Rustic Eats and Seafood Treats at Da Maria

Da Maria is a simple rustic restaurant in the heart of Almafi. It serves pizzas, pasta, and seafood. Our waiter was friendly and welcoming and spoke good English.

For our meal, we ordered a mixed salad, mixed grilled fish, homemade Scialatielli (a type of short thick pasta) with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and aubergines, and an assortment of fried fish.

The pasta had a nice chew to it and was bursting with vibrant tomato flavor.

The grilled seafood was fresh, lightly salted, and had this great smoky flavor.

The fried seafood platter included calamari, shrimp, anchovies, and zucchini. Although I’ve never been particularly fond of calamari, one bite of the fried calamari at Da Maria was enough to win me over. The crispy coating gave way to tender calamari—simply delicious!

Da Maria

Website: http://www.amalfitrattoriadamaria.com/
Telephone: +39089871880
Opening hours:

Sunday	12–3 PM 6:30–10 PM
Monday	12–3 PM 6:30–10:30 PM
Tuesday	12–3 PM 6:30–10 PM
Wednesday	12–3 PM 6:30–10 PM
Thursday	12–3 PM 6:30–10 PM
Friday	12–3 PM 6:30–10 PM
Saturday	12–3 PM 6:30–10 PM

Address: Via Lorenzo D’Amalfi, 14, 84011 Amalfi SA, Italy

Shunsai Imari

Shunsai Imari is a restaurant serving Kyoto-style Obanzai, which is a traditional style of Japanese cuisine native to Kyoto. It’s also an excellent place to try Japanese-style breakfast.

Our waiter had good English and was attentive. The menu offers an array of dishes that highlight Kyoto’s vibrant palette of colors and flavors.

We decided to go with the 5 assorted Obanzai along with a grilled trout and black wagyu.

The dishes were not only delicious but also gave us that cozy, home-cooked feeling.

Marinated Enoki mushroom with grated radish, celery and lotus root in sweet sesame sauce, tofu and green pea cooked with egg , simmered eggplant in dashi soup, and Okara (soy pulp with chicken and vegetables).

Grilled trout marinated in citrus soy sauce

Black Wagyu top round

Shunsai Imari

Website: https://www.kyoto-imari.com/

Telephone: +81752311354

Opening hours: 7:30 – 9:30 a.m., 17:30 – 22:30 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays

Address: 108 Nishirokkakucho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8217, Japan

Sweet Delights at Rivoire

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Rivoire, a historic chocolate shop founded in 1872 in the heart of Florence’s Piazza della Signoria, offers a delectable selection of chocolates and tantalizing Italian pastries and sweets. Retaining its 19th-century charm, the shop features marbled tables and pink leather accent chairs amidst artwork adorning the dining hall. While seated in the outdoor area, guests can enjoy views of the Palazzo Vecchio and the Fountain of Neptune.

The cafe also offers a lovely breakfast menu featuring omelets, sandwiches, a diverse selection of coffees and teas, and gluten-free tarts for those with dietary restrictions. During my visit, I indulged in yogurt with fresh berries, a sumptuous hot chocolate topped with cream, and a decadent tiramisu.

Notably, Rivoire still crafts its signature hot chocolate according to a secret recipe dating back 150 years, offering a thick, creamy, and indulgent experience. As for the tiramisu, it was my first taste of this classic dessert in Italy, and it was nothing short of divine—exuding delicate bitterness, creamy richness, and just the right amount of sweetness.

Rivoire

Website: https://rivoire.it/
Opening hours: Mondays to Sundays 7:30 a.m. – 23:30 p.m.
Telephone: +39055214412
Address: P.za della Signoria, 5/R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Indulging in Italian Classics at Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi

Pasticceria Pansa, steeped in tradition since 1830, has been a purveyor of sweet confectionery, offering a delectable array of Classic Italian delights such as Sfogliatella, Tiramisu, and Pasticciotto. Inside the shop, the timeless ambiance lingers, while outside, tables enjoy the radiant warmth of the Amalfi sunshine.

As I settled in, I indulged in a cup of coffee, a scoop of Bronte Pistachio gelato, and a Lemon Delight.

