From fresh seafood from local Sicilian fishermen to handmade pasta, Sicily has become one of my favorite food destinations. Noto, a small city on the southeast coast of Sicily, is not only known for its baroque architecture but also for its thriving culinary scene. Whether you go to a small family-run restaurant or a fine dining establishment, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll get a good meal in Noto. 

Here are my picks on where to eat in Noto, Sicily

Anche Gli Angeli 

Go to Anche Gli Angeli for the beautiful decor, but stay for the fresh seafood, which you can have fried or raw, followed by homemade pasta. If the weather is nice, take advantage of their outdoor seating, taking in Noto’s architecture. Once a former church crypt, the restaurant kept many of the details of the former space but added a modern touch with design furniture, eclectic sculptures, and a bar showcasing local desserts such as the cassata Siciliana. 

Pasticceria Bar Tavola Calda Piero

A culinary trip to Sicily is complete with having arancini, a fried rice ball with fillings such as ragu, cheese, or cheese and ham. When we asked locals where to eat in Noto, they all mentioned that we must go to Piero’s as they have the best arancini in town. Pasticceria Bar Tavola Calda Piero is a small restaurant and gelateria serving arancini, small dishes like eggplant caponata, and gelato. In other words, a Sicilian trifecta! It’s the perfect lunch stop after a morning of sightseeing. 

Cantina Modica di San Giovanni

We stumbled across this restaurant when walking around the city one afternoon. The space is classic and cozy, with family mementos throughout the dining room, reminding you of an old family home. At Cantina Modica di San Giovanni, I had one of my favorite dishes of my trip that I vow to recreate: pasta with mussels and pistachio pesto. I’ve never tasted anything like it, but the salty mussels tossed with the sweet, nutty flavor of the pistachios have stayed on my mind for weeks since I returned from my trip. 

Norma Bistrot

When looking for where to eat in Noto, you have to add Norma Bistrot to your list. Probably one of the most stylish restaurants in Noto, it also brings flavor with a creative menu. You will find owner Norma greeting guests at the door, serving glasses of bollicine (Italian sparkling wine), and looking fabulous doing so. Originally from Milano, Norma incorporates a Northern Italian flair with dishes like schnitzel while offering Sicilian classics like pasta topped with raw red shrimp.

Ristorante Dammuso

If you’re looking for a place to eat in Noto with traditional Sicilian dishes in a modern setting and an extensive Sicilian wine list, Ristorante Dammuso is the place. I’ve dined there several times, and my favorites are the fried sardines and the swordfish with an orange sauce. Owner Giorgio Baglieri’s mother still leads the kitchen with the family’s recipes, creating an exquisite menu featuring dishes like homemade squid ink pasta and pistachio-crusted tuna steak. 

Trattoria Fontana d’Ercole 

Lunch at Trattoria Fontana d’Ercole is an excellent spot for delicious food featuring fresh seafood and a great view of the stunning Baroque San Domenico Church. Sit at the outdoor dining space and take in the architecture surrounding the patio while indulging in a fresh crudo (raw) seafood plate and an octopus salad with a glass of Grillo, a Sicilian grape used for a crisp, mineral white wine. 

Viva IL Bistrot by Viviana Varese 

We had the most decadent aperitivo at Viva IL Bistrot, owned by Michelin-starred chef Viviana Varese. Although Sicily is a wine paradise, you must try Viva Il Bistrot’s creative cocktails. Their negronis are perfect but make room for cocktails like “Profumo di Sicilia” with citrus liqueur, citrus, rose, and sparkling wine. Also, order plenty of appetizers like fresh oysters, fritters, and grilled octopus, all beautifully delicious. 

W Villa Dorata Country Restaurant

Just a 20-minute drive from the city center of Noto lies W Villa Dorata Country Restaurant. Located on a farm, this upscale restaurant features ingredients sourced on-site. We went to the Saturday fire dinner tasting menu by Chef Matteo Carnaghi. Each dish is cooked under an open flame and served in a charming outdoor setting. This truly unique dining experience was one of the group’s favorites. 

