Restaurants – WAC Travel

Mykonos Restaurant Recommendations

Written by Iulian Milcomete on April 7, 2022. Posted in Mykonos, Restaurants.

With Mykonos having a stellar reputation throughout Greece for its luxurious nightlife, knowing where to go to get the most out of it is key for time well spent there. These Mykonos restaurant recommendations also include a couple of beach club suggestions to help you carve out your culinary and celebratory itinerary on this island paradise.

Nammos Beach Club

Psarou Beach, Mykonos 84600 – +30 228 902 2440 – Website

Dressed-up beach club on Psarou Beach offers hip and refined Greek cuisine for summer residents and visiting socialites. Meals begin with a generous presentation of homemade breads and hummus, followed by golden-fried calamari or crisp house salads. Main entrees include numerous pasta and raviolis dishes with Greek twists like caper and sun-dried tomato sauces. An in-house barbecue specializes in mixed grill presentations of beef and fresh fish.

Scorpios Beach Club

Paraga, Mykonos 84600 – +30 228 902 9250 – Website

By day, Scorpios is a lovely spot to lay out on a luxurious sun bed and enjoy a delightful meal made up of fresh, local ingredients. As the sun sets, a new life is breathed into this incredibly popular club as the music starts to pick up and drinks flow more freely. It’s easy to spend and an entire day and night here with yoga, massages and a small shopping bazaar also available.

© Bjorn Ceder, Scorpios Beach Club

Kalita

N. Kalogera, 31, Mykonos 84600 – +30 228 902 7102 – Website

In the center of Mykonos town, Kalita Restaurant is a hip outdoor terrace for a stylish crowd. From the palm trees growing through the rustic-chic wooden floors, to the flowering walls, to the pillows along the bench seating, every aspect of this romantic restaurant is design-forward. As for food, the cuisine is innovative and Greek in style with fresh fish as well as hearty meat options. Vegetarian dishes can be custom tailored to request. Our suggestion is the suckling pig and gnocchi. Reservations are suggested.

Karavaki Restaurant

Mykonos 84600 – +30 228 902 3665 – Website

Lounge bar and restaurant Karavaki is a most privileged spot of these Mykonos restaurant recommendations, with panoramic Aegean Sea views and sherbet colored sunsets every night. With a boho-minimalist style, this intimate spot draws both locals and travelers alike. The seared tuna is a must, as is the bruschetta starter, and ribeye. It’s a fantastic atmosphere with service and cuisine to match!

Thea

Petinos Beach Hotel, Platis Gialos, Mykonos 84600 – +30 228 902 2127 – Website

Right on the shore of Platis Gialos Beach, Thea Restaurant has a contemporary beach-chic feel. From the large palms staged throughout the dining terrace, to the plush couches for lounging, this stylish restaurant creates a dreamy atmosphere for a fantastic meal. Savor the pastel sunset view right from your table while enjoying a post-dinner drink and dessert (be sure to try the Moussaka!).

Featured image: © Martin Molcan | Dreamstime

Dubrovnik Restaurant Recommendations

Written by Iulian Milcomete on February 1, 2022. Posted in Dubrovnik, Restaurants.

No first trip to Croatia is complete without a few nights in Dubrovnik. And no first trip to the Pearl of the Adriatic is complete without these glistening Dubrovnik restaurant recommendations. Each restaurant serves up exemplary dishes in unique, open-air atmospheres to make the most out of the average 250 days of sunshine a year.

© Restaurant 360

Restaurant 360

Ul. Svetog Dominika bb, Dubrovnik 20000 – +385 203 222 22 – Website

What better way to experience Dubrovnik than to dine atop the stone walls for which the city is famous? With tasting menus and a la carte options, the cuisine of Restaurant 360 is equally as stunning as the ambiance overlooking the old port. French techniques paired with Mediterranean ingredients bring you dishes like foie gras and cod brandada to enjoy with selections from a wine list comprised of over 450 labels for a meal that lives up to their Michelin star.

© Gradska Kavana Arsenal Restaurant & Bar

Gradska Kavana Arsenal Restaurant & Bar

Pred Dvorom, 1, Old Town, Dubrovnik 20000 – +385 203 212 02 – Website

Named for the shipyard from the thirteenth century that sat long the old port where the restaurant is now located, Arsenal has been delivering high-quality meals for over a century. Their menu honors the key staples of the Mediterranean diet: vegetables, seafood, moderate amounts of meat and, of course, olive oil. Try the fish stew or pork belly confit and order some Dalmatian Swiss chard with potato as a side. Check out their daily choice of cakes for dessert and wash all of this scrumptious food down with a glass of local wine, Croatian beer or a signature cocktail.

