I remember my first visit to Den in Tokyo—it was still at the old location in Jimbocho, before the move to Jingumae.From earning two Michelin stars, losing one, regaining two, to watching its fluctuating rankings on the World’s 50 Best list, I’ve witnessed Den go through many stages over the years.

“This is the kind of Italian cuisine you can only experience in Japan,” I thought to myself. This was at Il Ristorante - Luca Fantin

I first visited Slovenia in 2018, and I still vividly recall the crystalline streams that meandered through the valley, leaving an indelible impression. Seven years later, I returned, this time driving from Udine, Italy. In less than an hour, we found ourselves once again at Hiša Franko.