Discover the best brunches London has to offer, perfect for your next leisurely morning or celebration.
All recommendations have been reviewed and approved as of the publish date and will be checked periodically. If you think there is any incorrect or out of date information in this guide, please e-mail us at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk Brunch is thriving in London. Whether you're looking for a full English or something different, there are an endless number of venues to choose from. We've rounded up the best that you need to try in the city. Also check our guide to the best pancake places in London for more brunch inspiration. Best brunch in London at a glance Marchetti - £ Bombay Bustle - £££ Fallow - ££ abc kitchens - £££ Plaquemine Lock - ££ Eggbreak - £ Sunday in Brooklyn - ££ Dishoom - £ Milk Beach - ££ The Good Egg - £ Norman's Cafe - £ Caravan - £ Milk - £ Chet's - £ Sunday Cafe and Restaurant - £ Riding House Café - ££ Duck and Waffle - £££ Towpath Café - ££ The best brunch in London 2025 Marchetti This Catford café is a family-run gem that’s become one of south London’s greatest brunch spots. Marchetti has lit up Instagram with their next-level hash browns, which are an essential side dish to any order. Breakfast bagels are particularly good here, stuffed with the likes of fried egg, cheese, pickled spring onion, and chilli; or sausage and egg with optional (arguably essential) hash brown. Then there’s nduja scrambled eggs, blueberry buttermilk pancakes with whipped butter, and pea, feta and za’atar fritters with yogurt and poached eggs – a particular favourite of restaurant critic and author Jimi Famurewa, who credits Marchetti with getting him through the editing process on his latest book, Picky. At the takeaway counter you can also stock up on breads, pastries and coffee to go. There’s lots of indoor seating, plus a pretty garden at the back for the warmer months, so it’s a great option for families. Bombay Bustle Bombay Bustle is one of London’s best Indian restaurants, serving up excellent Mumbai-inspired street food and home-style dishes for lunch and dinner. It’s also home to one of the city’s most original weekend brunches, so if you’ve had your fill of bacon and eggs, then this is one for you. For £50 per person, diners can choose three small plates from a line-up that includes akuri truffle naan with spiced scrambled eggs; cheese dosas; crispy potato patties with honey yogurt and dried peas; and prawn rava fry with Kashmiri chilli and cumin. This is followed by a choice of two biryanis – one with slow-cooked lamb, egg, mint and rice, and the other with seasonal vegetables and fried onion. The epic feast is concluded with a culture crossing gulab jamun tiramisu with dark chocolate and mascarpone. And to drink, there’s Kokum margaritas, Jaljeera mojitos, and the fiery Fire & Snow cocktails. Fallow Even if you’ve never been to Fallow, you’ve probably seen their famous croissant rolls all over Instagram. These epic breakfast sandwiches feature the likes of sausage, egg, bacon and walnut ketchup sandwiched between two slices of circular croissant roll, which are baked in house each day and then branded with the Fallow logo using a hot iron. This is no viral gimmick however – Fallow, which opened on St James’ Market in 2021, is known as one of London’s best sustainable restaurants, where chefs Will Murray and Jack Croft take a serious zero-waste approach to everything they do. Elsewhere on the brunch menu, there’s scrambled eggs with Fallow’s own homemade sriracha (made using British chillies); wild mushrooms on toast; crispy chicken and waffles; and granola with yogurt, London honey and seasonal fruits. It’s a bright and airy space inside and there’s a great outdoor terrace in the summer too – a rare find in central London. abc kitchens The Emory is the new luxurious all-suite hotel from Maybourne, which also owns Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Berkley (just around the corner). Located on Hyde Park, close to Knightsbridge, the hotel has a headline restaurant to match the glitzy location – a hot New York import of superstar chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s abc kitchen brand. As you might expect from a restaurant with New York roots, brunch is big deal at abc kitchens London, with signature dishes including the B.E.C. pizza, a unique take on the New York classic bacon and egg and cheese, brought to life in pizza form. Other brunch highlights include a Mexican classic taken from abc cocina – huevos rancheros featuring Cacklebean farm eggs served on warm corn tortillas– plus cardamom dutch baby pancakes drizzled in maple syrup, eggs benedict with Suffolk ham, and Dosa filled with egg, sambal, cheddar, dill and mint. Plaquemine Lock There are criminally few New Orleans-style restaurants in London, but there is an excellent one to be found in an unlikely location: an old pub on the residential backstreets of well-heeled Islington, next to Regent's Canal. The pub was taken over by Jacob Kenedy (also behind Bocca di Lupo in Soho) in 2017 and reopened as Plaquemine Lock, a tribute to his great-grandparents who actually went to Plaquemine in Louisiana to build a lock back in 1909. In what might be the only Cajun and Creole brunch in London, the pub offers a great feast every weekend (plus bank holidays), featuring oysters Rockefeller; po’boy sandwiches stuffed with shrimp, lobster, or fried green tomatoes; egg gumbo; and Southern fried chicken. Best of all though, is the twist on the legendary New Orleans beignet, here stuffed with candied bacon. Eggbreak Open seven days a week, Notting Hill’s Eggbreak is a great option for a weekday brunch. As the name suggests, eggs are a big focus here: signature dishes include the egg, bacon, and cheese toasty with chipotle ketchup; the eggbreaky melt; and the sabich eggs benedict created with chef John Gregory Smith – poached egg, tahini hollandaise, bharat aubergine, spinach and cream cheese on a toasted bagel. But there’s much more than eggs on offer. Sweets include chocolate french toast with a corn flake crumb and mascarpone; and buttermilk pancakes with banana and salted caramel butter. There are some healthier options too: a broccoli & avocado grain bowl (with the option to add a poached egg, naturally) and homemade quinoa granola with date yogurt. The Eggbreak experience is rounded out with coffee, fresh juices, iced tea and smoothies, as well as three varieties of bloody mary, a selection of cocktails, and wines. Sunday in Brooklyn New York's brunch hotspot, Sunday in Brooklyn, opened in Notting Hill in 2021 and now has a branch in Marylebone too. The Williamsburg original found fame for its modern twists on classic American brunch dishes, in particular the hazelnut maple praline pancakes with brown butter: a triple stack of thick fluffy pancakes that are every bit as good as they look. It's worth a visit for them alone. Savoury options are just as good, though, including the cheddar scramble with Long Island potatoes and bacon; the crisp fried chicken sandwich with sweet and sour hot honey; and the cauliflower melt, with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese. For a boozy brunch, there’s even a special ‘brunch cocktails’ menu, featuring the Sunday Espresso – mezcal verde, banana, espresso, vanilla bean – and the Sunday bloody mary. The restaurant is packed every day of the week and channels big New York energy through the exposed brick, bright interiors, and energetic soundtrack. Dishoom Dishoom offers one of the finest brunches in London. The Indian mini chain turned the bacon roll on its head when it first started serving breakfast, with a genius twist on the British classic. Its bacon naan roll is now the stuff of brunch legend – a freshly baked naan, stuffed with smoked streaky bacon, a little cream cheese, tomato chilli jam and coriander. Other equally good twists include the bacon & egg naan, the sausage & egg naan, or the ultimate ‘wrester’s naan roll,’ which has all three and is an unbeatable brunch dish. And that’s not all. Dishoom offers an Indian version of the classic fry-up, the Big Bombay – masala beans, egg, sausage, bacon and mushroom; the Parsi omelette; and chilli cheese toast with fried eggs. Vegans are well catered for too, with a vegan sausage naan roll and a plant-based version of the Big Bombay, which includes tofu and vegan black pudding. To drink, there’s warming masala chai, fresh juices, tea and coffee. Milk Beach Australia is famous for its brunch and café culture, and, fortunately, there’s no need to travel halfway around the world to get a taste. Breezy all-day restaurant Milk Beach has a brilliant Aussie brunch. It has two locations: the original in Queen’s Park and a big new restaurant in the heart of Soho, which faces out on to an attractive internal courtyard. Come summer, both have lots of outdoor space, so Milk Beach makes a great choice for an outdoor brunch in London. Fresh, vibrant brunch dishes are the order of the day, with dishes on the menu, including overnight oats, poached pears, and coconut granola; eggs Florentine with wild mushrooms, spinach, and pickled daikon; and a green bowl, with broccoli, wild grains, Thai-spiced carrot and a poached egg. It wouldn’t be an Aussie brunch without avo on toast, and Milk Beach offers a great twist on the classic with the addition of watercress pesto, feta and pumpkin seeds. Coffee is taken seriously in Australia, and the same is true of Milk Beach, which has its own in-house coffee roastery called Album that supplies both restaurants with fresh beans that have been sourced directly from farmers. The Good Egg The Good Egg is a Middle Eastern-inspired, all-day restaurant that became just as famous for its long queues as its brunch when it first launched in Stoke Newington in 2015. There’s now a location in Margate, too, and both still draw huge crowds, who are happy to wait for what’s considered to be one of the best brunches in London. The menu takes inspiration from Israel and across the Middle East, with standout dishes like shakshuka with preserved lemon yogurt, za’atar and fluffy pittas; the lamb shawarma hash with amba mayo, pickles and aleppo fried egg; and the bagel stuffed with house-cured salt beef brisket, smoked cheddar, mustard, Russian dressing, garlic, and dill kraut. There are excellent sweet options too, such as the challah french toast sandwich with poached rhubarb, orange syrup and honeycomb, and the chocolate babka. To drink, there’s brunch cocktails, beers, ciders, and natural wines, including a few from the UK, as well as juices, teas, and coffees. Norman's Cafe Launched in 2020 during lockdown, Norman’s Café quickly became popular for its modern, hipster spin on the traditional greasy spoon. With its smart but stripped back interiors, featuring checkerboard floors, Formica tables, pinboard menu and plastic bucket seats, Norman’s has all the hallmarks of the classic caff. The menu is typical café fare on paper, but Norman’s take it up a notch by using top-tier ingredients: sausages and bacon from the local butcher in Tufnell Park, free-range eggs and homemade brown sauce. Dishes are simple but perfectly executed, from the beans on toast with red Leicester, and the classic fry-up, to the bacon sandwich and chip butty. There’s also a brilliant chicken escalope sandwich with spicy mayo, which has become one of Norman’s signatures. Combine with a classic builder’s tea for £1, or juices, fizzy drink cans, hot chocolate and coffee. Caravan Caravan first opened in Clerkenwell back in 2010, and now has multiple locations including Chelsea, King’s Cross, Fitzrovia, Bankside and Bloomberg Arcade in the City. Its success has been driven by its relaxed all-day dining set-up and its weekend brunch, which is widely regarded as one of the best in town – the fried jalapeno cornbread with avocado, curd cheese, fried egg, and mojo verde is a must-try. Other standout dishes include the chorizo & potato hash with spinach and poached eggs; the baked eggs with spiced tomato, pepper and chickpea ragu; and the vanilla pancakes with vanilla cream cheese and poached strawberries. Lighter options include the seasoned rice, hot-smoked salmon, avocado and miso mayonnaise, and the golden spiced yogurt with berries, maple sesame granola and toasted hazelnuts. Caravan is also a coffee roaster, so it’s a huge part of the brunch experience, especially at the King’s Cross location where you can see the coffee being roasted in the back of the restaurant. Beans and coffee pods are also available to buy. Milk Not to be confused with Milk Beach, Balham’s Milk is one of the best brunches in south London. Big, bold flavours are the order of the day here, with stand-out signature dishes like the ‘convict’: a sausage, bacon, and scrambled egg muffin topped with Lincolnshire poacher cheese and hangover sauce, and the ‘sweet Maria’ sweetcorn fritters with halloumi, avo, and kasundi. Joining these favourites are regular specials, which are announced via Milk’s Instagram, and have featured everything from a blackened spice chicken sando with piquillo pepper relish, to buckwheat pancakes with apple and black cardamom crumble. There’s the usual line up of teas, coffees and juice, as well as seasonal fruit kombucha, which is brewed by the team in-house. With a loyal local following, expect long queues at weekends – but it’s very much worth the wait. Chet's At Chet’s in Shepherd’s Bush, Thai flavours are combined with American diner classics to make this one of the most fun and original brunch spots in London. Open every day from 7am, Chet’s offers the perfect antidote to early mornings, with dishes like the bodega sandwich, a kaiser roll filled with spicy sai uah sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs and ketchup, and the chicken ‘n’ roti – crisp spicy fried chicken and tom yum sauce served on roti waffles. From 10am, an extensive menu ushers in the likes of the tuna melt – tuna larb, spring onions, mint, Kewpie mayo and American cheese – and the mushroom & cheese roti (portobello mushroom, Thai basil, lemongrass, lime, chilli, coriander, provolone, scrambled egg), among many others. The fun continues over on the cocktail menu with creations like the Thai-Ball and the Thaiami Vice offered alongside beers and natural wines. There’s also coffee and tea served in classic American diner-style chunky mugs, as well as juices and soft drinks. Sunday cafe and restaurant Located on the quiet backstreets of Barnsbury in Islington, Sunday is the neighbourhood brunch spot that everyone wishes they had at the end of their road. Despite the name, it serves brunch every day apart from Monday, and during midweek you can even make reservations – at the weekend, you’ll have to queue with everyone else. Sunday’s brioche french toast with vanilla crème fraiche, banana and salted caramel is a stand-out signature dish, as are the corn fritters with bacon, avocado, chilli jam and poached egg. Among the brunch standards are a few more unusual dishes for London, such as soft corn grits with avocado and chorizo; the salt beef and sweet potato hash; and the smoked haddock rarebit with poached egg. With friendly staff, a homely vibe, and even some outdoor seating for summer, Sunday is a true star in London’s brunch game. Riding House Café When the first Riding House Café opened in Fitzrovia in 2011, it set a new standard for brunch in London. Bringing big modern NYC vibes with its stripped back wooden furniture, hanging plants and art deco lighting, Riding House is a bustling spot that’s packed with people having breakfast meetings during the week and lazy brunches on the weekend. The wide-ranging menu ranges from brunch standards like malted deep-dish pancakes topped with bacon and maple syrup, and a full English breakfast to original creations like the ‘burgerdict,’ a twist on eggs benedict that swaps out the ham for an aged beef patty. Drinks include several brunch cocktails as well as wines and beers, and coffee, juices and smoothies as booze-free options. There’s now a second location in Bloomsbury as well as a sister Rail House Café in Victoria, but it’s the cosy original that’s a true stalwart of the London brunch scene. Duck & Waffle With incredible views from the 40th floor of Heron Tower in the City and 24-hour service, Duck & Waffle is one of the most unique brunches in London. Although the menus change through a 24-hour cycle, there is one dish that's always available – the eponymous duck & waffle, with crisp duck leg confit, fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup on a sweet waffle. At breakfast and brunch, this signature dish is joined by a wealth of other waffle-based creations, including a duck benedict; a smoked salmon royale; and sweet caramelised banana with peanut crunch and hazelnut chocolate spread all piled on top of a waffle. Not everything comes on a waffle however: there’s also shakshuka, a full English breakfast, and homemade baked beans with feta and a cheese scone. The food is great, but it’s the views that really set the place apart, with wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows offering up panoramic views of London. It’s perfect for a celebration, so if you’re looking for a special occasion brunch spot, Duck & Waffle ticks all the boxes. Towpath Located on the Regent’s Canal between Haggerston and De Beauvoir, the Towpath café has one of the most picturesque brunch settings in London. With almost all of the tables set outdoors along the towpath, it’s only in operation during spring and summer, and its reopening each year is a keenly anticipated event among East-Londoners. Towpath is open from 9am Wednesday to Sunday and it’s advisable to get down early, especially on weekends, if you want any chance of nabbing one of the few coveted tables. It’s not just the setting that has people flocking down here, however; the menu, chalked up on the backboard each day, is a delight. First thing in the morning, there are simple breakfast dishes like fried eggs with chilli and sage butter; a grilled cheese sandwich with quince jelly; and miranda tomatoes with mojo verde on toast. At midday, the menu expands to include seasonal brunch dishes like asparagus with ajo blanco; friggitelli peppers with chopped egg and smoked anchovy; and smoked haddock with soft boiled egg and sweetcorn salsa. There’s a short list of wines, beers, and cocktails too – any of which is hard to turn down when the sun is shining. Feeling hungry? Discover more of our restaurant reviews.... Best rooftop bars in London Best afternoon tea in London The best restaurants in Cambridge The best places to eat in Belfast
