NOBU - 105 Hudson Street, Tribeca, NY
Chef Nobuyuki Matsusuiasa is universally acclaimed as a culinary genius and after sampling his incredible creations, at this the original Nobu, I totally understand why.

Bookings are rarer than snow in July so lie, clr, grovel or bribe (I did all 4) but get a reservation here at all costs.

And don't blink or you might miss retired tennis stars sneaking off for expensive assignations in adjacent store rooms.

MEET - 71/73 Ganservoort Street at Washington Square, NY
The ironically named Meet is situated in New York's trendy, happening, meat packing district (get it?). Although now possibly one of the grooviest places on the planet, it's still possible to find little known dining gems such as this.

Small and intimate, you'll probably end up sharing a booth with a couple of svelte supermodels but console yourself with the fact that the food's good.

EL BULLI - Apartado 30, 17480 Roses en Cala Montjoi. www.elbulli.com
They say you have to book a year in advance to eat at El Bulli, even though it lies at the end of a tortuous drive many miles from Barcelona but, when you've sampled Ferran Adria's incredible cuisine, you'll understand why he's called the Salvador Dali of the kitchen.

For 6 months every year he tours the gastronomic hot spots of Europe before returning to his laboratory-like kitchen and serving the most bizarre yet truly incredible concoctions.

Possibly most famous for his "foams" - originally produced with the help of a bicycle pump - there's also freeze-dried foie gras, caramelised Fisherman's Friends and Parmesan ice-cream. Sounds weird, I know, but honestly it's sublime.

EL VIEJO ZORTZI - Liceniado Poza 54, Bilbao
Not, strictly speaking, anywhere near Barcelona - but then again, neither is El Bulli - this charming family run eatery is in the suburbs of Bilbao and not far from the modern football stadium.

In a small and rather anonymous looking building in this quiet suburb they produce fantastic Basque style cuisine such as the pigeon breast stuffed with prunes that I enjoyed.

World class architecture came to Bilbao with the opening of Frank Gehry's stunning Guggenheim, however, world class cuisine was already here.

L'ACOUJOU - Sandy Lane, St James, Barbados
There is no better place to dine, anywhere in the world, than at one of the open terrace tables at L'Acajou - overlooking stunning mature mahogany trees (from which it takes its name) and the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean.

Set within the incomparable Sandy Lane Hotel, their chefs create world class cuisine that's not only the best on the island but probably the whole of the Caribbean.

Maybe if you're a Man U supporter, however, you'd better find somewhere else to dine because messrs. Magnier and McManus - the joint owners - are often in situ.

FISH POT - Little Good Harbour Hotel, Shermans, St Peter, Barbados
Journey about 8 miles north from Sandy Lane, keeping a watchful eye for helpful signs nailed to telegraph poles at regular intervals telling you how far to go, and just north of Speightstown and adjacent to a small local fish market is this characterful eatery.

Little known to tourists but very popular with the knowledgeable ex-pats, they serve superb fish dishes at a fraction of the price charged by the like of the Cliff - but every bit as good.

VILLA SAN MICHELE - Via Doccia, Florence
After a hard day's shopping at Gucci or Prada in the teeming streets of Florence, then what you need is an oasis of calm, and as oases go, they come little better than Villa San Michele.

In its tranquil setting above the city, this former monastery was touched by the hand of Michaelangelo and is the perfect place to enjoy a candlelit repast as you look out across the other masterpieces of the Renaissance.

CANTINETTA DEL NONNO - Via 4 Novembre, San Casciano, Val di Pesa
Everyone from AA Gill to Michael Winner writes about their search for that perfect undiscovered Tuscan idyll but never succeed in actually finding one. Well, after extensive research on your behalf, I have - and it's incredible.

Situated in the back room of a small butcher's shop, this charming restaurant serves the best steak Florentine I have ever eaten - and there have been a few! The chefs - all local women - work in a small kitchen between the dining room and the shop and produce absolutely delicious food at ridiculously low prices.

The wine list, like the menu, is hand written and runs to several pages of small Tuscan vineyards that you'll never have previously sampled. Truly a dining experience in every sense of the word.

He offers an incredible 12 course degustation menu - or a slightly lighter 8 course lunch - which you really should sample at least once in your lifetime. The rest of your life can be spent paying for it.

Comfortable modern decor, Aboriginal artworks and authentic bush ingredients, including bunya nuts, Kakadu plum and eucalyptus oil, contribute to Edna's truly unique style.

A Native Australian dégustation menu is also offered with a selection of Australian wines.