Bronte pistachios are renowned globally for their exceptional quality, and this gelato truly lives up to that reputation. The gelato is smooth, creamy, and rich, showcasing the perfect intensity of pistachio flavor. Each spoonful is a blissful indulgence, leaving a lingering taste of pistachio perfection. It is one of the best pistachio gelatos I’ve had.

Originating from Almafi, the Lemon Delight is a dome-shaped sponge cake with lemon custard covered in a lemon glaze. While the sponge cake is light and airy, I found it a tad too sweet, which unfortunately overshadowed the delicate tartness of the lemon.

Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi

Website: https://www.pasticceriapansa.com/
Telephone: +39089871065
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 7:30 a.m. – 23:00 p.m.
Address: Piazza Duomo, 40, 84011 Amalfi SA, Italy

A Must-Try Pizza Fritta Experience

You can’t visit Naples without tasting pizza fritta (Fried pizza). Located just a few shops down from the renowned Gino e Toto Sorbillo on Via dei Tribunali, this takeaway spot serves a variety of Italian street foods, including folded pizza, pizza fritta, and baked calzoncini.

Upon entering, I asked for a recommendation, and the guy behind the counter suggested the Spaccanapoli ( €4.80). It boasted a tantalizing combination of smoked mozzarella, ricotta cheese, tomato, black pepper, basil, and olive oil. Its rich flavors and fresh ingredients almost resembled a classic Margherita pizza.

What’s more, the pizzas are made to order, ensuring each bite is fresh and delicious. The prices are also affordable, making it the perfect spot to grab a quick and satisfying bite while exploring the area.

‘A Puteca d’ ‘a Pizza

Opening hours:

Monday	11:30 am–10:30 pm
Tuesday	11:30 am–10:30 pm
Wednesday	11:30 am–10:30 pm
Thursday	11:30 am–10:30 pm
Friday	11:30 am–11 pm
Saturday	11:30 am–11:30 pm
Sunday	11:30 am–11:15 pm

Address:Via dei Tribunali, 86, 80139 Napoli NA, Italy

Culinary experience at MOKSA

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Nestled at the base of Mount Hiei, Moksa is enveloped by the tranquility of nature, with verdant greenery and crisp, fresh air enveloping the surroundings. Our stay in the Garden suite provided us with a quaint balcony offering picturesque views of the moss garden and the majestic Mount Hiei. The Japanese-style rooms boasted ample space in the living area and the expansive bathroom, allowing us to unwind and immerse ourselves in the serene ambiance.

With only one restaurant on-site, MALA, guests can savor wood-fired grill cuisine while enjoying breathtaking vistas through wall-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lush garden and the mountainous landscape.

Our dinner consisted of a 7-course menu.

Soft-shelled turtle, green olive, Shiitake mushroom

The steamed egg custard was silky and delicate. The bread had a thin crust, fragrant with a subtle hint of nuttiness, offering a soft and chewy texture.

Local vegetable, Dried mullet roe

The salad was a delightful surprise, offering a captivating mix of flavors. Its vibrant colors made it incredibly enticing, while the addition of roe provided a rich umami flavor and added depth to the dish.

Sea bream, spring cabbage, Hassaku orange

The cabbage cooked over the grill intensified its natural sweetness, adding vibrancy and soulfulness to its taste. It’s truly the sweetest cabbage I’ve ever tasted. The sea bream was cooked to perfection, offering a fresh and delicate taste. Dressed in a light Mousseline Sauce with Hassaku oranges, it allowed the fish’s natural flavors to shine through.

Chicken, Sweet potato, Balsamic vinegar

The chicken was cooked perfectly, resulting in tender and juicy meat with a lovely, savory skin. A sweet potato with a smokey skin accompanied it, adding depth to its flavor profile. Drizzled with a balsamic dressing, each bite offered a harmonious blend of savory and sweet notes.

Smoked brown rice, Canola flower, Buckwheat seeds

This dish was the pièce de résistance. The smoked brown rice was exceptional. It was rich yet not unctuous, almost like a lighter risotto. The dish, in its entirety, was seasoned beautifully with an excellent depth of flavor, with the parmesan cheese adding the perfect finishing touch.

