Officially called Time Out Market Lisboa, this old vegetable and flower market is immediately across from Cais do Sodre. It has recently added a modern and cool gourmet food hall within its large high ceiling central court. There are all sorts of food stands, some run by Lisbon’s renowned chefs, in a vibrant atmosphere that attracts all sorts of crowds. We grabbed our meal and… Read more »
Category: Eating
It has been there for years and locals and travelers still compete to get a table. It is the type of joint locals love and take pride in, and it is somehow understood they feel little peeved that it has been discovered by visitors. Cervejaria Ramiro is not a proper restaurant, but rather a very modest beer tavern. Surprisingly, however, you can order from the… Read more »
A success since it opened its doors, this trendy riverside hot-spot has John Malkovich as one of its owners. We felt the buzz right at the entrance, full of beautiful hip and trendy people awaiting tables. If the weather permits, it may be worth requesting an outdoor table. We had one of our best meals in Lisbon, a delicious chestnut soup followed by a traditional… Read more »
Considered the forerunner of Lisbon’s food scene modernization, the famous Portuguese chef José Avillez has become something of a brand. Avillez has opened restaurants, bars and pizza places in Lisbon and Porto. The Cantinho, his iconic flagship restaurant, has always been one of our favorites, and we once again repeated the visit and left as satisfied as ever. Only recently did we try the Bairro,… Read more »
This iconic restaurant opened in the 80s and has been considered amongst the best in town for years, attracting a faithful clientele. It recently revamped its offering and moved to Mercado da Ribeira in Cais do Sodré, right by Jardim Dom Luis I, which the restaurant overlooks. The new setting is modern but kept its landmark chandelier hanging gloriously above the bar and maintained most… Read more »
For many years, hordes of tourists have invaded Barcelona and to cater for this demand there has been a surge of restaurants and tapas bars, making it quite difficult to keep up with the latest hot spots and best food. So, if you want to make sure to have best tapas in a place that is not just the “tapas bar of the moment”, we… Read more »
It is not actually a restaurant, but a cool open-air area composed of two or three streets, a tiny square and everything trendy you can think of: food trucks, cafes, bars, restaurants, shops, stalls, galleries and joints of all kinds. Located in Alcantara, in an area that used to hold a textile factory shut down and revamped years ago. There is a bit of everything… Read more »
Food in Barcelona is simply amazing and the amount of excellent restaurants leaves you spoiled for choice. At some stage, you may want to diversify from tapas and paellas and try some Italian. If so, this is the one. Located in Poble Sec, Xemei is a hidden gem, not far from some areas of Montjuic. Considered the best Italian in town, the owners (twin brothers)… Read more »
In Barceloneta and near the sea (no sea views though), the Can Solé is as traditional and Catalan as you can get. It has been around for decades and the food is delicious. The area used to be a fisherman’s village, before the tidal wave of tourism, and has maintained a local flair and the quality of its food. Can Solé is very laid back,… Read more »
This 3-starred Michelin restaurant is located in the upscale Sarriá-Sant Gervasi region in the ABaC Hotel (see our Where to Stay), a perfect location to escape from busy old town and seaside Barcelona. The experience is quite unique, sophisticated and certainly memorable. You will be greeted at entrance and taken to a lounge to savor amuses-bouches and cocktails. You will then be invited to choose the… Read more »
There are hundreds of tapas bars in Barcelona so our mission to suggest ones we liked the most is not an easy one. We highly recommend Bar Mut in Eixample, a mix of tapas place and full restaurant. Actually, don’t miss it! There is no fixed menu since the staff likes to take advantage of the best and freshest produce available (how delightful!) and specials… Read more »
Do you want to try famous Adriá without booking a table months in advance at any of his starred restaurants? Disappointingly, El Bulli has permanently closed and, rumor has it, it was because Adriá could not stand the restaurant’s fame anymore. Do not despair, however, as you can now enjoy the more reasonably priced Tickets, but not without making a reservation, since it is as… Read more »
We were intrigued and drawn to this restaurant named “five senses” and went with high expectations of having ours tantalized. We can report our expectations were duly met, if not exceeded! The large dining area is elegant and minimalist, ensuring all attention is given to food and drink. The tasting menu was perfectly paired with wine, so let us suggest you go for the full… Read more »
Nice weather seasons see an upsurge of rooftop bars in most trendy towns, and Barcelona is certainly no exception. The nicest are at the rooftop of boutique hotels, and we recommend here some of our favorites. The Eclipse Bar at the W Hotel is a modern and design sensitive rooftop bar, with locals and stylish travelers enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and stunning sea views out of the ceiling… Read more »
Mostly frequented by locals, the Chez Monsieur is a laid-back bistro near Place de la Concorde and Madeleine Church. It has excellent food and is worth the stop if you are visiting the region or shopping at Saint Honoré street. We had a wonderful meal there, the fish on a creamy sauce was delicious, but the highlight of our evening was the boeuf, perfectly cooked… Read more »
With two eateries in Paris, Claus is the perfect choice for a delicious breakfast. Your senses will be heightened as soon as you enter the place, by the inviting smell of freshly baked bread and pastries and the captivating windows and shelves displaying rows of cakes, cookies and many other sorts of pastries. If possible, try to go on weekends, as we did, and have… Read more »
Angelina is both a café and tearoom on Rue de Rivoli, conveniently located close to the Louvre Museum and the Jardin des Tuileries gardens. It serves what we deem to be the most divine hot chocolate in the whole world, but try it only if you like the rich thick sweet ones. Worth every single calorie! Prepared with cocoa from various African origins, Angelina keeps… Read more »
The Aux Lyonnais is a very old bistro graciously revitalized by renowned chef Alain Ducasse. Reserve a table and taste a reasonably priced meal by super famous chef Alain Ducasse. The food is regional, as the name suggests, and the menu is authentically French with ouefs cocotte, quenelles, terrines and foie gras, charcuterie as well as desserts like île flottante and marjolaines. The ambience is… Read more »
The Le Voltaire is a “good-old” French restaurant that has been serving generations. Recently renovated, the restaurant has become even more delightful, with a charming terrace and comfortable interiors. Do take notice of the walls with beautiful cognac bottles. We found out that this French classic has become quite popular with Americans expats in Paris, some of the reasons being that the staff all speak… Read more »
A see-and-be-seen kind of place at chic Avenue Montaigne. On sunny days try to get a table outside or by the windows, and in the evenings choose a table with an Eiffel Tower view, or enjoy the DJ playing some days of the week. Business, fashion, families, arts and a few A to Z list celebrities, all tribes meet here and it is the restaurant… Read more »
