Food and Dining
Worldwide Reviews
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Food and Dining
Worldwide Reviews |
| VANCOUVER, B.C. | |
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OUEST
2881 Granville Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3J4 (604)738-8938 |
Chef David Hawksworth comes home to Vancouver after 8 years in Europe working with some of
the most talented chefs at many of the UK�s leading restaurants. His apprenticeship in
Europe began at Marco Pierre White�s restaurant The Canteen in Chelsea Harbour. White was
the first and youngest chef in the UK to be awarded three Michelin Stars. The Canteen was
one of the first of the larger style fine dining rooms to open in London.
Chef David Hawksworth serves up a menu that combines traditional French recipes with the best of the West Coast. To compliment, a carefully chosen wine list offers some rare and sought after vintages including a great selection of half bottles. Highly Recommended! |
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CIN CIN
1154 Robson Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6E 1B5 (604)688-7338 |
Located on Robson Street, the city�s busiest and most fashionable shopping district,
CinCin�s warm Mediterranean inspired d�cor with arched windows and high ceilings
invites diners to relax, enjoy fine food & wine and to absorb the ambiance. As well
as seating in the main dining room, CinCin�s bar accommodates up to 30 and the
pretty, outdoor terrace is heated and used well into the fall.
Chef Romy Prasad offers a menu that features classic Italian dishes, combined with strong French and Mediterranean influences. Dishes are prepared in CinCin�s wood-fired rotisserie and grill, and the menu focuses on seasonal variety and fresh local produce. An extensive wine list offers a variety of Old and New World Wines with thousands of bottles being housed in The Wine Room, which caters for parties of up to 30. This award winning restaurant has been established for over a decade. Recent accolades include the following: The Birks Silver Spoon Award - Concierge�s Choice for Best Restaurant in Vancouver, as well as Wine Spectator �Award of Excellence� 97,98, 99 & 2000. Highly Recommended! |
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Rome, Italy |
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ENOTECA CUL DE SAC
Piazza Pasquino (Piazza Navona), 73 00186 Rome tel 06/68801094 |
A fantastic little find near the Piazza Navona! With over 1,500 wines and sparklers this
wine bar/restaurant is a must stop when in Rome. The wine list is extensive and well-priced.
But then again, who needs a list, you can just point to one of the hundreds of bottles
lining the walls. They have great sliced meats so start off with some delicious proscuitto.
The food is more enoteca fare but we had dinner there and left very satisfied. Try
the stuffed grape leaves or sample some of the home made Italian dishes. The selection of
Italian regional cheeses and cured meats is vast, and the soups, pastas, and salads have
homemade appeal. Especially refreshing are the international dishes: hummus, Greek salad,
and various p�t�s that can be difficult to find in these parts.
They also have a large selection of wines by the glass so you can experiment with several outstanding selections - since there are plenty to choose from. Prices are very reasonable, moderate. Quarters are tight, both inside and at the tables outside on the small piazza, but once you've snagged a seat and begin sipping the wine and sampling the food, you realize it's worth it. Highly Recommended! |
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ARA PACIS LA CAPRICCIOSA
Largo dei Lombardi, 8 00186 Rome tel 066878636 www.arapacisrestaurant.it |
The Arapacis Restaurant is located in the historical center of Rome very close
to the Spanish steps. It was constructed in the 1937 and originaly named:
�La Capricciosa�. It has open-air as well as in-restaurant dining. The Piazza
is buzzing with activity adding to the good feel of the experience.
Located in a very distinctive and charming little square. The Restaurant has delicious Italian cusine including some delicious pastas, fresh fish and variety of sea food dishes. They are probably best know for their outstanding Italian style pizza prepared in their wood burning oven. They have a very good wine list specializing in Italian wines. It's not hard to find a well-priced wine to compliment your meal. Recommended. |
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FELICE A TESTACCIO
Via Mastro Giorgio, 29 Tel: 06 57 468 00 www.feliceatestaccio.com |
This genuine and traditional trattoria style restaurant located in the Testaccio district
is as authentic as it gets. Outstanding food and always packed with locals - which is a very good sign.
