As we head into 2026, I’ve been feeling a bit reflective. This year I finally launched a website for Sabfrankcooks, a space I created to share the meals, memories, and recipes. What started as jotting recipes down for myself slowly turned into something I wanted to share, and building my website this year felt like the perfect way to do that.

I get asked all the time where my favorite places to eat are, and honestly, it’s such a hard question. Ranking restaurants feels impossible, so instead, I’m sharing 10 restaurants that have stuck with me. These are the places I still think about long after the trip is over or the plate is cleared. These are in no particular order! Just great food.

1. Ramiro

Lisbon, Portugal

This was a must, according to my dad, when we went to Lisbon. It’s also one of the most talked-about spots by Anthony Bourdain, who we love—so expectations were high. Thankfully, Ramiro absolutely lived up to the hype. It’s very traditional. No trendy plating, just incredible seafood.

Ramiro is famous for its ultra-fresh, high-quality seafood and its steak sandwich (prego) eaten at the end of the meal like dessert. It’s the kind of place that reminds you how yummy simple food can be when it’s done right. If you ever find yourself in Lisbon, I definitely recommend!!!

2. Settler

Salem, Massachusetts

Settler feels so intentional in the best way, definitely a fun environment in the summer with their outdoor patio seating. Everything tastes incredibly fresh, and so much of the menu is made in-house or sourced from local farms. If you go, get the oysters—they were AMAZINGGG.

3. Totti’s

Bondi Beach, Australia

Totti’s in Bondi Beach was the restaurant that stuck out the most when I was in Australia. The prosciutto literally melted in my mouth, and the bread… I still think about that bread. Simple Italian flavors, incredible ingredients, and so fresh.

4. Little Harbor Lobster Company

Marblehead, Massachusetts

Obviously, the place for a lobster roll. It’s expensive—but it’s very worth it for a special occasion. This is the kind of lobster roll you crave all summer long, and if I could afford it, I’d honestly eat one every single day.

It’s also one of my favorite go-to spots when friends come into town. There’s nothing better than grabbing a lobster roll right on the water and hopping on the boat or sitting on the beach. It’s such a Marblehead summer staple.

5. Taberna dos Mercadores

Porto, Portugal

I dream about this restaurant. It might genuinely be the best food I’ve ever eaten, and I would go back to Portugal just to eat here again (not actually but you know what I mean). The space itself is tiny, with maybe six tables total, which makes getting a reservation impossible. There was a line out the door right when they opened. My mom had to call about ten times just to get through and secure a table.

If you ever find yourself here, order the salt-crusted cod—it melted in my mouth—and don’t skip the octopus fried rice, which I still think about regularly.

6. The Blue Ox

Lynn, Massachusetts

The Blue Ox is a classic for a reason. The food is consistently amazing, and I love that it works for both casual dinners and dressed-up nights out. Cozy, reliable, and always a good choice. They also make a great dirty martini.

7. Rosella

East Village, New York City

One of my favorite dining experiences in New York. We let the waiter choose our courses, and somehow each dish was better than the last—thoughtful, creative, and such a fun way to experience the menu.

I’d definitely recommend going with one or two friends and sitting at the bar. It’s a very small restaurant, and the bar seats make the experience feel more fun.

8. Pepe & Sale

Stuart, Florida

This restaurant deserves credit for when I first tried beef carpaccio—something I used to be so scared of. I also tried the octopus carpaccio here, which completely won me over. Now, beef carpaccio is one of my favorite dishes. Everything here is so flavorful, comforting, and perfectly done.

9. Hillstone

Flatiron, New York City

My sister and I still talk about this burger. I genuinely don’t care about anything else on the menu (even though it’s all good)—this burger is that good and easily one of the best I’ve ever had.

The bar is huge and such a fun place to grab a drink before sitting down, and the yellowtail sashimi salad is another standout that’s absolutely worth ordering.

10. Lindsay’s Deli

Boulder, Colorado

A simple deli, but somehow I am still thinking about these sandwiches. The sandwiches were huge and there was such a good variety to choose from. We had them almost a year ago and I still think about them. Also loved their chicken noodle soup!

My Top 10 Restaurants of 2025