© Panorama Restaurant & Bar

Panorama Restaurant & Bar

Upper cable car station, Dubrovnik 20000 – +385 203 126 64 – Website

Panorama is often considered to be the pinnacle of Dubrovnik restaurant recommendations, with a sunset dinner reservation here a must-have for many travelers during their time in the city. Located atop Mount Srđ, at a short cable car ride from Old Town, you can watch the sun sink into the Adriatic Sea and cast an orange hue over the remarkable stone buildings below. All the while, you can dine on classics like vegetable risotto and sea bass filet.

Featured image: © Panorama Restaurant & Bar

Tuscany Restaurant Recommendations

Written by Iulian Milcomete on January 18, 2022. Posted in Restaurants, Tuscany.

Tuscany’s Chianti and Val d’Orcia regions have some trademarks of their own, but one thing is a guarantee no matter which you visit: you will taste some of the greatest cuisine of your life. Italy is known for its wine, pasta, meats and cheese, and the Tuscany restaurant recommendations boast some of the very best this land of rolling green hills has to offer.

Badia di Coltibuono

Loc. Badia a Coltibuono, Gaiole In Chianti 53013 – +39 057 774 481 – Website

Wander around the grand stone building and through the gardens to find yourself at dinner: either indoors within the elegant refurbished stables or outdoors under a bower of climbing roses and wisteria. The atmosphere sets the tone for your meal: local, authentic, and in turn with the seasons. With handmade pasta, local lamb, rabbit, or steak, cheeses from regional farms, as well as home-made tarts and cakes, the restaurant at Badia a Coltibuono is an experience no guest quickly forgets.

Il Ristoro di Lamole

Via Lamole, 6, Frazione, Lamole 50022 – +39 055 854 7050 – Website

With a panoramic view of Chianti from the terrace, Il Ristoro di Lamole is one of those Tuscany restaurant recommendations that charms guests before they even begin their meal. Our favorite dishes include pear and Pecorini Senese ravioli, pappardelle on wild boar, and tagliatelle with fresh porcini mushrooms. Choose your dish, select your wine, and relax with your loved ones with the golden Tuscan hillside at your fingertips.

Ristorante La Grotta

Via di San Biagio, 15, Montepulciano 53045 – +39 057 875 7479 – Website

For a really special meal, head down the hill to La Grotta – next to the glorious Renaissance church of San Biagio. In two 16th-century vaulted rooms (or, in summer, in the garden out the back) a gourmet menu is served, its creativity rooted firmly in local traditions and ingredients. The delicious malfatti are gnocchi-like balls of sheep’s-milk ricotta and basil, served with a taleggio sauce; this might be followed by brasato di cinghiale alle prugne su letto di spinaci – wild boar braised in plum sauce on a bed of spinach. The elegant table linen, service, and wine list as well as the elevated (but not exaggerated) prices make it clear that this is not your average Chianti-in-a-straw-flask experience. Closed Wednesday.

© La Grotta

Il Vescovino

Via Ciampolo da Panzano, 9, Greve in Chianti 50022 – +39 338 364 8446 – Website

With owners originally from Brazil, relocating to Tuscany and opening a restaurant was an easy choice; when you fall in love with the Tuscan countryside, there’s no turning back. With rolling hills laid out before you from the outdoor terrace, you can enjoy a glass of Chianti while meandering through the menu; there are so many excellent choices! From tender meats to hand-made pasta, what sets Il Vescovino apart is its attentive service, present owners, and welcoming atmosphere.

Osteria del Teatro

Via Giuseppe Maffei, 2, Cortona 52044 – +39 057 563 0556 – Website

Michelin-starred and immersed in the atmosphere of an ancient trattoria in the center of Cortona, Osteria del Teatro stands out for the refined technique of chef Emiliano Rossi in preparing exquisite Tuscan dishes. With only a few outdoor dining tables, this restaurant is sought after during the warm summer months; the front patio is tucked on the side of a narrow road, giving an authentic, historic city feel. If you’re visiting during the winter months, a number of rooms have open fireplaces to create a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Trattoria Il Leccio

Via Costa Castellare, 1, Sant’Angelo in Colle, Montalcino 53024 – +39 057 784 4175 – Website

This restaurant of a dozen tables is quaint and loved, with walls of stone, and an ancient, charming wine cellar. From spring until fall, opt for the tables outside in the town’s piazza. The sunsets are the best, so plan your dinner around it, while tasting some of the finest local Brunello in the adjoining wine bar. The food prepared by the father and son team of Gianfranco and Lucca, is always fresh and traditional with small elegant twists. The plate of appetizers is a must, as are the handmade ravioli with baby sage and handmade pinci with black cabbage, bacon, and tomatoes. Though it is not always necessary, it is best to call ahead for reservations. Closed Wednesday.