So yes, you need to book in advance (esp. at night), and yes you need to arrive on time, and yes it
is very good.
With its opaque windows, brick walls and wooden tables, this neighborhood restaurant has an authentic turn of the century atmosphere. The charming owners, Franco and Flavio, are happy to share a host of anecdotes and information on the restaurant and its fine cuisine, which showcases specialities from Rome and the Lazio region. The tiramisu has the reputation of being one of the best anywhere. Next time in Rome, make a reservation and enjoy! Closed in August and on Sundays. Recommended. |
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MAMI TRILUSSA
Address: 23, Via Del Politeama Zone: Trastevere 00153 Tel: 06 5818918 www.feliceatestaccio.com |
This restaurant in Trastevere had the most amazing Ravioli that we've tasted in a long, long, time. As a matter of fact it has won an Italian competition for best Ravioli two years running. Really great pasta dishes abound along with delicious appetizers and a really nice wine list. It has a great dinning experience with an outside, sheltered terrace. Not cheap but not super expensive. Recommended. |
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Trattoria Gli Amici
Address: Piazza Sant'Egidio, 6 Zone: Trastevere 00153 Tel: 06 5806033 |
This restaurant in Trastevere is a very family oriented trattoria that has a wide range of Italian dishes at moderate prices. Very tasty pizza and yummy home-made pastas. Had a delicious Lasagna. They also had a fabulous Panzanella (bread and tomato salad) with Burrata that was delicious. Recommended. |
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ar galletto
Piazza Farnese 102 Tel: 06 6861714 www.argalletto.it |
Situated in Rome's Piazza Farnese (across from the French Embassay),is a cozy restaurant with very good food. This is not a traditional trattoria.
Service was excellent. Prices aren't cheap, but compared to other nearby restaurants of this quality it is a value. Plus you get a ringside view of piazza Farnese.
Roman to its marrow, Ar Galletto has tables on the square in summer. The food is firmly in the local tradition, but dishes like penne all'arrabbiata,
spaghetti alle vongole or abbacchio scottadito (grilled ribs of lamb) are delicious and - for the location - well priced. They also have a very
good wine list at resonable prices.
Recommended. |
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SORA MARGHERITA
Piazza delle Cinque Soula Tel: 06.687416 |
This is literally a hole-in-the-wall trattoria that offers one of Rome's great local dining experiences. There is no sign out front, just red beads across the
door so you'll just have to go by the street number. Inside, wooden tables are crammed into a couple of narrow rooms, and the volume generated by 20 simultaneous
conversations with orders shouted over the top is matched only by the friendliness of the staff.
It is a difficult place to find in the Jewish Ghetto but it is absolutely a must to dine at. Do not miss their famous artichokes which are super crispy and not oily at all. We had the Zucchini flowers stuffed with mozzarella and anchovies which are absolutely awesome. And they have the best gnocchi this side of Maria G's - which is saying alot!!! Light, fluffy and absolutely the way they were intended to taste. Closed in August and on Sundays. Highly Recommended!!! Highly Recommended. |
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Roscioli Bakery
via dei Giubbonari 21-22, 00186 Rome, Italy Tel: +39 066875287 |
This bakery was rated as one of the best in Rome by the New York Times and we couldn't agree more. As a matter of fact several of our Italian wine/foodie friends
proudly proclaimed it to be "the best bakery in Rome".
It is near the Campo de' Fiori in Rome and offers a wealth of traditional Italian baked goods. The pizza bianca and fresh pizza by the piece are excellent.
There is a large selection of different kinds of bread and baked goods to take away as well as a small space where sandwiches are served. It is flat-out awesome and worth a trip as much as you would to any other Roman site. It's that good!!! Highly Recommended. |
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SPAIN |
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Irreductibles
de la Font 38 43770 Gratalops 988-262-373 www.irreductibles.org |
A fabulous restaurant that is co-owned by Rene Barbier's son and daughter-in-law, Sarah Perez (who is
also the winemaker for Clos Martinet). It is
located next to Clos Figueras in the charming town of Gratalops. The views are fantastic
of the terraced Priorat vineyards. The food is regional and quite good and the wine
list has incredible Spanish wines heavy on the Priorat. A must if you can make it here!