Discover the best of the capital's rooftop bar scene for soaking up views with top-quality drinks and moreish food
All recommendations have been reviewed and approved as of the publish date and will be checked periodically. If you think there is any incorrect or out of date information in this guide please e-mail us at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk As the evenings get longer and the days get warmer, make the most of being outside at some of London's best spots for casual dining, family outings and fancy date nights. London's rooftop bar scene is ever evolving, with chef pop-ups, top mixologists and of course timeless views of iconic sights such as the Shard or London Eye. Whether it's a relaxed group hang or push the boat out date night, these are some of our favourite rooftop bars in London. Looking for more London inspiration? Why not check out our guides for the best afternoon teas in London and the best pasta restaurants in London. Best rooftop bars in London at a glance The Emory - £££ Llama Inn - ££ Kioku by Endo - ££ Los Mochis the City - ££ Flute - £££ Seabird - ££ Sushisamba (Heron Tower) - £££ Queen Elizabeth Park Roof Garden - £ Frank's Cafe - £ The Aviary- £££ Wagtail - £££ Boundary Rooftop - £££ The Rooftop at The Standard - ££ The Nest - £££ Hotel Amano Covent Garden - ££ Best rooftop bars in London 2025 The Emory The Emory, London’s first all-suite hotel, opened in the spring of 2024. Much of the talk at the time was about the Richard Rogers’ design and the outpost of chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Abc Kitchen on the ground floor, but it’s perhaps the rooftop bar that’s become the real jewel in the crown. Owned by Maybourne, which also has Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley (next door), The Emory has a prime position right on Hyde Park, so its 10th floor bar offers panoramic views over the park and the London skyline. Drinks come courtesy of one of the world’s best mixologists, Tato Giovannoni (behind Florería Atlántico in Buenos Aires), who returned to The Emory in 2025 after a successful two-month pop-up in 2024. Exclusive cocktails include the “San Lucas”, a mix of Flor de Caña 4 rum, cinnamon, Angostura bitters and lemon & lime soda, and the “Gurua Martini”, made from Principe de los Apostoles gin, anise, Giovannoni dry vermouth, coffee oil, and local rainwater (don’t worry, it’s purified). On the food menu, there are high-class bar snacks courtesy of Jean-Georges – think 24-month aged comté cheese, caviar and Cobble Lane charcuterie. Llama Inn Located on the rooftop of The Hoxton in Shoreditch, Llama Inn is a hot import from New York (the original is on the New York Times Top 100 list and has a Bib Gourmand), offering modern Peruvian dishes and plenty of pisco. There’s an expansive glass-roofed interior dining room, which has a tropical feel even when the weather outside doesn’t, plus a large outdoor terrace with sofa seating and views of the nearby skyscrapers. Peru’s national cocktail – the pisco sour – is well represented both in its classic form and with twists such as the passion fruit pisco, or an aromatic version with coconut and green tea. If you’re in a group, opt for the supersized jug of pisco sour which serves six. There’s a fun range of non-pisco cocktails and natural wines too, perfectly paired with dishes of fresh ceviche, chicken anticucho, and pork shoulder sliders. Kioku by Endo Japanese master sushi chef Endo Kazutoshi, who is behind the Michelin-starred Endo at the Rotunda, has a more casual restaurant and bar on the rooftop of the swish Raffles hotel at the historic Old War Office. Called Kikou by Endo, it’s not the tallest of the London rooftops but in terms of location it takes some beating, with the large outdoor terrace offering views over Whitehall, Trafalgar Square and the London Eye. A special Terrace Cocktails menu includes the “Elderflower and Wasabi Sour”, with Japanese vodka, shochu and fresh wasabi, as well as the “Mint & Shiso Yuzunade” with Bowmore whisky, ginger sake liqueur and yuzu soda. Other than cocktails, there’s an extensive list of champagne, wine and sake, plus some exceptional bites like temaki hand rolls, fresh sashimi, fatty bluefin tuna with pickled daikon, and yellowtail with aged caviar. Los Mochis City Located high above Broadgate Circle, Los Mochis brings a double dose of Mexican and Japanese flavour to the heart of the City. Popular with the local after-work crowd, the huge roof terrace at Los Mochis offers great views – including of St Paul’s Cathedral – along with lots of lounge seating, tropical plants and even retractable canopies to protect from the elements. There’s a huge range of tequilas and mezcals, surely the biggest in London, with everything from big brands to small-batch artisans. As a result, palomas and margaritas dominate the cocktail list, offering up the likes of the frozen Yuzu Jasmine Margarita and the Champagne Paloma, topped off with sake and champagne. To eat, there’s a line-up of Japanese-Mexican tacos such as the pato carnitas – teriyaki duck with habanero-cumin hoisin and jalapeño-pineapple salsa – and the miso tempura cactus. And for dessert? The restaurant’s namesake mochis of course, including salted caramel and toasted sesame flavours. Flute There’s a distinctly luxurious feel to Flute, a cosy new rooftop bar at The Broadwick Hotel that overlooks the rooftops of Soho. It has a decadent maximalist design – animal-print upholstery, cork walls, mirrored ceilings and palm-frond carpet. The drinks menu opens with an offer of champagne and caviar, followed by an extensive list of bottles, including many vintage offerings. Happily, there’s a good line-up of English fizz too, such as the excellent Simpsons Chalklands classic cuvee. Cocktails give a nod to Soho’s history as a film location, with names like “Postcard from London” (Hennessy VSOP, Elderflower, Tio Pepe, Mint) and “Secrets of a Windmill Girl” (Tanqueray Nº Ten, Rose Cordial, Suze Liqueur, Muyu Jasmine Verte, Champagne). Aside from caviar, some more affordable bites from the Japanese-accented menu include the katsu pork sando, the buttermilk fried chicken with xo sauce, tempura prawns, and a lobster roll with kewpie mayo. Seabird The outdoor terrace at Seabird, perched up on the 14th floor of The Hoxton Southwark is surely one of the prettiest rooftop bars in London, with incredible views of the Thames, London Eye and Big Ben. With its plush sofa-style seating, energetic soundtrack and tall palm trees, you could just as easily be in Miami or LA. Initially created in conjunction with Maison Premiere in New York (itself a permanent fixture on the World’s 50 Best Bars list), the cocktails on offer are a perfect match for the tropical vibe, with drinks like the ‘Cockatoo' – a mix of rum, Bacardi, coconut water, pineapple and pink pepper – or the frozen mojito, which is ideal for a hot day. The sunny holiday vibe is continued with the food, which channels Spanish and Portuguese influences into a selection of fresh seafood dishes – think octopus rolls topped with aioli, fried calamari or whole sea bass. Best experienced when the sun is shining, there is also plenty of shade and retractable roofing, plus the whole indoor restaurant to keep cool in. Sushisamba (Heron Tower) There’s no shortage of rooftop bars in the City of London, but none that can quite top Sushisamba – it’s 39th floor outdoor terrace is the highest in Europe. The main indoor restaurant has stunning views through its tall floor-to-ceiling windows, but the outdoor terrace is the place to be on a sunny London evening, looking down on the city below. The restaurant offers a blend of Japanese and South American flavours, and this extends to the drinks list, too: the bar’s Signature Serves include the 'Samba Sour' – pisco, maraschino liqueur and turmeric, with Japanese citrus and egg whites – and the wasabi margarita, made from wasabi-infused tequila, lime juice and agave. On the food menu, you’ll find fresh sushi of course, plus ceviche, salads, and seafood cooked on the Japanese robata grill. There’s usually a loud, party atmosphere at Sushisamba, with regular DJs, live music and even samba dancers, so it’s better suited to celebrations and larger groups rather than quiet catch ups or family gatherings. Queen Elizabeth Park roof garden If you’re looking for a child-friendly rooftop bar in London, look no further than the roof garden at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on Southbank. The garden, originally a partnership with the Eden Project, is home to over 200 wild native plants and has the feeling of a secret garden with quiet, hidden corners and a luscious lawn to stretch out on. Although there’s a bar and café for refreshments, it’s not an experience totally dominated by alcohol so it’s a great choice for families. If you are indulging, however, there’s a menu of beers, wines and even a few summery cocktails from the Gin Garden bar – highlights include the 'Southbank Iced Tea', a refreshing blend of gin, chamomile tea, lemon juice, and honey; and the signature 'Purple Haze', which combines gin, lime juice, soda and a rosemary syrup made using rosemary grown on the roof garden. Located right on the Thames, the views are very special indeed, despite not being particularly high up, with the London Eye and Big Ben to the left and St Paul’s Cathedral to the right. Due to its very open nature, the roof garden is only open in spring and summer so do check it’s open before making a special journey. Frank's Cafe Frank’s Café is one of the best rooftop bars in south London, if not the whole city. First opened in 2009, the bar is located atop a multi-story car park in Peckham and has sweeping views of the city’s skyscrapers and beyond from its concrete perch. Not the most likely of success stories you might imagine but witness the queues that snake around the ramps leading up to the top level each summer and it’s clear that Frank’s is one of the hottest spots around. Run by Frank Boxer, the drinks list leans towards classic summer cocktails such as a negroni, margarita, piña colada and a wonderful frozen paloma. The food menu keeps it simple and seasonal: think grilled chicken wings with pesto Calabrese lamb breast kebab; and fried plantain with house hot sauce. It’s fairly open to the elements, though the bar is covered if you’re in need of shelter from the rain or sun. For this reason, Frank’s is another rooftop bar that’s only open during the warmer months, so check online for the latest information. The Aviary There are several London hotels with rooftop bars in the capital and one of the best can be found on the 10th floor of the Montcalm Hotel, located on Finsbury Square. Called The Aviary, the bar and restaurant has plenty of outdoor space and is regularly packed with after-work drinkers from the nearby City offices, creating a lively atmosphere. Being at a five-star hotel of course means that prices are a little higher, but the classy décor and sweeping views of the skyline are worth the splurge. On the drinks menu, there’s a big selection of gin and tonics, classic cocktails and signature serves. To accompany, there’s bar-friendly small plates such as sliders, crispy squid and steak tartare. The Aviary is at its best in the summer, but the indoor restaurant is open all year round and there’s also the option of heated pop-up igloos on the outdoor terrace in the colder months, too. Wagtail Located at the top of a beautiful 1920s building next to Monument, Wagtail features a ninth floor indoor restaurant and a 10th floor outdoor rooftop terrace. It brings you near enough eye-level with the top of the Monument column, plus views looking out to the Thames and the Shard. There’s a touch of class to Wagtail – plush sofa-style seating, low marble tables, and a lovely tiled central bar create an elegant feel that’s a cut above the wooden benches and deckchairs you’ll find at other spots. In keeping with this, the drinks list (alongside cocktails) features a big selection of scotch and Japanese whisky, cognac, champagne, fine wines and even a range of cigars. The food menu is geared towards casual outdoor snacking, with sliders, charcuterie boards and and small plates such as porcini mushroom arancini or buttermilk fried chicken. Boundary Rooftop The Boundary Rooftop is undoubtedly one of the most stylish rooftop bars in London – no surprise when you learn that the Boundary hotel that it sits atop was founded by the late Sir Terrance Conran. Opened in 2008 in the heart of Shoreditch, the Boundary Rooftop has become a firm favourite in east London over the years. On the outdoor portion of the terrace, there’s smart wooden decking, plush sofas and chairs, an open log fire, and two beautiful old olive trees. And for year-round rooftop action, there’s also the glass orangery where you can keep cosy and dry while still enjoying the spectacular east London views. Cocktails include a dedicated spritz menu and original creations such as the 'Powerpuff Girls' with pink gin, Briottet litchi, raspberry, lime and lychee. To eat, there’s Mediterranean-inspired dishes like charcoal-grilled fish, fresh salads, and charcuterie in summer; and cheese fondue, raclette, and hot cocktails in the winter. The Rooftop at The Standard If you’re looking for a rooftop bar in north London, take the iconic red lift to the 11th floor of The Standard hotel in King’s Cross. In keeping with the hotel’s party reputation, here you’ll find a lively rooftop bar, decked out with artificial grass and bright-yellow furniture, plus a summer-long programme of live DJs, music and performances. Cocktails on tap mean you won’t be queuing at the bar for long to try the likes of the 'Sakura Spritz', made with rosé vermouth, elderflower and hibiscus, and the 'Spicy Tommy’s margarita'. Food comes in the form of pizza by the slice or whole 16" pie from the rooftop pizza truck. Aside from a few umbrellas, the terrace is completely open to the elements, meaning that it’s only open during spring and summer – and even in these months, if it’s too windy or raining, the terrace will be closed so make sure you keep an eye on the weather if you’re planning a trip. On the plus side, when the sun is shining, you’ll be rewarded with glorious uninterrupted views. The Nest There aren’t many rooftop bars in central London to choose from, but it doesn’t get much more central than The Nest. Located just north of Oxford Circus on the 16th floor of the Treehouse Hotel, this is one of the best terraces for views in all of London. From its central location, the wraparound terrace offers views in every direction, from the London eye and city skyscrapers to the south, to Hampstead and Primrose Hill in the north. There are even telescopes on the terrace allowing you zoom in to the sights (or try to spot your house). The decor runs with the treehouse theme, with exposed woodwork beams, wooden furniture, and green foliage covering the walls and ceilings. Drinks are inspired by seasonal British herbs and botanicals, underpinned by a sustainable zero-waste approach. For summer 2025, cocktails include ‘The Gooseberry Fool' with aperitivo spritz, Tree House gin, gooseberry juice, hopped syrup and Silver Reign sparkling wine. On the food menu, you’ll find British charcuterie boards, burgers, and crispy pork belly bao. Hotel Amano Covent Garden The unique menu at the bar on the seventh floor of Hotel Amano in Covent Garden combines Israeli and Spanish influences. Graze on Iberico ham, ox cheek croquettes, potato churros with whipped cod's roe or aubergine crostini with green labneh. Signature cocktails like 'Butterfly' (Sauvelle vodka infused Blue Butterfly, lychee liqueur, lemongrass syrup, lemon uuice) ensure an interesting drink choice. One entire wall is a colourful floral display while seats facing outwards give a view of the city’s rooftops and landmarks such as the London Eye, prettier when lit up at night. A handy awning ensures you’ll stay dry if there’s a light shower or move inside to comfy booth seating, where at weekends there’s a DJ. Read more of our foodie travel guides... 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Done New York? Here are the 10 best US cities for food lovers to visit next
America has a whole host of incredible food cities to be discovered – we've chosen where to go and where to eat for the ultimate foodie city break