Strawberry, petit four

At the end of our meal, a thoughtful gesture awaited us: each of us received a box of Inari sushi to enjoy later as a snack in our room.

Moksa

Website: https://moksa.jp/

Telephone: 075-744-1001

Address: 601-1255 , Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Sakyo Ward, Kami-Takano Higashiyama 65

Classic American Breakfast in Florence

Rooster is a cozy café nestled in the heart of Florence, right next to Museo di Palazzo Davanzati. This is the spot for you if you’re craving a change from the usual Italian breakfast scene. This rustic cafe serves classic American breakfasts such as pancakes, chicken and waffles, and bagels.

Being an early bird, I reached the café before it opened, finding it blissfully quiet. Given its reputation for getting crowded, I advise coming early in the morning to avoid the crowd.

As for the experience, the food and drinks were amazing. However, what truly impressed me was the outstanding service. The staff members are exceptionally friendly, welcoming, and relaxed, always sporting bright smiles that add to the warm ambiance of the café.

Basil Detox

(Basil, celery, cucumber, apple, lemon, ginger, topped with mint and chia seeds)

Heart Attack

(Espresso, milk, chocolate, coffee syrup, topped with whipped cream)

Chicken and waffles

Whenever chicken and waffles are an option, I’m all over it! They’re my go-to choice.

The chicken was tender on the inside with a crispy, well-seasoned coating on the outside. It’s fried to golden perfection, offering a satisfying crunch with each bite. The waffle was light with a slightly crisp edge.

Rooster Cafe Firenze

Website: https://www.roostercafefirenze.com/
Opening hours:

Sunday	9 am–9 pm
Monday	Closed
Tuesday	9 am–9 pm
Wednesday	9 am–9 pm
Thursday	9 am–9 pm
Friday	9 am–11 pm
Saturday	9 am–11 pm

Telephone: +390552645006
Address: Via Porta Rossa, 63R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Eat Greek Kouzina

Eat Greek Kouzina is a restaurant serving Greek cuisine on The Galeria Al Maryah Island. It has a charming outdoor seating area with views of the water and contemporary Mediterranean decor, creating a stylish and inviting atmosphere.

The restaurant’s menu boasts a variety of Greek dishes and beverages, including specialties like tzatziki, moussaka, and gemista.

All dishes were visually inviting. The entire staff was delightful. They regularly checked in on our dining experience, which added a wonderful warmth to our time there. Even the person who prepared the coffee took the time to personally inquire about its quality.

The original cappuccino Freddo AED 24

The rich and velvety espresso is perfectly chilled and blended with just the right amount of frothy milk. This refreshing pick-me-up hits all the right notes.

Soup of the day AED 44

The beef soup with potato and carrot was a simple yet deeply comforting dish. It offered a satisfyingly hearty meal, and its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients made it quite filling.

Cretan salad AED 44

Sweet cherry tomatoes, Greek feta, barley rusk, oregano and olive oil

The sweet juiciness of the cherry tomatoes paired perfectly with the creamy richness of the Greek feta cheese, creating a delightful contrast of textures. The addition of barley rusk added a satisfying crunch, while the fragrant oregano and drizzle of olive oil elevated the dish with its aromatic essence.

Homemade pie AED 72

Spanakopita (spinach and feta pie)

The pie’s crispy outside and creamy inside created a lovely contrast. Its mild herbaceous taste added a delightful hint of freshness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Pan-roasted chicken AED 130

The roasted chicken, complemented by eggplant puree and herb oil alongside chicken jus, was truly delightful. Fresh sage provided a minty, slightly peppery flavor that enhanced the dish beautifully. Cooked to perfection, the chicken was juicy and subtly seasoned. The eggplant puree resembled a lighter variation of mashed potatoes with a hint of buttery goodness, adding depth to every bite.

Eat Greek Kouzina

Website: https://www.eatgreekkouzina.com/
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Telephone: +97123092323
Address: The Galeria, Ground Floor – Abu Dhabi

Pepe in Grani

Like many others, I learned about Pepe in Grani from the Netflix series “Chef’s Table.”