Highly Recommended. |
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La Vi-zzeria
c/. Sant Marcel 10, Falset, Tarragona 43730, Spain 977-831-379 www.lavi-zzeria.com |
A nice restaurant in the small town of Falset. Just steps away from the only
hotel in town - Hotel Sport.
La Vi-zzeria offers a good dining experience in a regional setting. The restaurant is stylishly
furnished. The menu has been described as "modern rustic" and draws
its inspiration from local and regional specialities as well as the vast international experience of
the master chef. They also have a wood burning stove to do really good "Spanish" pizzas for those
who long for home - but these are topped with local goodies like jambon, peppers, and the like.
Located in the medieval town of Falset, set within the Tarragona countryside, the region is famous for its viniculture and outstanding natural beauty. The 'bodega' in La Vi-zzeria stocks a good range of the Piorat and Montsant vintages to suit all budgets. Recommended. |
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Meson Castellano 2,39
Antonio Machado, 39 47320 Tudela de Duero 983-520-239 |
The Tudela de Duero 239 restaurant features some of the most outstanding cuisine that be found
in the Valladolid region. Seasonal vegetables and traditional plates are prepared as if you were
in someone's home. Everything is fresh, clean and delicious.
We visited this outstanding restaurant as the guest of Mariano Garc�a (pictured at right) - the world renowned former wine maker at Vega Sicila and founder and winemaker at Bodegas Mauro. It was and is fabulous! A must if you can get here! Highly Recommended. |
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Els Tres Porquets (the 3 pigs)
Rambla del poblenou, 165 08018 Barcelona 933 00 87 50 |
A great out-of-the-way tapa's restaurant with outstanding local cuisine - specializing in seafood.
Named after the 3 brothers who run the restaurant by their parents who run a great restaurant in Barcelona
as well. Daily menu is written on a black board for you to discuss with the waiter to find what tickles
your fancy. They have some of the best iberian acorn-feed jambon you'll find anywhere and great cheeses.
You must try the razor clams and the tiny baby eels - served like a bowl linguine (pasta with eyes) that is incredible. A fantastic wine list with some of the best Spanish wines and champagnes in Barcelona. A small, locals type place, that is really good. Highly Recommended. |
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Havana, Cuba |
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Cafe Laurent
Calle M #257 / 19 y 21 Penthouse Vedado, La Habana, Cuba (537) 8312090 email: lcafelaurent@yahoo.com |
Cafe Laurent is a long way removed from the cozy mom-and-pop paladares with home-cooked arroz y pollo.
It has that bohemian chic aesthetic so in vogue, or something close to it. A Basque bistros
buzzing with beautiful people in the heart of Vedado.
Tremendous food, drinks were superb and the location of it just made it feel very Cuban, very authentic! The view from the balcony is sensational. This is one of Cuba's best "paladar's" and definitely one of the best places we ate at. Wonderful location on fourth floor of a seemingly derelict apartment block, overlooking the Verado area with views of the malecon. Less than five mins walk from the National Hotel it is easy to walk past this restaurant and not notice it. The entrance appears to be to an average apartment building and once inside the building it appears uninhabited until you get the elevator or four flights of dull stairs to the smart modern restaurant. The service was excellent and the food was very good. Highly Recommended |
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La Moneda Cubana
Calle M #257 / 19 y 21 Penthouse Vedado, La Habana, Cuba (537) 8312090 email: lcafelaurent@yahoo.com |
What a wonderful restaurant, right in the heart of Old Havana, on the rooftop of a centuries-old stone building.
The amenities are classical moderne and the food is exceptional. Service impeccable. View wonderful. You will be
glad you chose this one! If you can, be on the rooftop at 9:00pm when the cannon fires to signify the closing of
the Port.