When it comes to food destinations in the US, cities like New York and Los Angeles tend to capture the imagination of gourmands all over the world. But once you’ve ticked these essential bucket list destinations off the list (perhaps several times) there are a whole host of incredible food cities to be discovered across the country, offering forward-thinking, exciting food scenes without the overwhelming crowds. With more travellers embracing ‘second city’ tourism, seeking out places that are just as vibrant but less overrun with tourists, there’s never been a better time to explore these alternative destinations. By spreading the love beyond the usual suspects, you can delve into unique food cultures and perhaps even get a glimpse of the next big thing before everyone else. From soulful Southern cooking and Michelin-starred barbecue to famous food markets and legendary bakeries, these ten American cities prove that the best meals aren’t always found where you’d expect. How long do you need for a US city break? With American cities differing greatly in size, from small town Portland to the big city bustle of Austin, the amount of time you need in each city will vary depending on the destination. Some cities are perfect for a whirlwind weekend of eating and exploring, while others reward a longer stay, particularly if they have lots of smaller national food scenes to discover (such as in Chicago or San Francisco). It’s also worth researching nearby attractions, to see if you can combine a city break with a National Park or even time on the beach – hello Miami sun. America is the land of the road trip, of course, and you can easily combine a few of these cities in one visit if you had a couple of weeks. Consider, for example, starting a Pacific coast road trip in Portland Oregon and driving all the way to LA via San Francisco. Or start in Charleston before heading south to Savannah and touring the Deep South until you reach New Orleans. In America, you can be guaranteed to find something good to eat along the way. 10 US cities to visit next for excellent food Portland, Maine Best for fresh seafood and coastal New England charm For a small New England coastal city of just 65,000 people, Portland, Maine enjoys a rather outsized reputation for its food scene – and deservedly so. Stepping into the limelight in 2018 when Bon Appetit declared it America’s ‘restaurant city of the year’, Portland now boasts an incredible array of independent restaurants, breweries and bakeries, all underpinned by an abundance of fresh seafood and local produce. Much of the action is contained within a few attractive blocks of 19th-century buildings surrounding the old port, where fishing boats still unload their daily catch onto the cobbled streets, so you can cover a lot in a long weekend. For seafood lovers, unmissable dishes to seek out include classic lobster rolls from the Highroller Lobster Co; local Maine oysters from the Island Creek Oyster Co; fresh seafood from the raw bar at hotspot Eventide; lobster toast and scallop crudo from The Honey Paw; and sushi from Izakaya Minato. The Holy Donut, meanwhile, makes good use of Maine’s other famous crop, potatoes, adding mashed potato to their doughnuts for an ultra-smooth texture – the maple bacon is the best. To drink, head to one of Portland’s excellent local craft breweries such as Lone Pine, Goodfire or Rising Tide. Where to stay: Located in a former newspaper headquarters in the heart of town, The Press Hotel fully embraces its history, with old printing artefacts and newspapers displayed throughout. Rooms feature sleek, industrial details like exposed brick and large windows, paired with comfy furnishings and local artworks. San Francisco, California Best for farm-to-table and legendary sourdough San Francisco has long been a pioneer in America’s food scene, blending creative flair with California’s incredible array of fresh produce. As famous as the Golden Gate Bridge (for food lovers at least) is Chez Panisse, which was opened by chef Alice Walters in 1971 and became the birthplace of California cuisine, championing hyper-seasonal farm-to-table cooking. Even after all these years it’s an essential pilgrimage for foodies. Elsewhere, San Francisco’s restaurant scene is as varied and dramatic as its Pacific coastline, from Michelin-starred tasting menus at Quince to fresh Dungeness crab at Fisherman’s Wharf. As with many American cities, immigration has played a huge role in the local food culture: for steaming hot dim sum, roast duck, and noodles head to San Francisco’s Chinatown (the oldest in the US), or for great Mexican food, the Mission District is teeming with tacos and burritos. San Francisco also has an unmissable bakery scene – this is the home of Tartine Bakery which kickstarted the global sourdough revolution. Other top spots include B Patisserie for Kouign-amann; exquisite pithiviers and pâté en croute at Maison Nico; and kaya toast and black sesame croissants at Breadbelly. Where to stay: With Bay Bridge views, sustainable design, and eco-conscious touches throughout, 1 Hotel San Francisco is a luxurious, green retreat. Rooms are smart and cosy, designed using upcycled wood and natural materials, with plush beds and organic amenities. For getting around, the hotel offers e-bikes and free rides in its electronic Audi. Portland, Oregon Best for coffee and craft beer “Keep Portland Weird” is an oft-repeated local slogan, owing to the Pacific Northwest city’s reputation for wackiness, which even led to its own spoof TV show, Portlandia. Deserved or not, there is a certain independent, creative spirit to the city and its food scene, from the praline-crusted bacon at brunch spot Screen Door, to the unusual (yes, perhaps wacky) flavours at Voodoo Doughnut. Portland is divided in two by the Willamette River, with a business-like downtown to the west and a more low-key residential feel to the east. Downtown, you’ll find many of the city’s famous food carts – over 500 in total – offering everything from Korean-Mexican fusion to Hat Yai chicken. The best restaurants, however, are on the Eastside, including French bistro Le Pigeon; modern Korean at Han Oak; and exceptional Thai BBQ at Eem. Coffee and beer thrive here too: Stumptown Coffee Roasters helped put Portland on the specialty coffee map, while Portland’s craft beer scene is second to none, with breweries like Breakside, Great Notion, and Cascade Brewing among the many highlights. Just south of the city is the Willamette Valley, one of the world’s premier Pinot Noir regions, where rolling vineyards and biodynamic wineries make for an ideal day trip. Where to stay: On the edge of Portland’s old Chinatown, this outpost of The Hoxton is perfectly positioned between Downtown and the Eastside, which is just a short hop over the Burnside Bridge. Expect the usual modern Hoxton-style rooms, plus a lively lobby which is just as much a hangout for locals as it is for hotel guests. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Best for iconic sandwiches and historic markets Philadelphia may be best known for its namesake cheesesteak – thinly sliced beef and melted cheese in a hoagie roll in its purest form – but the city offers much more than just this famous sandwich. That said, you can’t leave without trying one; locals are divided on the best spot, but Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, located across the street from each other in South Philly, are the famous rivals. Reading Terminal Market, one of the oldest public markets in the US, is also a must-visit – stop by Tommy DiNic’s for a roast pork sandwich with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone, or grab a soft pretzel from Miller’s Twist, made in the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition. There’s cutting edge in Philly too: the city is home to one of the country’s most exciting Thai restaurants, Kalaya, where chef Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon’s bold Southern Thai cooking has earned national acclaim, including an episode on Netflix’s Chef’s Table. Where to stay: Ideally located next to Reading Terminal Market, The Notary Hotel is the perfect base for exploring Philadelphia’s food scene. The building itself is an old City Hall annex built in 1926, and the hotel leans into its history, with strong Art Deco design across the grand lobby and luxe hotel suites. Chicago, Illinois Best for iconic comfort food Although not all Chicago kitchens are as frantic as that depicted in The Bear, the hit TV show does reflect the uncompromising energy to be found in one of America’s top food cities. Chicago rivals New York in terms of iconic dishes, which include the Vienna beef hot dog, the Italian beef sandwich, and of course, Chicago deep-dish pizza, best sampled at spots like Lou Malnati’s or Pequod’s, known for its caramelised crust. Chicago is also famous for steakhouses, with Gibsons and Bavette’s serving up some of the best prime cuts in the country. But this is just the start – Chicago’s diverse neighbourhoods offer excellent Mexican fare in Pilsen, great Greek in Greektown, and Vietnamese on Argyle Street. Award-winning chef Stephanie Izard’s restaurants, including Little Goat Diner and Girl & the Goat, are must-visits, while for something special, splash out on Alinea, one of the most celebrated fine dining restaurants in the world. Need to burn a few calories afterwards? The Windy City is located along the shore of Lake Michigan, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, with 26 miles of lakefront beaches, parks, and paths, including the Lakefront Trail. Where to stay: Housed in a restored warehouse in the West Loop, Soho House Chicago has all the brand’s signature trademarks. Expect stylish club rooms, rainfall showers, and cozy velvet furnishings, plus a rooftop pool, screening room, and an outpost of all-day Italian, Cecconi’s. Miami, Florida Best for Cuban culture Miami, once synonymous with wild nightlife and sun-soaked spring break revelry, has recently emerged as one of the most exciting food scenes in the US. Among its standout restaurants is Michelin-starred Boia De, celebrated for its inventive wood-fired cooking, as well as the James Beard Award-winning Peruvian hotspot Maty’s and its sister restaurant, the Nikkei-inspired Itamae. Over on Miami Beach, the old institutions are still going strong – Joe’s Stone Crab has been serving fresh Florida stone crab claws since 1913, cracked to order and served chilled with Joe’s signature mustard sauce. If you're in the area, stop for a drink at Mac’s Club Deuce, the iconic dive bar featured in Miami Vice, or head to the old-school 11th Street Diner for a coffee and a stack of pancakes. No trip to Miami is complete without sampling some Cuban fare in Little Havana, where El Rey de las Fritas serves up Miami’s best frita – Cuba’s answer to the burger, topped with crispy shoestring potatoes. At Versailles or Sanguich, you’ll find the city’s best Cubano sandwiches; and while you’re in the neighbourhood, be sure to grab a guava and cheese pastelito from one of the many local bakeries. Where to stay: A laidback great-value stay in the heart of Miami Beach, Freehand combines bold, tropical Miami-style design with a relaxed atmosphere. Rooms are smart, if a little basic, but with Miami Beach on your doorstep you’re unlikely to spend too much time inside. The hotel’s bar, Broken Shaker, offers creative cocktails in a poolside courtyard. New Orleans, Louisiana Best for Creole cooking Few American cities can match the culinary heritage of New Orleans, where French, Spanish, African and Caribbean influences come together in a genuinely unique (and thrilling) food scene. The city is the birthplace of Creole and Cajun cuisines, and you’ll find iconic dishes everywhere, from gumbo and jambalaya, to beignets dusted in icing sugar at the famous Café du Monde in the historic French Quarter. The city’s po’ boys – French bread stuffed with fried shrimp or roast beef – are essential, and best sampled at spots like Domilise’s or Parkway Bakery & Tavern. Given its location on the Gulf of Mexico, seafood is a must in New Orleans, and Pêche delivers excellent Gulf-caught fish, while Fives offers fresh local oysters and shrimp from its raw bar. During spring and summer, look out for restaurants hosting crawfish boils, where piles of hot boiled crawfish are poured out on long, newspaper-lined tables. New Orleans can do fancy, too: one of the city’s oldest restaurants, Commander’s Palace, is still the go-to for celebrations. Modern fine dining can be found at Emeril’s, which offers superb Creole tasting menus courtesy of legendary chef Emeril Lagasse and his son EJ, who now runs the show. The city’s cocktail culture is as legendary as its food and music scenes – this is the birthplace of the sazerac, after all – but it's best to give the gaudy bars of Bourbon Street a miss in favour of beautiful places like Napoleon House. Or, try craft cocktails at Cure or enjoy a jazz-filled evening at Snug Harbour. Where to stay: Set in a restored 19th-century building in the Garden District, Hotel Henrietta is one of the city’s newest boutique hotels, having opened in April 2024. Rooms have a cosy, residential feel, with bold colours, vintage furniture and a touch of Southern charm. The beautiful lobby leads out to a colonnaded front porch and terrace with outdoor seating, two fire pits and St Charles Avenue views. Savannah, Georgia Best for historic charm and classic Southern cuisine With its cobblestone streets, Spanish moss-draped oaks, and 18th-century architecture, Savannah is the picture-postcard image of the American South – and its food scene is just as big a draw, offering classic soul food and Southern cuisine. The city’s standout restaurant is The Grey, housed in a restored Greyhound bus station. Helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Mashama Bailey, the restaurant reinvents Southern flavours with dishes like foie gras and grits, smoked collard greens, and country pasta with pork belly and egg yolk. For a taste of old-style Savannah, head to Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room for fried chicken, cornbread, and mac and cheese, or nearby Tybee Island, where Bubba Gumbo’s offers fresh seafood from a rustic shack by the creek. And Leopold’s Ice Cream, a Savannah institution since 1919, serves up old-fashioned scoops in flavours like butter pecan and Tutti Frutti. Savannah is also one of the few cities in the country to have an open container law, meaning you can freely sip a mint julep while wandering past the city’s grand antebellum mansions – conversely, the city is also home to America’s only prohibition museum! Where to stay: Opened in 2018 and already one of Savannah’s standout hotels, Perry Lane offers five-star luxury in the city’s historic district. Luxe rooms feature local artworks, huge comfy beds, leather armchairs, and marble bathtubs. Up on the roof, there’s an outdoor pool as well as a rooftop bar, Peregrin, complete with epic city views. Austin, Texas Best for Michelin-level BBQ and Tex-Mex Austin’s food scene is as vibrant as its live music (it’s known as the Live Music Capital of the World for its high concentration of gig venues and festivals like SXSW), fuelled by barbecue, Tex-Mex, and excellent local beers. Barbecue is a serious business in the Texan capital, and it’s now even rubberstamped by Michelin, with three barbecue restaurants – Interstellar BBQ, La Barbecue, and LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue – picking up a coveted star in the first ever Texas guide in 2024. Several more received Bib Gourmands and Michelin recommended status, showing that slow-smoked ribs, brisket, and sausage can compete with the best food in the world. Once you’ve had your fill of BBQ, try some of Austin’s famous Tex-Mex, including Veracruz All Natural for their famed migas taco, or enchiladas smothered in rich chili con carne at Matt’s El Rancho. Modern spots like Suerte take a more refined approach, hand-pressing heirloom masa into tortillas and layering them with slow-cooked brisket and fresh salsas. To drink, head to Birdie’s for wine and casual dishes; whilst craft beer fans should check out Workhorse to try 50 local brews on tap (though not all at once). Where to stay: Housed in a retrofitted mid-century building that was once the Crest Inn, a renowned base for musicians and artists, The LINE Hotel offers cool minimalist rooms with vibrant pops of colour and large windows looking out to Lady Bird Lake. The hotel also has a rooftop bar, cosy restaurant, and outdoor pool. Charleston, South Carolina Best for modern Southern dining Charleston is undoubtedly one of the most interesting food cities in the US right now, giving rise to several ambitious restaurants in recent years. One of the most exciting is Lowland, which reinvents Southern flavours with a smoky twist, serving ember-roasted oysters and whole grilled fish cooked over the wood fire. FIG, meanwhile, is the legendary restaurant that kick-started Charleston’s modern dining scene when it opened in 2003, and is still its top draw, using the best local produce in its modern, finely tuned Southern cuisine. For a more classic Lowcountry experience, James Beard-nominated chef James London’s Chubby Fish serves superb seafood including fried oyster rolls and chilli garlic shrimp. And no visit to Charleston is complete without a stop at King BBQ, where chef Shuai Wang combines Chinese-style barbecue with Southern tradition, offering five-spiced duck, char siu ribs, and soy-braised collards. Whilst most of the action is concentrated in Charleston’s fairly compact historic downtown, its proximity to the Atlantic makes a seaside daytrip a breeze – head to Sullivan’s Island, just a 15 minute drive from Downtown, where you can feast on pizza and fresh seafood at The Obstinate Daughter, just a few steps from the beach. Where to stay: One of Charleston’s best boutique hotels, Emeline has a perfect Downtown location close to many of the city’s standout restaurants. Vintage-style rooms offer plush beds, writing desk, comfy chairs, and curated vinyl collections together with an in-room record player. Downstairs, the hotel’s own Keep Shop offers clothes, candles, lapel badges and more, all made by local artisans. Enjoyed this? Check out more travel inspiration... 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Travelling to New York? Try our top 10 favourite foods from this vibrant city, including brilliant bagels, classic street food and the best pizza around.