Where to Eat in Noto, Sicily: Dessert Edition

Caffè Sicilia

Caffè Sicilia, known for its feature on Netflix’s Chef Table Pastry Season, is the place to grab cannoli in Noto. This classic cafe, located in Corso Vittorio Emanuele, one of the busiest streets of Noto, is a great place for a small break to have an espresso and indulge in a cannoli, a classic Sicilian dessert made with a fried pastry filled with sweet ricotta cream. The cafe is always busy, so I recommend you go early in the morning to eat in. If the wait is long, grab your cannoli to go and sit on the steps of Piazza del Duomo to have your treat and take in the views. 

Gelateria L’Artigianale Noto

Noto in the summer is very hot, so taking several gelato breaks is imperative to stay cool. That’s my excuse to eat copious amounts of gelato while in Sicily! Add Gelateria L’Artigianale Noto to the list for a dessert stop when looking at where to eat in Noto. They have creative flavors like blueberry gin and the classics like pistachio and fiori di latte, which I love. L’Artigianale Noto opened this summer; the original gelateria is in the town of Pozzalo in the south of Sicily, which has been around for several decades. 

Caffè Costanzo

Another place to grab a classic Sicilian treat, brioche stuffed with granita, an ice-based dessert similar to a sorbet, is Caffè Costanzo, a local favorite tucked away in a small side street with charming baroque buildings surrounding the cafe’s patio. They also have a great selection of gelato.

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Where to Stay When Visiting Dubrovnik

The Pucic Palace: We chose this historic hotel for a number of reasons, and we were thrilled with our choice. First of all, it is one of the very few hotels that is located right in the middle of the heart of Dubrovnik’s old town, so we were able to step out the door of our hotel and start exploring the historical part of the city and all that it has to offer without using any transportation. Second, it only has a handful of rooms, so it felt personal and cozy, unlike some of the huge resort-type hotels around Dubrovnik outside of the old town, which count dozens or even hundreds of rooms.

The Pucic Hotel also offers a wide variety of amenities, such as two restaurants, outdoor seating right next to the city’s lively daily farmer’s market, and a concierge who will assist you with suggestions and bookings for local restaurants and activities. Finally, the history of the hotel really added to our overall experience. Constructed in the 17th century as a palace for the Pucic family, it changed owners many times and survived an earthquake and two world wars. Eventually, it was fully restored, converted into a hotel, and opened to guests as the Pucic Palace in 2002.

What to Do

Tour the Old City of Dubrovnik: Walk along and atop the famed walls, visit the famous Pile Gate at the entrance to the old town, take pictures of the gorgeous Rector’s Palace, and take pictures of the cathedral you may recognize from Game of Thrones. You can spend hours wandering the old city, and we recommend doing it the day you arrive, to appreciate this historic city.

Take the Cable Car to Srd Hill: The cable car is affordable and fun–the views from the top of the hill are spectacular. You will revel in the sight of the gorgeous Adriatic Sea, the islands around Dubrovnik, and the walled city and surroundings of Dubrovnik. It’s the perfect low-key activity to do when visiting Dubrovnik.

Embark on a sunset cruise: We booked a boat tour with Explore Dubrovnik to watch the sunset, and it was truly spectacular. It was a private ride past old and new bridges, seaside towns, and summer villas and included a bottle of sparkling wine, blankets, and dreamy sunset views.