Situated up a narrow staircase at the entrance of Plaza de la Cathedral, the location is exceptional. Back in the 1930�s, the building was a famous food and liquor store owned by Don Ram�n, an Asturian who arrived in Cuba in the early 20th century. Here he fell in love and married a Cuban girl. Around that same time, he founded the family business of food stores, all of which were located in Old Havana. Don Ram�n was a passionate collector of old and modern coins, hence the name of the restaurant (The Cuban Coin). The menu is extensive with a stylized traditional Cuban bent. Miguel trained at a culinary institute and has included recipes that have been in the family for generations. The fish menu includes lobster petals with Aldab� fragrance; escabeche, or pickled fish, with fine herbs and capers; lobster rings with shellfish cream soup; and shrimp and fish Havana fisherman-style. From the meat menu, guests can choose fillet steak in red wine with grapes and cinnamon; lamb in garlic and coffee; or fowl and shrimp with wild ginger. Cuban traditional homemade puddings and custards are predominant in the dessert menu�rice pudding with milk and shredded coconut, baked custard with coffee syrup and A�ejo rum, and sweet potato pudding with cinnamon sticks and mint. Recommended |
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South Africa |
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Baia Seafood Restaurant
Upstairs at the Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront Cape Town 021 421-0935 http://baiarestaurant.co.za |
We loved this restaurant. Good South African wine list and a very good seafood menu and a great vibe.
Try the Ceasar Salad and you'll be surprized - in a really good way.
Set in a prime spot at the Victoria Wharf, Ba�a (pronounced Ba-hia and meaning the Bay) enjoys spectacular panoramic harbour and ocean views. It has a cocktail bar, interior dining areas and covered outside dining areas spread across four terraces. The relaxing interior reflects the beauty of Table Bay in the wave-like mosaics and pale blues and mauve colours. Ba�a specializes in the finest seafood from around southern Africa, the finest poultry, beef and venison and a renowned wine-list with rare Cape vintage wines and imported liqueur selection � and has earned the reputation as the place to indulge in the best seafood platter in the Cape. Patricio Cumaio, chef de cuisine, believes in using only the finest ingredients. He created the fare at Ba�a, with a menu inspired by a combination of fine continental cuisine and Portuguese colonial traditions. One of the legendary house specialties tempts diners with a bouillabaisse, French influence or a cataplana with a Portuguese influence, a veritable feast of prawns, langoustines, mussels, calamari and linefish. Highly Recommended |
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Moyo
R310 Lynedoch Road, Spier Stellenbosch 27 21 809 1133 http://www.moyo.co.za |
A great place, full of atmosphere! They claim to be all about "modern sophisticated African" and
by that they mean updated versions of traditional African foods in a very neat setting with
music and other fun things going on. Don't eat for hours before you go because there is such a
huge selection of tasty food to choose from! This is a great place to bring a big
crowd.
The atmosphere and design of the restaurant are just very cool, laid out rather like a huge camp site. African dancers and musicians move around the camp all evening. You can join in if you want and even have your face painted too. Yes, it is a bit staged, but it�s not Disneyland; just chill out and enjoy it. The food is served in an enormous tent and is all on a help yourself buffet. There is a huge choice of dishes, all of them delicious. The only problem is trying too many of them! Some of the previous reviews say the food was awful, but everything we tried was excellent. Service was fine, much better than in pretentious places like Franschoek. There are tables in the tent and in small covered areas outside, but our advice is to book a tree house. These are close to the action, you get a good view of everything and it�s not as noisy or smoky as in the main area. The Spiers estate itself is worth a visit too. If you are staying in Stellenbosch, we would definitely recommend going to Moyo. Recommended |
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Black Marlin
Off of M4 Simon's Town, Cape Town +27 (21) 786 1621 http://www.blackmarlin.co.za/ |
Black Marlin is nestled unobtrusively on one of the most scenic coastlines in the Cape, en-route to Cape Point
and it is the perfect setting for an idyllic luncheon meal. It is near Simon's Town, Cape Town.
One of the best things about this restaurant is simply the views you get driving to it. If you're on
your way to the Cape of Good Hope - you need to stop here for lunch!
