Whether it's secret restaurants, quirky bars or unexpected meals, we're always on the lookout for a unique dining experience. And Tripadvisor handily compiled a bunch such wonderfully old venues as part of its annual Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Restaurants awards, in a brand-new category dubbed "One of a Kind." From settings to spreads, these are restaurants are unlike any other places, and Vessell NOLA in New Orleans is part of that illustrious group.
This year’s One-of-a-Kind list is led by Nest in Queenstown, New Zealand, with its panoramic views of Lake Whakatipu. But Vessel NOLA, coming in at No. 7 as the sole American spot on the top ten ranking, fits right in with the other winners, which range from the nine-course San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience in Costa Rica to At.mosphere—the world's highest restaurant from ground level—in Dubai.
Housed in a soaring 1914 church in Mid-City, just 10 minutes from the French Quarter, Vessel NOLA pairs its dramatic stained-glass backdrop with Chef Willie Cooper’s seafood- and New American-driven menu. Local ingredients anchor every dish, weaving New Orleans traditions into modern creations. Any meal is stunning, but if you go at night, when the church glows from within, you can enjoy your soft-shell crab with a side of visual splendor.
The Travelers’ Choice awards highlight the top one-percent of restaurants worldwide, based on a full year of real traveler reviews. They span eight categories in 2025, from "Fine Dining" to "Date Night" to "Pet-Friendly" spots, but the "One of a Kind" nod is all about standing out. And with its otherworldly setting and next-level flavors, Vessel NOLA does just that.
Tripadvisor's top 10 One of a Kind Restaurants of 2025:
- Nest, New Zealand
- San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience, Costa Rica
- At.mosphere, Dubai
- Ox, Iceland
- The Jules Verne, France
- Alchemist, Denmark
- Vessel Nola, U.S.
- Pizza Pacaya, Guatemala
- Barge East, U.K.
- Under, Norway