HOLE IN THE WALL BAR @ OLD CITY, DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
As the name suggests, you enter the bar literally, through a hole in the wall. You'd be very lucky to stumble across it, but even then you wouldn't really know it was a bar unless you actually bothered to walk down the small stone steps to check it out.
The bar boasts spectacular views of the sea as well as the island Lokrum (where parts of Game of Thrones were filmed). They only serve beer or wine! Don't go there looking for snacks...they have none. If you're looking for a secret (not so secret now) spot to sunbathe then walk down the small cliff face to a flat rock beneath. It's also the perfect jump off point for a swim/cliff dive but be careful trying to get back up onto the rocks cause it's super rough as the waves splash against them.
Hole in the wall is a great spot to mingle with other travelers and kick back and relax.
PESTO TROFIE PASTA WITH PARMESAN @ BELFORTE RESTAURANT, VERNAZZA, CINQUE TERRE, ITALY
Out of all the coastal villages that make up the Cinque Terre (which translates to 'Five Earths'), Vernazza was definitely the best in terms of wining and dining. Not only that but for me it was perhaps the most picturesque. If you get the chance to visit the Cinque Terre then base yourself in Vernazza (it has the least stairs) and travel by train to visit each of the other villages.
We found the Belforte Restaurant via trip advisor...and the reviews were great so we knew it had to be good. More than the food in fact, the setting was absolutely lovely. The perfect time to visit would be just before sunset. The restaurant is accessible by stairs and sits on a cliff overlooking the sea (so you can imagine how gorgeous it is come nightfall).
The trofie was decent, probably the best pesto pasta I've tasted but then again I'm not a huge fan of pesto. The only reason I tried it was because the waiter recommended it and said that the pesto was a delicacy of the region. It wasn't the best meal I had in Vernazza but it was worth every penny taking into account the views whilst eating.
GINSENG LAVAZZA ESPRESSO @ CASA DEL CINEMA, VILLA BORGHESE, ROME, ITALY
Not really a huge fan of espresso but as the saying goes 'When in Rome'... try shit you don't really like... maybe in Rome you'll like it. Nine times out of ten I'm guessing that doesn't really work out but I was lucky enough to try this and actually really enjoy it. So much so that I asked almost every waitress where I could buy the powder from...nobody got back to me so I left rather disappointed. However, since then I have googled it and found that it comes in capsules...which now means I have to buy a really expensive coffee maker...which won't happen for a while...perhaps never.
Anyway, the espresso tastes incredible with a sweet and unmistakeable flavour. Ginseng is known to have beneficial properties...at least that's my excuse for drinking it.
Villa Borghese is stunning and for anyone who wants to break away from the hustle and bustle of sight-seeing, this place is perfect. It's one massive park and offers up loads of different outdoor activities. It's listed by The Guardian as one of the best top ten free things to do in Rome. Put it on your priority list.
CHAMPAGNE RISOTTO WITH PARMESAN AND TRUFFLE CRIPS @ CANOVA, PIAZZA DEL POPOLO, ROME, ITALY
When your best foodie friend tells you to try something...you try it. I had seen this champagne risotto in my dreams multiple times before actually getting a chance to try it properly and once I did, life just hasn't been the same.
One plate is enough for two to share as it's super filling. What's lovely about this risotto is that it isn't over the top in either it's presentation or flavor.
I wouldn't recommend much else on the menu as it's rather expensive...I mean 6 euros for a small bottle of coke is just a tad bit excessive. If you're going to flash the cash though, do it on this dish and this alone. Worth every penny.
SALTED FISH STEW @ UJE OIL BAR, OLD TOWN, SPLIT, CROATIA
When you decide to travel with two girls who love to eat good food even more than you do, you know you're in for trouble.
Uje Oil Bar in Split old town is a rustic restaurant that offers a true foodie experience. The theme/food of the restaurant is based around homemade oils of the region.
I tried the salted fish stew which was simple but really well done. Super healthy too!
The food is unusual but I have no doubt that everything on the menu is of the highest standard. My only regret is not trying more of what they had to offer.
When you decide to travel with two girls who love to eat good food even more than you do, you know you're in for trouble.
Uje Oil Bar in Split old town is a rustic restaurant that offers a true foodie experience. The theme/food of the restaurant is based around homemade oils of the region.
I tried the salted fish stew which was simple but really well done. Super healthy too!
The food is unusual but I have no doubt that everything on the menu is of the highest standard. My only regret is not trying more of what they had to offer.
