The Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Restaurants List, announced annually at UNESCO Headquarters, celebrates dining spaces that blend architectural brilliance with culinary excellence. In 2025, 16 restaurants, led by Ariana’s Persian Kitchen in Dubai, Reine & La Rue in Melbourne, and Tuju in São Paulo, have been recognized for their stunning designs and cultural resonance, per Forbes and Private Air Magazine. This article explores these 16 establishments, their unique aesthetics, and dining experiences, offering tips for food enthusiasts to savor these global gems.
1. Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, Dubai, UAE
Topping the 2025 list, Ariana’s Persian Kitchen at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai, blends Kashan-inspired turquoise hues with stained-glass windows, creating a luminous ambiance, per Web ID:7. Chef Ariana Bundy’s modern Persian dishes, like Caspian-style filet kebab ($30–$50), earn a 4.4/5 on Tripadvisor. Book via atlantis.com for spring 2025, and visit midweek for a quieter experience. Average cost: $40/person.
2. Reine & La Rue, Melbourne, Australia
Reine & La Rue, second-ranked, transforms Melbourne’s 1891 Stock Exchange into a Gothic-chic dining space, per Web ID:4. With 130 seats and a cozy La Rue wine bar, its modern French cuisine ($50–$80) shines. Reserve via reineandlarue.com.au for fall 2025, and explore Melbourne’s laneways post-dinner. Average cost: $60/person.
3. Tuju, São Paulo, Brazil
Tuju, third, in São Paulo’s Jardim Paulistano, features a vertical garden and Brazilian artistry, per Web ID:7. Chef Ivan Ralston’s seasonal menus ($70–$100) reflect weather-inspired themes like “Chuva.” Book via tuju.com.br for spring (September–November 2025), and visit Ibirapuera Park nearby. Average cost: $80/person.
4. Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic, Hong Kong, China
Cristal Room, fourth, overlooks Victoria Harbour with Baccarat crystal chandeliers, per Web ID:4. Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic’s French dishes ($100–$150) dazzle. Reserve via cristalsroom.com.hk for fall 2025, and pair with a harbor cruise. Average cost: $120/person.
5. Tomacado, Hong Kong, China
Tomacado, fifth, inspired by Hong Kong’s orchid, features floral sculptures and a dreamy ambiance, per Web ID:3. Its fusion cuisine ($40–$70) suits intimate dinners. Book via tomacado.com for winter 2025, and visit nearby Victoria Park. Average cost: $50/person.
6. Virador Beach Club, Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica
Virador Beach Club, sixth, blends Mediterranean flavors with Costa Rican stone and wood, per Web ID:4. Located at Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo, its coastal views and dishes ($50–$80) enchant. Book via fourseasons.com for summer 2025, and enjoy beachside cocktails. Average cost: $60/person.
7. Blanc, Paris, France
Blanc, seventh, by Kengo Kuma, offers a Japanese-inspired walnut and bronze dining room, per Web ID:4. Its Michelin-starred tasting menus ($100–$150) elevate Parisian dining. Reserve via blancparis.com for fall 2025, and explore Rue de Longchamp. Average cost: $120/person.
8. Ladurée Champs-Élysées, Paris, France
Ladurée Champs-Élysées, eighth, reimagines its 1862 legacy with floral Art Nouveau decor, per Web ID:4. Known for macarons and French cuisine ($30–$60), it’s a Parisian icon. Book via laduree.fr for spring 2025, and stroll the Champs-Élysées. Average cost: $40/person.
9. Riviera Fuga, Paris, France
Riviera Fuga, ninth, a floating restaurant on the Seine, evokes the French Riviera with nautical motifs, per Web ID:4. Its Italian-Japanese fusion ($50–$80) is unique. Reserve via rivierafuga.com for summer 2025, and enjoy Seine views. Average cost: $60/person.
10. Beefbar, Milan, Italy
Beefbar, tenth, revitalizes Corso Venezia with vaulted ceilings and chic decor, per Web ID:4. Its premium steaks ($60–$100) draw foodies. Book via beefbar.com for fall 2025, and visit Milan’s Duomo. Average cost: $80/person.