Where to Eat

Bowa: True to its name, the best place we dined while visiting Dubrovnik was easily Bowa (which stands for ‘Best of what’s around’). It is actually more of an experience than just a lunch! Through their website, you book an entire afternoon excursion. This includes pick up by speedboat from a small harbor called Brsecine, which we took an Uber to. Our VIP transport ferried us to a stunning bay called Vrbova, where we were escorted to our private open-air cabana, complete with a large dining table, chairs for sunbathing and lounging, and glasses of champagne. Our lunch consisted of several courses of food: fresh oysters, cheese and fruit platters, salads, marinated vegetables, fried tofu, and wine. In between courses, we walked down to the shore and swam in the warm waters, and enjoyed sweet, refreshing frozen pina coladas that were made to order even though we did not even have to order them. It was, quite honestly, the most perfect day.

Arsenal Restaurant: This picturesque restaurant in the old town serves gorgeous Mediterranean fare, including burrata with homemade pesto and greens, marinated zucchini drizzled in balsamic vinegar and sprinkled with hunks of tangy feta cheese and decadent truffle pasta drenched in a cream sauce.

Pizza Mirakul: For a casual pizza dinner while visiting Dubrovnik, stop by this spot in the old town. They have cheesy pizzas, baked lasagnas, fresh salads, and loads of Croatan wine.

Stara Loza: The salon at Stara Loza, also in the old town, has a gorgeous interior with floor-to-ceiling windows, an exquisite chandelier as the dining room focal point, a terrace, and equally stunning food. The views of the old town from the terrace are magnificent. For the food, indulge in items like tempura fried vegetables with savory bell pepper cream, spinach and ricotta gnocchi, local cheese, and delicious desserts.

Posat: For a fine dining experience outside of the old town, visit Posat. The elegant venue has a charming atmosphere and the most delicious Mediterranean dishes, including mushrooms au gratin, ravioli in an herb sauce,

Gelateria Dubrovnik: The perfect evening ends with a scoop of heavenly gelato from this family-owned business. The Toblerone flavor is magical, as is the white chocolate with biscuit and fig with hazelnuts.

Where to Drink

D’Vino Wine Bar: Stop by for a glass (or two!) or Croatian wine at this old-town wine bar.

Buza Bar: This charming cliffside bar in Old Town was our favorite; we stopped by several times for a beer or cocktail and views of the Adriatic. It’s literally built into the rocks below the fortified walls, so skip the high heels and enjoy the views!

Cave Bar: If you want to check out some of the surrounding areas while visiting Dubrovnik, visit the Cave Bar in Lapad, an upscale neighborhood that is full of resorts and restaurants. The Cave bar is glamorous and fun, with good spaces for Instagram-worthy pictures.

Visiting Dubrovnik: The Verdict

Dubrovnik is the perfect place to visit if you want to explore the streets of a historical city: indulge in copious amounts of fresh Mediterranean fare and marvel at the shimmering Adriatic sea.

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Breakfast at Sub Rosa

I still remembered my first breakfast at Sub Rosa five years ago. Biting into the buttery, flaky crust of my chocolate croissant is one of my favorite food memories of that trip. Not only are the pastries beautiful, but they are so photogenic that a picture of their pastries still graces my business card. I recently returned to Sub Rosa and loved seeing the bakery still thriving. Order a few pastries and a coffee, and walk over to Jefferson Hill Park for some great views of Richmond. If you love freshly made pastries, make sure to add this to your list of places to eat in Richmond.

Sub Rosa, 620 N 25th St, Richmond, VA 23223, Website 

Trip to Cuba at Kuba Kuba

If you’re in the Fan District and want a casual lunch, head to Kuba Kuba. This Cuban-owned restaurant is the perfect spot for Cuban classics such as Cuban sandwiches or Cuban roasted pork. Start lunch with a few starters. I recommend the empanadillas or the platanos. If they have maduros, the fried ripe plantains, you’re in for a treat. The portions are generous. We ended up taking half of our dishes home!

