La Lluna – Muswell Hill

An impromptu weekday evening out led us to dinner at La Lluna. It had come at the right time as when a day has been a bit of a trying one, the time with special close friends helps wonders.

Cafe Rouge – Oxford

Cafe Rouge had a European feel to it. There was the classic red and dark wooden theme with big etched mirrors on the wall. Huge windows could be opened on a hot day and hence there would be plenty of fresh air coming into the restaurant.

Van Speyk – Amsterdam

Van Speyk was extremely busy. It was lucky to be able to get a table quickly after intially being told that there was a 40 minute wait.

Gail’s – Highgate

It was one of those days where it was lucky to have the sun come out. So a walk around Waterlow Park was wonderful. It was made even better to be able to see all the fragrant flowers and to take in the relaxing scent of the lavender by Lauderdale House.

+ Que Pan – Madrid

+ Que Pan is a bakery and cake shop as well as a cafe. Fresh bread, baguettes and the cakes are on display behind the counter. There is a good variety and plenty to choose from.

Bellillo – Naples

When the pizza craving occurs, it is a bonus to be in Naples-the city of the Neopolitan pizza. People say you can never have a bad pizza in Naples.

Ginza Onodera – Mayfair

Tucked away in Mayfair is where this Japanese restaurant is located. It gives the chance to take time out from the busy surrounding areas of Piccadilly. On arriving at Ginza Onodera, I was taken downstairs into the restaurant area as the entrance level is the bar area.

Demel – Vienna

It was hard to choose where to try the famous Sachertorte in Vienna. Should it be had at Hotel Sacher or at Demel? As Lonely Planet describes it “both cafes claim to be a cut above the other; try both and decide”.

Petrus – Stockholm

Following the scent of freshly baked bread from down the street, leads you to the lovely Petrus. The bakery may be small but it has plenty of good looking bread loaves, buns, sandwiches and traditional Swedish produce.