© Trattoria Il Leccio, Vanessa Rusci

La Fonte

Pod. Fonte Bertusi di Sopra, 73, Pienza 53026 – +39 057 874 9142 – Website

Set in the hills above the Val d’Orcia, La Fonte restaurant is housed within a 15th-century building that sits on a working farm. Surrounded by olive groves and cypress forests, this serene farm-stay restaurant offers the freshest raw materials, warm service, and a stunning atmosphere on the terrace. Seeking the best products for their cuisine, La Fonte sources all of its ingredients from the closest neighboring farms. There is a microbrewery also on site. Closed Tuesdays.

Sette di Vino

Piazza di Spagna, 1, Pienza 53026 – +39 057 874 9092

As local as it gets for Tuscany restaurant recommendations, Sette di Vino is family run, it offers traditional cuisine with large portions, and has an atmosphere of warm hospitality. With seating in the picturesque piazza, you can enjoy your grilled cheese (literally cheese that has been grilled), ricotta bruschetta, or Zuppa di Fagioli while admiring the charming surroundings. Closed Wednesdays.

Featured image: © La Grotta

Crete Restaurant Recommendations

Written by Iulian Milcomete on January 13, 2022. Posted in Crete, Restaurants.

As Greece’s largest island, it’s only fitting that Crete’s culinary offerings are as abundant as its beloved beaches and gorges. From east to west, these Crete restaurant recommendations will point you towards some unforgettable dining experiences.

Tholos Restaurant

Ag. Deka, 36, Chania 73132 – +30 282 104 6725 – Website

With multilevel seating throughout the picturesque courtyard, each landing of Tholos Restaurant is unique and beautiful. With open air seating at its finest, this stunning restaurant has its bases covered: lovely ambiance, kind staff, and great food. Try the lamb shank with a bottle of red wine, or maybe souvlaki with sparkling rose. Whichever meal you end up choosing, you’re in for a spectacular and delectable night out.

To Koutourouki

Parodos Potie, 8, Chania 73132 – +30 282 150 1990

A hidden oasis tucked away on a cobblestone alleyway and covered overhead with lush vines, To Koutourouki is a quirky gem in Chania’s old town. With colorful walls and décor, the lively atmosphere will bring you joy as well as a warm welcome. With so many interesting and wonky detailing (check out the painted murals), you’ll have visual entertainment throughout your dinner. We love the Cretan pork, beetroot risotto with lime, and zucchini balls!

Lotus Eaters Restaurant

Elounda 72053 – +30 284 104 1538 – Website

Nestled in the fishing village and overlooking the bay of Elounda, Lotus Eaters Restaurant is quiet and peaceful, sitting right on the North shore of Crete. Taking advantage of the covered patio, you’ll enjoy the coastline view while exploring the menu full of local specialties. If you think of it, you can call ahead and ask for a leg of organic lamb marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, thyme and oregano—it will be slow roasted and ready for your reservation. That is Greek hospitality at its finest. Closed Tuesday.

Terrassa Restaurant

San Nicolò, Ellinika, 67, Elounda 72100 – +30 284 102 4695 – Website

From live music in the evenings, to the elevated patio views of the Gulf of Elounda, Terrassa Restaurant is full of character. With a menu offering fried lamb, grilled octopus, and pork shank, you’re sure to be impressed from your very first bite! Furnished in traditional Cretan style, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy dishes from the area as well as professional service. For dessert, we highly recommend the freshly baked Galaktoboureko… it’s a crowd pleaser.

Olondi Restaurant

Epar. Od. Fournis-Elountas, 0, Elounda 72100 – +30 284 104 1040 – Website

Olondi is one of those all-round great Crete restaurant recommendations. The food is delicious, fresh, beautifully presented and very reasonably priced. The wine list is great, which is not always the case in Greece. The staff at Olondi are friendly and very accommodating. However, the best part of Olondi is its setting. This restaurant is set on the tranquil waterfront of Elounda Bay; it is the perfect venue to have a casual lunch or dinner. The restaurant and its surrounding really transform into a romantic venue in the evenings, truly magical to sit at Olondi and watch the sunset over the bay.