New York is one of the world’s great – if not greatest – food capitals, defined by its myriad immigrant cultures and almost limitless choice. Whether it’s a supersized bodega sandwich or chicken parm in an old-school Italian joint, New York’s dishes are as much a part of the city as its yellow cabs and skyscrapers. If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to start, here’s our guide to the Big Apple’s 10 most iconic foods – and where to find the best of them. Top 10 foods to try in New York 1. New York slice You can find every style of pizza imaginable in New York, but the city’s signature slice – thin, foldable and with just the right ratio of sauce to cheese – is its true pizza icon. Unlike Neapolitan pizza, which has a softer base, New York slices are crisp and sturdy – served on nothing fancier than a white paper plate – and designed to be eaten on the go. It’s the ultimate fast food, and one of the city’s cheapest bites: although the days of $1 slices are long gone, you can still find a giant slice of pie for around $3. For a classic no-fuss slice, Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village has been a favourite since 1975, its walls lined with pictures of all the celebs who have visited over the years. Hipster hotspot Scarr’s on the Lower East Side grinds its own flour in-house and offers a pared back menu of classic slices, while Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop in Greenpoint channels a 1970s pizzeria vibe, complete with red-chequered trays and wood-panelled walls – don’t miss its hot honey pepperoni square slice. 2. Pastrami sandwich No dish captures New York’s Jewish deli culture better than a pastrami sandwich – thick slices of smoked beef served on rye with a smear of mustard and a pickle on the side. By far the best place to try one is Katz’s Delicatessen, one of the most famous places in the city, with its iconic sign out the front and classic old-school interiors that have barely changed in 100 years. Ordering at the counter from the long-serving staff is as much a part of the experience as the sandwich is itself, with the thick slabs of pastrami all hand-carved to order. There are other excellent options around the city, including modern Jewish deli Frankel’s in Greenpoint and Hometown Bar-B-Que in Red Hook, which gives the dish a smoky Texas-style twist that’s well worth the trip. 3. Bagels Brought to New York by Eastern European Jewish immigrants in the late 19th century, the humble bagel has since evolved into an essential part of the city’s culinary identity – especially the New York-invented “everything” bagel topped with garlic and onion flakes, poppy seeds, sesame seeds and kosher salt. You can grab a bagel almost anywhere, from deluxe delis to street carts, with fillings as simple as plain soft cheese all the way up to pastrami-spiced gravlax. Some top spots include Russ & Daughters, a classic Lower East Side deli that’s been serving hand-rolled bagels with lox since 1914; Apollo Bagels, an online viral sensation that offers a more modern take, with a focus on small-batch artisanal techniques; and Ess-a-Bagel, which is famed for its pillowy, oversized bagels and generous fillings. 4. Doughnuts Doughnuts in New York have come a long way from the standard glazed ring, and the city is now home to a thriving doughnut renaissance, with many places experimenting with flavours, fillings and even shapes. A few favourites include Doughnut Plant, which is known for its high-quality sourdough square doughnuts and classic American flavours – don’t miss the peanut butter and blackberry jam. Supermoon Bakehouse is famous for its Instagram-ready doughnuts, with flavours like passion fruit and matcha, while Daily Provisions offers its cult-favourite crullers – a type of doughnut made with choux pastry for a lighter, richer bite. 5. Burgers The classic NYC burger is simple: juicy beef, soft potato bun, American cheese and a slice of gherkin. But, there’s still huge variety to be found. For an old-school experience, Corner Bistro in the West Village serves a no-frills burger that’s been a favourite for decades. 7th Street Burger is a popular city-wide chain that keeps things simple with its bang-on-trend smashburgers. And, in true New York style, one of the city’s very best burgers is actually found at pizza restaurant Emily. It’s only served in limited quantities each day and is a true masterpiece, with dry-aged beef, cheddar cheese, caramelised onions and a brioche-pretzel bun. 6. Oysters Long before hot dogs and pizza, New York was an oyster town. In the 19th century, the city's harbour was home to one of the world's largest oyster populations. As a result, oyster carts lined the street, much like today’s food carts. First-time visitors searching for a classic New York experience should head straight to the Grand Central Oyster Bar, which has been serving oysters under the station’s vaulted ceilings since 1913. Sitting up at the bar here – whether you’re waiting for a train or not – is an unmissable experience. Other favourites include the New Orleans-influenced Maison Premiere in Brooklyn – where absinthe flows as freely as the oysters – and Penny, a sleek new seafood spot in the East Village. Wherever you are in town, also keep an eye out for oyster happy hours (this in itself is a New York tradition), with many places offering $1 oysters in the early evening. 7. Bodega sandwich Ask any New Yorker where to get a great sandwich, and chances are they’ll point you to their local bodega. These small neighbourhood stores are found all across the city (there are some 13,000 in total), and many serve surprisingly expansive menus of overstuffed deli sandwiches, from a breakfast BEC (bacon, egg and cheese) to a lunchtime turkey salad or late-night patty melt (many bodegas are open 24 hours). You can’t really go wrong at any bodega, but a few of the best include Sunny & Annie’s Deli in the East Village, famous for its creative fillings and sandwich names like the “Obama” and “Mona Lisa”; Datz Deli, which serves up classic Harlem-style chopped cheese sandwiches; and Don Juan Grocery and Deli, a family-run hidden gem serving no-frills sandwiches, like honey ham and salad. 8. Chicken parm Chicken parmesan – breaded cutlets smothered in marinara sauce and mozzarella – may be Italian in spirit, but they're pure New York in execution. Originally created in the classic red-sauce joints of Little Italy, this dish is pure comfort food. Emilio’s Ballato has been serving an exemplary chicken parm since it opened in 1956 (alongside a pricier veal parm) and is a favourite with celebrities and locals alike. Supper, meanwhile, serves its chicken parm with a side of spaghetti. And, for an upscale take, the legendary Caffe Dante offers a white wine-marinated chicken parm baked in a skillet and topped with sourdough breadcrumbs. 9. Hot dogs The hot dog is one of NYC’s oldest street foods, dating back to the 1860s with the arrival of German immigrants. Today, they’re a quintessential New York snack, sold everywhere from stadiums to corner carts. For the ultimate hot dog experience, head to Coney Island, where you can sample Nathan’s Famous hot dogs and take a stroll along the boardwalk by the beach. You can also grab no-frills hot dogs at any of New York’s famous street carts, an iconic part of the city themselves. For something a little more creative, head to Crif Dogs on St Marks Place, where you can get deep-fried dogs like the “Chihuahua”, which is topped with soured cream and avocado. 10. Ice cream Despite its freezing cold winters, New York has an incredible line-up of ice cream shops, many of which specialise in bold, irreverent flavours that reflect the city’s fun side. A prime example is Ample Hills, which offers flavours like "The Munchies" (pretzels, crackers, potato crisps and chocolate mixed into a malted milk base) and "It Came from Gowanus" – a dark chocolate ice cream swirled with brownie chunks and white chocolate pearls. Then, there’s the soft serve from Big Gay Ice Cream, including its signature "Salty Pimp" – vanilla soft serve with dulce de leche, sprinkled with sea salt and dipped in a crisp chocolate shell. Morgenstern’s, started by chef Nick Morgenstern, is a slightly more refined affair, offering flavours like "Black Coconut Ash", made with coconut and activated charcoal, and "Midnight Brownie Batter”. Check out more must-read guides at our travel hub. Top 10 foodie things to try in Rome Top 10 foodie things to try in Paris Top foods to try in Chiang Mai Top 10 foodie things to try in Tokyo Top 10 foodie things to try in Lisbon What's your top tip for living like a local in New York? Leave a comment below.
