Modern
Paris, France
“Hissa” like Hisayuki Takeuchi.
Self defined as “Master Artist-Chef”, Mr Takeuchi is exactly that. A virtuoso of modern Japanese cuisine, making works of arts out of fish, rice and a few traditional and less traditional ingredients. Hissa is genuinely creative. Genuinely, because he is not “trying”. This is who is. Always has been, always will be.
Restaurant
London, UK
Gloria is a recent addition to the Shoreditch scene, with quite a different positioning. Inspired by 70s Capri (one of our most favorite places on earth), Gloria is a bold, colourful, vibrant, noisy, and happening Italian trattoria. Serving all the traditional dishes we love, the atmosphere is completed by some less “traditional” tunes playing later in the evening, best enjoyed with some of Gloria’s amazing cocktails. Difficult to book in advance, your best bet is just to walk-in, sip a glass of wine at the bar waiting for your table and enjoy the scene.
Restaurant
London, UK
Set in Marylebone, Opso is a corner of mediterranean sunshine in the heart of London. Serving updated traditional Greek dishes, tapas-style, the atmosphere is lively (even if sometimes almost noisy)… A good place to make the summer last a little longer.
Restaurant
Caparica, Portugal
Princesa is a beach restaurant filling a historical gap in the Lisbon / Cascais region: think inventive and flavourful dishes served in a cool, nature inspired setting, striking the right balance between relax and hip… Overlooking the expanse of the beautiful beaches of Caparica, Princesa reminds us of some of the nice places in Mykonos or Ibiza, without losing its cool and Portuguese heritage. That said, stick around as the sun sets and the places does become as happening as those other destinations…
Restaurant / Beach
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
Singapore, Singapore
“Crossroads cooking”, the term coined by the chef of Nouri, is a good description of the dishes served in this beautiful restaurant: inspired by Italian, Spanish, German, Brazilian and Asian influences, every dish is as inventive as a next, full of surprises. Best for dinner.
Restaurant
Comporta, Portugal
Combining traditional and modern, this restaurant set in an old and renovated horse stable serves inventive but delightful dishes. Focused on local and bio-diverse ingredients, the Cavalarica makes the most of its perfect location in the heart of Comporta.
Restaurant
London, UK
Delamina East, in Spitafields between Shoreditch and the City, serves traditional but perfectly executed Eastern Mediterranean / Middle Eastern cooking. Think roasted vegetables, slow cooked meats, spices, herbs, more spices and more herbs. The setting is also a reflection of the menu: traditional accents but modern and different without being pretentious. And the atmosphere is as delightful as a long summer evening in that part of the world…
Restaurant
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
New York City, US
Charlie Bird is a serious restaurant, serving solid Italian seasonal dishes, which doesn’t take itself seriously. Love the playful design and typical-Soho vibe. The outdoor patio and wine selection are not to be missed either.
Restaurant
New York City, US
Inspired by New Zealand cooking, the Musket Room delivers a refined modern and sophisticated set of dishes and a naturally edgy but cool setting. A gem in the Nolita neighbourhood of NYC, Musket definitely deserves its 1 Michelin star. Also, we love the small herb garden at the back !
Restaurant
Istanbul, Turkey
Murver combines traditional turkish, middle eastern and mediterranean cuisine with a breathtaking location. The interior is very welcoming with the open kitchen (don’t you love to see the chefs at work) with a beautiful outdoor terrasse overlooking the Bosphorus. With the food, the type of combination you love to find when visiting this incredible city.
Restaurant
London, UK
Surprise of a modern turkish restaurant in the heart of Shoreditch. Traditional recipes beautifully executed in a modern manner. While remaining genuine.
Restaurant
London, UK
Mazi is a modern, fresh and welcoming Greek restaurant in the heart of Notting Hill. The dishes even though inspired by traditional recipes are executed with a creative flair without being pretentious. And in the summer, the outdoor garden would get you to forget the actual location of the haven.
Restaurant
Cascais, Portugal
Former private residence turned modern quirky hotel perched on a cliff. With 2 restaurants (with a preference for the Mediterranean one).
Hotel
New York City, US
Set in West Village, this open and airy local eatery serves a delicious combination of Middle East inspired dishes. Mixing Persian, Israeli and Yemeni influences, the kitchen is able to bring the sun out on a cloudy day.
Restaurant
Positano, Italy
A refined restaurant, serving traditional Italian dishes on the heights of Positano. The nice vibe is a good complement to the food and the view (without being a “scene”).
Restaurant
Mykonos, Greece
Not your typical “white-minimalist” beach club, Scorpios mixes earth and water to create a very unique atmosphere. Relaxed through the day, getting more electric as the sun sets. With remarkable food for a place which is supposed to be “trendy”. So nice to be different.
Restaurant
Lisbon, Portugal
Very small, local and surprising restaurant in the heart of Lisbon. Fresh and incredibly creative raw fish of all sorts, form and colour served in a cool space. No reservation (they don’t even have a website !), so show up early and get ready to queue sipping a few “deadly” pisco sours.
Restaurant
Sagres, Portugal
Small boutique hotel on a cliff, at the end of the world (as we knew it before discovering America). Set in a natural reserve at the south-western end of Portugal, this modern hotel is surrounded by nature and what the ocean has to give. Great food and incredible beaches asking to be surfed. Great value and family friendly (even though maybe not best for toddlers).
Hotel