SEAFOOD SPAGHETTI @ RISTORANTE IL GAMBERO ROSSO, VERNAZZA, CINQUE TERRE, ITALY
Dubbed by my BFF (best foodie friend) as the tastiest seafood spaghetti she's ever had...this dish simply won't disappoint even the toughest of critics.
The spaghetti and seafood were super fresh, cooked to perfection and not overly tomato-y or watery. If all three of you are eating the same thing then expect a fat off pan (paella dish) to arrive at your table, and expect everyone around you to be suffering from major food envy.
One plate of this was enough to keep me totally and utterly satisfied. I'd recommend this particular restaurant in Vernazza over the Belforte (mentioned above somewhere) due to the tastier food. Setting wise it's still gorgeous, right by the wee dock...perfect for watching the sun set.
Dubbed by my BFF (best foodie friend) as the tastiest seafood spaghetti she's ever had...this dish simply won't disappoint even the toughest of critics.
The spaghetti and seafood were super fresh, cooked to perfection and not overly tomato-y or watery. If all three of you are eating the same thing then expect a fat off pan (paella dish) to arrive at your table, and expect everyone around you to be suffering from major food envy.
One plate of this was enough to keep me totally and utterly satisfied. I'd recommend this particular restaurant in Vernazza over the Belforte (mentioned above somewhere) due to the tastier food. Setting wise it's still gorgeous, right by the wee dock...perfect for watching the sun set.
CAPRESE SALAD @ ER POSU CAFE, CORNIGLIA, CINQUE TERRE, ITALY
I think I've mentioned the caprese salad somewhere on my blog before...but in any case, this particular one made it worth mentioning again.
Er Posu cafe in Corniglia is a wonderful, soulful (thanks to the music) little cafe run by some really helpful fun loving people. Its an easy-going brekkie, lunch or dinner spot. Their pizzas are incredibly tasty, salads fresh and their mojitos killer. After a couple of the latter you'll be singing along to their golden oldie spotify playlist with not a single care as to who's listening.
Corniglia was definitely one of my favourite villages in Cinque Terre. In my opinion, it was even more beautiful than Vernazza in some ways. The climb up to the top (where the village is) was tough but the scenery and views from the top made it worth it. It's not a village from which you can swim as it's situated on top of a cliff but that's cool as the villages around it offer more than enough beach time.
The village also has a good few gelaterias to choose from. The one in particular we tried turned out to be the best in the village...Alberto Gelateria. Try the cinammon flavour. So good.
RICOTTA FILLED CROISSANT, VANILLA CUSTARD FILLED CROISSANT & AN EXOTIC FRUIT PLATTER @ IL PIRATA, VERNAZZA, CINQUE TERRE, ITALY
Ranked by TripAdvisor fourth out of the 31 restaurants in Vernazza it's no wonder why we ended up eating here multiple times. The meals had at Il Pirata were my favourite of everything tasted throughout our ten day travel.
Their breakfasts are hearty and will most definitely leave you wanting more! The custard and ricotta croissants have set the bar for breakfast pastries...now even cronuts have no effect on my happiness.
The service at Il Pirata is both helpful and humorous. The twins who work there will leave you in stitches...either that or highly offended (no filters).
Ranked by TripAdvisor fourth out of the 31 restaurants in Vernazza it's no wonder why we ended up eating here multiple times. The meals had at Il Pirata were my favourite of everything tasted throughout our ten day travel.
Their breakfasts are hearty and will most definitely leave you wanting more! The custard and ricotta croissants have set the bar for breakfast pastries...now even cronuts have no effect on my happiness.
The service at Il Pirata is both helpful and humorous. The twins who work there will leave you in stitches...either that or highly offended (no filters).
CHOCOLATE & RICOTTA CANNOLI @ IL PIRATE, VERNAZZA, CINQUE TERRE, ITALY
Oh my cannoli!
We had these for dessert after gobbling up dinner. Sam and I were meant to share but I'm pretty sure she didn't get her fair share due to my eagerness.
Each was just as incredible as the other. I think I took a better liking to the ricotta one though...not as rich and deadly as the chocolate.
We ordered these bad boys twice throughout our stay in Vernazza, before wanting to keel over and die.
Oh my cannoli!
We had these for dessert after gobbling up dinner. Sam and I were meant to share but I'm pretty sure she didn't get her fair share due to my eagerness.
Each was just as incredible as the other. I think I took a better liking to the ricotta one though...not as rich and deadly as the chocolate.
