What (and where) is your favorite restaurant?

I'll be expecting to hear about some great Italian restaurants in Italy and the US.
I really enjoyed my meal at La Fenice in Sorrento where a small group of us went there twice, because we were so impressed with their muscles.

Another great (green lipped) muscles restaurant is called "FISHBONE" in Queenstown, NZ.

In Sydney, Sean's Panaroma, right opposite the beach at North Bondi. Owner is Sean Moran. (Panaroma is a play on his name)

At the beach, with a relaxed atmosphere, and seriously good food.
www.seanspanaroma.com.au/page.asp?partid=1

We always enjoy our visits here, even though they're not frequent, as it's a bit expensive. Food is always fresh, and sometimes from Sean's farm in the Blue Mountains.

A while back I took a friend, who is confined to a wheelchair, and they were outstanding in the care they took in facilitating her access. Sean was actually cooking that day and came out to make sure they had covered her dietary restrictions.

We also had a spectacular meal at Caffe Quadri, a Michelin-starred restaurant in St Mark's Square in Venice. This was a (very) special occasion - the food, service and view were absolutely stunning, and unfortunately the price matched.

Once in a lifetime occasion, though

I have a bunch of favorite restaurants in NYC. A few stand out.

I recently ate at the Isle of Capri after many years away. (Too expensive for me.) The menu is largely southern Italian. I enjoyed every bite. Mouth watering as I write.

http://www.isleofcapriny.com/

I haven't eaten at Barbetta's (northern Italian) in many, many years, and I will not likely ever eat there again. It's the most beautiful restaurant I've ever seen--inside and in the garden. The food varies from very good to wonderful. I love this place as much (or more) for the setting than the food. Sigh.

http://barbettarestaurant.com/

Joe Allen's is another favorite of mine. I ate there some years ago with osso and Diane (I think). This is an American restaurant. Not overly pricey, but not cheap. I like the friendly atmosphere. I remember eating and thoroughly enjoying the La Scala salad. Also, I may have had the best meatloaf I ever ate. And the desserts are wonderful.

http://www.joeallenrestaurant.com/Joe_Allen_welcome.html

In my neighborhood, I like Pig Heaven for Chinese food. I've dragged many a2kers there. Aside from the spare ribs (a major disappointment), the food is good, well seasoned, and varied.

http://www.pigheavennyc.com/

I used to travel a lot. I've eaten in many wonderful restaurants around the country (U.S.) I loved having an expense account. Unfortunately I remember the meals but not the names of the restaurants. Prime rib to die for in Denver, rack of lamb in a converted cathedral in Atlanta, something spicy and delish at a former plantation in New Orleans. Seafood in Boston.

My favorite and most memorable meal was at the top of a mountain in Norway. We took a cable car to get up there. The view was beyond spectacular. We ate outside in the fresh crisp mountain air. I had cold lobster salad. Sigh.

This thread is making me hungry.