Ferryman Taverna

Akti Olountos, Schisma Elountas, Elounda 72053 – +30 284 104 1230

Ferryman Taverna is a seaside gem so acclaimed that it attracts everyone from locals to celebrities. It’s the closest to fine dining that a taverna can get, providing a wonderful dining experience that doesn’t feel too upscale. While any of the classic main courses are superb, many of the simple-sounding starters, like their salads or sagnaki with fig jam, are not to be missed.

Featured image: © Neirfy | Dreamstime

Venice Restaurant Recommendations

Written by Iulian Milcomete on January 11, 2022. Posted in Restaurants, Venice.

The emblematic canals of Venice are lined with outstanding restaurants offering up some of the best dining experiences in all of Italy. Whether you’re seeking an elegant dinner or somewhere to simply grab a bite to eat and watch the gondolas float by, these Venice restaurant recommendations will steer you toward the perfect option for your needs.

Osteria di Santa Marina

Campo Santa Marina, 5911, Venice 30122 – +39 041 528 5239 – Website

A proudly Venetian restaurant, Osteria di Santa Marina serves traditional cuisine, as well as some modern updates to classic dishes. The decor is sophisticated, but not extravagant, providing the ideal atmosphere for any occasion. You can opt for one of their carefully-crafted tasting menus or select from their a la carte menu that contains dishes like scallop carpaccio, linguine with crab sauce and turbot with porcini mushrooms.

Ristorante Ai Mercanti

Calle Fuseri, 4346/a, San Marco, Venice 30011 – +39 041 523 8269 – Website

Ristorante Ai Mercanti is situated in the heart of Venice, between San Marco square and Rialto Bridge, yet tucked away just enough to get an escape from the crowds. Both typical Venetian as well as international dishes are available, from black cuttlefish risotto to beef burgers. They also have an extensive wine list, including a variety of options from small local producers.

Lineadombra

Dorsoduro, 19, Venice 30123 – +39 041 241 1881 – Website

One of Venice’s sleekest restaurants, Lineadombra is Michelin-starred and well deserving of its fine reputation. Order the sea-bass fillet cooked in a salt crust and enjoy it with views of the Giudecca from the outdoor deck. Pair your meal with any option off of their vast, award-winning wine list, and you’re in for a stunningly sumptuous evening.

© Osteria al Cantinon

Osteria al Cantinon

Sottoportego Delle Colonete, 2152, Venice 30121 – +39 041 524 3801 – Website

An intimate restaurant with a passionate staff, the Osteria al Cantinon is one of the best Venice restaurant recommendations for a romantic evening. Tables dressed in white linens border the canal; guests sip local wines under the cream-colored archways; the aromas of pasta, cheeses, and grilled seafood fill the air. Take appetizers and dinner at leisure, then end with an evening cocktail as the sun slowly sets in the Floating City. Closed Wednesday.

Wisteria Restaurant

San Polo 2908, Venice 30125 – +39 041 524 3373 – Website

With flavors of the Upper Adiatic Sea, Wisteria Restaurant offers contemporary cuisine plated in a delicate and artistic manner. With vegetarian, meat, and fish dishes, this stylish restaurant has options that will lend to any palate. A recent renovation followed an environmental low-impact approach, and the terrace garden next to the canal gives bloom to wisteria from spring to summer.

Taverna Scalinetto

Campo Bandiera e Moro, 3803, Venice 30122 – +39 041 520 0776 – Website

Close to the Piazza San Marco and tucked on the side of the promenade Riva degli Schiavoni, Taverna Scalinetto is a tavern like no other. Outside, you’ll find a beautiful Venetian courtyard, waiting to welcome you under the sun dappled vine covering. Inside, the soaring ceilings, rustic nautical décor, and wooden paneling create a casual atmosphere mimicking that of a boat’s cabin. With a menu that leans heavily on seafood and pasta, you’ll be served the freshest mussels, octopus, black ink pasta, and gnocchi.

Featured image: © Ekaterinabelova | Dreamstime

Rome Restaurant Recommendations

Written by Iulian Milcomete on January 3, 2022. Posted in Restaurants, Rome.

Food is as quintessential to Rome as the Colosseum. As the capital of Italy, this city has high culinary standards that make any dinner out an unforgettable experience. While a wondrous meal can be found around every corner, these Rome restaurant recommendations can help guide you to some of the best.

