
13. Joia, Milan, Italy
Joia, the first vegetarian restaurant in Europe to win a Michelin star, has been pushing the boundaries of fine dining since its conception in 1989. Chef Pietro’s avant-garde cooking style is based on the philosophy of “natural cuisine,” using only organic produce with no meat. Now, Head Chef Sauro Ricci has taken up the mantle while Pietro teaches worldwide. Joia offers casual bistro-style dining at the front of the restaurant, with the fine dining restaurant behind.
You can try a taste of the menu during lunch or sign up for the full 16-course “Zenith” tasting menu at dinner to be fully immersed in Joia’s local food philosophy. The menus change depending on what is seasonally available; most of their ingredients come from small local farms around Milan. If you want to try an extensive seasonal menu that is innovative and unique, head to Joia.