During "whale season", you can enjoy your meal while watching whales sidling along the coastline. Established as a restaurant since the mid 1960's, the Black Marlin has earned a reputation for its seafood, award-winning wine list, attentive service and incredible views. The Black Marlin offers an extensive menu with the main emphasis on seafood, complimented by other choices of fine contemporary cuisine. House specialities include Cape Rock lobster, Seafood platters, oysters and mussels. Through the many years of providing top quality fresh seafood and impeccable service to the locals and foreign tourists, this restaurant has become world-famous for its views. Recommended |
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Reuben's Restaurant and Bar
No 19 Huguenot Street, Franchoek, Franschhoek, 7690 021 876 3772 http://reubens.co.za/ |
Franschhoek's first signature restaurant � it is a sophisticated brasserie, in a modern and tasteful setting. The d�cor is minimalist,
the food an exciting combination of flavors and as one might expect (Reuben's partners are Marc Kent and Tim Rands of
Boekenhoutskloof�one of the top wineries in Franschhoek and indeed South Africa), the wine list is extensive.
Reuben Riffel, having been Executive Chef at another Franschhoek restaurant, Monneaux, left South Africa to gain experience in Europe. He returned, to open the eponymously named restaurant, in 2003. With its bar counter made from the wing of an old DC10 airplane, the "Gooney Bar" provides a place to meet friends and enjoy a drink, before moving to your table. The restaurant itself is open and airy, providing a lively but elegant atmosphere during dinner. The varied menu features dishes such as salmon fish cakes, steak and frites with sauce b�arnaise, chilli salted squid and Szechwan duck pie to name but a few. Additionally, a large selection of daily specials are displayed on a chalk board. In 2004, Reuben's won 'Chef of the year' and 'Restaurant of the year' in South African Eat Out magazine's Johnnie Walker Awards. Recommended |
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ALSACE |
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LE CHANBARD (WINSTUB)
9-13, rue du General de Gaulle, 68240 Kaysersberg, France (Alsace) 03 89 47 10 17 |
Kaysersberg is a delightful town in the Alsace on the Wine Route. Chambard is a labor-of-love hotel and restaurant that should not be missed if you are traveling in the Alsace. All of the food is magnificent -- Best croissant I've ever had. Our room was attractively decorated and had a very nice view. Everything was very clean and everything worked. Every staff member was exceptionally hospitable and more than willing to help us fumble through our minimal capabilities with the French language. We would happily go back. Recommended. |
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BURGUNDY |
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Le Chassagne
4,impasse des chenevottes, 21190 Chassagne-Montrachet, France 03 80 21 94 94 |
Le Chassagne is everything a high-end restaurant should be: very good, unobtrusive service; an outstanding wine list--particularly here in the heart of the white
Burgundy region--and most importantly, very good, imaginative food. We had the least expensive prix fixe, comprised of two amuse bouches, a smoked salmon two-way
starter, and a lovely fresh cabaillaud, a type of fish(sp?) main, with risotto, and a layered creamy cheese course of some sort with a savory wafer, and a meringue
dessert with 'exotique' fruits..all in all, a great Sunday lunch, and our half-bottle of Chassagne-Montrachet was of course a perfect pairing.
Bonus: after lunch, change into your walking shoes, and hike up through the village and out along the roads that run among these famous vineyards, and you'll be rewarded with spectacular views, and the burning of a few calories! Recommended. |
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PRAGUE |
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La Degustation Boheme Bourgeoise
Hastalska Street Prague, Czech Republic website: www.ladegustation.cz |
La Degustation Boheme Bourgeoise is an upscale restaurant that offers traditional Czech cuisine on Hastalska Street in Prague.
Forbes Life called it the "first choice for its buckle-in, three-hour seven-course tasting menus (plus a blizzard of Amuse-bouches).
In 2009, it was selected the best restaurant in the Czech Republic, and received the Grand Restaurant 2010 award, presented annually
by the Czech Association of Restaurateurs. The restaurant offers three menus: Czech traditional, Czech inspired fusion,
and pan-European, that can be mixed. It has been awarded with Michelin star since 2012.
Had the 11 course tasting menu and it was fantastic. They also do a 6 course version. Primarily Czech wines which was a real treat to taste wines we had not had before. The pairings were spot on!!! The menu changes so will not comment on specific courses but all were very good and some sensational. If you're in Prague - you owe it to yourself to check this place out. Highly Recommended. |
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Kampa Park Restaurant
Lesser Town, Prague 1 Prague, Czech Republic website: www.kampagroup.com/en/restaurants |
Kampa Park is set in an exclusive location beside the Vltava River on Kampa Island, next to Charles Bridge.
