Flying pigs, kaleidoscopic ornaments, and large chrome ants don’t typically come to mind when thinking of fine dining. And yet they welcome clients into the fantastical setting of DiverXO. Established in 2007 by the Spanish chef David Muñoz, DiverXO became the first restaurant in Madrid to earn three Michelin stars, in 2013. It was also recently rated the third-best restaurant in the world in the “50 Best” list. After working at Nobu and Hakkasan in London, Muñoz returned to Spain to open his own place. Self-described as “madness on a canvas,” DiverXO’s 12-course tasting menu focuses on Spanish ingredients while embracing Mediterranean, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Don’t be fooled by the staff’s theatrical uniforms, the colorful dishes, and the bright interiors—Muñoz’s menu is impressive and ambitious. If you can’t get enough, consider visiting his two other restaurants, StreetXO and RavioXO. —Jeanne Malle
Jeanne Malle is an Associate Editor at AIR MAIL