and kitchen opens six nights a week and Saturday and Sunday for lunches.

Top review

Lucy

Dined 2 days ago

First time at Paddock & Vine and it was a wonderful visit. Definitely recommend.

Restaurant Schnitzelei

4.7

4.7 (1988)

€30 and under

German

Charlottenburg

About the restaurant

Tucked on the edge of the River Spree, Schnitzelei serves appetizers, tapas, regional German/Austrian cuisine and cold beer in tastefully designed, rustic settings. The restaurant star draw is its schnitzel menu, which features over a dozen different creative variations including tasty options for vegetarians. Schnitzelei also boasts a beer garden where diners can relax while enjoying a cold brew.

Stop by after work with friends for a fun, relaxing meal. The waterfront restaurant's cheery ambiance also makes it an ideal choice for group outings. Schnitzelei is open all through the week.

Top review

Christine

Dined on Dec 1, 2024

The food, the servers, the ambience, everything was amazing , we loved it , when you come for the perfect Schnitzel experience with the family and kids and grandkids and you notice the dessert is to die for. My advice: don’t skip the dessert: Marillenknoedel come in a set of three little ones that are perfect for sharing

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Serafina by The Water

4.7

4.7 (3715)

$31 to $50

Italian

Victoria Park

About the restaurant

“SERAFINA” in Italian translates to both “angel of the sea” and “fine evening”. Those who have been there completely agree! This beautifully romantic, candlelit trattoria is nestled in Victoria Park on a gorgeous view of the Middle River. Its doors open to the most irresistibly charming ambiance and aromas of fantastic Mediterranean flavors. Serafina has a covered and heated patio so guests can enjoy their surroundings in every season!

Top review

Glenn

Dined 1 day ago

Serafina is always a favorite. We like that it’s off the beaten path, making it a hidden gem. There are plenty of Italian restaurants in South Florida, but there are only a few that are consistently delicious.

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4.4

4.4 (1365)

€31 to €50

Cocktail Bar

Rathmines

About the restaurant

Great food, great atmosphere and the staff are more than accommodating.

Top review

Philip

Dined 7 days ago

Really enjoyed our visit to Stella Cocktail club. The ambience was lovely coming up to Christmas and the staff were polite & professional. Food was also amazing and definitely visit again.

Tatel Madrid

4.6

4.6 (321)

€31 to €50

Mediterranean

Castellana

About the restaurant

TATEL is much more than a restaurant, it is a sensational experience that brings together the best of Spanish gastronomy, the culture of the country and the world of entertainment. TATEL Madrid offers high-quality traditional Spanish cuisine along with variations of the classics.

Top review

Juan luis

Dined on Nov 28, 2024

Great Food The Flamenco dancers were great! The Rioja Alta 904 was Awesome! 🍷

The Tap Room at Dubsdread

4.8

4.8 (3155)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown Orlando

About the restaurant

Our spectacular setting and award-winning food have made us a favorite in Central Florida. Join us for lunch, dinner or happy hour inside or out on the verandah. We proudly offer fresh fish, hand-cut prime steaks, homemade desserts and Orlando’s best burger!

Top review

JimmyMG

Dined 5 days ago

Great food, good service, overall very enjoyable.

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Popular dish

Hot Crab & Cheese Dip

Popular dish

Tap Room Bleu Cheese Chips

Van Speyk

4.8

4.8 (359)

€51 and over

Dutch

Binnenstad/Burgwallen

About the restaurant

Very good food. Nice outdoor area on nice evening. When I come back to Amsterdam, I will certainly return. Great service and even better meal. Thanks.

Top review

Lili

Dined on Dec 6, 2024

Really nice place, amazing food with many Dutch options, kind waiters, definitely recommend

Westerns Laundry

4.8

4.8 (1674)

£26 to £40

Modern European

Holloway

About the restaurant

Westerns Laundry is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant focusing on seafood & natural wines. The restaurant is located in the Islington/Highbury neighbourhood of North London. It opened in 2018 and is housed in a 1950's industrial building which used to be home to the largest commercial laundry in North London. It now boasts a beautiful 60 cover dining room, which opens onto an open 20 cover cobbled courtyard with olive trees as well as an intimate private dining room. Westerns Laundry has won numerous awards for excellence and originality and is a firm favourite on the London dining scene.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 3 days ago

Amazing food. Fantastic service at the counter and run the arch the food being cooked.

Wirtshaus in der Au

4.6

4.6 (1430)

€30 and under

Bavarian

Haidhausen-Nord

About the restaurant

Munichs typical food and beverage restaurant. We love to have you here as a Guest and you will love the friendly environment.

We are happy to see you soon at our traditional hospitality since 1902

Top review

Javier VIP

Dined on Dec 1, 2024

Marianne was extraordinary! Happy , professional and very helpful! Great place, better team there’s no way to regret it! Congratulations

開花屋

4.7

4.7 (498)

¥5,001 to ¥10,000

Izakaya

Shibuya

About the restaurant

It is casual Japanese IZAKAYA where to eat and drink with "waiwai gayagaya" rather than to enjoy a quiet meal.Please visit the web site once to understand us.

Booking Policy: ★Cancellation Policy:
●Cancellation fee(Yen/per person)・On the day:8000/・2days before and the day before the book date:5000※Booking for 13 people or more: From the previous day to 7 days ago:5000

★Books:
●We onliy accept reservations from customers who order a course meal, so please be sure to select and write a course name. YUKI 5800/TSUKI 7800/HANA9800/HUKU12000(Yen/by only food, excluding tax)
●We cannot accept a request for increase the number of the people after 2days before the book date.
●We allow 2 hours for your seat. If you do not confirm the following, we cannot allow your book.

★For allergies or vegetalian
●Check "https://kaikaya.com/ba" for food allergies

★For children
●Check "https:/kaikaya.com/bc" for child

Top review

Janice

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

Great hosting and food was so well executed and prepared by chefs . Will definitely return again 👍👍

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