It offers flamboyantly presented international fare, which includes fresh fish and seafood, innovative meat dishes and luxurious desserts.
They stock an extensive range of Czech and International wines (over 150 global vintages). Other drinks include an impressive list of cocktails.
We sat in the famous riverside terrace - looking out to Charles Bridge and the river. Spectatular view. Had the monkfish and the octopus entrees and they were both delicious. Found an inexpensive 2015 white Burgundy on the list that was perfect. Great service. Perfect evening of fine dining in Prague!!!! Recommended. |
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LISBON |
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Adega das Merces
Travessa das Mercês 2 21 342 4492 |
Great Fresh Fish. Had the Sea Bass grilled and it was very good. Had them bring out their fresh fish and picked it out. Really inexpensive for the quality. Inexpensive Vinho Verde as well. It is very basic and authentic. Highly Recommended. |
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Zapata
Rua do Poço dos Negros 47 Tel. 21 390 8942 |
Had lunch here. Really good portions and really good food. Lightly fried (not greasy!) with a bread porridge called açorda. Their grilled sardines are wonderful too. Was very busy and very authentic - not flashly. Highly Recommended. |
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Os Bons Malandros
Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo 51 Tel. 21 343-010 |
Had a couple really good seafood dishes here. Tuna was great. Nice vibe. Sort of had an American feel to it which was not bad. Highly Recommended. |
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Taste of India
??? on main walking street |
Ate lunch here and it was FANTASTIC. Nothing Indian about it. All locals and hard to get a seat - really cheap and great sardines and Octopus. Highly Recommended. |
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Aqui Ha Peixe
R. Trindade 18A, 1200-468 Lisboa, Portugal |
This is a more high-end place but worth it. The Sea Bass was the best we had in Portugal. Good wine list too. This place is the real deal. Highly Recommended. |
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Mantegigaria
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This place has the BEST custard pasteries in the city which is know of its custard pasteries. These pasteries are a staple in Lisbon and these are amazing. Lines out the door all the time but worth it. Eat them warm out of the oven - Delicious!!! Highly Recommended. |
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PORTO |
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Vinum
By Graham's Port House |
Simply Awesome!!! Had the best Octopus of the trip here. Views are the best in the City - Stunning. It is expensive but worth every penny!!! Highly Recommended. |
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Santiago
Multiple locations - try to find newest one which is more restaurant than deli. |
This place has the best Francesinha sandwich in town. There are now at least 3 locations. We ate at the newest one which was quite nice. Francesinha is an iconic Porto dish. It packs wet-cured ham, linguiça (a portuguese sausage), steak or roast beef, inside two slices of thick bread and everything is covered with melted cheese and a special tomato and beer sauce. It can be served with a fried egg on top and french fries so that none of that delicious sauce goes to waste. |
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TOKYO |
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Shima Steak
3-5-12 | Nihombashi MM Bldg. B1F, Nihonbashi, Chuo 103-0027, Tokyo Prefecture +81 3-3271-7889 |
Chef Oshima Manabu is one of the most charming and nicest chefs in Tokyo. He personally escorted us through back of the restuarant to a cab stand
to make sure that our transportation was taken care of after our fantastic meal.
The wagyu beef is sourced from Wadoyama town and is aged by Chef Oshima himself and is of outstanding quality despite the somewhat reasonable price.
We had the sirlion cut which was absolutely fantastic!!!
Shima steakhouse operates out of the basement of a no-sign location with an 8-seat counter and a handful of tables to the side. Making a reservation can be hard to do as this is a very well known establishment, but can be managed through a third-party reservation companies or your hotel. As soon as you go down the narrow steps of this office building close to Tokyo station, you immediately immerse in a relatively quiet restaurant that runs like clockwork. Chefs in white uniforms carefully prepare the grill, showcase the raw pieces of beef to patrons by the counter and patiently prepare orders - including the legendry to-go sandwiches which we did not have but look insanely good. They also have a very resonably priced wine list and we opted for the Tignanello which went perfect with out meal. |
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Sushi Iwa
8-4-4 Ginza | 1f, Chuo 104-0061, Tokyo Prefecture | in Miura Bldg +81 3-3572-0955 |
Lovely ground floor sushiya has a Michelin star and is very cozy with only 7 seats. The chef, hailing from Shizuoka, was courteous, friendly and professional, offering explanations and advice in English and
playful jokes, though never too much to get in the way of private conversations. The price is at the high-end of the spectrum but a great plan B is you are not able to get into one of the
high-end sushi establishments as this is priced at that level.