We ordered these bad boys twice throughout our stay in Vernazza, before wanting to keel over and die.
ANCHOVIES WITH A WEDGE OF LEMON IN A PAPER CONE @ BATTI FRIGGITORIA RESTAURANT, VERNAZZA, CINQUE TERRE, ITALY
Now, looking back, these anchovies don't cry out to me as being as tasty as they were at the time. I think I overdosed heavily on food that day and this was just the nail in the coffin.
Nevertheless, this turned out to be a pretty inexpensive snack and still quite filling!
For those who aren't big on anchovies...they had cones of calamari too.
Now, looking back, these anchovies don't cry out to me as being as tasty as they were at the time. I think I overdosed heavily on food that day and this was just the nail in the coffin.
Nevertheless, this turned out to be a pretty inexpensive snack and still quite filling!
For those who aren't big on anchovies...they had cones of calamari too.
TOPPED FOCACCIA @ COSI, ST GERMAIN, PARIS, FRANCE
My friend Ellie works at a lovely little cafe called cosi in St Germain. The area itself is buzzing with cafes, restaurants and boutique shops...definitely somewhere to go check out if you're ever in Paris.
Cosi is a lovely little sandwich/salad cafe tucked down one of the smaller roads. The sandwich selection is great and everything is prepared fresh right in front of you.
A few Sri Lankan chefs work there and one was nice enough to make us some special foccacia pizza! I've never been so impressed with foccacia before...seriously. Cosi bread is perhaps the best thing about the cafe...freshly baked in their stone oven.
My friend Ellie works at a lovely little cafe called cosi in St Germain. The area itself is buzzing with cafes, restaurants and boutique shops...definitely somewhere to go check out if you're ever in Paris.
Cosi is a lovely little sandwich/salad cafe tucked down one of the smaller roads. The sandwich selection is great and everything is prepared fresh right in front of you.
A few Sri Lankan chefs work there and one was nice enough to make us some special foccacia pizza! I've never been so impressed with foccacia before...seriously. Cosi bread is perhaps the best thing about the cafe...freshly baked in their stone oven.
AFRICAN SUNSET TEA & MANGO NECTAR @ MALONGO COFFEE SHOP, ST GERMAIN, PARIS, FRANCE
Whilst Ellie was at work I had to occupy myself and what better way than heading to a coffee shop and getting stuck into my dissertation work. But seriously the work was made all that much easier by the easy going atmosphere of Malongo coffee shop! Part shop, part cafe it's a great place to go if you're looking for somewhere easy to chill and read or work. Plus they have free wifi for an hour (create different accounts and you get unlimited access...cheeky).
Try their mango nectar! Its a bit pricey but fully worth it...reminded me loads of mango nectar back home in Sri Lanka except not as good...of course I'm pretty biased.
CAKE PARTY & MACAROONS @ LADUREE, CHAMPS ELYSEES, PARIS, FRANCE
Whilst in Laduree the only thing that came to mind was...wow this is what heaven looks like...one giant cake party! Although I hope in 'heaven' they give me free cake and don't expect me to pay seven euros for each one.
I've never bought Laduree macaroons in London before, I much prefer the idea of trying them only whilst in Paris...seems a lot more fitting. Plus they're quite expensive and I can't really justify spending 15 pounds on 6 macaroons. When in Paris though right?!
Their selection of macaroon flavours was so wonderful...my favourites had to be the Marie Antionette & Chocolate Coconut! If you want the full experience then you can always sit in the cafe and have a cup of overpriced coffee too. If you're looking for something a little more alcoholic then they have a swanky bar adjoining the cafe also.
Whatever you do don't eat all 6 macaroons in one go like I did.
Whilst in Laduree the only thing that came to mind was...wow this is what heaven looks like...one giant cake party! Although I hope in 'heaven' they give me free cake and don't expect me to pay seven euros for each one.
I've never bought Laduree macaroons in London before, I much prefer the idea of trying them only whilst in Paris...seems a lot more fitting. Plus they're quite expensive and I can't really justify spending 15 pounds on 6 macaroons. When in Paris though right?!
Their selection of macaroon flavours was so wonderful...my favourites had to be the Marie Antionette & Chocolate Coconut! If you want the full experience then you can always sit in the cafe and have a cup of overpriced coffee too. If you're looking for something a little more alcoholic then they have a swanky bar adjoining the cafe also.
Whatever you do don't eat all 6 macaroons in one go like I did.
