Best Global Eats 2014

Continuing our annual tradition, we’ve compiled a list of the best eats we’ve had in 2014. We haven’t traveled to as many countries as we’ve done in the past, but we’ve still managed to dine at many new restaurants both closer to home and abroad, as well as our all-time favorites.

Here’s a list of what resonates as the best global eats in 2014:

Best Belgian Food
Markt, NYC
Remains on the top of our list for years. This is our go-to for the best moules frites and croque madames in NYC. Also worth trying is Markt’s Carbonnade Flamande, a traditional Belgian sweet-sour beef and onion stew made with beer.

Best Breakfast
Koko Head Cafe, Honolulu, Hawaii
Chef Lee Anne Wong opened the restaurant earlier this year. She presents twists on breakfast classics and some Asian dishes with ingredients that are sourced from local farmers that’ll get you fueled up for some kung fu fighting.

 

Best Sunday Brunch Buffet
Washington Prime, South Norwalk, Connecticut
This year, Washington Prime introduced their Sunday Buffet Brunch. For $29.95, you can sip one of their delicious drinks (Bloody Mary, Mimosa, or Moscow Mule) as you savor their buffet selection.

Best Burger
Bareburger, NYC and CT
Who needs beef when you can try burgers made with wild boar, elk, and more game. Oh, don’t forget to try their onion rings. Crunch! They are colossal and extra crispy.

Best Colombian
Memo’s Restaurant & Bakery, Norwalk, Connecticut
Sundays are when we dine here. I love their sancocho (chicken soup with yuca and plantains) and their Bandeja Paisa (country platter) – thin pieces of grilled steak, pork chicharron, an arepa, rice and beans, topped with a fried egg.

Best Farm to Table Restaurant
Parallel Post, Trumbull, Connecticut
Try their Sunday brunch, or come for dinner. Their food, and cocktails, are amazing.

Best Hawaiian
Helena’s Hawaiian Food, Oahu, Hawaii
This is our spot for authentic Hawaiian food when we’re in Oahu. Come early, there’s usually a line.

Best Italian
Morello, Greenwich, Connecticut
On the busy street of Greenwich Avenue is a beautiful restaurant called Morello. They serve excellent dishes. Whether you’re craving seafood, meat, or pasta, Morello offers flavorful dishes to please anyone. Don’t forget to save room for their amazing desserts.

Best Lobster Roll
Harbour House at the Inn at Mystic, Mystic, CT
The Harbour House serves fresh, seasonal and local cuisine in a relaxed and comfortable setting.  They have waterfront terrace from which diners can enjoy the gorgeous views of Long Island Sound, a large bar area which offers 24 beers on tap along with an impressive list of signature cocktails, and a cozy area by the fireplace.

Best Macaroni & Cheese
The Capital Grille’s Lobster Mac and Cheese (locations across the US)
Their Lobster Mac and Cheese is our favorite – the right amount of cheese, perfectly cooked pasta, and chunks of lobster. ‘Nuff said.

Best Panini
Tarry Market, Port Chester, New York – Try their prime rib or porchetta panini
Eataly Rosticceria, NYC – Prime rib panini is available daily and the porchetta panini is served on Thursdays

Best Pizza
Frank Pepe’s, New York and Connecticut
Their White Clam Pizza is a must! And did you know? Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana ranks #1 in The Daily Meal’s 101 Best Pizzas in America for 2014.

Best Poke
Da Poke Shack, Kona, Hawaii
5 stars in Yelp led us to this spot on the Kona side of the Big Island. We were hooked with the first taste.

Best Restaurant with a View
ULU at the Four Seasons, Hualalai, Hawaii
We dined here for Mother’s Day, and the drinks, food and view were amazing… Sorry, lost my train of thought as I was reminiscing eating fresh poke while watching the waves crash onto the beach.

Best Southern Food
Mama’s Boy, South Norwalk, Connecticut
In the need of some comfort? Head to Mama’s Boy and enjoy Fried Chicken Crisps (yep, fried chicken skin), Crab Cakes, Chicken and Waffles, and my fave, Low-country Bouillabaisse.

Best Steakhouse
Benjamin Steakhouse, White Plains, New York
Still our favorite steakhouse. Matter of fact, we were there a few days ago enjoying perfectly cooked lamb chops and rib eyes.

Best Tapas
Barcelona Wine Bar, various locations in Connecticut, Atlanta, and D.C.
We’ve gone to a few of their locations, and their tapas are the best. Our usuals are the albondigas, Gambas al Ajillo (Shrimp in Garlic), and cod a la plancha. Each location has unique tapas created by their executive chefs.

Best Sushi
Taikun, Grand Cayman
Located in the gorgeous Ritz Carlton on Seven Mile Beach in the Grand Cayman, Taikun serves top quality sushi and sashimi. The best we’ve had all year.

Best Wings
Candlelight Inn, Scarsdale, NY
Still remains on the top of our list. The right amount of heat, crunch, and flavor.