Hostaria Antica Roma

Via Appia Antica, 176, Rome 00178 – +39 065 132 888 – Website

For truly iconic dining, consider Hostaria Antica Roma: a tavern built into ancient ruins. With a stunning garden terrace in the shadow of the grand Mausoleum, your dining experience will be surrounded by history, culture, and the vine-tomatoes growing for tomorrow’s meal. As a recommendation, try Paolo’s authentic Roman lasagna… it is fantastic. Closed Monday.

Ditirambo

Piazza della Cancelleria, 74, Rome 00186 – +39 066 871 626 – Website

Located in the lively Campo dei Fiori, Ditirambo delivers on anything you could want from a classic Italian meal. On offer is a wide range of fresh pastas like cacio e pepe or wild boar papardelle, and succulent meats like braised beef cheek and Piemontese-style veal. In addition to its staple dishes, Ditirambo boasts weekly specials that highlights the season’s best ingredients.

© Ditirambo

La Gatta Mangiona

Via Federico Ozanam, 30-32, Rome 00152 – +39 065 346 702 – Website

Open since 1999, La Gatta Magiona is one of the best Rome restaurant recommendations for unforgettable pizza. This popular pizzeria not only nails a classic margherita pie, but also expands upon it with varieties topped with unique ingredients such as lemongrass or Thai spices. They also offer an impressive array of white pies, several of which are equally eclectic. You can share a few different pizzas to sample the traditional versus the experimental, and wash them down with a drink off of their extensive beer and wine lists.

Ad Hoc

Via di Ripetta, 43, Rome 00186 – +39 063 233 040 – Website

With luxurious bottles of wine lining the walls, you know you’re in for a splendid evening. An intimate restaurant with contemporary cuisine, Ad Hoc is a must for a romantic dinner in Rome. From delicately balanced cuisine to artistic design and colorful patterns of vegetables and sauces, your dinner is a true work of art. Try the truffle tasting menu and come hungry, as there are multiple items in each course. Reservations recommended.

Aroma

Hotel Palazzo Manfredi, Via Labicana, 125, Rome 00184 – +39 069 761 5109 – Website

As a Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the Colosseum, Aroma strives to offer a “culinary experience in the setting of your dreams”. There are a few tasting menus packed with delicacies such as risotto with whiskey-smoked butter and salted cod with tomatoes and capers. To compliment your meal, you can also order a wine pairing designed by a skilled sommelier to match each course to perfection.

© Aroma, Palazzo Manfredi

Santa Lucia

Largo Febo, 12, Rome 00186 – +39 066 880 2427 – Website

Featured in the 2010 movie Eat Pray Love featuring Julia Roberts, Santa Lucia’s dining terrace is a quiet, romantic setting behind Piazza Navona. Surrounded by a stone and ironwork wall, the terrace is shaded by trees and white umbrellas and is heated during cooler months. Inside, the restaurant is adorned with marigold- and rose-hued walls with heavy wooden ceiling beams, paintings in gilt frames, and crystal scones and chandeliers. Enjoyed by such former guests as Giorgio Armani, Martin Scorsese, Sophia Loren, and Leonardo DiCaprio, Santa Lucia’s menu offers traditional Italian dishes such as scialatielli with pecorino cheese, pepper, and mussels.

Trattoria Sor’eva

Piazza della Rovere, 108, Rome 00165 – +39 066 875 797 – Website

If you are around the Vatican area, try this loud, chaotic, and intricate trattoria run by charming people who yell their orders to the chefs in the kitchen like it’s always been customary to do in such places. Frequented mainly by locals, a lot of whom eat there everyday, and priests from the nearby North American College. Closed on Mondays.

Casa Bleve

Via del Teatro Valle, 48-49, Rome 00186 – +39 066 865 970 – Website

When in Rome, there are regular enotecas and then there’s Casa Bleve: sophisticated, Michelin-starred, and full of Roman grandeur. It spreads through the ground floor of a 16th-century palazzo, where retail wine is artfully displayed throughout, and dozens of dining tables have yards of space between them. Some are nestled up against a stone fountain along a back wall. Below those tables, in the first-century foundations of the building, the wine cellar is stocked. At the end of a meal, if servers aren’t too busy, they may be willing to show you! Closed Sunday.

