Top Five: Restaurants That Feed My Appetite and My Imagination

 

Top Five Restaurants That Feed My Appetite and My Imagination

There are many things I treasure in life—quiet moments with my family, meaningful conversations, the small joys that anchor us to the present. But somewhere very high on that list sits another delight: discovering a truly memorable meal. As a writer, I’ve always believed that food tells a story of its own. A restaurant can be a doorway into a culture, a mood, a memory. So when I was invited to share a personal “top five,” I immediately knew I wanted to celebrate the places that have fed not only my appetite, but also my imagination. These are the restaurants that linger with me long after the last bite—a blend of flavours, people, and moments that feel, in their own way, like chapters worth rereading.

 

Here they are in no particular order.

 

1- Tony’s diNapoli, 147 W 43rd Street, NYC, USA

 

Tony’s diNapoli on West 43rd Street holds a special place in my heart, not just because I’ve been there many times, but because every one of those visits—at least five so far—has been unfailingly excellent. It’s rare to find a restaurant where the quality is so consistent, where each dish arrives just as delicious as you remembered it the last time. I’ve tried a wide range of their menu over the years, and somehow every plate has turned out to be memorable. If you ever go, don’t miss the Alfredo or vodka pasta, or the chicken pizzaiola—comfort food elevated to the level of something quietly extraordinary. For me, Tony’s has become a New York ritual, a place where great food reliably turns an ordinary evening into a cherished memory.

 

 

 

2- The Street Burger Bistro, Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC

 

When it comes to burgers, nothing has ever topped my experience at The Street Burger Bistro in Prague. It’s the kind of place you discover almost by accident and then spend the rest of your trip talking about. What makes it my favourite isn’t just the perfectly seasoned patties or the way each burger feels crafted rather than assembled—it’s the surprising sense of care behind every detail. The flavours are bold without being overwhelming, the ingredients fresh, and the balance impeccable. I’ve had countless burgers in my life, but there’s something about this little spot in the heart of Prague that lingers with me: the warmth of the staff, the laid-back atmosphere, and that first bite that makes you pause and think, Yes, this is how a burger is supposed to taste. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most unforgettable meals come from the places you least expect.

 

3- The Historic Sausage Kitchen of Regensburg, Regensburg, GERMANY

 

One of the most unforgettable food experiences of my life came from a place far smaller and older than most restaurants on my list: The Historic Sausage Kitchen of Regensburg. Long before you see the little stone cottage by the Danube, you can smell the aroma of grilling sausages drifting through the air—an irresistible invitation that explains why there’s always a line of people waiting outside. And it’s worth every minute of that wait. To this day, it remains the best sausage I’ve ever tasted. The combination of perfectly grilled meat, tangy sauerkraut, and fresh, warm bread is simple, almost humble, yet absolutely extraordinary. There’s something magical about enjoying such a timeless dish in a place that feels rooted in history—it’s as if the flavours themselves carry the stories of centuries.

 

4- Restaurant Jérôme Ferrer — Europea, Montréal, CANADA

 

For fine dining, nothing has ever impressed me quite like Restaurant Jérôme Ferrer — Europea in Montréal. It’s the kind of place where a meal becomes an event, each course arriving like a small work of art designed to surprise, delight, and linger in your memory long after the evening ends. Yes, it’s undeniably expensive—but every moment feels like a masterclass in culinary creativity. What truly elevated the experience for me was the spectacular wine pairing: each glass seemed to amplify the flavours on the plate, creating a harmony so precise and so unexpected that I found myself slowing down just to savour it fully. Dining at Europea isn’t something you do casually; it’s something you treat yourself to. And when you do, you walk away with the unmistakable sense that you’ve tasted excellence.

 

5-Tasca da Quinta, Peso de Régua, PORTUGAL.

 

The best dinner we had in all of Portugal—full stop. This warm, cozy little restaurant feels like a hidden gem. We shared an incredible pork shank and a salad whose name I can’t remember, but whose flavours I’ll never forget; everything on the table tasted vibrant, soulful, and unmistakably rooted in the Douro region. To make the evening even more special, we enjoyed a bottle from a local producer, Quinta de Tourais, who happened to be dining there the same night. It’s the kind of place you immediately want to return to, and I certainly will. Just one practical tip: bring cash, as they don’t take cards—though there’s an ATM nearby if you forget. Highly recommended in every way.

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Releasing January 28, 2026

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G3H9ZXB1

When their four-year-old son Gabriel’s leukaemia relapses, Richard and his wife are thrust back into the nightmare they thought they had escaped. Every heartbeat feels like a countdown as they beg for a miracle to keep their child alive.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in time, Bill — a young university student reeling from heartbreak — suddenly glimpses a future that shouldn’t be his to see. Horrified by the suffering that seems to await, he vows to defy it at all costs.

As both men confront what they most fear, their stories converge into a haunting clash of destiny, courage, and life-altering choices. Will the actions they take be enough to rewrite fate, or are some destinies impossible to escape?

 

Bestselling author Richard Plourde is a retired Atlantic Canadian optometrist with a genuine passion for writing captivating stories.  His two novels, originally published in French, were both critically acclaimed and were finalists for the coveted France-Acadie literary prize. Richard also published a children’s novel that was selected as a one of the top children’s book of the year by the consumer guide “Protégez-vous”. His books have been translated and published in English. Richard is currently working on his fourth novel and is also writing the screenplay for his first book.