Franco Pepe is recognized as one of the best pizzaiolos in the world. His restaurant, Pepe in Grani, is located in the quaint historic town of Caiazzo. Situated approximately an hour’s drive from Naples or an hour and a half by train, the restaurant offers the convenience of coordinating taxi transfers back to Naples upon request.

The restaurant’s ambiance was inviting, with rustic yet charming décor. Pepe in Grani offers three distinct dining areas to cater to different preferences and party sizes. The Ordinary Room provides flexibility, allowing guests to choose between the à la carte or tasting menu options. Meanwhile, The Hall of Taste is exclusively reserved for those indulging in the tasting menu experience. The Gustarte offers ample space and comfort for larger groups of six or more.

Pepe’s pizza dough is handmade and left to rest in traditional media boxes. All ingredients are seasonal and locally grown.

The tasting menus are only available for a minimum of 2 people. I highly advise making reservations in advance to avoid long waiting times in line. Additionally, you can report any allergies and/or intolerances at the end of your booking.

I chose the ESSENZA tasting menu, which includes 1 fried pizza, 4 slices of assorted pizzas, and 1 fried dessert. If it’s your first time, the chef will curate the selection for you. However, if you have specific preferences, feel free to inform them, and they’ll gladly accommodate your choices.

So, what do I think of the pizza?
I found the pizza delicious, offering unique flavors I hadn’t experienced before. The crust, in particular, stood out for its light and airy texture, unlike any other I’ve tried. Furthermore, the pizza is not soggy in the middle. I read this because the only ingredients that bake with the dough in the oven are the mozzarella, the artichokes, and the prosciutto cotto, while the other ingredients are added afterward.
However, given the high expectations set by the media, I was anticipating a mind-blowing experience that unfortunately didn’t materialize. My advice? Go into your visit with an open mind, and let the culinary journey pleasantly surprise you.

CIRO

Cone with 12-month Grana Padano DOP fondue, rocket pesto, dehydrated Caiazzo black olives.

MARGHERITA SBAGLIATA

Campana DOP Buffalo mozzarella cheese, purée of “Riccio” tomatoes, basil reduction, Evo oil.

SCARPETTA

Campana DOP Buffalo mozzarella, 12-month Grana Padano fondue, uncooked tomato compote, freeze-dried pesto basil, flakes of 24-month Grana Padano DOP cheese

MANGIABUFALO

Fabula buffalo soft cheese, fiordilatte mozzarella cheese, toasted bread with Balsamico Modena IGP vinegar, walnuts, buffalo bresaola, raw frisée, and Evo oil.

SALSICCIA E FRIARIELLI

Fiordilatte cheese, dried Casertano pork sausage, friarielli (broccoli rabe), chili pepper, buffalo ‘stracciata’ cheese, crunchy almonds, garlic EVO oil.

CRISOMMOLA DEL VESUVIO

Slice of fried pizza with lemon peels flavored DOP buffalo ricotta cheese, Vesuvio apricot jam, roasted hazelnuts, Caiazzo dehydrated olives, and fresh mint.

Pepe in Grani

Website: https://www.pepeingrani.it/
Telephone: +39 0823 86 27 18
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 18:30 p.m. – 00:30 a.m., Sundays 12:30p.m. – 15:50 p.m.
Address: Vicolo S. Giovanni Battista, 3, 81013 Caiazzo CE, Italy

Ditta Riva D’Arno

Located next to the Ponte alla Carraia, this café stands out as an early riser, welcoming guests from 8 am onwards. Among its three other branches in Florence, this particular café stands out with its vibrant, bright-colored mural adorning the walls and floor, infusing the space with vibrant energy.

The cafe offers an extensive selection of coffee and homemade pastries, including both sweet and savory options like croissants, cinnamon rolls, cakes, and more.

I ordered a flat white, Margarita focaccia, and ham and cheese croissant. While the ambiance may impress, the coffee leaves something to be desired, bearing a disappointing sour aftertaste. On a brighter note, the margarita focaccia and croissant with ham and cheese fare well, complemented by friendly service.

Ditta Riva D’Arno

Website: https://www.menudittaartigianale.com/
Telephone: +39 0553874550
Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. – 19:00 p.m. Daily
Address: Via Lungarno Soderini 7R – Firenze, IT