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 »
Archives: Eat & Drink
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 »
We believe street markets are an immersion into local culture, and this market has a particularly vibrant and authentic atmosphere. You will see a few tourists around, yet will soon realize this open-air market caters mostly to locals looking to buy food, books, clothes or to eat and drink a beer in one of its 300 stalls. We recommend you try some Dutch Gouda cheese,… Read more »
Unpretentious yet delicious, this café is a good option for a quick meal near Vondelpark. Mainly frequented by locals, it serves sandwiches, soups, salads and uncomplicated brasserie type dishes. Try the carpaccios, croquettas or tuna sandwiches, those were our choices and very satisfying ones, and do taste some local brew. Tables outside are lovely, if the weather allows, and the inside room is quite cozy… Read more »
Izakaya is located at the Sir Albert Hotel in the trendy De Pijp, this vibrant restaurant serves a reinvented Japanese Menu. Take your pick from sashimi, sushi, temaki or noodles, all beautifully presented and intended to please your eyes and taste buds in equal measure. The chef also offers a sophisticated and original set menu, worth a try. Izakaya has a fabulous vibe, with a DJ… Read more »
Whether you side with the loyal clientele who class it as the best meat served in the Netherlands or those who say it is just top three, Café Loetje is a hot spot for locals and a must for your visit. The décor is relaxed, as is its ambiance, but it can get quite busy. We highly recommend the mouthwatering tenderloin with the house´s traditional… Read more »
Considered the best restaurant in town, with renowned chef Michael Kempf and two Michelin stars, we highly recommend you try it. The elegant yet casual restaurant is conveniently located by Postdamer Platz at Mandala Hotel. An inner court garden and dim lighting make for a pleasant atmosphere in which delicious meals are served by friendly staff, devoid of any unnecessarily posh demeanor. A Chef’s Special… Read more »
There is more than one branch in town, but if you are looking for authentic German (and Austrian) food, we suggest you go to the original one located on the beautiful Gendarmenmarkt square. It is a full service restaurant, not a beer hall, and attracts a very faithful clientele. It tends to get busy so best to book a table. One of its main specialties,… Read more »
