Hífen

Cascais, Portugal

Hífen can be misleading from outside: what looks like a traditional and old fashioned Portuguese restaurant is actually one of the most interesting additions to the Cascais scene (can we already talk about a scene ?). The modern and surprising restaurant is split between a happening downstairs, with louder music and high tables, and a more quiet upstairs with one of the best views of the fishing port of Cascais. The food is delicious: based on sharing, it is inventive, mixing unexpected flavours together. Very successfully.

But one question remains: why do Portuguese restaurants, even those we prefer, need to have a TV ? Could certainly do without.

That said, Hífen is a great place for inventive food and good time.

Restaurant

Um Plateau

Luxembourg, Luxembourg

One of the great surprises in Luxembourg, Um Plateau is a refreshing discovery: interesting interior design with great character, inventive carte serving flavour-ful dishes without being pompous, welcome outdoor terrasse for alfresco dining and a beautiful selection of wines.

Restaurant

Estela

New York City, US

How to best describe Estela ? Difficult to put in a box. This small place on the first floor above Houston Street can get quickly packed and noisy. But the food, expected to be your usual brasserie dishes has a welcome quirky-ness, inspired by the Mediterranean cooking training of the head chef. Best places to seat: at the bar. Even more so given that the bar stays open late. A fun night ahead…

Restaurant

Queen of Hoxton Rooftop

London, UK

This is not a place you go to for the food. This is a place you go to for the setting, a quirky rooftop at the border between the City and Shoreditch, surrounded by high-rises. A place you go to for the “efficient” cocktails and for the vibe on a nice spring / summer evening. A different experience…

Restaurant/Bar

E&O

London, UK

In a city where everything changes all the time, here is an institution which has kept its game for more than 15 years. E&O mixes pan-asian dishes (from truffle sea bass sashimi to more traditional pad thais and curries) in a sophisticated but cool atmosphere, helped by the constant buzz in the bar area.

Restaurant.