Singapore has long been known as the cocktail capital of the world. More broadly, Asia as a region has been reigning supreme when it comes to mixing drinks. But there’s another city that is fast-becoming a cocktail hotspot: Bangkok. The city claimed two spots in The World’s 50 Best Bars and four places in Asia’s 50 Best Bars lists. One of the biggest standouts was the Four Seasons Bangkok’s BKK Social Club. It came in 3rd on Asia’s list and 13th in the world, which is the highest placing of an Asian bar on the world list. In 2023 the bar’s menu took cues from Argentina and in 2024 it will move on to Mexico City, embracing international flavours while putting a Thai spin on them.

Singapore has long been known as one of the culinary capitals of the world, but there’s a new reason we want to dine there in 2024. One name: Josh Niland. The Australian chef has just opened his first international restaurant in the brand new Edition hotel. Fysh is a pescatarian steakhouse that is the Sydney chef’s most ambitious venture to date. We can’t wait to get a taste. Need more convincing? Have a read of our lists on the best places to eat Singapore chilli crab and laksa.

Where do we even begin? The opening of Atlantis The Royal in 2023 welcomed Heston Blumenthal, Nobu, Ling Ling and more to Dubai. In 2024, One&Only’s One Za’abeel will open in January and will be home to the most Michelin stars under the one roof. With 10 Stars to her name, chef Anne-Sophie Pic will open La Dame De Pic, which will serve French cuisine. Australia’s own chef Tetsuya Wakuda will bring modern Japanese fare to Dubai with Sagetsu. With 10 venues – all with star talent attached – to eat and drink from here, it goes straight to the top of the bucket list.

Lima’s Central restaurant took out the top spot in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, the first South American restaurant to do so. Central wasn’t the only Peruvian restaurant to make the cut. Maido in Lima landed in sixth place, and Kjolle and Mayta also made the top 50. So it’s safe to say, if you’re after good food, Lima is for you.

Cafe (kafenio) culture has been part of Greece’s identity for centuries, but it’s experiencing a renaissance in Athens. Gone are the days where frappe and Greek coffee were your only two options. Now cafes are serving everything from freddo cappuccino, cold drip and even a smashed avocado on toast. Not only have these cafes stepped up their coffee game, the brunch menus are just as impressive. Need proof? Pop in to Abuelo in Kolokotroni, Allios Kafenio in the heart of the city or Picky in Psirri.

The capital city welcomed some swanky new hotels in late 2023. Raffles London at The OWO and The Peninsula swung its doors open to guests and some new restaurants to match. Starred chef Mauro Colagreco has joined Raffles London for his eponymous restaurant which elevates the flavours of the English garden. Head to the rooftop of The Peninsula where you’ll find Brooklands by Chef Claude Bosi which serves modern British cuisine. The Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair is set to open in early 2024, and will bring Michelin-starred chef Akira Back where he’ll blend Japanese and Korean cuisine at his eponymous restaurant. Another hotel restaurant that has been making waves since it opened in 2023, is Pavyllon, which can be found inside the posh hall of Four Seasons Park Lane.

The transformation of James Street in Fortitude Valley put Brisbane on the foodie map. First The Cailie Hotel opened and then a slew of hip new restaurants and eateries (Same Same, Bianca, Land of Smile, Agnes Bakery) by the Anyday group followed suit. But now people are looking beyond the Valley as Queens Wharf and The Star Brisbane is set to open in 2024. The mammoth new riverside property will be home to a bunch of new dining options including sky deck bar, an overwater bar and Luke Nguyen’s Fat Noodle. If that wasn’t enough to entice you, Melbourne’s beloved Supernormal will be opening in Brisbane’s CBD in 2024.