LONDON, Nov 15 — Japan, France and Switzerland are home to some of the world’s most expensive restaurants in the world, with a meal at the most lavish eatery estimated to set diners back US$600 (RM1,923) a person.

According to The Daily Meal, the most exorbitant meal in the world is served at Kitcho restaurant in Kyoto, Japan, which British chef Heston Blumenthal calls “extraordinary.”

Described as the high temple of kaiseki—a ceremonious multi-course affair that originated with Japanese tea ceremonies  -- diners at Kitcho can expect to shell out about US$600 for dinner and drinks.

On TripAdvisor, a slideshow of photos taken during a meal at the restaurant reveal dainty, architecturally artful kaiseki dishes which highlight local, seasonal ingredients.

A senior TripAdvisor contributor gave the restaurant four out of five stars for meticulously churned out plates, its impressive environment and service, but also advises that the beauty of the cuisine is subtle and nuanced.

Helmed by third-generation chef Kunio Tokuoka, the overriding culinary philosophy is to optimise flavors, be it in creating the richest stock possible or re-inventing a fish dish and exciting the palate of the even “the most jaded diner.”

Rounding out the next most expensive restaurants is Le Meurice in Paris, where a meal will cost about US$509.

But with a gold-gilded dining room inspired by Versailles, a dining experience at the mythical restaurant makes guests feel like royalty, suggests The Daily Meal.

Coming in at No. 3 is Masa in New York, where a tasting menu at the Japanese, three Michelin-starred eatery will run about US$450.

French chef titan Alain Ducasse is also represented twice on the list for Le Meurice—which he only recently took over—and The Dorchester in London.

The list includes three restaurants in Japan, two restaurants in France and two in Switzerland. — AFP-Realxnews