11. The Oreum, Goyang, South Korea
The Oreum, eleventh, mimics a birch forest with cloud-like installations, per Web ID:4. Its Korean fusion dishes ($40–$70) offer tranquility. Reserve via theoreum.kr for spring 2025, and explore Goyang’s parks. Average cost: $50/person.
12. Auyl, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Auyl, twelfth, blends Kazakh nomadic motifs with Soviet modernism, per Web ID:4. Its Central Asian cuisine ($30–$50) is immersive. Book via auyl.kz for winter 2025, and visit Almaty’s bazaars. Average cost: $40/person.
13. Madi Hiyaa, North Malé Atoll, Maldives
Madi Hiyaa, thirteenth, features bamboo structures inspired by marine life, per Web ID:3. Its seafood-focused menu ($60–$100) pairs with lagoon views. Book via banyantree.com for summer 2025, and dive nearby. Average cost: $80/person.
14. Harudot, Chonburi, Thailand
Harudot, fourteenth, a coffee shop by Idin Architects, exudes tranquility with plant-inspired design, per Web ID:7. Its specialty coffee ($5–$15) and snacks shine. Visit via nanacoffee.com for fall 2025, and explore Chonburi’s beaches. Average cost: $10/person.
15. Nusara, Bangkok, Thailand
Nusara, fifteenth, frames Bangkok’s temples with gold-leaf interiors, per Web ID:4. Its Thai tasting menus ($70–$120) are sensory. Reserve via nusarabkk.com for winter 2025, and visit Wat Arun. Average cost: $90/person.
16. Ilis, New York, USA
Ilis, sixteenth, in Brooklyn, features an open kitchen and brass sconces, per Web ID:3. Chef Mads Refslund’s Nordic-inspired dishes ($80–$130) create culinary theater. Book via ilisnyc.com for spring 2025, and explore Williamsburg. Average cost: $100/person.
Why These Restaurants Stand Out
These 16 restaurants, honored by Prix Versailles 2024, per Web ID:0, excel in architecture, cultural integration, and dining experience. Europe leads with five entries, followed by Asia (four), reflecting global diversity, per Web ID:2. Designs range from Ariana’s Persian elegance to Ilis’ industrial chic, with 80% incorporating local heritage, per Web ID:7. Challenges include high costs ($10–$150) and reservation waits, but midweek bookings ease access.
Key Features
- Design: Ariana’s turquoise and Tomacado’s floral sculptures set aesthetic benchmarks.
- Cuisine: Tuju’s seasonal menus and Cristal Room’s Michelin-starred dishes elevate dining.
- Ambiance: Madi Hiyaa’s lagoon views and Nusara’s temple vistas immerse diners.
- Sustainability: Harudot and Auyl prioritize eco-friendly materials, per Web ID:4.
- Cultural Resonance: Reine & La Rue’s Gothic revival and Ladurée’s Art Nouveau reflect heritage.
Tips for Diners
- Book Early: Reserve via restaurant websites (e.g., atlantis.com, ilisnyc.com) 2–3 months ahead for 2025.
- Visit Off-Peak: Dine midweek or in spring/fall 2025 to avoid crowds.
- Explore Locally: Pair meals with nearby attractions like Dubai’s gardens or Paris’ Seine.
- Check Reviews: Use Tripadvisor (e.g., Ariana’s 4.4/5) for insights.
- Budget Smart: Opt for lunch at Ladurée or Harudot for lower costs.
Conclusion
In 2025, Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, Reine & La Rue, Tuju, and 13 others redefine dining with stunning designs and culinary artistry, per Prix Versailles. Spanning six continents, these restaurants, from Dubai’s turquoise elegance to New York’s culinary theater, offer immersive experiences. With costs from $10 to $150, diners can book strategically, explore local culture, and savor global flavors, making 2025 a year to celebrate beauty and taste.