SALMON, SPINACH & CREME FRAICHE CREPE @ CREPERIE DES ARTS, ST GERMAIN, PARIS, FRANCE
Creperie Des Arts is a cute little white washed crepe haven in St Germain. Their menu is split into savory and sweet crepes and literally everything sounds drop dead tasty.
I tried one of the savoury crepes which didn't disappoint. The service is quick...although it would've been a lot faster had I known how to speak french.
Each crepe comes in at around 5-10 euros depending on the filling/topping. Pretty affordable and very filling!
Creperie Des Arts is a cute little white washed crepe haven in St Germain. Their menu is split into savory and sweet crepes and literally everything sounds drop dead tasty.
I tried one of the savoury crepes which didn't disappoint. The service is quick...although it would've been a lot faster had I known how to speak french.
Each crepe comes in at around 5-10 euros depending on the filling/topping. Pretty affordable and very filling!
CHOCOLATE PRALINE SELECTION @ FASSBENDER & RAUSCH, BERLIN, GERMANY
If you don't know what heaven looks like then go to Fassbender & Rausch. It's a chocolate lovers haven and possibly their worst nightmare all rolled into one. The chocolate looks and tastes wonderful but more than that is the sheer selection of stuff they have. They have literally everything! Ensuring you won't leave the store empty handed.
The store is almost like a small Harrods..the colour scheme being pretty much the same. The prices are decent but you could easily go over budget so control yourself...or try at least. The best part about it all are the large chocolate sculptures inside (which can be seen below).
I spent around 9 euros on the customized box of pralines. I've still got four more...not for long though.
HUMMUS, GRILLED HALLOUMI CHEESE, PITTA BREAD & PICKLES @ ASSAM RESTAURANT, SKALITZER STRASSE, BERLIN, GERMANY
We were shown this little goldmine by a local we met at a club the previous night. He assured us that the food would be authentic, cheap and incredibly tasty. He was right!
Assam restaurant is so popular that they even have a Facebook following. So that has to mean something right?! But seriously the food at Assam was cheap & cheerful and tasted even better than half the Turkish/Lebanese places I've been to over here in the UK.
The place itself isn't anything special, it's full of tables and gets packed quite easily! You can even help yourself to free tea.
We were shown this little goldmine by a local we met at a club the previous night. He assured us that the food would be authentic, cheap and incredibly tasty. He was right!
Assam restaurant is so popular that they even have a Facebook following. So that has to mean something right?! But seriously the food at Assam was cheap & cheerful and tasted even better than half the Turkish/Lebanese places I've been to over here in the UK.
The place itself isn't anything special, it's full of tables and gets packed quite easily! You can even help yourself to free tea.
ARIZONA ORIGINAL GREEN TEA & HONEY
In the hostel we stayed at I found this little gem. It was sitting in the mini bar downstairs just asking for me to buy it. I assumed it would be good because it looked pretty slick.
I was not not right (excuse the double negative, i'm kinda obsessed with them lately)...but yeah it tasted dayuuumn good. The green tea taste is pretty prominent but it's toned down a great deal by the honey.
PORK, MASH & SAUERKRAUT WITH GRAVY & RED WINE @ ORANIUM, MITTE, BERLIN
Red Vino & Meat are a match made in the heavens.
The starter I had at Oranium was incredible. It was simple yet so satisfying...and the only excuse I have for not having a picture of it here is because I was starving and far too eager. The starter was a trio of olives, almonds wrapped in barbecue bacon and a small dollop of goats cheese. The bacon is what made it so good, I highly doubt I would've used the word incredible otherwise.
The main...well the first day in Berlin called for a traditional German dish. I was about to overdose on the mash and sauerkraut...seriously so good! The meat was cooked to perfection and paired with the gravy was lovely. Needless to say I couldn't fit in a dessert after this baby.
I hadn't really heard anything about Oranium before eating there and I'm kinda glad I didn't. It was a pleasant surprise to stumble across a place so atmospheric and tasty.
If you ever find yourself staying at Generator Hostel or Meininger then you're in for a treat cause the road is lined with places to eat.
Red Vino & Meat are a match made in the heavens.
The starter I had at Oranium was incredible. It was simple yet so satisfying...and the only excuse I have for not having a picture of it here is because I was starving and far too eager. The starter was a trio of olives, almonds wrapped in barbecue bacon and a small dollop of goats cheese. The bacon is what made it so good, I highly doubt I would've used the word incredible otherwise.