© Casa Bleve

CiPASSO Bistrot

Via Metastasio, 21, Rome 00186 – +39 066 889 2620 – Website

An intimate wine bar offering exquisite cuisine, CiPASSO Vineria Bistrot is best suited Rome restaurant recommendations for a relaxing dinner. With a cobblestone sidewalk and vines climbing down towards the entrance, you are welcomed into a hidden cove of Italian vino and charm. Not only is CiPASSO picturesque, but its appetizers and dinner fare are innovative; try the classic charcuterie, beef carpaccio, and octopus for an unforgettable pairing with your glass of red wine.

Featured image: © Aroma, Palazzo Manfredi

Florence Restaurant Recommendations

Written by Iulian Milcomete on November 4, 2021. Posted in Florence, Restaurants.

As the capital of agriculture-rich Tuscany, Florence is a pinnacle of the hearty cuisine Italy is famous for. Whether you’re dining on handmade pasta laden with fresh truffles or a sizable and acclaimed bistec alla fiorentina, all paired with wine from surrounding vineyards, you’re guaranteed to have countless outstanding meals. These Florence restaurant recommendations will help put you on such a magnificent culinary path.

Enoteca Pinchiorri

Via Ghibellina, 87, Florence 50122 – +39 055 26311 – Website

The cuisine at this restaurant is a fine balance of classic and modern, taking the best from both styles to create elegant dishes served in a luxurious and cosmopolitan ambience. The wine list here is legendary. You may wish to choose from delicately-crafted set menus or design your own a la carte meal of dishes like carrot and star anise risotto with grilled scampi or lamb with eggplant and laurel mousse.

Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina

Piazza Pitti, 16, Florence 50125 – +39 055 212 704 – Website

This little wine bar is a sensational way to spend an afternoon in Florence. The passionate owners will take you on a journey: tasting a range of wines perfectly paired with authentic dishes from the kitchen. The Wine Tasting Lunch is 40 Euro per person which will include four wines accompanied by a three-course lunch. Reservations are not required but are highly recommended.

© Olga Makarova (left), Giovanni Rasoti (right), Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina

Il Barretto

Via del Parione, 50, Florence 50123 – +39 055 294 122 – Website

In the refined style of the sixties, Il Barretto charms guests with its seductive atmosphere and thoughtful cuisine. Offering traditional Tuscan cooking and excellent attention to service, the kitchen and staff at Il Barretto seek to uphold an intimate and elegant milieu for your evening.

La Giostra

Borgo Pinti, 12r, Florence 50121 – +39 055 241 341 – Website

Hospitable twin son owners from a noble family create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for a delectable meal at La Giostra. Try the perfectly-cooked Fiorentina Steak or their savory ravioli stuffed with pecorino cheese and pear that will just melt in your mouth. Just make sure you leave enough room for dessert to try their famous tiramisu!

© La Giostra

Auditore Ristorante Braceria

Piazza del Grano, 13, Florence 50122 – +39 055 217 320 – Website

Paying homage to the history of art that influences their city, Auditore Ristorante Braceria features reproductions of famous artworks on its walls, and an atmosphere that is both welcoming and lively. Pair a glass of Tuscan wine with a hearty plate of gnocchi, steak, or pizza and you’re in for a vibrant, flavor-filled night.

Buca Lapi

Palazzo Antinori, Via del Trebbio, 1r, Florence 50123 – +39 055 213 768 – Website

While bruschetta or the wild boar pasta may tempt you early on, order your courses at the acclaimed Buca Lapi carefully. You won’t want to be too full for the star of the restaurant, the bistec alla fiorentina, served in a portion that can very easily fill two people on its own. And, of course, there is also an extensive array of red wines to choose from to pair perfectly with this famous cut of meat. If tasting this dish is a priority for you, this is one of the most important Florence restaurant recommendations on this list.

© Buca Lapi

Terrace with a view of the Acropolis at GB Roof Garden, an Athens restaurant

Athens Restaurant Recommendations

Written by Iulian Milcomete on July 23, 2021. Posted in Athens, Restaurants.

In Greece’s historic capital of Athens, you are destined to have a meal as monumental as its famed ruins. Whether you prefer to indulge in classic cuisine or new and unique takes on it, there are plenty dining hotspots that will meet your needs. These Athens restaurant recommendations can help make narrowing down your plethora of options a little bit easier.

To Trikyklo

Pytheou 34 & Geometrou 1, Athens 11743 – +30 210 923 2384 – Website

Off the beaten tourist track, this taverna is a little gem for Greek food. Eat amongst the locals and try dishes such as tzatziki, feta with red chilli and olive oil, Greek salad, meat balls, veal baked in red wine, stuffed aubergine and fried anchovies.