The fish and knife technique were superb especially when slicing the eel in paper thin slices, as were the assistant chef's vinegar rice and grill work. The waitress was charming and joyful. The omakase itself was true to edomae tradition but with a few innovations: spacing the different pieces of tuna with white fish, for example, was a brilliant way to enjoy each tuna cut more individually. |
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Tempura Abe Ginza Honten
4-3-7 | Subar Bldg. B1F, Ginza, Chuo 104-0061, Tokyo Prefecture +81 3-6228-6077 |
Delicious tempura but it was a little hard to find. This tiny restaurant is tucked away in an alley-like street and you need to use the elevator down. The service was super friendly and they have an English menu available. They even made broccoli tasty and the shrimp was delicious! They offer several types of set courses and we got the lunch special which was very tasty. |
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BANGKOK |
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Jeh O Chula
113 Soi Charat Mueang, Rong Muang, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330 Hours: Daily, 4:00 PM to midnight |
Tucked into a bustling alley near Chulalongkorn University, Jeh O Chula has become one of Bangkok's most talked-about
street food spots, earning Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition and drawing queues that stretch well past midnight.
The atmosphere is lively and no-frills, fluorescent lights, shared tables, and the constant hiss of copper
pots, which only adds to the charm.
We had the star of the menu which is their Mama Tom Yum Seafood Noodles, a fiery, deeply aromatic tom yum broth served with instant Mama noodles (the beloved Thai staple), plump fresh prawns, minced pork, a soft runny egg, and straw mushrooms. It sounds deceptively simple, but the soup is a masterclass in balance; sour, spicy, and intensely savoury in equal measure. Another crowd favourite is the crispy pork, which pairs brilliantly when dipped into the tom yum broth. Fair warning: the wait can be long, often 90 minutes or more on weekends. Download the QueQ app before you go to join the virtual queue remotely and save yourself from standing around. Prices are very reasonable for the quality on offer. Highly Recommended. |
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Banthat Thong Road Bangkok's Rising Food Street Banthat Thong Road, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330 Getting there: BTS National Stadium (W1) or MRT Sam Yan, both roughly a 10–15 minute walk Best time to visit: 6pm to 10pm |
If Yaowarat is Bangkok's grand old dame of street food, Banthat Thong Road is the city's exciting younger sibling.
Once a quiet stretch known mainly for auto parts shops, it has transformed into one of the world's most popular streets, recently
voted the 14th coolest street in the world by Time Out. AroiMakMak Locals have even taken to calling it "Yaowarat 2," and the
nickname is well earned.
The street is packed with classic Thai eats and trendy dessert bars, ideal for those who want local vibes without the mega-crowds of Chinatown. Within a two-block stretch you'll find pad thai, som tam, grilled pork skewers, boat noodles, fried chicken, fresh fruit, and Thai desserts GEOS Thailand; and most dishes will set you back no more than 50 to 150 baht. The crowd is youthful and lively, fuelled largely by students from the adjacent Chulalongkorn University, and the street buzzes hardest between 6pm and 10pm. Star attractions include Jeh O Chula, the Michelin Bib Gourmand spot famed for its volcanic tom yum Mama noodles; June Pang for perfectly charred moo ping (grilled pork skewers) with sticky rice; and Heng Hoitod Chawlae for crispy oyster omelettes. For dessert, Tuay Tung specialises in traditional Thai sweets, with the highlight being its steamed coconut milk dessert served in small porcelain cups. It's not just about the food either, between the popular eateries you'll find vibey shops, art spaces, and live music spots Phuket 101, giving the street a creative energy that sets it apart from Bangkok's older food corridors. |
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SINGAPORE |
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Palm Beach Seafood, One Fullerton, Marina Bay
1 Fullerton Road, One Fullerton Hours: Daily, 12:00 to 2:30 PM and 5:30 to 10:30 PM |
Few restaurants in Singapore can match Palm Beach Seafood for sheer setting. Positioned right on the waterfront at
One Fullerton, directly facing the Merlion and with the glittering skyline of Marina Bay Sands as your backdrop,
the location alone is worth the visit. It's the kind of view that makes a cold Tiger beer taste even better.
