The Best Single-Dish Restaurants Around the World

Carol is an editor with SmarterTravel Media, specializing in travel writing, multimedia production, and trying every local cuisine she can find. You can follow her journeys @cj_mcpherson on Instagram.

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While most restaurants pride themselves on an expansive menu, single-dish eateries focus on what they do best: showcasing a specific dish or ingredient. If you’ve ever had a garlic craving you just can’t kick or wish that “dessert mushrooms” were a standard menu option, these six ultra-specialized restaurants may be the answer to all your culinary desires.

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The Stinking Rose – San Francisco, California

Exterior of The Stinking Rose restaurant in San Francisco, California (left) and pile of garlic on table (right) — The Stinking Rose & Yulia Furman | Adobe Stock

With garlic mussels, garlic rose relish, garlic salad, 40-clove garlic chicken, and even garlic ice cream, this menu is not for the faint of heart (or for date night). But for hardcore enthusiasts, The Stinking Rose in San Francisco, California is the place to get your garlic fix. Their website proudly claims that “they season their garlic with food” and with over 50 garlicky dishes on offer and an annual garlic usage of over 50 tons, they have the evidence to back it up.

Where to Stay: The W San Francisco
Distance from The Stinking Rose: 4 minute drive, 11 minutes via public transportation, or 22 minute walk
Close to: Fisherman’s Wharf and the Alcatraz ferry terminal

The Joel Palmer House Restaurant – Dayton, Oregon

Interior of the Joel Palmer House Restaurant in Dayton, Oregon (left) and hands holding a handful of mushrooms (left) — The Joel Palmer House Restaurant

If you’re craving something earthy and savory, skip the foraging and dine out at The Joel Palmer House Restaurant. This upscale eatery in Oregon is focused on one thing only: mushrooms. The Mushroom Madness Tasting menu features five fungi-filled courses. Sample escargot with black trumpet mushrooms, sturgeon with a side of chanterelle, and finish off with Candy Cap Mushroom Creme Brûlée for dessert. Each mushroom on the menu is listed by its common and scientific name.

Where to Stay: Wine Country Bed Farm & Breakfast
Distance from the Joel Palmer House Restaurant: 9 minute drive
Close to: Wine Country Farm Vineyards and neighboring vineyards

Maison de la Truffle – Paris, France

Exterior of Maison de la Truffle in Paris, France (left) and close up of truffles (right) — Maison de la Truffle

Truffles, the haute cuisine cousins of the humble mushroom, are a fine dining staple. Established by a Parisian jeweler in 1931, Maison de la Truffle features dishes such as beef carpaccio with summer truffle spread, truffled ravioli, and truffle lobster risotto. For dessert, try a truffle-flavored cheesecake, and make sure to inquire after which fresh truffles they have available that day to grate over the dish of your choosing. The restaurant also offers The Black Truffle Tasting menu on a per table basis for €119 (201 USD).

Where to Stay: Normandy Le Chantier
Distance from Maison de la Truffle: 16 minute walk or 8 minutes via public transportation
Close to: The Louvre

The Avocado Show – Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Interior of the Avocado Show in Amsterdam (left) and cut and whole avocados on a black table (right) — The Avocado Show & Yaruniv-Studio | Adobe Stock

The Avocado Show originated in Amsterdam, and four out of the eleven franchise locations can still be found within the city. Dedicated to “sharing the #avolove,” this establishment’s menu uses avocado at every opportunity. Their lineup features everything from more traditional dishes—think guacamole and avocado toast—to some truly unique finds, like the Peanut Butter Avo Ice Cream or spirulina avocado pancakes. Be sure not to miss their avo fries and truffle mayo, the signature dish that put them on the map.

Where to Stay: Park Centraal Amsterdam
Distance from The Avocado Show: 5 minute drive or 11 minute walk
Close to: The Van Gogh Museum

The PB & Jelly Deli – West Allis, Wisconsin

Interior of the PB&Jelly Deli (left) and a spread of sandwhiches and PB &Jelly Deli merch as seen from above (right) — The PB & Jelly Deli

If you’ve ever found yourself wishing that your boring PB&J was topped with some raspberry jalapeño jam, then the out-of-the-box options at The PB & Jelly Deli are right for you. Here, you can enhance the lunchtime favorite with everything from fresh cut strawberries, bananas, and honey, to bacon and cheddar cheese. Try their dark chocolate peanut butter or peanut butter smoothies if you have a sweet tooth, or opt for one of their several other types of nut butters.

Where to Stay: The Ambassador Hotel
Distance from the PB & Jelly Deli: 8 minute drive or 36 minutes via public transportation
Close To: Anywhere in Downtown Milwaukee with complimentary shuttle service

The Cheese Bar – London, England

People sitting around the bar at the Cheese Bar in London, England (left) and an aerial view of a cheese and bread dish (right) — The Cheese Bar

Do you want cheese on that? The answer to that question is always a resounding yes at The Cheese Bar, a London establishment dedicated to elevating cheese from the occasional appetizer to the star of the show. Guests can book a slot at the bar for one to three guests, or the communal-style dining table for four to 16 guests. Craft your own cheese board from the suggested pairings menu or get a main dish to share (might we suggest the Cornish Gouda & Kern Cheese Fondue for Two).

Where to Stay: London Marriott Hotel Regents Park
Distance from The Cheese Bar: 7 minute drive, 10 minutes via public transportation, or 20 minute walk
Close to: Abbey Road Studios

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