Kuba Kuba, 1601 Park Ave, Richmond, VA 23220, Website 

Island Flavors at Perch RVA

Chef Mike Ledesma brings together his Filipino heritage, his love of Hawaiian food, and the produce of Virginia together at Perch RVA. This unique restaurant with a very instagrammable dining room is a must on your places to eat in Richmond list. Although the menu is seasonal, an item that never leaves the menu is the lumpias. I learned to make lumpias with Chef Ledesma during my visit to Richmond, and I fully understand why his guests beg him not to take them off the menu. These crispy egg rolls filled with ground pork and vegetables are a must-order. The restaurant’s centerpiece is a wood-fired oven where the Chef cooks whole fish Hawaiian style. 

Perch RVA, 2918 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23230, Website

Southern with a Twist at Lillie Pearl

If you’re looking for a place to eat in Richmond that exudes the flavors of the Mid-Atlantic, Lillie Pearl is it. A native of North Carolina, Chef Mike Lindsey merges the southern flavors with dishes he’s developed in his over two decades of being a chef throughout the United States. Named after Chef Lindsey’s grandmothers, the menu at Lillie Pearl centers on southern African American cuisine. Don’t leave without trying the fried chicken or the seared scallops with collard green risotto. Tip: make sure to get a reservation because the restaurant gets busy!

Lillie Pearl, 416 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219, Website 

Soul Food Classics at Mama J’s

We got several recommendations for Mama J’s, so we had to try it out. Sadly, the restaurant only offered take-out but don’t take it off your places to eat in Richmond list. This Black family-owned restaurant offers southern staples such as fried chicken, crab cakes, and fried catfish. I ordered the fried catfish, which was phenomenal, extra crispy, and very generous portions. 

Mama J’s, 415 N 1st St, Richmond, VA 23219, Website

Beers at Hardywood Park

One of the best-known craft beers of the Richmond area, Hardywood has grown exponentially during the past few years. Going to Hardywood Park has become an experience with ample outdoor space to have your pale ale under the Richmond sun. The Brewery usually has local food trucks at the park in case you get peckish while sampling beers. There is also a market where you can buy beers to go and other local merchandise. While there, we became acquainted with Nightingale Ice Cream. The decadent ice cream sandwiches are a must, especially during a hot RVA day. 

Hardywood Park, 2410 Ownby Ln, Richmond, VA 23220, Website

Indian at Lehja

One of my favorite places to eat in Richmond is Lehja. My first time eating there was three years ago. It was one of those meals that you still think about years later. Chef and owner Sunny Baweja creates modern Indian dishes without compromising the authentic flavors. The menu offers the Indian menu classics such as Tandoori and Biryani, but it also has unique dishes like blue crab taka-tak and a deconstructed butter chicken. If you are a wine lover, Lehja is the place for you. Their 26-page wine list has every varietal you can imagine. The selection of Indian wines is the most notable. If you’re there, ask Chef Baweja for pairing suggestions.

Lehja, 11800 W Broad St Suite 910, Richmond, VA 23233, Website

Classic Italian at Gersi

We headed to Gersi at the recommendation of Chef Ledesma of Perch. This popular Brooklyn restaurant opened its second location in Richmond, serving northern Italian cuisine. We loved the cozy patio area, vintage plates, and friendly servers. The menu is ideal for pasta lovers like me. I loved the housemade rigatoni with rich ragu, and make sure you save room for dessert. The tiramisu is worth it!

Gersi RVA, 805 N Davis Ave, Richmond, VA 23220, Website

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Barça! If Barcelona hasn’t made it onto your travel checklist for 2017, don’t fret there’s still time to add it to the top of your list. This city has a culinary dedication to fresh ingredients, vibrant spices and sauces, and a respect for the entire experience that is sitting down to a table (or in some cases standing up) with those you love. I have always been an “appetizer person” aka I prefer to order a few small dishes over a traditional meal. So when I went to Quimet and Quimet, I was taken with all the delicious variety.

