A Foodie's Grand Tour: The 10 Best Cities for Sport & Michelin-Starred Dining
There is a common thread that unites the dedicated sports fan and the discerning foodie: a deep appreciation for craft, dedication, and those rare moments of brilliance. It’s the thrill of witnessing an athlete at the peak of their powers, and the quiet satisfaction of a dish executed with flawless precision. For those who seek both, certain cities around the world have mastered these two arts.
This isn’t just a list; it's a curated tour through destinations where the energy of the stadium is matched only by the artistry in the kitchen. At Above + Beyond, we believe the perfect journey combines passion with seamless execution. Here are ten cities that offer an unrivalled stage for both.
Tokyo, Japan
The Sporting Heart: The roar of the crowd at the iconic Tokyo Dome for a Giants baseball game, the unique ritual and power of a Grand Sumo Tournament, or the electric atmosphere of a J-League football match.
The Culinary Scene: As the city with the most Michelin stars on the planet, Tokyo is a culinary universe. The benchmark is set by legends like Sukiyabashi Jiro for sushi, the innovative Satoyama cuisine of Narisawa, and the kaiseki mastery of Ryugin.
The A+B Perspective: The beautiful contrast in Tokyo is between its explosive energy and its quiet perfection. A perfect day could involve the sensory overload of a sumo bout, followed by the hushed, almost reverent atmosphere of a world-class sushi counter, where a master chef performs for just a handful of guests. It’s a study in Japan’s cultural duality.
Paris, France
The Sporting Heart: The clay-court drama of the French Open at Roland-Garros, the partisan crowds at a Paris Saint-Germain match, and the triumphant final sprint of the Tour de France on the Champs-Élysées.
The Culinary Scene: Paris remains a global benchmark for gastronomy. From the haute cuisine of three-star institutions like Le Cinq and Guy Savoy to the timeless charm of the bistros in the Latin Quarter.
The A+B Perspective: In Paris, a five-set thriller at Roland-Garros can give way to a composed, five-course masterpiece just a few arrondissements away. We often arrange for clients to decompress after a day of tense tennis with a serene dinner cruise along the Seine, watching the city lights come up as they discuss the day's events.
London, UK
The Sporting Heart: London’s calendar is relentless: the prestige of Wimbledon, the tribal passion of Premier League football, the raw power of England rugby at Twickenham, and the historic London Marathon.
The Culinary Scene: The city is a vibrant mosaic of culinary talent, boasting 80 Michelin-starred restaurants. Highlights include the refined French cooking at Hélène Darroze at The Connaught and the city's only two-star pub, The Harwood Arms.
The A+B Perspective: London’s geography is part of the experience. A day spent amidst the greenery of Wimbledon can be followed by a short, chauffeured drive into the elegant streets of Mayfair for a world-class meal. It’s this effortless transition from one world-class environment to another that defines a perfect London trip.
Osaka, Japan
The Sporting Heart: Known as Japan's kitchen, Osaka is also wild about its sport, most notably the fanatical support for the Hanshin Tigers baseball team at the formidable Koshien Stadium.
The Culinary Scene: While it has 95 Michelin-starred restaurants, Osaka is equally famous for its vibrant street food culture of kuidaore ('eat until you drop'). Standouts include the creative French-Chinese fusion at VELROSIER and the precision of Ryō-shō.
The A+B Perspective: Osaka offers a less formal, more energetic alternative to Tokyo. The ideal itinerary here is about high-low dining: experiencing the electrifying noise of a baseball game before diving into the organised chaos of the Dōtonbori district for some of the best street food in the world.
New York City, USA
The Sporting Heart: The 'World's Most Famous Arena', Madison Square Garden, hosts NBA and NHL action, while the New York Yankees and the US Open in Queens provide legendary summer spectacles.
The Culinary Scene: A powerhouse of dining, NYC is home to institutions like the seafood-focused Le Bernardin, the exclusive Japanese counter at Masa, and the breathtaking views and cuisine of Per Se.
The A+B Perspective: New York is about iconic backdrops. We can arrange an itinerary that starts with courtside seats to watch the Knicks, followed by a reservation at a hard-to-book restaurant in the Meatpacking District, and finishing with a nightcap at a rooftop bar overlooking the Manhattan skyline.
Barcelona, Spain
The Sporting Heart: The architectural marvel of Camp Nou and the artistry of FC Barcelona, the high-octane thrill of the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, and the city’s deep connection to sailing and water sports.
The Culinary Scene: A hub of Catalan creativity with 22 Michelin-starred restaurants. The city's gastronomic scene is led by the three-star temples of ABaC and Lasarte.