The main...well the first day in Berlin called for a traditional German dish. I was about to overdose on the mash and sauerkraut...seriously so good! The meat was cooked to perfection and paired with the gravy was lovely. Needless to say I couldn't fit in a dessert after this baby.
I hadn't really heard anything about Oranium before eating there and I'm kinda glad I didn't. It was a pleasant surprise to stumble across a place so atmospheric and tasty.
If you ever find yourself staying at Generator Hostel or Meininger then you're in for a treat cause the road is lined with places to eat.
CHOCOLATE COCONUT DONUT @ DUNKIN' DONUTS, HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL, BERLIN, GERMANY
Okay so we have Dunkin' Donuts over here in the UK as well but for some reason it tasted even better in Berlin. With so many flavours to choose from I decided to go with my instinct. It told me to go for the chocolate coconut.
I wasn't wrong. This donut pleased me like no other. The chocolatey goodness mixed with the texture of the coconut was simply perfection!
I'll definitely be heading to the London one soon. Let's hope it doesn't let me down.
Okay so we have Dunkin' Donuts over here in the UK as well but for some reason it tasted even better in Berlin. With so many flavours to choose from I decided to go with my instinct. It told me to go for the chocolate coconut.
I wasn't wrong. This donut pleased me like no other. The chocolatey goodness mixed with the texture of the coconut was simply perfection!
I'll definitely be heading to the London one soon. Let's hope it doesn't let me down.
PORK SCHNITZEL, CHIPS, COLESLAW & GLUHWEIN @ THE CAFE OPPOSITE THE EAST SIDE GALLERY (WARSCHAUER STRASSE), BERLIN, GERMANY
When in Berlin try schnitzel right?! We came across this little cafe opposite the start of the East Side Gallery. Dishes were both affordable and extremely tasty. Perfect for a minus 12 degree day!
The standard schnitzel meal comes with a side of fries and coleslaw. Douse it in lemon juice and sauce and you have yourself a game changer.
The gluhwein was pretty good too! One of the best I tried whilst in Berlin. I found a lot of them were too sweet or bitter but this one hit the spot.
POWER CHAI WITH MATCHA @ BERLIN THEKE, MITTE, BERLIN, GERMANY
By far the best chai of all. Power chai. It's a unique blend of black tea, matcha and spices and it's glorious. I found a 398g tub online for 8.90 pounds. Expensive but worth every penny. It's warm, spicy and almost feels as if you've wrapped a duvet around your tongue. Pretty weird but such a good feeling.
Berlin Theke itself is a cute little gallery cum cafe based near Oranienburger Strasse. It's slightly expensive but really lovely for a bite of breakfast or a warm drink during the winter. I also tried their eggs trio with bread and fruit which is pictured below.
By far the best chai of all. Power chai. It's a unique blend of black tea, matcha and spices and it's glorious. I found a 398g tub online for 8.90 pounds. Expensive but worth every penny. It's warm, spicy and almost feels as if you've wrapped a duvet around your tongue. Pretty weird but such a good feeling.
Berlin Theke itself is a cute little gallery cum cafe based near Oranienburger Strasse. It's slightly expensive but really lovely for a bite of breakfast or a warm drink during the winter. I also tried their eggs trio with bread and fruit which is pictured below.
ELE & ELA @ CARVOEIRO, PORTUGAL
Rated on trip advisor as one of Carvoeiro's best restaurants, Ele & Ela is not your typical holiday food joint. It's one of those places that sticks in your mind well after you've left the beautiful shores of the Algarve. Don't go in there expecting just to have one course! Guaranteed, the starter will prompt you to have a main, the main will prompt you to have a dessert and the dessert will prompt you to have a coffee. It's really that good.
Since I went a year ago, it's difficult to remember the exact name of all the dishes...however, I will post up more photographs below so you can get a rough idea of the other things on the menu.
JAN @ CARVOEIRO, PORTUGAL
Jan was quite a bit pricier than most of the other food joints we came across. Most probably because it was right on the seafront, so one of the best positioned cafes. I tried a few different things like their batter fried prawns and their pita pockets...both didn't really satisfy my appetite, but they were great as a midday snack. I decided to stuff the free space in my stomach with a banana split, which is by far my favourite ice cream dessert if done right.
It all comes down to the banana in my opinion. If the banana isn't ripe enough and still a bit bitter and hard then I find it difficult to enjoy. The one at Jan was really good though, the banana was lovely, as was the ice cream...perhaps a bit too much whipped cream though.