The Scene

I invite you to enter the lively world of Quimet and Quimet. This local neighborhood spot is tucked away on a quiet side street in El Pole-Sec, and at 11:30 AM it is already overflowing with patrons. Walls lined with wine bottles of all varieties greeted us along with Beatles tunes. A shiny silver counter filled with an assortment of vibrant ingredients drew us in. In addition to the silver counter that lines the establishment, there are adorable bar tables made from recycled kegs, perfect for crowding around with friends. The real excitement comes from the two smiling faces behind the counter, who are multitasking like nobody’s business- taking orders, pouring wine, whipping up bite sized delights … all while chitchatting with regulars sitting at the bar.

The Food

Initially I was a bit overwhelmed by all of the menu options, but with a little assistance from the friendly gentleman behind the counter I was able to nail down the following assortment of Montaditos (small sandwiches):

Prawns, Red Pepper, Cream, Caviar

Brie, Roasted Tomato, Anchovy, Olive Spread

Salmon, Yogurt, Truffled Honey

Goat Cheese, Sundried Tomato, Caramelized Onions

The foundation for each Montadito is a round crunchy biscuit, the perfect vessel for transporting all the toppings to your mouth, silverware free. I’m a huge fan of bagels and lox, so I had to start off with the Salmon Montadito.  The saltiness from the smoked salmon paired with the sweetness of the truffled honey is a match made in heaven. My other top pick from Quimet and Quimet was the Brie and Anchovy Montadito. It arrived topped with roasted tomato, an olive spread, and a drizzle of Spanish olive oil. If the idea of anchovies makes you a little nervous, don’t shy away; these ones are mild and not overly salty.

The Verdict

Quimet and Quimet has pairings down to a science. Whether you’re craving something acidic, or something rich, you’re going to leave happy thanks to their smart combinations. What sets these bites apart from others is the time that they put into preparing the ingredients individually. Hats off to you Quimet and Quimet, you have found a way to leave a lasting impression in under 3 bites, and I will definitely be back for more!  

Quimet and Quimet, Carrer del Poeta, Cabanyes, 25, 08004, Barcelona, Spain, Website 

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Start your day by arriving at the beautiful Antwerp Central Station (it was recently selected as The Most Beautiful Station In The World) and hit the streets right behind the commercial and popular Meir! You will be easily distracted by the sweet vanilla smell of Belgian waffles!

Where to eat in Antwerpen: Start your day by arriving at the beautiful Antwerp Central Station (it was recently selected as The Most Beautiful Station In The World) and hit the streets right behind the commercial and popular Meir! You will be easily distracted by the sweet vanilla smell of Belgian waffles. No smell distinguishes more this tiny country than the smell of freshly-made yummy waffles. Heaven!

Walk through the South (Het Zuid), feel the breeze of the Schelde River and visit the Castle (Het Steen – Steenplein 1, 2000 Antwerpen) for a little bit of history. When you are hungry, go for one of the below, you will not be disappointed!

A gift of the sea: “vispannetje” (fish & seafood stew with yummy tiny North sea shrimps) at De Markt. You can shop at the market during the early hours then end up having a wonderful lunch at their terrace.
A classic “Stoofvlees” (beef & beer stew with hand peeled Belgian fries) at Home Brewery ‘T Pakhuis (Vlaamsekaai 76, 2000 Antwerpen). This dish is best eaten on a typical Belgian rainy wintery night!

Edgy:  This is certainly the prettiest hamburger I have ever eaten and it was oh so tasty! Te Kook (Vrijdagmarkt 7, 2000 Antwerpen) is a very innovative restaurant of French and Belgian cuisine with a modern twist. Pricey but absolutely worth it! Honest and innovative Matty (Brederodestraat 23, 2000 Antwerpen) and his wife Katrien offer light, creative 5 star cuisine at affordable prices. My favorite dish is the parmesan and fresh truffle risotto. To die for.