Winter sun destinations for food holidays
Longing to feel the sun on your skin and a cocktail in your hand? We've rounded up the best destinations for winter sun through a food-focused lens
Marrakech Almost-guaranteed sunshine, a short flying time and no jet lag from the UK plus great shopping opportunities in the medina (spices, saffron, rosewater, ceramics) and lively nightlife make the Red City an exciting winter option. Almost every restaurant serves warming tagines, couscous and b’stilla (pigeon in pastry) – read more here for foods to try while in Morocco. Don’t expect a wine list in all restaurants, riads or hotels but juices and sweet mint tea are served everywhere. At night, the frenetic Jemaa El-Fna square fills with snakecharmers and food stalls selling everything from sheep’s brains to smoked sausage. Food highlights of Marrakech La Marocain at La Mamounia – The traditional, open-air restaurant in this world-renowned hotel serves Moroccan classics with a refined touch, served by bow-tied waiters and accompanied by traditional live music. Starters of finely-chopped, delicately spiced salads and briouates (meat or cheese-filled savoury pastries) are followed by tagines elevated with luxurious ingredients such as monkfish or lobster. Pre-order the mechoiu d’agneu (oven baked lamb) or enjoy its royal couscous rich with lamb and merguez. Fragrant desserts feature sweet, flaky pastry, syrups and oranges in every form. L’mida – Instagram-friendly interiors and a menu to match mean it’s wise to book a table at this chic converted Marachi house in the medina, near the spice market. The shaded roof terrace, decked out in rattan, cacti, tiles and a striking mural, is the place to head for refreshing mocktails, Moroccan-influenced dishes like Caesar salad with crispy harissa chickpeas or a poke bowl with a hit of sweet and sour chermoula sauce. Good veggie and vegan options include a 7-veg couscous. Le Trou Au Mur – This stylish medina restaurant with rooftop terrace serves Moroccan dishes – stuffed poussin with vermicelli and harissa; m’rouzia (beef slow cooked in saffron, ras le hanout and honey); beef or camel tangia - alongside international food with a Moroccan twist like its Berber shepherd’s pie, and well-mixed cocktails. Its tagine of the day and seasonal set menus are an extra draw, as is its location on a windy street near its sister boutique riad Le Farnatchi, best reached on foot or tuk tuk. Plus 61 – Locally-sourced, bio-organic ingredients, and Australian-style cooking make this bright and airy restaurant in Gueliz a good option to enjoy another scene in Marrakech. Med, Middle-Eastern and South Asian influences (as you find on menus in Sydney and Melbourne) are seen in dishes such as hummus with smoked carrots, braised lamb lasagne with goats cheese and gyoza with soy and mascarpone. The wine list leads with Moroccan blends. Where to stay La Mamounia £££ – The exquisite dish of dates offered as you check in is the first sign that detail is everything in this palatial hotel steeped in history. Cool textures of marble and colourful, intricate tilework, art and dim lighting contrast with the bright Moroccan sunshine. Order a pre-dinner martini in the Churchill bar, named for the PM who wintered here; stroll through luscious gardens to reach its Italian and Asian restaurants (headed up by international leading chef Jean Georges Vongerichten); have a poolside breakfast on Moroccan specialties like harira soup, pancakes, eggs and cheeses. Riad Aderbaz £ – At the other end of the scale, Riad Aderbaz is a small family-run riad just a 10- minute walk from the Jemaa El-Fna Square. Communal areas are limited to a quiet reception area next to a small pool which is handy for a dip to cool off rather than full-on swimming, and terrace with 3 sun-loungers on the top floor. Breakfast on pancakes, jam and orange juice. Sri Lanka Despite Sri Lanka’s small size (its land area is 25% smaller than Scotland), the weather varies across the country. Winter sun seekers should stick to the central region and southwest coast, as it’s monsoon season in the northeast between October and January. With consistent 30C temperatures year-round and fantastic beaches and food, the island ticks all the boxes as a winter sun destination. Food highlights of Sri Lanka Hoppers – these bowl-shaped rice pancakes are served at both breakfast and dinner – the perfect vehicle for mopping up curries. Look out for string hoppers too, thin patties of rice noodles more commonly found at breakfast. Rice and curry – The quintessential Sri Lankan supper is ‘rice and curry’. Served like a thali, a dinner usually consists of a main chicken or fish curry alongside 4-5 vegetable curries, like okra and beetroot, pickles, poppadom, dahl, and a mountain of rice. Pol sambol – This garnish of grated coconut, red onions, chilies and lime is served with most meals in Sri Lanka and is seriously addictive. Lamprais - A fragrant parcel with chicken curry, spiced samba rice, prawn belacan, seeni sambol, ash plantain, brinjal egg and a fish frikkadel, all wrapped in a banana leaf before being steamed. Kottu roti – If you hear the rapid, rhythmic clank of metal on metal anywhere in Sri Lanka, follow your ears to the source. Kottu roti is made on a large flat grill, where the chef will lay out roti bread, meat or fish and vegetables, then chop it all together as it cooks. Served with a dipping pot of curry, it’s one of Sri Lanka’s most satisfying dishes. Pol roti – These flatbreads are made with flour and grated coconut. They can be served with dahl, curry, or just eaten on their own with a dollop of pol sambol. Devilled cuttlefish – said to originate in Sri Lanka’s Chinese restaurants, this dish of fried cuttlefish or squid is served in a tangy, spicy chilli sauce that lives up to its ‘devilled’ name. Where to stay Santani Wellness Kandy ££ – Santani is a luxurious wellness retreat in the remote countryside outside Kandy. As well as Ayurvedic treatments, twice-daily yoga and the beautiful scenery, Santani serves terrific food in its striking glass and wood pavilion restaurant. Traditional curries are well done, but the highlight is the modern Sri Lankan tasting menu, which offers a fine-dining spin on classic dishes. Nine Skies ££ – Located about 10 minutes outside Ella, Nine Skies is located on a working tea plantation, surrounded by row upon row of tea plants. The five-bedroom boutique hotel is housed in the original plantation manager’s nineteenth century bungalow, and offers fresh Sri Lankan curries at dinner, egg hoppers for breakfast and even a British afternoon tea. Malabar Hill £££ – Sri Lanka’s new luxury star is Malabar Hill, a gorgeous 15-bedroom hotel located on an old cinnamon plantation just outside Weligama. From its hilltop perch, the hotel has expansive views looking back towards the coast and further out to lush green paddy fields. Its open-air restaurant and bar offers a wide-ranging menu of excellent Sri Lankan, Indian and South East Asian dishes. Eden Villas £ – A great choice for families, Eden Villas has a huge portfolio of modern villas and private homes available to rent across the south coast. Each villa comes with a small team of staff, including a chef who will rustle up fresh Sri Lankan specialities in the privacy of your own home. Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle ££ – A family-friendly five-star resort perched on the beach just outside the coastal town of Tangalle. It’s about a three hour drive from Colombo airport but it’s well worth the extra journey as this stretch of coast is much quieter than areas closer to the capital. The 152 room hotel offers two large pools, kids' club, spa, tennis courts and a multitude of restaurants, including the Italian Il Mare, a global buffet restaurant; Journeys poolside bar; and Verala, which serves Sri Lankan and Japanese dishes from an open-air wooden dome by the sea. Bangkok Hot sunny days of around 32C, combined with some of the best food in the world (and cheap prices to boot) make Thailand a near-unbeatable winter sun destination. You can find incredible food anywhere in Thailand, but the capital Bangkok is still the standout for the variety and quality on offer. Food highlights of Bangkok Street food – Bangkok can justifiably claim to be the street food capital of the world; no other destination can really compare to the sheer variety and quality of what’s on offer here. Even Michelin has a dedicated street food section in its Bangkok guide, with several of them awarded Bib Gourmands. The guide is a good starting point, but half the joy is exploring street food areas such as Victory Monument and Yaowarat to see what catches your eye, before perching on a colourful plastic stool to enjoy one of the many local specialities. Don’t miss oyster omelette; som tum (papaya salad); boat noodles (in a flavourful stock thickened with pig's blood); and pad gra prow (minced chicken with Thai basil and fried egg). Samrub Samrub – Chef Prin Polsuk worked for David Thompson for years and now runs the excellent Samrub Samrub, a chef’s table restaurant that offers a monthly changing menu based on Prin’s deep research into regional and historical Thai cuisine. Polo Fried Chicken – Fried chicken is a staple in many cuisines but at this Bib Gourmand-rated spot it’s a whole new level, with golden fried chicken topped with a mountain of crisp garlic and served with a sour, spicy dipping sauce. Jay Fai – This Michelin-starred street food spot is run by a Bangkok legend, Supinya “Jay Fai” Junsuta. She can be seen outside the restaurant wearing huge goggles in front of the flaming-hot woks and has reached celebrity status since being featured on Netflix’s Street Food: Asia. Be prepared to queue a long time for specialities such as the famous crab omelette. Charmgang Curry Shop – a stylish spot specialising in khao gaeng (curry on rice). Curries such as pork jowl or smoked kingfish are modern twists on a comforting Thai classic. Where to stay in Bangkok The Peninsula £££ – superb five-star luxury hotel situated right on the river, featuring an epic breakfast buffet, large outdoor pool, smooth service, and even a free boat transfer to whisk you to the other side from the hotel pier. COMO Metropolitan ££ - A smart, modern hotel in the business district of Sathon, within walking distance of many of Bangkok’s best bits. The hotel has a large pool and is home to David Thompson’s legendary Nahm restaurant, which is well worth a visit. Josh Hotel £ - Cheap but stylish rooms, plus an outdoor pool make Josh Hotel a great budget option. It’s located in Ari, one of Bangkok’s most interesting, laid-back neighbourhoods, home to hipster coffee shops, restaurants, and stores. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam The north of Vietnam can be chilly in winter, but the south is at its best from November to April, with temperatures between 25C and 35C and very low rainfall. Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the largest city in Vietnam and offers the best of the country’s vibrant cuisine, from regional specialities to incredible street food. Food highlights of Ho Chi Minh City Bánh Mì Bày Ho – The tiny Bánh Mì Bày Ho is one of the city’s best places to try banh mi. Featured on Netflix’s Street Food: Asia series, the crunchy baguettes are filled with grilled pork, liver pâté, cucumber slices, pickled vegetables, and coriander – a serious cut above what you’ll find outside of Vietnam. Pho Mien Ga Ky Dong – Pho originated in the north of Vietnam but is now found all across the country (and indeed, the world). The Michelin Bib Gourmand-rated Pho Mien Ga Ky Dong is a standout option in Ho Chi Minh, offering a superb beef pho and chicken pho from breakfast through to late night in a no-frills cafeteria. Quan Nem – Another dish originating from Hanoi is bun ca - cold vermicelli noodles with grilled pork, spring roll, carrots fresh herbs and Vietnamese fish sauce with chilli. It’s a brilliant dish and can be enjoyed in superb fashion at Quen Nem, where they offer a special crab spring roll alongside grilled pork and meatballs for the bun ca toppings. Su Van Hanh Street – there are many street food areas in the city offering phenomenal food for barely believable prices. Su Van Hanh Street is the place to come to try bánh xèo, Vietnamese savoury pancakes. There are dozens of sellers here specialising in the dish; a huge folded crepe made with rice flour and turmeric, stuffed with pork and bean sprouts, and cooked over charcoal-fired grills until crisp. Vinh Khanh Food Street – another popular food street is Vinh Khanh, which is the place to come for fresh seafood. Snails are a big speciality here, but you’ll also find clams, oysters, grilled fish, and seafood hotpots. There’s a great atmosphere too, with people sprawled out on plastic stools all along the street eating and drinking. Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City Myst Dong Khoi ££ - A swish, modern five-star hotel featuring a striking patchwork exterior of irregular shapes, luxurious rooms, and a fabulous tree-shaded rooftop pool. Sofitel Saigon Plaza ££ – An affordable five-star option in the downtown heart of the city, featuring classic French style and service, several restaurants and a rooftop pool and bar. The Alcove Library hotel £ - brilliant budget option that has bags of character, with comfy rooms and walls lined with bookshelves. It’s in a quiet area but still within easy reach of the city’s central areas. Singapore Despite its modest size, Singapore boasts one of the most diverse and exciting food scenes in the world. As a former trading port along the maritime silk road, this cosmopolitan city-state is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Malay, Indonesian, Chinese, and Indian cuisines. Whether you're a street food aficionado or looking for Michelin-starred restaurants, Singapore has something to offer for every budget. With temperatures ranging between 25C-32C from October to March, it's also the perfect destination for foodies seeking winter sun. Food highlights of Singapore Hawker Centres – UNESCO-protected street food markets that are popular among locals and tourists alike. There are more than 100 across the island but a handful of the more central ones such as Amoy; Maxwell; Chinatown Complex; Hong Lim; and Tiong Bahru will be more than enough for most visitors. Unlike Bangkok, having a solid plan of which stalls you want to visit and which dishes to try is the best approach here, as the quality can be varied – many stalls have Michelin Bib Gourmands, which is a good place to start. Must-try dishes include chicken curry noodles; crisp curry puffs; laska; chicken rice; chee cheong fun (rice rolls); and hokkien mee (prawn and pork belly noodles). In an otherwise expensive city, eating at hawker centres offers incredible value too. Le Bon Funk - A modern wine bar and restaurant with beautiful interiors and an impressive selection of natural wines. Chef-owner Keirin Buck oversees a fun, creative menu that includes parmesan and tapioca fritters and the homemade crisps with caviar and French onion dip. Cloud Street – there’s some great options for blow-out Michelin star meals in Singapore, but few as original as Cloud Street, the two-Michelin-star spot from chef Rishi Naleendra. The eight-course tasting menu takes in influences from Rishi’s Sri Lankan upbringing as well as his time living in Australia, resulting in eclectic and unusual flavour combos that always hit the mark. Live Twice – Technically more of a cocktail bar, the food at the Japanese-inspired Live Twice is also superb. Tuck in to the ebi and corn katsu sando, clam dip, and fried chicken alongside expertly crafted cocktails. Da Chi Jia Big Prawn Mee – This Bib Gourmand-rated spot specialises in prawn mee, a noodle soup in a bisque-like broth that’s made from scratch in house, topped with big juicy prawns. Where to stay in Singapore Marina Bay Sands £££ - Marina Bay Sands is an iconic luxury hotel known for its stunning architecture and world-class facilities. It features a rooftop infinity pool, a variety of gourmet dining options, and an exciting nightlife scene. Raffles £££ - an icon around the world, the original Raffles hotel is still Singapore’s finest address. Recently renovated, the hotel is pure luxury with slick service and an impressive line-up of restaurants and bars including the Butcher’s Block and the Long Bar, home of the Singapore Sling cocktail. The Mondrian ££ - the newly-opened Mondrian Singapore has a rooftop pool and stylish, design-led rooms and public spaces. There’s also a restaurant from Italian chef Dario Cecchini and a fun cocktail bar, Jungle Ballroom. The Warehouse Hotel ££ - a smart conversion of three listed warehouse buildings on the Singapore River has given the city one of its best boutique hotels, with industrial chic rooms and a classy lobby bar. Gran Canaria Escaping the UK for winter sun usually involves a long-haul flight, but there are a few destinations closer to home, such as the Canary Islands, where you can catch a few rays. Gran Canaria is the island with the best food and winter sun combination, with average temperatures between 18C and 21C through the winter, and an excellent local food scene. Food highlights of Gran Canaria La Aquarela – this Michelin-starred restaurant is among the island’s best, with superb seasonal tasting menus that lean heavily on local seafood and island produce. El Santo – located in the capital Las Palmas this casual, stylish spot is the place to come for modern takes on local specialities such as papas arrugadas, ‘wrinkled’ black potatoes boiled in their skins and topped with a spicy mojo picón. Los Guayres – chef Alexis Alvarez’s Michelin-starred restaurant has an eight-course tasting menu for €120 featuring the likes of red shrimp with avocado and corn, and pork with pineapple and red cabbage. Grab a table on the