SBP Guide: 8 Destination Restaurants to Put on Your Culinary Bucket List

Tacos & Tequila

03/29/22

If you’re anything like us, trying new restaurants is one of the biggest draws of traveling. Whether we’re heading to the next town over or hopping down to Mexico for a quick little getaway, you can rest assured the SBP team is making reservations at the best eateries on the map (well ahead of time, no less). That’s why we got together to curate the ultimate list of destination restaurants you must put on your culinary bucket list (seriously, you don’t want to drop the ball on this one). Read up below and start snagging those reservations.
 

Single Thread | Healdsburg, CA

Set within the heart of downtown Healdsburg, Single Thread is a three Michelin-starred restaurant (and inn) helmed by one of the country’s most acclaimed chefs, Kyle Connaughton. Currently closed due to a small fire, Single Thread just announced that reservations opened on April 1 for May bookings — so move fast. Kyle’s insane tasting menu showcases the seasonal bounty from his onsite, 24-acre farm that supplies veggies, fruit, herbs, flowers, honey, eggs and olive oil. Enough said.
 
F. Ron Smith’s Must-Try Dish: Big eye tuna with pepper relish.
 
 

Flora Farms | Cabo San Lucas, MX

Cabo is chock full of incredible restaurants, but there’s one spot in particular that anyone privy to the area will tell you to visit: Flora Farms. It’s a 25-acre organic working farm tucked into the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains that’s serving up true farm-to-table eats and sips (yes, your cocktail will be infused with freshly harvested ingredients) in a spectacular, open-air setting.
 
Tracy Smith’s Must-Try Dish: Catch of the Day with pepitas, fresno chili romesco, papaya, lime and jicama and vegetable vinaigrette
 
 

Canlis | Seattle, WA

Everyone deserves to dine at Canlis at least once in this lifetime. Situated in a mid century-modern home in Seattle, the landmark restaurant has been open since the 1950s serving up Pacific Northwestern fare that’ll blow your socks off. Choose between their four- and nine-course tasting menus that allow you to choose three dishes yourself, then the chef will surprise you with the rest. It’s the definition of a gastronomic experience.
 
Katy Yambao‘s Must-Try Dish: Striploin with walla walla onion and wild rice
 
 

Mama’s Fish House | Maui, HI

Us Angelenos love a good Hawaii vacation, and there’s no better restaurant to make a reservation at than Mama’s Fish House in Maui. A converted beach house in a coconut grove on a secluded white sand beach (need we say more?), the restaurant offers a casual yet elevated take on local, seafood-focused Hawaiian fare. No, really — the chef will tell you exactly where the fish was caught. This one’s a must for anyone heading to Maui.
 
Trevor Edmond’s Must-Try Dish: Mahi-mahi (caught by Kamal Pfeifle) stuffed with lobster in a macadamia nut crust
 



Pujol | Mexico City, MX

Pujol, one of the best restaurants in the world, is just a plane ride away to Mexico City. Founded by Chef Enrique Olvera back in 2000, the globally acclaimed restaurant features a seven-course tasting menu that’s not to be believed. While the selection changes seasonally, you can always count on traditional Mexican dishes with a spectacular culinary twist. Can’t make it to Mexico City? Chef Enrique recently opened Damian in DTLA.
 
Andres Vargas’ Must-Try Dish(es): Signature Mole Madre (Pujol), Smoked Clam with chili seed shoyu and cucumber (Damian)
 
 

Quince | San Francisco, CA

Located in San Francisco’s historic Jackson Square, Quince is a three Michelin-starred restaurant run by husband-and-wife duo Lindsay and Michael Tusk — and it should be an unwavering must on anyone’s dining bucket list. Their nightly changing tasting menu features California contemporary cuisine with Italian influences, highlighting the restaurant’s partnership with Fresh Run Farm. If you’re up in SF, you’re gonna want to make a res here.
 
Nathan Stadler’s Must-Try Dish: Tsar Nicoulai caviar with pumpkin, smoked eel and sorrel
 
 

Carbón Cabrón | Cabo San Lucas, MX

An entire menu of wood-fired dishes? Count us in. Carbón Cabrón in Cabo delivers a one-of-a-kind, primal culinary experience that diverts from Cabo’s typical beach ambiance in a refined, rustic setting. The restaurant’s ingredients come directly from the land with everything cooked directly on the grill. It goes without saying that this spot is F. Ron and David’s go-to in Mexico.
 
F. Ron Smith & David Berg’s Must-Try Dishes: Vegetal Charcoal with tempura onions, habañero aioli and black recado, and Catch of the Day with white curry, green oil, pil pil, leek and kelp
 
 

Mad & Vin | Solvang, CA

We’re huge fans of The Landsby here at SBP, and the epic boutique hotel just so happens to be home to one of our favorite restaurants, too: Mad & Vin. Executive Chef Beto Huizar is a master at delicious, wine-country-inspired cuisine made fresh with seasonal ingredients from California’s central coast. If you’re in Solvang (or planning a visit just for this), make sure to grab a reservation ahead of time.
 
Courtney Welsh‘s Must-Try Dish: Santa Ynez Burger with wagyu beef, husk tomato jam, applewood bacon, arugula, pickles and duck fat fries
 
 

Be sure to tag us in your culinary travels on Instagram @smithandberg.

 
 

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