Romantic Eats:I have never been disappointed by Josephine’s (Gentplaats 1, 2000 Antwerpen). You can have the most amazing cocktails (I always want to be creative but boringly end up ordering their 5-star Mojito) rightly served by the best barman of this country. Their duck dish is so perfectly executed and presented! The decor is soft, candle-y and romantic, and they do have live Jazz most nights and a charming piano in the middle. What else could you ask for?

On a budget: 100 grams of garlicky black olives, a tiny pot of fresh humous, a couple of slices of freshly sliced Belgian ham and a warm Moroccan bread at one of the amazing market stalls at the Exotische Markt (Oudevaartplaats, Theatherplein en omgeving) on Saturdays from 07h00 until 15h00). This will cost you 7 Euro and if it is sunny I guarantee you an amazing meal and people watching!

Decadence all the way:Splurge with the 4 -dishes menu at The Jane. Chef Sergio Hermann (my favorite Chef ever!) and Nick Bril are true artists of food making. Their dishes are locally sourced, pretty, harmonic and they scream creativity, passion for the job and flavor! Everything is out-of-this-world good but my favorite are the desserts (and their zesty foie gras and granny smith jus!). Look at this pretty strawberry creation! Mindblowing.
Drink: Have a cold Kwak beer at Pelgrom (Pelgrimstraat 15, 2000 Antwerpen). This middle age cellar is utterly amazing and off the beaten path. Go there for a romantic drink or for a fun beer night with friends! Ideal for after-dinner drinks is Het Elfde Gebod (“The eleventh commandment”) (‪Torfbrug 10, 2000 Antwerpen). The religious décor of this bar is breathtaking and peaceful. Indulge with more specialty beers or their tasty fruit-flavored Jenevers.‬

See/Experience/Shop:  If you are travelling with kids do not miss Antwerp’s Zoo (Koningin Astridplein 26, 2018 Antwerpen). It is in the middle of the city right next to the train station, a perfect combination for every member of the family. If you love art the Place To be is The MAS (Hanzestedenplaats 1, 2000 Antwerpen) Museum aan de Stroom (a landmark building between the city and the port). The current Display of Power exhibition about the world of prestige and symbols is captivating. For the fashionistas out there, do not miss the shops on the Schuttershofstraat for Wouters&Hendrix, my ultimate “affordable luxury” Antwerp jewelry designers. This city is beautiful for its diversity. I very much hope you can include it on your next Belgian stop. Enjoy the vibe of Antwerp, be curious, keep on traveleating!
Thanks Maria for all the tips! It brought back some great memories of Belgium!  I hope you enjoyed our Antwerp Belgium Foodie Guide.  What’s your favorite city in Belgium for food?

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One of the best ways to discover a new destination is through its food.  A shot of soju at a restaurant in Seoul allows you to peek into Korean culture.  Whether it is biting into an Oliebol (Dutch doughnut) or indulging in Okinawan Yakisoba you get to explore deeper into your destination.  That being said, here are my  essential travel dining tips on maximizing your experience (and your taste buds).

Many travelers automatically head to the concierge for foodie tips. I’ve received great recommendations from other staff members of hotels, from the front desk to the hotel manager. One of my most memorable meals of 2014 took place at a restaurant called Mossel & Gin in Amsterdam at the recommendation of WestCord Art Hotel Amsterdam manager, Patrick.

4.  Step away from your comfort zone:

Order items you don’t have the time (or the skill) to make at home (like homemade pasta at Lupo Verde DC) or things that you usually don’t eat. I’ve never been a fan of venison however, I decided to order it in Stockholm and it changed my opinion about the meat forever.  Tip: if you take the plunge and don’t like the meal, most restaurants are understanding enough to exchange your order.

5.  Do not underestimate the hotel restaurant:

Years ago, it seemed like a hotel restaurant was filled with lonely business travelers and mediocre meals.  Many hotels have hired top chefs to either consult on their menus or be executive chefs. For example, The Blue Duck Tavern at the Park Hyatt DC is a Michelin Starred restaurant. Also, do not underestimate a hotel bar. The Hotel La Concha in San Juan has some of the best dancing on the weekends in Puerto Rico.