outdoor terrace for the best experience. Deliciosa Marta – Located in the trendy Triana neighbourhood of Las Palmas, Deliciosa Marta is one of the island’s hottest restaurants and you’ll have to book well in advance to get a table. It’s modern, refined cooking but served in a relaxed dining room with only an a la carte menu on offer. Ibéricos Jose Cruz – Classic Spanish tapas is the order of the day at this popular spot in Las Palmas, with cured meats and cheeses on offer alongside anchovies, morcilla, and fried squid. Rias Bajas – the freshest seafood dishes served in a traditional dining room on the southern tip of the island. Goose barnacles, spider crab, and the black rice paella with squid and aioli are particular highlights. Where to stay in Gran Canaria Santa Catalina £££ - This five-star Grand Dame of Gran Canaria has been open since 1890 and offers luxurious rooms, a lovely outdoor pool, city views, and a Michelin-star restaurant, Poemas, by the Padrón brothers. Occidental Roca Negra ££ – An adults-only retreat on the quieter western side of the island in the seaside town of Agaete. Prefect for couples looking for peace and quiet. Design Plus Bex Hotel £ - a smart boutique hotel with a low price point located in a converted old bank building. Centrally located in Las Palmas and a short walk from the beach. Buenos Aires South of the equator, Buenos Aires is basking in hot summer sunshine (think highs of 30C) during the UK winter, so it makes a brilliant winter holiday destination. The time difference is only three hours behind the UK too, so jet lag is kept to a minimum despite the long flight. Famous for both its wine and steakhouses, Buenos Aires has that and plenty more to offer food-loving visitors. Food highlights of Buenos Aires Don Julio – this temple to beef and wine is widely considered to be the best parilla in the city; it even holds 19th place on the World’s 50 Best list (2023). Sweet breads, spiral sausage and empanadas make for great starters before tucking in to thick juicy steaks cooked rare over charcoal. To drink, there’s a cellar of at least 14,000 bottles featuring some very special (and very old) vintages. El Preferido – in an earthy-pink corner restaurant just a block from Don Julio, is El Preferido a relaxed modern bistro from Don Julio founder Pablo Rivero. The menu showcases beautiful fresh produce from Pablo’s own farm, plus a signature schnitzel and house made charcuterie. San Telmo Market – The city’s famous food market has been in operation since 1897 and still retains much of its original ironwork structure and grand central dome. You can find everything here, from traditional butchers and fresh produce stalls to hip cafes, bars, and restaurants. Sui Gelé – Perhaps due to the high proportion of Italian immigrants in the population, Buenos Aires has some of the best ice cream anywhere in the world. A particular stand out is Sui Gelé in Palermo, which has cute retro interiors and serious flavours including dulce de leche with honeycomb and fresh cherry with almonds. Empanadas – this quintessential Argentine snack can be found on nearly every corner, but Brozziano is a local chain worth keeping an eye out for, offering both traditional flavours and a rather good cheeseburger version. La Mezzetta – The Italian influence on the city is again felt in the quantity and quality of its pizza joints. Head to this 1930s late night spot to try the Fugazetta, which is really more cheese than dough, oozing with molten cheese, oregano and onions. Chori – Another must-try dish is the choripan, a sausage sandwich topped with chimichurri. You’ll find that classic plus modern twists at Chori, a fun spot in Palermo. Where to stay in Buenos Aires HOME Hotel £ – this boutique hotel in the heart of Palermo ticks all the boxes, with great-value rooms and lovely gardens with an outdoor pool. SLS ££ - in the modern waterfront Puerto Madero area of the city is a new outpost of SLS, featuring modern rooms with balconies and great views. Be Jardin Escondido by Coppola £££ – this seven-room boutique hotel is owned by Francis Ford Coppola and is one of the city’s most unique, intimate hotels. Rio De Janeiro While big cities are usually where you’ll find the best food, that normally means sacrificing proximity to the beach. Not so with Rio De Janeiro where you can combine great Brazilian food, winter sun, and plenty of beach time all in one place. February and March are the hottest months with highs between 24C and 30C but watch out for December which is still hot but also the wettest month. Food highlights in Rio de Janeiro Galeto Sat’s – this late-night chicken joint is open until 5am every night of the week and specialises in charcoal-grilled chicken marinated in lemon and garlic. It’s also famous for chicken heart skewers, garlic bread, and farofa (toasted casava flour, a Brazilian staple) with banana. Porco Amigo – nothing says Rio than sitting outside with a chopp (an ice-cold crisp beer) and a snack of torresmo, crisp fried pork belly with salt and lime. Porco Amigo is an excellent place to do just this, as well as try more pork-centric dishes like pork coxinha (Brazil’s answer to the croquette). O Carangeujo - This old school seafood spot is handily located just a couple of blocks from Copacabana beach and has many typical Brazilian dishes on the menu such as crab pastel (similar to an empanada), moqueca (seafood stew), and broccoli rice, which you’ll see on almost every menu in the city. Junta Local – A roving weekend market that showcases and promotes small-scale, local producers. It’s a great place to eat, drink and experience Rio’s indie food scene. Check the website for details on markets. Majorica – visiting a churrascaria (Brazilian BBQ restaurant) is a must in Rio, and one of the best is Majorica, a classic that’s been open since 1961. The menu covers every cut of beef going, as well as chicken pork and seafood. Oteque – Flying the flag for modern Brazilian fine-dining is chef Alberto Landgraf’s Oteque. A superb tasting menu featuring re-imagined classic dishes has seen Oteque win two Michelin stars and become one of the country’s hottest restaurants, placing at no.12 on Latin America’s 50 Best list (2022). Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro Emiliano Rio £££ – impressive five-star lodgings located on Copacabana beach. Making the most of its location the hotel features a rooftop pool, restaurant, and bar, plus large suites with sea-view balconies. Yoo2 Hotel ££ – A great all-rounder near Botafogo beach, Yoo2 has comfortable, well-designed rooms, a pool and bar on the roof, and views of sugar loaf mountain and Christ the Redeemer. Casa Geranio £ - Away from the beaches, Santa Teresa is Rio’s most picturesque neighbourhood, with its Portuguese colonial architecture. Casa Geranio is an excellent guesthouse in the area, with just a handful of cosy rooms and great views of the city below. Mexico City Mexico City is an ideal winter sun escape, with temperatures that never really drop below the low 20s at any time of year – during the day at least (the city’s high elevation mean it can get chilly at night). Packed in every direction with taquerias, markets, bakeries, street stands and much more, the Mexican capital is also one of the world’s great food cities. Food highlights of Mexico Mercado La Merced – this sprawling, chaotic market is the largest and best in the city, a must-visit for a comprehensive tour of the dishes and produce that make up Mexican cuisine. As well as the rows of butchers, spice merchants, and piles of fresh fruit and vegetables on offer there’s street food galore, with everything from tamales and tacos to insects and stews on offer.. Taqueria El Turix - This tiny hole-in-the-wall taqueria is one of the city’s best, renowned for its cochinita pibil tacos, slow roasted shredded pork with achiote and lime. Masala y Maiz – This restaurant run by husband-and-wife team Norma Listman and Saqib Keval reveals the modern, inventive side of Mexico City. Masala y Maiz serves a menu inspired by Mexico, India, and East Africa, expertly blending, spices, flavours, and techniques to create something truly unique. Pujol – Enrique Olvera’s Pujol is one of the most influential restaurants in the city, if not the world. The restaurant shines a light on Mexico’s indigenous cuisines and culinary history through dishes like the rich 400 day-aged mole negro and baby corn with chicatana ant mayonnaise. Its £100 tasting menu is expensive for Mexico, but still incredibly good value. El Moro – An essential visit, El Moro has been serving the best churros in the city from its original Centro Historico location since 1935. Stop by for fresh golden churros with chocolate sauce or, best of all, the churros ice cream sandwich. Where to stay in Mexico Circulo Mexicano ££ – This boutique design hotel from local Grupo Habita is in a converted old townhouse with beautiful minimalist rooms, a rooftop pool, and an excellent restaurant, Comedor Mexicano. Mondrian Condesa ££ - this newly opened Mondrian hotel has a great location, between the city’s two best neighbourhoods, Condesa and Roma. Highlights include the artfully designed rooms, and a lobby deli, café, and florist called The Flower Shop, which champions local producers and artisans. Hotel MX Roma £ - No frills but attractive contemporary design and a brilliant location in the heart of Roma make this a great budget choice. Grenada, Caribbean Expect an average temperature of around 30C during the winter months in Grenada. Head to the street markets to immerse yourself in island life and relax on picturesque sandy beaches before indulging in top-notch Caribbean cuisine. Food highlights of Grenada This small Caribbean island is a proud producer of spices, cocoa and rum, so it’s easy to find incredible food and drink. Known as the Spice Isle, Grenada takes great pride in its spice production – nutmeg in particular. You can even visit the nutmeg museum, where visitors can learn of the importance of its production and its history in Grenada. As a big grower of cocoa, the island also boasts six chocolate producers, all making premium Grenadian chocolate. Aquarium – Restaurant views don’t get much better than Aquarium’s. This open restaurant blurs indoor and outdoor dining and looks directly out onto the beautiful Caribbean Sea on Magazine Beach. Enjoy some of the best locally sourced seafood like curried conch and lobster thermidor that Grenada has to offer, all while taking in the exquisite coastline and sea breeze. Dexter’s – If you’re driving past you could easily miss the sign on the side of the road for Dexter’s, so keep your eyes peeled. Follow the winding driveway and you’ll reach Dexter’s own home, which doubles up as his restaurant. Once welcomed into his cosy living room it feels like you’re having dinner round a friend’s house. Dexter’s serves five courses: three set starters, a main with a choice of protein and a choice of dessert to end, costing £44 per person. Dodgy Dock – Within True Blue Bay Resort is oceanfront restaurant Dodgy Dock. It's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and you can experience the flavours of Grenada as well as international favourites. If you go on a Thursday night you can experience the chocolate-themed menu, an innovative way of showcasing Grenada’s quality cocoa. Where to stay True Blue Bay Resort ££ – Nestled among the lush Caribbean hills, this vibrant waterfront resort on the south of Grenada offers rooms, suites and villas to suit all needs. The rooms are decorated with teak furnishings and classic Caribbean colours. Each room has a terrace or balcony for guests to enjoy the ocean or inland view. This family-owned, climate-smart resort has an onsite restaurant, yoga studio and spa, as well as offering water sports and diving experiences. Sandals £££ – Situated on Grenada’s gorgeous coastline at Pink Gin beach, Sandals gives you the chance to soak up the Spice Isle on this adult-only all-inclusive resort. Make use of the onsite spa, five pools, including one with swim-up bar, as well as dining at 10 mouthwatering restaurants. Finish the evenings with premium cocktails in one of the six bars before heading back to a plush and spacious room or suite. Silversands Beach House £££ – stay in one of 28 canopied accommodations for a peaceful and romantic Caribbean getaway, with an onsite restaurant and fitness suite at this beachfront location. This is the smaller sister site of the main Silversands resort, and Beach House guests have full access to the main location’s facilities, including its spa and restaurants. Cape Town Cape Town is an ideal winter sun destination, with long hot summer days throughout December to March. January and February are the hottest months with temperatures usually hitting 30C. With beaches, some incredible scenery, brilliant food, plus a time difference of only +2 hours, Cape Town ticks every box. Food highlights of Cape Town The Pot Luck Club – Together with its fine dining sister restaurant The Test Kitchen, The Pot Luck Club was one of the restaurants at the forefront of Cape Town’s gourmet revolution when it opened in 2011. It’s still one of South Africa’s best, serving fresh Asian-inspired dishes with lovely views from its perch atop the converted Old Biscuit Mill factory. Neighbourgoods Market – The Old Biscuit Mill is also home to Cape Town’s best street food market, which operates every Saturday, offering everything from Mexican and Korean to fresh oysters and lobster rolls. Bunny Chow – One of the best known South African dishes – influenced by its significant Indian diaspora – is bunny chow, essentially a hollowed out half loaf of bread filled with curry, usually beef or chicken. Try one at the Eastern Food Bazaar, an indoor market packed with cheap eats. Stellenbosch Wineries – just outside Cape Town is Stellenbosch, the heart of South Africa’s wine industry. It’s a jaw-droppingly beautiful place, with rolling hills, green mountains, and some of the most picturesque vineyards in the world. You can easily visit on a daytrip but staying over a couple of nights is even better – Boschendal Wine Farm is a top pick. Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia – A stunning setting with views over the vineyard looking down towards Cape Town and False Bay in the distance, Chefs Warehouse is one of the city’s best dining experiences. The four-course menu by chefs Ivor Jones and Liam Tomlin is more than a match for the surroundings, with much of the produce coming from local farms. Where to stay in Cape Town Ellerman House £££ – the best luxury option in Cape Town, this clifftop mansion offers incredible service, beautiful sea views, outdoor pool, a wine gallery, and an exceptional art collection. Well worth splashing out on. Kensington Place ££ - one of the best mid-range boutique hotels in the city, with service and a setting near Table Mountain that punches well above its price point. Hotel on the Promenade £ - as the name suggests this charming eight room guesthouse is located just off the sea front and is a great budget choice. Hungry for more foodie travel content? Best luxury family holiday destinations The best all-inclusive resorts with great food The best UK gourmet glamping sites The best dog-friendly hotels in the UK BBC Good Food's travel hub
Work up an appetite with this list of foodie breaks in Europe, packed with the best of the latest places to dine and drink
