Have you ever enjoyed a meal so much you would travel by plane just to eat at that restaurant? I’m talking about the kind of culinary experience so memorable that you still talk about it years later.
I’ve had a few great meals over the years, but there are a few I’d consider bucket list-worthy or at least must-try. So here are four restaurants that are always on the agenda when we visit our favorite Hilton Grand Vacations destinations.
Must-Try Foodie Vacation Spots
Maui, Hawaii
The first restaurant to make my bucket and “must-do” list is Mama’s Fish House on Maui. We stop on Maui to eat at this iconic and purely classic Hawaiian restaurant whenever we visit Hawaii.
You’ll need to plan for this one, especially if you want the quintessential sunset dining view, as it’s fully booked three to six months in advance.
The view is amazing, and the food will not disappoint. Expect an authentic Hawaiian vibe, decor and feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
I would fly to Myrtle Beach just to eat at the New York Prime Steakhouse.
It’s walking distance from Anderson Ocean Club, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club, and a short drive from Hilton Grand Vacations’ other Myrtle Beach resorts Ocean 22 and Ocean Enclave.
The ambiance at New York Prime Steakhouse returns you to the old days when elegant dining included a Maître D’, white linen tablecloths and waiters wearing suits and ties. You’ll hear Sinatra playing in the background, and if you want, you can smoke a cigar after your meal at the bar. The prime-aged steaks, lobster tails, à la carte sides and a great wine list always satisfy my appetite.
Miami, Florida
In Miami, just down the street from the McAlpin-Ocean Plaza, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club, is Joe’s Stone Crab — home to more than 100 years of history serving Florida’s best stone crab claws.
Again, plan to make a reservation, especially if it’s late fall-early winter, crab season. But don’t despair if you can’t get you can’t get a table. You can order fresh crab and have it flown to your home.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago may not make many foodie vacation bucket lists, but if you happen to be staying at Chicago Magnificent Mile, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club, Portillo’s Hot Dogs is a must-try. It’s not fine dining, but in my opinion, if you haven’t had a hot dog from Portillo’s, you haven’t had the pleasure of real street food.
Luckily, this particular restaurant is a franchise, so you may be lucky enough to try one in your hometown. But it’s worth going to the original location along Clark and Ontario to see memorabilia from a bygone era.
A Long List of Delicious Destinations
Now when it comes to Las Vegas and New York City, the list is too long and ever-changing to include here. I’m sure every traveler could make a long bucket list of delicious places to eat over a whole vacation, but that is in itself is a reason to visit those Hilton Grand Vacations’ New York and Las Vegas resorts every year to see what’s hot and new.
Read “Learn How to Plan Vacations Like a Pro with These 7 Practical Tips” for insider tips on how to snag a table at top restaurants, no matter your destination.