But the food more than holds its own. Palm Beach has been serving Singapore's most beloved crustaceans for decades, and the crabs remain the undisputed reason to come. The chili crab is arguably Singapore's national dish, arrives in a rich, tangy tomato-and-egg gravy that begs to be mopped up with deep-fried mantou buns. The black pepper crab is equally compelling: bold, fragrant, and unapologetically fiery. Both are prepared with large, meaty Sri Lankan crabs, though expect to pay market price, which can be substantial. Come hungry and come prepared to get your hands dirty, that's half the fun. Service is attentive and the staff are happy to walk first-timers through the experience. On a clear evening, you might even catch the nightly light show across the water. It's touristy, yes, but for good reason, this is a genuinely excellent meal in one of the most spectacular settings in the city. Highly Recommended. |
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Stalls 7 & 8 Satay Street (Boon Tat Street), Singapore Boon Tat Street (between Robinson Road and Shenton Way) Hours: Weekdays 7pm to 1am | Weekends 3pm to 1am |
Every evening at 7pm, Boon Tat Street shuts to traffic and transforms into one of Singapore's most beloved street food rituals.
Dozens of hawkers fire up their charcoal grills, the smoke rises between the skyscrapers of the financial district, and the whole
scene takes on the feel of a city that hasn't forgotten its roots. Among the row of stalls, Stalls 7 and 8, trading as "Best Satay"
are the most famous, having been featured on local and international food and travel programs and earning several food accolades
over the years. food4hungry.com
The menu is simple and halal: chicken, beef, mutton, and prawns, all skewered and grilled over charcoal, served with sliced cucumber, onion, rice cake, and a rich peanut dipping sauce. The mutton is a standout, moist and savoury with a slight gamey depth, the marinade coming through clearly in each bite. food4hungry.com The prawns are also popular and consistently praised. Expect a wait of 20 to 30 minutes on busy nights, but the atmosphere more than compensate, grab a Tiger beer from a nearby vendor and soak it all in. It's unabashedly touristy at this point, but that doesn't make it any less fun or any less delicious. Come hungry, bring wet wipes, and don't overthink it. Highly Recommended. |
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Hawker Stall #02-126, Chinatown Complex Food Centre, 335 Smith Street, Singapore
Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle |
Few food stories capture the magic of Singapore's hawker culture quite like Chan Hon Meng's. The Malaysian born chef dropped
out of school at 15, eventually making his way to Hong Kong where he learned the Cantonese techniques and recipes that
would form the cornerstone of the food court stall he opened with his wife in Singapore in 2009. In 2016,
the unthinkable happened: the stall became one of the first two street food locations in the world to be awarded a Michelin star
and for a dish priced at just a few Singapore dollars, no less.
The centrepiece is the soya sauce chicken rice: glossy, deeply bronzed chicken braised in Chan's signature Cantonese style marinade, served over steamed rice. Every day, he makes his secret soya sauce based marinade from scratch, conceding to ingredients including Chinese angelica roots, cloves, coriander, and star anise, and marinates 180 chickens overnight before braising and hanging them in his stall-front before service. Atlas Obscura The result is beautifully tender meat with rich, sweet savoury depth in every bite. The char siew noodles, springy egg noodles coated in dark sauce with slices of glazed pork, are equally worth ordering. It has subsequentially been recognised with a Bib Gourmand. As a piece of culinary history, and an extraordinary meal at an extraordinarily humble price, it remains essential eating in Singapore. He also has a sit down restaurant: 78 Smith Street, Chinatown, Singapore 058972 Hours: Daily, 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM Highly Recommended. |