Recommendations compiled as of the publish date. If you think there is any incorrect or out of date information in this guide please e-mail us at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk Whether planning to indulge in extravagant Michelin starred meals, or keep it more wallet-friendly, we've got everything to help you get the most out of your European gourmet city break. Copenhagen Best for new Nordic cuisine Home to world-beating restaurants such as Noma and Geranium, Copenhagen is one of the best European city break destinations for food lovers. It’s not all about Michelin stars and fine dining though – the city is also home to incredible bakeries, wine bars, markets, and more casual restaurants, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Food highlights for Copenhagen Koan – a new fine dining restaurant from chef Kristian Baumann opened in spring 2023 that expertly blends Korean flavours with Scandinavian ingredients. Juju – a more casual restaurant from Kristian Baumann offering takes on traditional Korean dishes like bulgogi, kimchi, and mandu (a type of dumpling found in Korea). Juno – join the queue for Juno, the city’s most hyped bakery, for freshly baked cardamom rolls and pistachio croissants. Kappo Ando – this 15-seat counter restaurant offers fresh sashimi, smoky grilled yakitori, and an incredible list of craft sakes, many of which are imported directly by the restaurant. POPL Burger – Noma’s lockdown burger pop-up has now gone permanent, and the burgers are well worthy of the hype. Baest – chef Christian Puglisi’s pizzeria serves some of the best pizzas in the world at Baest, with produce coming from his own organic farm. The restaurant even makes mozzarella, ricotta, and charcuteries from scratch. Pompette – natural wine is big in Copenhagen and Pompette is one of the best wine bars to pop in to for a glass – or grab a bottle from their shop with some charcuterie if you’re settling in. La Banchina – this cute café and wine bar is located right by the water. In summer you can sit out with wine or a light snack on the pier, and even brave a swim with the locals. Åben Brewery – a brewery and tap room in the meatpacking district offering freshly brewed seasonal beers poured straight from the tanks. Torvehallerne – for fresh produce, street food, traditional Danish smørrebrød, beers, wine, and much more head to the famous Torvehallerne market. Where to stay Hotel Kong Arthur ££ – a central location and cool Scandi design at a mid-range price point makes Kong Arthur an excellent choice. Nobis £££ – the five-star Nobis is Copenhagen’s only member of Design Hotels, bringing smart, modern interiors to a grand historical building. 25Hours ££ – the fun-loving 25Hours brand has arrived in Copenhagen, offering bright colours, lively restaurants, and affordable rooms. Generator £ – a budget choice that’s both hostel and hotel, with buzzy communal areas, and a prime location. Amsterdam Best for new wave European Perhaps because it is more famous for other things, the fact that Amsterdam has one of the best restaurant scenes in Europe sometimes goes under the radar. But foodies taking a weekend break to the city will be richly rewarded with creative, modern restaurants, street food, and affordable tasting menus that rank among Europe’s best. Food highlights for Amsterdam Cafe Restaurant Amsterdam – this city institution is located in a beautiful 19th century pumping station and offers simple but delicious Dutch seafood and steaks. De Kas – situated in a converted greenhouse, De Kas is one of Amsterdam’s standout dining experiences, with a daily changing menu based largely around vegetables from the restaurant’s own farm. RIJKS – Even if you’re not visiting the Rijksmusuem, make a beeline for its Michelin-starred restaurant which offers sublime tasting menus centred around local Dutch produce. BAK – the third floor of an old warehouse in the city’s old port is home to BAK, offering exceptional cooking with ethically-sourced ingredients. Breda – casual fine dining in a smart canalside building, focusing on the produce and flavours of the southern Netherlands. Watergang – the tiny Watergang only has a handful of tables and offers one of the best value meals in town, at €46 for a five-course menu. Winkel 43 – this small café is famous for its huge slices of freshly made apple pie. Expect to queue, but it’s worth it. Loof Bakery – fresh sourdough, pastries and coffee – Loof is Amsterdam’s best bakery. Café Binnenvisser – next door to Loof and from the same team, this walk-in only wine bar features modern small plates and a loud soundtrack. De Foodhallen – An indoor street food market featuring a huge line up of traders, several bars, and lots of communal seating. Where to stay Kimpton De Wit ££ - An ideal location near Central Station, plush rooms, an excellent restaurant, and a fun cocktail bar from London’s own Mr Lyan make the Kimpton a great all-rounder. Pillows Maurits at the Park £££ – a new five-star hotel in Oosterpark with beautiful interiors, luxurious rooms and an excellent cocktail bar, Fitz’s. Conscious Hotels £ – this small chain of eco-conscious hotels has sustainability at its heart, from the water saving showers to the use of recycled materials and 100% wind power. San Sebastian Best for pintxos With a galaxy of Michelin stars plus hundreds of laid back pintxos bars and cider houses all packed into a small coastal town in the north of Spain, San Sebastian is, for some, the food capital of Europe. Food highlights for San Sebastian Ganbara – a local institution in the heart of Old Town, Ganbara is famous for its pintxos, which include grilled mushrooms with egg yolk, and crab tartlet. Nestor – you’ll need to be organised (and arrive early) to grab a slice of Nestor’s legendary tortillas: they only make two each day, and competition is fierce. La Cuchara de San Telmo – another very popular spot, famous for its suckling pig, but seafood like razor clams and octopus are excellent, too. Casa Urola – Famous for its steak, Casa Urola has a pinxtos bar on the ground floor and a relaxed dining room upstairs serving an expanded menu of Basque dishes. Bar Txurrut – one of the best places in town to drink vermouth, sat on the bar’s outdoor terrace overlooking the Constitución Plaza La Bretxa Market – this food market is over 150 years old and is well worth visiting – come early and you might even spot a few famous chefs who come each day to buy their produce. Antonio Bar – a relaxed pintxos bar that’s always packed full of locals; cured seafood is a speciality, but they also serve a great tortilla. Arzak – If you eat at one of the legendary fine-dining spots, make it the three Michelin-starred Arzak, the restaurant that put San Sebastian on the gastronomic map when it opened in 1974. Barkaiztegi Cider House – A 17th century cider house, this is the best place to try traditional Basque cider. Where to Stay Villa Soro ££ – A beautiful villa dating from 1898 has recently been converted in to a 25-room boutique hotel by the team behind Mallorca icons Sant Francesc and Can Ferrereta. Original features include a grand central staircase, spacious guest rooms, and a striking wood panelled bar, complimented with chic modern interior design that has given the property a new lease of life. It’s location outside the city, plus its expansive gardens, make it a great place to relax in between regular pintxos crawls. Akelarre £££ – The three Michelin-starred Akelarre now has a five-star hotel attached, with 22 modern rooms with sea views, a roof terrace, and a luxurious spa. Room Mate Gorka £ – With a great location on the Plaza de Gipuzkoa, the affordable but stylish Room Mate is a perfect option for a budget weekend city break. Paris Best for Modern Classics You could hardly consider the top European city breaks for food lovers without mentioning Paris. Other cities may have eclipsed the French capital on the global stage in recent years, but Paris still has incredible restaurants, from classic bistros to rambunctious wine bars, and drool-worthy boulangeries. Food highlights for Paris Deviant – about as fun as a wine bar can be, Deviant is standing room only and has a big list of natural wines, small plates, and a pumping soundtrack. Chez Paul – a classic bistro focusing on steak that’s been open since 1900 and is still hard to beat. Septime – No.22 on the World’s 50 Best list, Septime is a brilliant example of seasonal modern French cooking. Cool but unpretentious, it’s also a relative bargain at €120 for the seven-course dinner menu. La Buvette – A delightfully ramshackle wine bar with only a few tables, offering excellent natural wines, cheese, charcuterie, and a handful of hot dishes. Maison Sota – Chef Sota Atsumi made his name at the industry hangout Clown Bar before opening the impeccable Maison Sota, which expertly blends Japanese and French flavours. Les Arlots – the quintessential Parisian bistro: rickety wooden tables and chairs, a chalkboard menu, and perfectly executed classic French dishes. Racines – worth visiting for the setting alone, in the Passage des Panoramas, the oldest covered walkway in Paris. The food is excellent too, taking cues from Italy as well as France. Folderol – where else but Paris could you find an ice cream shop that’s also a wine bar? Folderol excels on both fronts. The French Bastards – the best boulangerie in Paris, featuring incredible pastries, bread, hot chocolate, and everything in between. Marche Les Enfants Rouge – the oldest food market in Paris, built way back in 1616. It’s still going strong, offering fresh produce and hot food to take away as well as several small restaurants. Where to stay The Hoxton, Paris ££ – In a city full of hotels in stunning old buildings, The Hoxton’s Paris outpost still stands out. Gorgeous rooms, two internal outdoor courtyards, and a bar that’s heaving with locals make this one of the most popular spots in the city. Maison Delano £££ – Opened in 2023, Maison Delano is a new five-star luxury hotel in an 18th century mansion with 56 suites, plus a restaurant from Michelin-starred Spanish chef Dani Garcia. Mama Shelter £ – The original Mama Shelter hotel in the east of Paris remains one of the best budget stays in the whole city. Hotel Rochechouart ££ - A recently refurbished art deco beauty in the heart of Pigalle, Rochechouart features a classy bistro and a rooftop bar. Barcelona Best for Tapas Combining both city and beach in one package, Barcelona makes for one of the best city breaks in Europe. There’s fantastic food too, of course, from old school tapas bars to one of the most famous food markets in the world, making the city a perennially popular draw for food lovers. Food highlights for Barcelona Martinez – perched high above the city, Martinez has a wonderful terrace with expansive views, plus large sharing rice dishes, fresh grilled fish, and seasonal vegetables. La Cova Fumada – opened in 1944, La Cova Fumada is known as the birthplace of the ‘bomba’ a golden deep-fried sphere of potato and pork, served with spicy pepper sauce and aioli. Rocambolesc – inventive ice creams and lollies from the Roca brothers, the chefs behind the three Michelin-starred El Cellar de Can Roca in nearby Girona. Morro Fi – sipping red, herbaceous vermouth is a must when in Barcelona and Morro Fi is an excellent little bar to try it in. They make their own and have great tapas, too. Bar Pietro – the best bar in the hipster Gracia neighbourhood, Pietro has a big range of vermouth, beers, and thick cut homemade chips among the top tier tapas on offer. Bar del Pla – a little on the touristy side but still the best option in the Gothic Quarter, Bar del Pla has a great menu of classic tapas, including some of the best roast chicken croquettes in town. Can Cisa/Bar Brutal – two venues in one: Can Cisa is a relaxed bar at the front serving natural wines, while in the back is Bar Brutal, a more formal experience serving modern, eclectic food. Bar El Pollo – it might look a bit rough and ready but it’s worth squeezing into El Pollo for the incredible oozing egg tortillas that are more liquid than solid, and all the better for it. La Boqueria – One of the most famous food markets in the world, La Boqueria is an essential stop. Dating back to 1217, the market draws huge crowds, who come for fresh produce and tapas. Where to Stay Hotel Arts Barcelona £££ – This beachfront five-star hotel has got it all: sea views, over 500 artworks, a 43rd floor spa, luxurious rooms, and a two Michelin-starred restaurant, Enoteca. Casa Bonay £ – Once a private home, Casa Bonay is one of Barcelona’s best boutique hotels. Rooms are small but well designed with high ceilings and modern furniture. Lisbon Best for affordable dining Picturesque streets, colourful trams, sunshine, plus food and wine galore put Lisbon up there with the best food cities in Europe, if not the world. The Portuguese capital is also one of the cheapest cities in Europe, so it makes an ideal choice for a city break if you’re keeping to a tighter budget. Food highlights for Lisbon Pastéis de Belém – the bakery that invented the pastel de nata way back in 1837 and is today one of Lisbon’s biggest tourist draws – they sell an incredible 20,000 custard tarts on busy days. Comida Independente – this casual wine shop and bar makes for a perfect place to come before dinner for a glass of wine and some local Portuguese cheeses. Dahlia – natural wines and casual bites like fried chicken with peanut sauce come together at this lively modern bistro in Cais do Sodre, Lisbon’s nightlife capital. Cervejaria Ramiro – Ramiro is a Lisbon institution, an old school seafood restaurant that’s an absolute must-visit despite it being firmly on the tourist circuit. Try the garlic clams, the giant carabineiros, and don’t forget the steak sandwich for ‘dessert’ – it’s Ramiro tradition. O Trevo – the bifana pork sandwich is another famous Portuguese snack and this old school corner café in Bairro Alto is a great place to try it. Prado – Organic, seasonal produce from Portugal and an all-natural wine list, served in a bright modern dining room have made Prado one of Lisbon’s hottest restaurants. SEM – this zero-waste restaurant and wine bar offers a superb seven-course menu for €60, making it one of Lisbon’s best value meals. Quiosque Sao Paulo – walking the steep hills of Lisbon can be tiring but luckily there are kiosks dotted around the city where you can rest with a beer and a snack. One of the nicest is Quiosque Sao Paulo, which is the oldest in Lisbon. Where to Stay The Lumiares ££ – a classy apart-hotel, each room at The Lumiares has a full kitchen and living area as well as bedroom and ensuite. There’s even a spa and rooftop restaurant with a small outdoor terrace. Bairro Alto Hotel £££ – a luxurious five-star option in the heart of Bairro Alto, featuring a roof terrace bar, and an excellent restaurant from London-based Nuno Mendes. Hotel 1908 £ – a beautiful building from 1908 designed by architect Adães Bermudes, is now home to one of Lisbon’s best boutique design hotels. There’s just 36 colourful rooms, plus a great cocktail bar and restaurant, Infame. Hotel das Amoreiras ££ – a charming boutique hotel set on the pretty garden square of Jardim das Amoreiras in the north of the city. Rome Best for pasta Rome is one of the more traditional food cities in Europe, where many of the restaurants stick to the tried and tested classics, rather than trying to reinvent the wheel. But when the food culture is based around fresh pasta, crisp slices of pizza, and some of the best produce to be found in all of Italy, you won’t find many visitors complaining. Food highlights for Rome Proloco Trastevere – a relaxed trattoria in hip Trastevere, with a menu based around local produce sourced from small producers in the Lazio region. Supplizio – A cheap and cheerful spot that specialises in suppli, deep fried rice balls that are similar to arancini. Check out the caicio e pepe version with pecorino romano, mozzarella, and black pepper. Roscioli – This traditional deli also has a restaurant in the back, where they serve sublime classic Roman pastas like carbonara and penne all'Amatriciana. Retrobottega – if you’ve had your fill of rustic trattorias, then Retrobottega is the place to come. This modern spot has an inventive menu based around foraged ingredients, featuring dishes like green spaghetti with lemon and coffee and wild chicory with garlic and herbs. Agostino – This neighbourhood pizza shop in Trieste is worth seeking out for its crisp, square slices of Roman-style pizza. Toppings range from mushroom and pecorino to courgette and anchovy. Otaleg – gelato is, of course, completely unmissable on any trip to Rome, and Otaleg (that’s gelato backwards), created by ice cream maestro Marco Radicioni is one of the best. Mercato Testaccio – there’s a lot of great dishes to be found in this old food market, including the famous oxtail sandwiches at Mordi e Vai – a bargain at €3. Felice a Testaccio – this family-run restaurant has been around since 1936, winning a loyal following for its famous tonnarelli cacio e pepe and meatballs with gravy. Where to stay H’All Tailor Suite ££ – the owner of this 14-room boutique hotel, Riccardo Di Giacinto, is also the chef; the on-site Michelin starred restaurant All’Oro offers modern Italian tasting menus. Mama Shelter Rome £ – The design-led Mama Shelter brands is a strong choice for budget stays in any city, and the Rome outpost is especially good, featuring a spa, gym, and rooftop restaurant alongside comfy rooms. Hotel de La Ville – a luxurious option with an unbeatable location right at the top of the Spanish Steps; the hotel offers a blend of contemporary and traditional design, several restaurants, and a pretty inner courtyard. Berlin Best for global cuisine A long-time hub for creative and tech industries, Berlin’s restaurant scene is booming, with Michelin starred spots, and relaxed wine bars popping up in recent years. Berlin is also a cultural melting pot, with well-established communities of Turkish and Vietnamese people adding a wealth of exciting restaurants to the more traditional European offerings. Food highlights for Berlin Nobelhart & Schmutzig – a 10-course tasting menu based entirely on produce sourced from within greater Berlin has seen Nobelhart & Schmutzig win a Michelin Star and climb to 17 on The World’s 50 Best. Liu Nudelhaus – Join the queue for fresh, spicy Sichuan beef noodles at this casual, affordable spot in Mitte. Markethalle Neun – a buzzing street food market with a diverse line up of traders and produce stalls. Izmir kofte – Berlin has some of the best Turkish food in the world and it’s hard to go wrong with a köfte sandwich drenched in garlic and chilli sauce at local institution Izmir Kofte. Kin Dee – Combining Thai flavours with locally sourced ingredients highlights include clams with house-made chilli paste and a sweet green curry with beef and aubergine. Madeame Ngo – steaming hot bowls of pho made with German beef are the draw at one of Berlin’s best Vietnamese restaurants. Panama – Set in a converted warehouse full of modern artworks, Panama serves modern German bistro dishes like pork croquettes with beetroot, and butter spätzle with poppy seeds and Belper Knolle cheese. Grill Royal – The glitzy Grill Royal is where well-heeled locals come to splash out on well executed bistro dishes – think big steaks, fruit de mer, caviar, and champagne aplenty. Julius – during the day Julius is open for coffee, pastries, and snacks, and in the evening it turns into one of Berlin’s exciting restaurants, with an 8-10 course blind tasting menu. ORA – run by the founders of the Michelberger hotel, ORA features natural wines and simple dishes made using produce from the Michelberger farm, all in the beautiful setting of an old 19th century apothecary. Where to stay Michelberger £ – stripped back but well-designed rooms plus a buzzy reception, bar, and even an outdoor courtyard that hosts events, Michelberger is the most fun budget hotel in the city. Zoo Hotel ££ – Over in West Berlin, the Zoo Hotel is located right on one of Berlin’s premier shopping streets Ku’damm, mixing bold design with top notch service to make it a great all-rounder. Grand Hostel Classic £ – offers both private rooms and dorms, daily in house activities, and a central location close to all the sights.
