Jeff Bartel wholeheartedly agrees with the high ranking of the Hog Island Oyster Bar in San Francisco. Located in the Ferry Terminal Market, hungry guests can slurp oysters fresh from the Tomales Bay. Location is key when growing deliciously healthy oysters, and Tomales Bay is an oyster's paradise. The Bay is located 49 miles north of San Francisco where over three million Pacific, Kumamoto and Atlantic oysters are raised each year, in addition to Manila clams and mussels. Another oyster gem is the harbor-front restaurant 34 South in Knysna, South Africa.

When abroad in Barcelona, there are multiple stops to check off the foodie bucket list. Guests at the sepia-toned "cerveceria" El Vaso de Oro can enjoy house-brewed lager and a lip-smacking array of tapas (squid and shrimp; pardron peppers). While most of Barcelona's bar close on Sunday nights, Alta Taberna Paco Meralgo is alive and kicking, serving up the city's greatest tomato bread. Bar Pinotzxo is a Barcelona institution located inside the Mercat de la Boqueria. The small tapas bar features Catalan cuisine such as lamb stew, lentils and chickpeas with botifarra, a Catalan white sausage. However, there is no menu.

Mexican food is a favorite of many, notes Jeff Bartel. Travelers in Oaxaca, Mexico can enjoy various staple dishes like complex moles, chicken soups with chili, and street-side fresh tacos. La Biznaga Restaurant made the T+L list, as it specializes in regional Slow Food dishes.

Jeff Bartel notes Maine is home to one of the best seafood restaurants in the United States. The state's renowned Clam Shack in Kennebunkport offers guests water front tables where they can enjoy their infamous lobster roll.

Venice, Italy is a city of charm with a local favorite that made the list, notes. In fact, Jeff Bartel notes it comes heavily recommended by Thomas Jonglez, co-author of the Secret Venice guidebook. Jonglez recommends ordering a plate of crudo at Trattoria Antiche Carampane.

For some real Chinese cuisine, the Dragon Well in Huangzhou, China is a visionary restaurant with a delectable tasting menu. It remains dedicated to the centuries-old, organic traditions. Guests leave the eatery with a whole new appreciation for Chinese food.

However, no matter where you go it is a good idea to check out what the locals have to say. An experimental and creative foodie can get a great meal, no matter where in the world they visit.

ABOUTJeff Bartel is a seasoned travel agent who owns and runs A Global Perspective Travel Agency. He helps travelers book the trip of their dreams for the best possible price. Through his relationships with the world's finest resorts, spas, cruise lines, airlines and more; he is able to secure some of the best possible travel deals.