Continuing our annual tradition (now in the 5th edition), we’ve compiled a list of the best eats we’ve had in 2016. We haven’t traveled to as many countries as we’ve done in the past, but we’ve still managed to dine at many new restaurants both closer to home and abroad, as well as our all-time favorites.
Here’s a list of what resonates as the best global eats in 2016:
Best Belgian Food
Markt, NYC
Markt has been on the top of our list for years. This is our go-to for the best moules frites and croque madames in NYC. They have a great Belgian beer selection available on tap and by the bottle, with the glass to match.
Best Place to Eat Healthy Food
Green + Tonic, Westport, CT
My go-to after a workout at Pure Barre or CST50, I often get a Warrior Smoothie Bowl made with Kale, spinach, coconut water, banana, chia seeds, and Energy Blend Granola with cacao. They also have delicious foods packed in the refrigerator case, including wraps, salads and more.
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Best Burger
Bareburger, NYC and CT
Who needs beef when you can try burgers made with wild boar, elk, and more game. Oh, don’t forget order try their onion rings. Crunch! They are colossal and extra crispy.
Best Dim Sum
Nom Wah Tea Parlor, New York City
NYC Chinatown’s first dim sum joint. Depending on the time you go, there may be a line. It’s popular amongst locals, and tourists. Whenever we’re in Chinatown, we make sure we stop there. They also opened a new location in Nolita.
Best Italian
Tarry Lodge, Westport, CT
We’ve had many excellent dishes at Tarry Lodge. Everything on their menu is delicious. Try their Linguine with Clams.
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Best Panini
Eataly Flatiron, New York City
This summer, I’ve fallen in love with their Lucano hot panini made with hot soppresata and Arethusa’s Crybaby cheese and black olive pesto on their housemade baguettes. This bumped off their hot porchetta panini off my favorite list.
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Best Pizza
Frank Pepe’s, New Haven, CT
Best Ramen
Mecha Noodle Bar, South Norwalk, CT + 2 other locations in Fairfield and New Haven
To get our ramen fix, we head to Mecha. Our favorite dishes include the KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) Bao Buns, Red Oil Dumplings, and Tonkotsu Ramen made made with tender, flavorful pork belly (chashu), ramen, spicy sprouts, soft-boiled, egg, and scallion.
Best Seafood
The Whelk, Westport, CT
There was one point where we ate here every week for almost 2 months. They’ve got a great happy hour menu, and dinner is always fantastic. One of our favorite appetizers is their Smoked Trout Dip which is also sold in jars during the holidays.
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Best Steakhouse
Benjamin Steakhouse, White Plains, New York
Still our favorite steakhouse. Our usual order is Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, two slices of thick bacon, Porterhouse for two, home fries, creamed spinach, and one of their decadent desserts.
Benjamin Steakhouse Porterhouse for 2
Best Tapas and Best Restaurant with a View
Capa Restaurant, Orlando, Florida
On the 17th-floor of the Four Seasons Orlando Resort is a fantastic Spanish Steakhouse called Capa. Capa’s diverse offerings range from fresh Florida seafood to incredible small plates and expertly grilled cuts. An open kitchen and wood-burning grill allow you to get close to the action, while on the outdoor patio diners enjoy views of the nightly fireworks.
Best Thai Food
Jeera Thai, Westport, CT
Opened in the summer on Post Road East, Jeera serves delicious authentic Thai dishes that are comforting and healthy. Pay mind to the heat levels on the menu, they actually make the dishes spicy, which we love! Our favorites are the Vegetable Dumplings, Drunken Noodles with Chicken, and Kaprow, a stir-fried entree made with onion, chili, garlic, long bean, hot Thai basil and your choice of protein.
Best Vegan Food
Blossom du Jour, 5 locations in New York City
I’ve ordered the Power Up Kale so many times, but their sandwiches are fantastic. Try the Smokey Avocado Wrap or Black Bean Burger. Their smoothies are good too.