6.  Do not get turned off by a menu in a different language:

I actually get a warm and fuzzy when I see menus not published in English.  Usually it’s pretty indicative of a local spot. Most servers have working knowledge of English to guide you through a menu or if you are in a place off the radar, try Google Translate which also has a picture translate option. The photo part of the app is not 100% reliable but at least it translates key words. (Again, refer to tip #4)

7.  Research tipping:

In the US, we’re accustomed to tipping at a restaurant from 18-20% whereas in Europe a service charge is included in your meal and you can round up the bill or leave small bills. In Japan tipping is considered rude (I was once chased by a bartender at a club who returned my tip).  Tip: a handy resource:  great tipping guide from Frommer’s

8.  Research customs:

Are you dining with business associates or prospective clients? Research the local dining culture.  In Korea, it is common to order for a whole table and share the meal among your colleagues.  While in Japan slurping your noodles is common and expected.  In the Western world, it is common to order individual meals.  In Belgium a waiter will ask you if the food was good and they expect a sincere response.

9.  Explore Markets and Street Food:

Not only do markets, food halls, and street food are a great way to explore the culture of your destination, but it’s usually an affordable dining option. Being able to explore a market is the cornerstone of travel dining. One of my favorite places to head for street food in Puerto Rico is Pinones, less than a 10 minute drive from San Juan airport. The beach area is lined with food stands making delicious cod fritters, crab empanadas, and fresh coconut juice. You can have a meal for two for $10.  Some people are afraid of street food.  I have a strong stomach and never had problems eating at the markets in Thailand.  Unfortunately, my husband does not but he prepares for it. Tip:  If you are feeling adventurous, always make sure to pack Imodium in your toiletry bag!

10. Find foodie inspiration online: 

Us foodie/travel bloggers do the homework for you, use us!  I discovered a great restaurant in Barcelona called Little Italy BCN via Instagram.  A friend of mine surprised his wife with a beautiful birthday brunch based on a review I wrote for Lavagna in Washington, DC.  In Europe, good Mexican restaurants are hard to come by. I had the best tacos in Mexico at Tacos Rigo thanks to the recommendation from Tim of Marginal Boundaries blog.  Tip: reach out to your favorite travel or food blogger via social media and ask them for recommendations. They usually respond!

11. Reviews:

During my recent trip to Vienna, we wanted to have a traditional Wiener Schnitzel away from the tourist crowds (see tip #2).  Decided to test out Yelp in Austria and found a restaurant 10 minutes away from the hotel.  We knew we hit the jackpot when all the reviews were in German (use Google Translate app or in my case a German speaking husband). Also, Open Table allows you not only to make dinner reservations (they are currently expanding their international options) but you can also see reviews of the restaurant before you reserve.

12. Ask a Local:

If there’s one travel dining tip you can take away from this post, let it be this one! If you are traveling for Business, ask your colleagues what’s the best café or restaurant.  I recall having the best mofongo (mashed fried plantains) in Santo Domingo at the recommendation of one of my local colleagues. Tip:  talk about your trip with your friends, they may have a friend or a family member would love to share their favorite spots.

13.  Enjoy:

To me, travel is about opening my eyes and palate to new things. It’s to return from a trip and have lasting memories of a memorable meal whether it is cheese and champagne along the Seine or eating Korean street food in Seoul for dinner on my way home from work.  It is to go home to my parents in Western NY and cook mussels in white wine sauce from a recipe I learned in Brussels.  What are your favorite travel dining tips?

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View from our room at Hilton Budapest

Chain Bridge, Budapest

Hungarian Parliament, Budapest

Food at the Budapest Christmas Market

Grand Market Budapest

With Palinka in Budapest

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