The Best 3 Michelin Star Restaurants in Europe
27th July, 2017
Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Athénée Hotel - Paris
Few chefs are as well regarded as the masterful Alain Ducasse, who has earned his reputation as one of the world's best over a career spanning close to 50 years. His restaurants have earned him an astonishing 19 Michelin stars, and while his restaurant at The Dorchester is possibly his most well-known, his dining room as The Plaza Athenee Hotel is simply exquisite.
Ambience
The appearance and feel of this utterly magnificent room is often imitated, and very rarely equalled. Impressive deconstructed crystal chandeliers, immaculate silvers and golds, and flawless whites adorn this bright and open space, which invites diners not only to experience some of the finest food in the world, but to appreciate the majesty and beauty of the 5 star hotel in which it is situated.
Cuisine
According to Chef Ducasse himself, his restaurant at the Plaza aims to create a 'high-end version of a humble cuisine based on vegetables, cereals and fish.' Ducasse isn't just aiming to create food that tastes and looks absolutely flawless, but that makes guests feel superb about eating it.
Locally sourced vegetables and ingredients are standard, and among the dishes served are Cotentin lobster, smoked jelly and lentils, and sea bass with clementine confit. This journey into the mind and palate of one of the world's most exceptional chefs is not to be missed.
Getting there from your Hideaway
Fortunately for Members staying at Triangle D'or in Paris, the Plaza Athénée Hotel is a mere 5 minute walk away, meaning that a visit to this stunning establishment won't impact on any other plans you may have during your stay.
The Fat Duck - Berkshire, England
The modern world of cuisine is an ever evolving and progressing entity, which is driven forwards by the minds of its most innovative chefs. Indisputably at the fore of this movement is England's Heston Blumenthal, whose restaurant The Fat Duck has received global acclaim, as well as the famous 3 stars.
Situated a short drive out of London in the beautiful town of Bray, in the picturesque county of Berkshire, The Fat Duck is situated in a 16th century building, and the location, menu, and entire experience at this magnificent establishment all come together to take diners on a journey filled with nostalgia, memory, and curiosity.
Ambience
Seating a modest 42 diners across 14 tables, the interiors of The Fat Duck harken to British tradition and heritage. The decor is modest and stylish, with simple adornments and artwork ensuring that nothing detracts from the menu, which truly takes centre stage here.
Cuisine
Blumenthal is known throughout the world for his experimentation, and gastronomic trickery. What's delightfully humbling about a meal at The Fat Duck is how well this is balanced out with an appreciation of simple, stunning ingredients.
Among the dishes on offer are oyster and passionfruit jelly, salmon poached in liquorice gel, and violet tartlets and apple pie toffee (encased in edible sweet paper, naturally).
In a charming twist on the classic tasting menu, diners at The Fat Duck can take part in 'The Journey', which aims to recreate the childhood memories of the chef himself - and hopefully insight some sensory memory for the diners themselves.
Anyone lucky enough to experience an evening at The Fat Duck is sure to leave having gained not only an incredible memory, but a satisfied grin at Blumenthal's genius.
Getting there from your Hideaway
If you're planning a stay in your Kensington Garden apartment, in London, then The Fat Duck is a direct and simple drive down the M4 motorway, and you should be able to be at the restaurant in under an hour, traffic allowing.
If you don't plan to drive, then you could take a train from Paddington to Maidenhead, and take a taxi the short remaining distance. Both options are fairly straightforward, and time efficient.
Lasarte, Monument Hotel - Barcelona
Barcelona holds a culinary pedigree that's hard to surpass, considering its proximity to El Bulli, chef Ferran Adria's legendary restaurant, which while it was open was almost unanimously accepted as the best restaurant in the world.
While that might be a hard accomplishment to topple, for foodie travellers to Barcelona, Lasarte might just come close. Head chef Paolo Casagrande has proudly and only recently earned his restaurant the coveted 3 stars - the third of which was awarded in 2016.
Early booking is a necessity, but is well worth the advanced planning - a trip to Lasarte is sure to be as uniquely memorable as the holiday it's a part of.
Ambience
As would be expected of the recently redesigned (and now 5 star) hotel in which it is situated, the design and decor of Lasarte is quite simply stunning. Undulating linear designs, subtle wooden finishes and gentle jazz piano introduce you to the sensory experience of an evening at Lasarte.
The Menu
The dishes at Lasarte look like they belong in an art gallery. Quite simply, they are beautiful - colourful, delicate interpretations of different ingredients with a modern flair, and delightfully inviting appearance.
As a wheelbarrow is wheeled to your table, you will be able to sample, among other plates, marinated oyster with iced watercress slush and sea mist, and shiso and mint leaf sorbet. All of the dishes are perfectly timed, and it's well worth opting for the wine pairings, as sommelier Marc Pinto has outdone himself with the vintages on offer here.
Getting there from your Hideaway
From Calle Princesa, your Hideaway in Barcelona, the Monument hotel is easily accessible. If you prefer to walk in the glorious sun of this beautiful city, then door to door you can be at the restaurant within half an hour - and if you'd prefer to drive or take a taxi, it will take a mere 10-15 minutes.
La Pergola - Rome
Rome is a city of history, romance, and culture. It's also home to one of the very best 3 Michelin star restaurants in Italy: chef Heinz Beck's La Pergola. Considered by many to be one of Italy's most exceptional chefs, and owner and mastermind behind the only 3 star restaurant in the capital, Beck has perfectly and flawlessly married creativity, passion, and innovation with the best ingredients.
The result is a dining experience that is truly unmissable - award-winning sommelier Marco Reitano's 60,000 bottle cellar, and the presence of a 45-piece water menu are both indicative of the level of sophistication and quality that La Pergola exhumes.
Ambience
It's hard to imagine a more perfect blend of style, modern sensibility, and an appreciation for culture and heritage than Chef Beck's dining room at La Pergola. Rich, dark woods blend effortlessly with more refined cream and silk furnishings, and look out onto the awe-inspiring city of Rome. An evening spent at Pergola is sure to remain in the minds of diners for years to come.
The menu
Dishes on offer at La Pergola are nothing short of impeccable. They're creative, beautiful, and truly delicious. With not one, but two wine lists to choose from to accompany the meal, diners at La Pergola are in for a real treat.
With plates such as scallops marinated in ginger and lime setting off the taste buds, and more conceptual dishes like 'the water garden' (tapioca cooked with a herb consommé, with scampi carpaccio, scampi, clams and avocado) transforming the menu from a delight to an unforgettable and emotive sensory discovery.
Getting there from your Hideaway
A short, 25 minute drive is all it takes to get from Spanish Steps (your Roman hideaway) to La Pergola, which is tucked just out of the centre of the city, to the North West, although it is possible to walk in around 1 hour (just be aware that the walk involves a steep incline).