2Mazi

Nikis, 48, Syntagma Square, Athens 10525 – +30 210 322 2839 – Website

The airy courtyard of 2Mazi is both welcoming and elegant, the perfect setting for a delightful meal. As in most Greek restaurants, you can’t go wrong with the lamb entree, but the tuna or poached grouper are fantastic alternatives if you’d like something from the sea. And if you don’t prefer meat of any variety, there’s also a vegetarian menu packed with delicacies like vegetable ravioli and mushroom and truffle risotto.

© 2Mazi

Oineas

9 Aisopou, Athens 10554 – +30 210 321 5614 – Website

With a bubbling atmosphere, decor and great food, this taverna is popular with tourists and locals alike. The unusual appetizers (fried feta in light honey) may conspire to make you forget to order any main dishes, but don’t — you can’t go wrong in any of your selections here.

Avocado

Nikis, 30, Syntagma, Athens 10557 – +30 210 323 7878 – Website

A vegetarian and vegan Athens restaurant café serving organic dishes with friendly staff that will help you with the menu. Nestled in a tranquil space, it offers you a healthy option in the city of Athens. Must tries include the Holy Guacamole and Pimento (a spicy non alcoholic drink from France) and the vegan pizza with veggies including avocado and eggplant.

GB Roof Garden

Hotel Grande Bretagne, 1 Vasileos Georgiou A’ Str., Syntagma Square, Athens 10564 – +30 21 0333 0766 – Website

For a fantastic view of the Acropolis by night and fancy Greek specialities including unique cocktails, go here. Enjoy one of these drinks alongside some steamed sea bass or pork cheeks with risotto. Check before you go to see if there are any special live music nights going on, such as jazz or opera. Reservations are recommended.

Metropolis Roof Garden

Electra Metropolis Hotel, Mitropoleos 15, Athens 10557 – +30 214 100 6290 – Website

For another stunning view of the Acropolis paired with a delectable menu full of Mediterranean cuisine and fusion dishes, consider the Metropolis Roof Garden perched atop the Electra Metropolis Hotel. Start with a classic shrimp saganaki before moving on to lobster orzo with smoked sausage, fresh truffle and caramelized cauliflower. End your meal with their unique spicy lemon and basil custard.

Positano Restaurant Recommendations

Written by Iulian Milcomete on June 28, 2021. Posted in Amalfi Coast, Restaurants.

Every year, people flock to Italy for the chance to taste some of the finest cuisine in the world. The Amalfi Coast epitomizes this trend with countless terraces inviting diners with gorgeous terraces and amazing dishes ranging coastal specialties like spaghetti with clams to homey favorites like Neopolitan pizza. These Positano restaurant recommendations will help you traverse the culinary roadmap of one of the most popular Amalfi Coast towns.

La Sponda

Le Sirenuse, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 30, Positano 84017 – +39 089 875 066 – Website

Bougainvillaea covers the vaulted ceiling and hundreds of candles create a magical atmosphere. In the summer months meals are served al fresco where the splendor of the Amalfi Coast will captivate you. La Sponda boasts a cuisine that is simple, fragrant and light combining the best of local and Italian flavors with international flair. The Chef gives great emphasis to the choice of local ingredients which vary with the seasons. Behind glass windows in the restaurant, chefs can be seen preparing dishes in a kitchen decorated with handmade tiles and copper pots.

La Tagliata

Via Tagliata, 32b, Positano 84017 – +39 089 875 872 – Website

From the passion for genuine and natural products directly derived from their orchard, a love for antique traditions was born in La Tagliata. This restaurant boasts a spectacular location with its incredible view of the Galli isles, Capri and Positano below. It offers tasty and original handmade pasta dishes including gnocchi with a choice of sauces, fusilli with pumpkin and ravioli with provola cheese, rocket and mozzarella. Also on the menu is a great choice of meat: t-bone steak, chicken, grilled veal, sausages and lamb. Pick some plates to share amongst your group; the large portions allow for family-style dining.

© La Tagliata

Next2

Viale Pasitea, 242, Positano 84017 – +39 089 812 3516 – Website

Opened in 2004 it is an attractively furnished restaurant with modern lines and serious food, from updated versions of classic Neapolitan dishes to more creative fare like pumpkin soup with rosemary oil and shrimp.

da Vincenzo

Via Pasitea, 172/178, Positano 84017 – +39 089 875 128 – Website

Seek out Da Vincenzo for a well-deserved, Michelin-starred meal. Founded over 50 years ago by the current owner’s uncle, this upscale restaurant has a history to tell. It’s on the main one-way street in the southern part of Positano, so you won’t have to wander far from the fun! Specializing in seafood, our favorite options include tuna caponata antipasto, octopus, fava bean pasta, beef with parmesan, and tiramisu. Sip on a bottle of Barolo throughout your evening; you won’t be disappointed.

