Amuse-Bouche

This fall’s new food guides appraise the best of the best in international cuisine, celebrating superior chefs in six top culinary cities. Here’s a tour of the spots most highly recommended.

VIENNA
Steirereck Zagat’s 2006 Europe’s Top Restaurants which surveys 27 major cities, describes chef Heinz Reitbauer’s “exquisite” Austrian eatery as one of the best in all of Europe.

NEW YORK CITY
Per Se In the first U.S. evaluations from Europe’s prestigious Michelin guide, Thomas Keller is one of just four city chefs awarded three stars for culinary artistry for dishes like his stellar foie gras.

Style Watch: Rattan Revolution

Diversions: All Talk

Food: Season to Taste

Outdoors: Comfy Camping

PRAGUE
La Perle de Prague This Frank Gehry-designed landmark earned the city’s highest dcor rating from Zagat‘s and a central place in Cool Restaurants Prague which features stunning photos of its grandeur.

FLORENCE
Cibreo Chef-owner Fabio Picchi is known for creative fare, such as this poached-pear dessert. Sandra Gustafson’s guide also recommends Picchi’s adjoining, cheaper trattoria.

PARIS
Le Petit Fer a Cheval This cozy hot spot, named for its horseshoe-shaped bar, joins 50 of Paris’ best bistros in a new pocket-size guidebook devoted to the classiest of the city’s dinner joints.

LONDON
Gordon Ramsay at Royal Hospital Road Time Out‘s latest London edition spotlights gourmet newcomers alongside this famously fancy restaurant, which Zagat‘s gave London’s highest food and service marks.