Europe Restaurants

Given the small size of Ile Saint-Louis, I spent an inordinate amount of time there. There are some beautiful churches and interesting houses to look at as well as some great shops to browse through. But perhaps most importantly, the island is home to Berthillon, which consistently ranks among the top ice cream shops in the world. The line generally stretches through the restaurant and out the door, but it's worth it! Get more than one scoop and they put them side by side rather than stacking them up on each other. Definitely worth a visit (or two!)

The area around Lake Lucerne is know for it's Älplermagronen (baked macaroni with potatoes) and many other regional specialities such as
beef entrecote with beetroot-orange chutney in a thyme sauce, or lobster tempura.

Whether it's all of the new restaurants in the Zürich region or the samples of wines poured for tasting in the cellars of the Old Town of the heart of the city. This region is know for wine and up to date gourmet food.

Graubünden is home to Bündnerfleisch, the delicious air-dried beef famous throughout the world.

Piz Nair 3057m has a very nice panorama restaurant. Nice for a nice break and quick lunch before continue skiing.

The best thin crust pizza in the world!

Eating out in Denmark is really expensive - A bowl of pho that might cost $6 in the US, costs more like $20 in Copenhagen.

Den Iranske Forening in Norrebro is an Iranian buffet that cheap and wonderful. They had a fire at the end of 2007 - I hope they are back open now.

A few steps from the famed Grand Place in Brussels is the renowned restaurant Comme Chez Soi. The name of the restaurant literally means "like at your house"--you should be so lucky. Outstanding.

If you are looking for a great bakery (and who isn't in Brussels?) then the Patisserie Teddy L is a must. I enjoyed too many waffles (gaufres in French), pain au chocolat, and croissants during my many visits. As soon as the doors open you will know by the smell that you are in the right place.

In a country with a lot of places to go for beer, this is still the best place to go. In a beautiful, 3-story building that stands in the Grand Place, the Roi, serves a huge selection of beer. Take the grand, winding staircase upstairs and relax by the fireplace. In the summer, the terrace is the place to sit and take in all of the action below.

This restaurant is very memorable. It is just down a crowded walking street off the Grand Place in downtown Brussels. You enter through the kitchen! As you walk in you see the cooks preparing the food, the hanging beef from the ceiling, and the chef in the middle directing traffic. Also, they serve the best version of "moules et frites" (mussels and fries) that I have tasted. The atmosphere in the dining room is open and bustling--this is a great place to visit and enjoy.

The memorable thing here is all the handmade chocolates. This is a famous chocolatier on Le Grand Sablon, an old town square where they still have markets on Sunday. Inside, they prepare delicious chocolate cake, pastries, and all those wonderful chocolates!

Maiori, Italy offers one of the longest beach front Promenades on the Amalfi Coast. Often missed by many travelers headed for Positanto or Amalfi, Maiori offers some of the best sunsets to be seen in Southern Italy. Facing one of the longest beach fronts on the Coast is Gino’s Restaurant; offering everything from traditional regional pasta to the catch of the day, Gino’s is a must see along the famed Amalfi Coast. The Swordfish is a specialty at Gino’s with the owner preparing it only when caught fresh. If the swordfish is not available, try any other pasta that you find the other patrons eating.

After dining, cross the main road and head for the facing sea. The promenade that stretches its length is a great way to digest the mouthwatering meal at Gino’s and takes in amazing scenery.

This is one of the first restaurants you will see as you cross the bridge past the large stone walls into the wonderful walking streets of Sirmione. Da Oscar is a mainly outdoor pizzeria in the Italian sense of the word. It offers a casual atmosphere where you can order any of the pizzas cooked in the huge outdoor pizza oven or simple dishes like the wonderful pollo arrosto (roasted chicken). A great way to spend a warm summer evening.

This restaurant is the class of Sirmione. It has a long history, a rich decor and is for special nights. The indoor dining room serves cuisine you would associate with much larger cities and it is consistently excellent. Make sure you have some grappa after the meal--this is one to remember.