Macau has been one of the hottest tourist destinations to visit over the past decade or so, having become one of the gambling capitals of the world. Like Las Vegas, it’s become a place where the influence of online casino games like online blackjack and roulette games spills into the real world, with people flocking in their millions to come and enjoy real-life slot games and table games.
And like Las Vegas, it’s also a region that offers opulence on every corner, including when it comes to food. Across the casinos you’ll find some of the world’s greatest chefs offering up menus, and if you’re visiting the special administrative region of China, then you’re almost certainly going to want to visit these…
The Ritz Carlton Cafe
This French brasserie is as flash as you can get in Macau. The Ritz is a London institution and has moved its exquisite service and luxury over to the Asian destination, offering classic French cuisine in a charming and opulent cafe setting.
It’s great for a romantic meal or any form of special occasion, with it serving up some iconic dishes including the beef tartare and sea bass, which really are must-tries.
Lai Heen
Moving into more contemporary, Lai Heen is a Michelin starred restaurant that puts vegetarianism at the very heart of its cooking. While it’s not exclusively veggie, in fact the Iberico pork and steamed crab are among its signature dishes, you’ll find plenty of options that are vegetarian and vegan friendly with dishes influenced by haute Chinese cooking. The atmosphere is one of the more relaxed in the city when it comes to fine dining, while private dining is available if you’re really looking to push the boat out.
Belon Restaurant
The first thing you notice with the Belon Restaurant at Banyan Tree is how extravagant the decor is. It’s aimed to make you feel like you’re dining beneath the waves, with coral and blue colours dominating the room. The restaurant itself is just as interesting and was named one of the best restaurants in the city by Tatler magazine just a few years ago.
As you can probably imagine from the theme of the decor, seafood is a real speciality here, with the scallops and oysters among the most popular plates. There is more though. It’s a huge hit with visitors enjoying Sunday brunch, while the steak is also clearly a favourite among those on TripAdvisor.
Dragon Portuguese Cuisine
Offering a more slightly reasonably priced restaurant now, and one of the best Portuguese offerings in Macau is at Dragon. Macau has a long and established history with Portugal, being a former colony of the European country, so a taste of its past is always a must when visiting.
Dragon Portuguese Cuisine offers this in abundance, with classic seafood dishes and tapas, as well as some fantastic pork such as suckling pig. The restaurant is based in Broadway and offers a much cosier atmosphere than many of the area’s fine dining establishments. So, if you’re looking for something more relaxed that still packs a punch, this is likely the place for you.
Le Buffet
Different from anywhere else is Le Buffer, a European style marketplace where you have a host of different cuisines to choose from. Set in a rather glitz and glam hall, this isn’t your street food kind of market, but rather a luxurious setting to enjoy seafood, cured meats and some of the best desserts in town. It’s a great spot for family outings, with the mini Eiffel Tower dessert a real centrepiece and bucket list item for any trip to Macau.