The A+B Perspective: The energy in Barcelona on a match day is infectious. A popular choice for our clients is to build a day around the game, starting with tapas and drinks in the Gothic Quarter before a private transfer to a VIP hospitality suite at Camp Nou.
Kyoto, Japan
The Sporting Heart: While it has a J-League football team, Kyoto’s sporting soul lies in its connection to tradition, particularly as a global centre for martial arts like Kendo and Aikido.
The Culinary Scene: Kyoto is the home of kaiseki, the formal, multi-course Japanese dinner. It is a city of quiet culinary legends, such as the 400-year-old Hyotei and the revered Kikunoi.
The A+B Perspective: A trip to Kyoto is a journey into Japanese tradition. A unique experience is to witness the discipline and focus of a martial arts demonstration in the morning before enjoying a meticulously prepared kaiseki dinner in a private room overlooking a tranquil garden in the evening.
San Francisco, USA
The Sporting Heart: The waterfront Oracle Park is home to the Giants baseball team, while across the bay, the Golden State Warriors are one of the NBA's premier dynasties.
The Culinary Scene: The Bay Area is the heart of California's farm-to-table movement, with 61 starred restaurants. Atelier Crenn, Benu, and Quince all hold three stars, showcasing the region's incredible produce.
The A+B Perspective: We often suggest clients combine the best of the region. This could mean a private tour and tasting in the nearby Napa Valley wine country during the day, followed by courtside seats to watch the Warriors in the evening.
Copenhagen, Denmark
The Sporting Heart: The city’s sporting life revolves around Parken Stadium, home to FC Copenhagen and the Danish national team, as well as the popular Copenhagen Marathon.
The Culinary Scene: Copenhagen has become a global pilgrimage site for food lovers, thanks to the revolutionary New Nordic cuisine pioneered by the three-star Noma and the theatrical, multi-sensory experience at the two-star Alchemist.
The A+B Perspective: A trip here is for the culinary adventurer. Securing a table at Noma or Alchemist is an event in itself. We build itineraries around that coveted reservation, adding experiences like a private sailing trip on the Øresund to complement the city's forward-thinking and stylish character.
Berlin, Germany
The Sporting Heart: The historic Olympiastadion hosts Bundesliga football with Hertha Berlin and major international athletics meets, while the Berlin Marathon is one of the six world majors.
The Culinary Scene: Reflecting the city's creative and avant-garde spirit, Berlin’s food scene is booming. It's home to over 20 starred restaurants, including the three-star Rutz and the innovative two-star dessert-only restaurant, CODA.
The A+B Perspective: Berlin is a city of contrasts. A powerful itinerary involves exploring the city's poignant history during the day, watching the modern spectacle of Bundesliga football in the evening, and then experiencing something truly unique, like the a la carte dessert tasting menu at CODA.
The world’s greatest cities offer a dialogue between human endeavour, whether it’s the roar of 80,000 people in a stadium or the quiet focus of a chef in their kitchen. The perfect trip combines these passions with seamless execution.
If any of these destinations have sparked an idea for your next journey, our specialists are on hand to begin crafting your personal grand tour.
Craft Your JourneyMichelin Star Restaurants 2025 FAQs
The Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland 2025 was unveiled on Monday, 10th February 2025, at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum in Glasgow.
There are 220 Michelin-starred restaurants included in the 2025 selection across the UK and Ireland.
Moor Hall in Ormskirk was newly awarded three Michelin stars in the 2025 guide, joining other prestigious establishments such as CORE by Clare Smyth, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, and The Fat Duck.
Three restaurants were newly awarded two Michelin stars: The Ritz Restaurant (London), Humble Chicken (London), and Hide and Fox (Saltwood, Kent).
There are 22 new one-star restaurants in the 2025 Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland.
Michelin Green Stars recognise restaurants with outstanding commitment to sustainable gastronomy. In 2025, five new Green Stars were awarded: Native (Tenbury Wells), Homestead Kitchen (Goathland), Wild Shropshire (Whitchurch), Jericho (Plungar), and Pythouse Kitchen Garden (Tisbury).
Eight restaurants lost their Michelin stars in 2025, mainly due to closure or relocation. Notable deletions include City Social, Kai, Locanda Locatelli, Purnell’s, Store, Pollen Street Social, Cornerstone, and Wild Honey Inn. The Dining Room in Malmesbury lost its Green Star.
Bib Gourmands are awarded to restaurants offering good food at great value. In 2025, 36 new Bib Gourmands were awarded across the UK and Ireland.
Yes, the 2025 guide includes the UK’s first-ever one-star Greek restaurant, a Korean star, and the first plant-based restaurant to receive a Michelin Star in the UK.
The complete and up-to-date list of Michelin-starred restaurants in Great Britain and Ireland for 2025 is available on the official Michelin Guide website and major food publications.