Lo Guarracino

Via Positanesi d’America, 12, Positano 84017 – +39 089 875 794 – Website

Lo Guarracino is situated along the path that winds around the headland, above the ferry ticket booths to the Spiaggia Fornillo, the best of the town’s two beaches. Serves simple, honest seafood with prices to match and a good place to watch the sunset. If you’re a connoisseur of Neopolitan pizza, this is also one of the best Positano restaurant recommendations to keep in mind.

Ristorante Max

Piazza dei Mulini, 22, Positano 84017 – +39 089 875 056 – Website

This is a special restaurant: you step in an art gallery and you feel as if you are in someone’s home. You will be surrounded by original artwork, paintings, furniture and decor. Their specialities include baby calamari stuffed with cheese seasoned with olive oil and herbs, and tagliolini with fresh local spiny lobster. Guests can also eat in a nice courtyard garden area with dim lighting during the evening: a very romantic atmosphere.

Chez Black

Via del Brigantino, 19, Positano 84017 – +39 089 875 036 – Website

Right on the Spiaggia Grande, it is one of the most popular casual restaurants in Positano. It is a local institution, allegedly nicknamed after owner Salvatore Russo’s eternal tan. This nautically themed place cannot be beaten for its location or as a great spot for people-watching. The friendly staff will guide you through their specialities, including zuppa di pesce – fish soup, paccheri con Positanese di seppie e polipi and spaghetti con ricci di mare – sea urchins served in a large metal urchin.

Il Tridente

Hotel Poseidon, Viale Pasitea, 140, Positano 84017 – +39 089 811 111 – Website

Il Tridente may be most known for its sprawling views of Positano, but it’s cuisine will also leave a lasting impression on you. Their menu full of seafood delicacies like monkfish ravioli and sea bass for two is rounded by savory black pig and an array of vegetarian dishes, such as the citrus risotto and sesame-roasted tofu. Even if you decide to have dinner elsewhere, still consider booking an earlier or later reservation at the cocktail bar to take in the lovely view over refreshing drinks.

Naxos Restaurant Recommendations

Written by Iulian Milcomete on June 24, 2021. Posted in Naxos, Restaurants.

With a booming agricultural economy, Naxos shines in its fresh authentic cuisine. Ducking into almost any charming taverna provides a delightful dining experience, but these tried and true Naxos restaurant recommendations are as close to a guarantee as you can get. As with any island across Greece, seafood is a staple, but you’ll also find a wide array of hearty meat and vegetable dishes.

Nissaki

Nissaki Beach Hotel, Saint George Beach, Naxos Town, Naxos 84300 – +30 228 502 5710 – Website

Located along the water, at Nissaki Restaurant you can dine with the gentle crashing of the waves and a refreshing sea breeze. Try the lobster spaghetti, a cornerstone of their menu, and pair it with a glass from their list of local Greek wines.

© Typografio

Typografio

Chora, Naxos 84300 – +30 228 502 2375 – Website

Typografio sits above Naxos town’s harbor, with plenty of outdoor seating to take in the view. The food mixes traditional and modern with ease, and the professional staff is always ready to assist. The restaurant is just outside the castle, making it a great stop for a meal after an afternoon exploring the area. Reservations recommended.

Barozzi

Ariadnis, Naxos Town, Naxos 84300 – +30 228 502 7672 – Website

Baorzzi has hopped on the trend of farm-to-table cuisine, taking advantage of the island’s bountiful agriculture to provide incredibly fresh dishes. The seafood dishes are outstanding, and the goat entree is a surprise fan favorite. While the wine list is extensive, it is also well worth ordering one of their carefully crafted cocktails with some unique ingredients such as gentian root or dittany.

© Scirocco

Scirocco

Platia Protodikiou, Chora, Naxos 84300 – +30 228 502 5931 – Website

Ask any local Naxian about the best restaurants on the island, and you are bound to hear of Scirocco. This wonderful restaurant serves traditional specialties like souvlaki or moussaka, but also local favorites. Try the Naxian salad or a seafood medley. Reservations highly recommended.