The 25 HeartRome Dining Highlights of 2015 

For me, it’s been another mouthwatering, very filling year of new tastes, experiences and food – glorious food. It’s been very difficult to filter and select but here are 25 HeartRome dining highlights for 2015.

As I look back on my 2015, I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you again for reading and following me on social media. It truly means the world. I wish you all a happy and safe new year – may 2016 be filled with joy, laughter and all the things you desire.

Attica (Melbourne) 

For: some of the best Australian produce – Attica is renowned as one of Melbourne’s best restaurants.

For: Piemontese wine and cuisine that doesn’t disappoint in a homely setting.

For: a taste of what some of Rome’s young chefs have to offer in the most intimate setting: one table only here! 

For: a delectable experience in one of Mario Batali’s best. The Del Posto degustation will blow your mind.

For: one of Turin’s best wine and snack bars. The wine list reads like a list of awards.

For: (on this occasion my Birthday lunch) a sleek take on regional Italian cuisine.

For: some of New York’s best dumplings. Cheap, no frills and divine. Don’t leave without trying the Peking duck sandwich.

For: the most authentic Mexican food in the area. You’ll feel right at home here.

For: what is guaranteed to be one of the best meals of your life. Let Francesco Apreda take you on a journey through his unique international flavour combinations.

For: what gets close enough to molecular dining in Rome. Marco Martini is young, sassy and ridiculously talented.

For: local cheese and DOCG cesanese wine with a view. The Ciociaria territory in Lazio doesn’t disappoint.

For: dining on Rome’s only island! Cross the river and enjoy all day dining in one of the most unique and prized locations in Rome.

For: fine dining with one of the most stunning Panoramas of the city. The Hotel Bernini Bristol terrace is just spectacular.

For: homestyle Piemontese cuisine. With only 7 tables, it doesn’t get cozier than this. Truffle pasta, wine, need I say more.

For: Michelin star dining in the outdoors at Rome’s Taste. Heinz Beck is the master and even outside of his famed La Pergola kitchen, puts on a show.

For: the most delicious food cooked with the freshest and most prized ingredients right before your eyes – by four fantastically dynamic women.

For: the best food in Sulmona and surrounds. Local Abruzzo cuisine and produce is more than honoured at Da Gino; it’s the star of the show!

Largo dei Librari, 88 

For: a walk around Madrid you won’t forget. Tapas, tavernas, vermouth – eating and drinking on the streets of Madrid never tasted so good!

For: an intimate Michelin dining experience in the very heart of the city.

For: one of the best cakes I’ve ever eaten. Ever. The chocolate mascarpone torte is to die for (and can be tried on an Amsterdam Food Tour).

For: mouthwatering pork, dumplings and beer. Plain and simple.

For: a sophisticated and refined meal in Alba with all the Piemontese classics.

For: one of Rome’s best panini. This one with  whitebait and homemade tartare drags me back all the time.

For: some of the most unique Australian produce cooked to perfection.