Mitshel Ibrahim: 10 things I love about Rome
We’re asking chefs to tell us about their favourite foodie places around the world. Mitshel Ibrahim of London restaurant Ombra shares his food experiences of Rome.
Interview by Joel Porter, words by Mitshel Ibrahim Anyone who knows me knows that the way to my heart is through pizza, pasta and fried food. Even though I’m from Milan, it’s Rome that really does it for me, food-wise – the fact that they do so much with very little draws me in every time. But it’s all interlaced with tradition, history, and a crossover of cultures from different regions of Italy and the city’s Jewish settlers. The amazing produce available and the number of unique dishes on offer make it a truly incredible destination for food lovers – Rome is a city that I can never stay away from for too long. 1. Pizza When you think of Italian food, pizza is one of the first things that comes to mind. Italians love all sorts: there are those who prefer it ‘rossa’ (no cheese), those who like it ‘bianca’ (no tomato), those who swear by Neapolitan-style, and those who prefer it Roman. Roman ‘pinsa’ pizza is made from wheat, rice and soy flours, and is slightly thinner than usual, with a much crispier bottom. With more water and less salt than traditional dough, pinsa is lighter, airier and easier to digest. Toppings range from the classic tomato, oregano and olive oil, to more inventive slices, such as courgette, fresh ricotta and lemon zest. 2. Jewish cuisine Rome has one of the oldest Jewish settlements in western Europe, and this has had a huge impact on the city’s cuisine. Cucina ebraica romana (Roman Jewish cuisine) is celebrated throughout Rome, and it’s one of the most unique aspects of the city. One of the most famous dishes is carciofi alla giudia, Jewish-style deep-fried artichokes served hot from the fryer. Other must-try dishes include fiori di zucca (fried courgette flowers stuffed with mozzarella) and baccalà all’ebraica (fried salt cod). 3. Pasta While central and southern Italy are known for pasta made with water and flour, Rome and the north are famous for egg pastas. The north was traditionally more affluent than the south, so they could afford the luxury of adding eggs to pasta dough, while southern regions relied on hard wheat semolina. Some of the best-loved pasta dishes, such as carbonara and cacio e pepe, originated in Rome. Although these are now made in homes around the world, nothing can compare to enjoying them in a Roman trattoria. My favourite egg pastas include bucatini amatriciana, a tomato sauce with black pepper, chilli flakes and guanciale (salt-cured pork jowl), and rigatoni al sugo di coda made with oxtail stew leftovers. 4. Markets Rome is a city teeming with markets, and everyone should visit at least one. There are flea markets, antique markets, and, of course, many food markets. My favourite is Mercato di Testaccio, a neighbourhood market that attracts both tourists and locals. There are rows and rows of fresh produce, meat and fish vendors, as well as small stands selling pasta, sandwiches, pastries and sweets. I love browsing the stalls in the morning before having a panino alla pajata for lunch. This classic Roman sandwich is stuffed with milk-fed lamb’s intestines that have been curdled in milk, then braised in a spicy, oily tomato sauce – it’s absolutely delicious. The market also has Roman archaeological remains in the basement, so you’ll get a bonus history lesson when you visit. 5. Pork belly Panino con la porchetta (roast pork belly that’s been stuffed with herbs, then rolled) is the most famous street food available in the Italian capital, and can be found anywhere across the city, including at many of the food markets. It’s an absolute must-eat whenever you’re in Rome. Be sure not to look like a ‘tourista’, and ask for ‘cotenna’ (crackling) added to your sandwich. 6. Offal Rome is famous for offal. It’s known locally as ‘quinto quarto’ (or the fifth quarter), an old joke that goes back to when meat was distributed to citizens according to their social class – the poor would end up with the offal that was left over after each social group had taken their quarter of the animal. It was left to the poorer citizens to make delicious dishes using the brains, intestines and lungs, and as a result, offal is a huge part of Roman cuisine – and they aren’t afraid to glorify it. Aside from the classic trippa alla Romana (tripe stewed in tomatoes, onions and pecorino), one of my favourite offal dishes is coratella d’agnello, a delicious braise of lamb offal (lungs, liver and heart). Another must-try is tagliata di cavallo (horse steak). 7. Beer and wine While Milan is still the capital of the aperitivo, Rome is best for beer lovers and natural wine drinkers. While the city’s craft beer scene is not yet on par with the UK, there are more and more small breweries and tap rooms opening, offering delicious artisanal beers. There are also natural wine bars popping up all over, showcasing low-intervention and biodynamic wines from all over Italy. This being Rome, there’s always a small menu of snacks, cheese and ham available, too. 8. Deli With a cuisine so heavily reliant on aged meats and cheeses, delis or salumerie are a frequent stop for home cooks. There are several delis in every neighbourhood in Rome, where locals stock up on prosciutto, pecorino, artichokes, olives and anchovies. Just walking into these shops is an experience, with the shelves stacked high with food, and legs of cured ham hanging from the ceiling. I always visit several, even if I’m not buying anything. Many delis also serve a few hot dishes, such as pizza slices or supplì – fried balls of risotto rice in tomato sauce. 9. Maritozzi Maritozzi are a type of sweet brioche bun that are filled with whipped cream. They’re a common late-night snack, and there are spots that stay open and bake the buns through the night. Most gelaterias will also offer the option to have your ice cream in a maritozzi, so you can have two classic Roman desserts in one. 10. Hidden gems My final and (and most essential) recommendation for visiting Rome would be to set aside one day that doesn’t involve any grand plans. Go somewhere not too central, stop looking at your map and just get lost in the city and its beautiful alleys. Rome is a city that rewards exploration on foot and away from the crowds, so you’re sure to discover your own favourite cafés, bars and restaurants. Plus, it’s a good way to get plenty of walking in and burn off all those delicious meals! Travellers are advised to read the FCO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for the country they are travelling to. Enjoyed this article? Get more inspiration... 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Head to Copenhagen for world-class restaurants, bountiful bakeries, street-food stalls and craft breweries. We've picked 5 top places to eat in this relaxed, waterside city.
The beautiful city of Copenhagen not only boasts some of the world's best eateries but is also teeming with cute coffee shops, wholesome bakeries and vibrant street food. From fine dining to cheap eats, we've selected a range of restaurants offering up the best of this culinary capital's local cuisine. 1. La Banchina One of the best restaurants in Copenhagen, La Banchina is a hidden gem located in the industrial harbour and may just offer the city’s most idyllic setting for dinner – based in the former gatehouse of the shipyard, it offers sweeping views across the water. It also features a wood-fired sauna and a long pier, where locals sunbathe, drink wine and swim from in summer. Indoors, seasonal set menus offer simple Italian and Nordic fare, plus natural wines, beers and pastries. Four-course menu from £45. 2. Amass Equally hidden, and almost next door to La Banchina, is Amass, a high-end yet relaxed restaurant housed in a huge gallery-like space. It's committed to sustainable, zero-waste practices and boasts its own garden growing vegetables, berries and herbs. Founded by Noma alumnus Matt Orlando in 2013, the creative menus include dishes such as beef tongue with shishito peppers and rat's tail radish, and wild blueberries with bread sherbert and burnt lemon skin cream. Tasting menus from £80. 3. Barr On the site of the original Noma is Barr, which opened in 2017. A more casual offering than its predecessor, it offers dishes like free-range pork schnitzel with horseradish, and brown crab with Belgian waffle. There's also a long list of local craft beers, which can be enjoyed with a few snacks in the adjoining bar. Four courses for £70. 4. Bæst Pizza might not be the first thing you think of eating in Copenhagen but, thanks to Bæst, it’s become an essential stop on the city’s food circuit. Located in the trendy Nørrebro district, Bæst takes the quality of its ingredients very seriously, making its own organic dough, mozzarella and ricotta in-house from scratch. Cooked in a wood-fired oven that gives the dough a smoky character, this is one of the best pizzas you’ll have anywhere in the world. Pizzas from £10. 5. John’s Hot Dog Deli A visit to Copenhagen without eating a hot dog would be like a trip to the seaside without fish and chips. John’s Hot Dog Deli in the Meatpacking District offers a selection of free-range sausages that can be loaded up with toppings at an incredible condiment station. You'll find everything from caramelised onion compote with bacon to bell pepper relish and pickled red cabbage, as well as the usual ketchup, mustard and hot sauces (£6). Find more tips at our travel hub. Check out more foodie destinations... 5 places to eat on the Vendée coast Best places to eat in Oslo Best places to eat in Atlantic Canada 5 cheap eats on the French Riviera All recommendations have been reviewed and approved as of September 2018 and will be checked and updated annually. If you think there is any incorrect or out-of-date information in this guide, please email us at goodfoodwebsite@bbc.com. Travellers are advised to read the FCO travel advice for the country they are travelling to. Photographs: Getty images, Chris Tonnesen, P.A. Jorgensen, Joel Porter
Visit lesser-known spots for stunning scenery, sunshine and fabulous cuisine without the high prices. We've picked our top 5 foodie things to do on a budget.
Travellers are advised to read the FCO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for the country they are travelling to. All recommendations have been reviewed and approved as of July 2018 and will be checked and updated annually. If you think there is any incorrect or out-of-date information in this guide please email us at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk. The French Riviera has long been one of the world’s most desirable destinations, famed for its limitless sunshine, beautiful scenery, miles of golden beaches and, of course, fantastic food. However, with the super yachts of Cannes and the glamour of St Tropez, the Côte d’Azur has also garnered a reputation for being the preserve of the rich and famous, so it’s unlikely to be in most travellers’ minds when considering a budget seaside break. But while the international glitterati descend on these well-known centres, French holidaymakers have long been in on a secret, opting for the quieter resorts of Hyères and the Golden Isles. By following their example, you’ll escape the crowds and still experience a top-notch gourmet getaway with gorgeous views at a fraction of the price. Read our four tips on where to sample the best local cuisine this region has to offer for travellers on a budget: 1. Les P’tits Plats Les P'tits Plats is a fantastic deli on the island of Porquerolles – the perfect place to stock up on picnic items to take to the beach for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Choose from a range of pâtés, olives, salads and breads. 2. La Cave Massillon A charming wine bar in the centre of Hyères, La Cave Massillon is the perfect spot for a casual dinner of local charcuterie and cheese, plus a few glasses of Provençal wine. It draws a local crowd and has live music at weekends. 3. Golden Isles Market On Saturday mornings in Hyères, market stalls stretch out along the length of Avenue Gambetta, offering a wide range of local cheeses, olives, fruits, vegetables, pastries and much more. 4. Boulangerie Fuselier Expect to queue at this popular bakery on Avenue Gambetta in Hyères, where locals wait for freshly baked breads, quiches, cakes and pastries. Discover more foodie travel tips at our travel hub. Check out more budget holiday ideas: 5 cheap eats in Mexico 5 cheap eats in Cuba 6 foodie breaks on a budget Cheap eats in Belfast The cheap eats guide to Manchester Have you ever been to the French Riviera? Do you have any tips? Leave a comment below... All recommendations have been reviewed and approved as of July 2018 and will be checked and updated annually. If you think there is any incorrect or out-of-date information in this guide, please email us at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk. Travellers are advised to read the FCO travel advice for the country they are travelling to. Photography credits: GETTY, Joel Porter, Hyères Tourisme.
Try out these fun foodie activities to get a true taste of Amsterdam. The Dutch capital city is perfect for a short break with friends.
Travellers are advised to read the FCO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for the country they are travelling to. All recommendations have been reviewed and approved as of 1 May 2017 and will be checked and updated annually. If you think there is any incorrect or out-of-date information in this guide please email us at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk. Amsterdam is famous for many things, but a thriving restaurant scene has never been one of them. That’s all beginning to change, however, as the city looks to move beyond its hippy image and, led by a new wave of creative young Dutch chefs, establish itself among the great foodie capitals of Europe. 5 foodie things to do Puccini Bomboni Puccini Bomboni (various locations) sells incredible handmade chocolates. They don't come cheap but are well worth a splurge. Look out for unusual flavours such as rhubarb, tea and tamarind. They also do a range of sugar-free chocs. De Kaaskamer This is a cheese-lover's dream in the heart of a city that loves its cheese. The shelves are stacked high with the best that the Netherlands has to offer. Try a few samples before making a choice and they will vacuum-pack your chosen cheese for transport home. Foodhallen This is an indoor market in the De Hallen cultural centre. Foodhallen is the place to go for the city's best street-food vendors, serving everything from dim sum and fish to wood-fired pizzas and tacos. De Pijp One of Amsterdam's hippest areas, De Pijp is home to many organic cafes and cute boutiques making it a great place to wander. It's also where you'll find the Albert Cuyp Market, the largest outdoor market in the city boasting many stalls with fresh and cooked food. IJscuypje Serving freshly made, artisanal Dutch ice cream with all natural ingredients, IJscuypje (various locations) is an Amsterdam institution. During winter they switch to a traditional warming menu of Dutch mashed potato stew with peas & gravy, so check before making a special trip. Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments below...