Category: Europe

Taking a Tea Break at Bath’s Historic Bath Bun Tea Shop

Nestled in the picturesque Abbey Green, The Bath Bun Tea Shop is a charming spot to pause while exploring the historic city of Bath. The menu includes a good selection of teas, coffees, cakes, and desserts, alongside a full breakfast and lunch menu. When we visited, a street performer was entertaining the crowd in the square, creating a peaceful atmosphere with a free live performance. Although there was a queue when we arrived, it moved quickly and we were soon seated in the outdoor area. The staff were also warm and attentive, greeting everyone with a smile and providing excellent service.

We were meeting a few local friends, and they recommended this café as a must-visit. It was a hot summer’s day, so sitting beneath the shade of the trees was a welcome respite from the heat.

The café is best known as the home of the original Bath Bun, a local specialty whose origins date back to 1761. The Bath Bun is a lightly sweetened bun topped with sugar cubes and currants, and it has remained a Bath tradition ever since.

Our friends joked that trying a Bath Bun was a bit of a touristy thing to do, but since it was our first visit to Bath, we felt it was only right to try the city’s most famous pastry. We ordered one served with chocolate ice cream and another with clotted cream and jam. The bun itself tasted like a soft, lightly sweetened bread—pleasant, but not dramatically different from other sweet buns I’ve had. However, it paired beautifully with the café’s selection of teas, and the clotted cream and jam made for a delicious accompaniment.

With its lovely location on Abbey Green, shaded outdoor seating, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s an ideal place to escape the crowds, enjoy a leisurely cup of tea, and take a break before continuing to explore Bath.

The Bath Bun

2A Abbey Grn, Bath BA1 1NW, United Kingdom

Breakfast at Cornish Bakery: A Morning by the Roman Baths

One of my breakfast stops in Bath was Cornish Bakery, conveniently located just next to the Roman Baths. With tempting display of Cornish pasties, croissants, and an assortment of viennoiseries. It’s the perfect place to grab breakfast before exploring the city.

For breakfast, I ordered an oat milk flat white, a sausage roll, and a traditional Cornish pasty.

The sausage roll was the highlight of the meal. The pastry was beautifully flaky and buttery, while the sausage filling was juicy, well-seasoned, and full of flavor. It was simple but done very well.

The traditional Cornish pasty, however, was a little underwhelming. Although it was generously filled, I found the seasoning rather mild, making it taste somewhat bland. The crust was also quite thick, which made it feel a little too heavy for my taste.

To accompany the meal, I had an oat milk flat white, which was smooth and well-balanced. It paired nicely with the pastries.

Overall, it’s a convenient bakery in an excellent location, especially if you’re looking for a quick breakfast before visiting the Roman Baths.

Cornish Bakery

7 Abbey Churchyard, Bath BA1 1LY, United Kingdom

St. Peter Stiftskulinarium – Oldest Restaurant in Europe

The entrance to St. Peter Stiftskulinarium felt almost mysterious, tucked away behind ornate stone archways. For a moment, I wondered if I was in the right place. The Christmas decorations were still up, lending a warm and festive charm to the setting, especially the beautifully lit entrance that made it feel like walking into a holiday dream.

This historic restaurant, with over 1200 years of history, is said to be the oldest in Europe. Once inside, I was struck by the variety of spaces. There are 11 dining rooms, each with its own distinctive character and decor. Some were classic and elegant, others leaned more avant-garde—with hints of the festive season still lingering in the details.

The service was professional and efficient, striking the perfect balance between attentiveness and discretion.

I ordered the Wiener Schnitzel, and it was superb—light, thin, and tender with a delicate, well-seasoned crust that wasn’t greasy at all. The veal was of excellent quality, and it was served with soft, waxy potatoes sprinkled with fresh parsley, which complemented the dish beautifully.

For dessert, I tried the crème brûlée. It was not the traditional version I was expecting—the texture resembled a light, smooth pudding. The flavor leaned heavily toward citrus, with only a light caramelized top. While it was a generous portion and paired nicely with a scoop of ice cream that had a subtle clove aftertaste, I personally prefer the classic style of crème brûlée.

Overall, dining at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium was a memorable experience—a blend of history, atmosphere, and fine cuisine.

St. Peter Stiftskulinarium

Sankt-Peter-Bezirk 1/4, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

My Sweet Stop at Dallmayr Café-Bistro

Located in the heart of Munich, Dallmayr Delicatessen is a renowned gourmet destination combining a delicatessen, bakery, bistro, and fine dining restaurant under one roof.

This impressive and beautifully laid-out gourmet grocery store offers an extensive selection of premium products — from artisanal breads, fresh fruits and vegetables, and high-quality meats and seafood to charcuterie, fine cheeses, specialty dairy products, and an exceptional variety of coffee and tea. As the word “gourmet” suggests, the prices are on the higher side, but the quality and presentation reflect the cost.

I visited the café bistro on a weekend. Though it was quite busy, the lines moved quickly, and I only waited around 10 minutes. The café is located on the second floor, featuring spacious, elegant, and timeless décor with a warm and inviting atmosphere. They offer both breakfast and lunch menus, along with an extensive selection of coffees and teas.

The staff were friendly, efficient, and spoke excellent English, which made the experience smooth and welcoming.

I ordered a cappuccino with oat milk and a chocolate Charlotte cake. The cappuccino was well balanced. The cake was beautifully presented, with a silky ganache topping and perfectly layered cream. Sweet, creamy, and indulgent, it was a treat worth savoring.

Dallmayr Delicatessen

Dienerstraße 14-15, 80331 München, Germany

A Cozy Cup of Chocolate in Lucerne

Four Hundred (MG) Coffee is a Swiss-based electric specialty coffee roastery with a small window shop inside the Max Chocolatier Boutique in Lucerne. It was a rainy, slightly chilly day, and I was in the mood for some hot chocolate.

The barista, warm and friendly, welcomed me as I stepped up to the counter. I ordered a hot chocolate made with oat milk, topped with whipped cream. The result was light, creamy, and perfectly balanced — just the right amount of sweetness. I personally like my hot chocolate thick and creamy, but not overly dense like the French-style hot chocolate, which often has a fondue-like consistency and tends to be quite sweet. This one was just right — comforting, like a warm hug in a cup.

While you’re there, it’s also worth checking out the Max Chocolatier Boutique. I had previously picked up some of their artisanal chocolates from their store in Zurich — high-quality, beautifully crafted treats with unique and creative flavors.

Four Hundred (MG) Coffee Corner

Hertensteinstrasse 7, 6004 Luzern, Switzerland

Tony’s Pizzeria: Cozy Vibes and Gluten-Free Goodness

Tony’s Pizzeria is located a stone’s throw from Triumphpforte and just a short walk from the old town. It serves traditional and innovative pizzas, and a gluten-free base is available.

In addition to pizzas, the menu includes a variety of pastas and secondi dishes, offering something for everyone.

The decor strikes a balance between rustic charm and modern touches, with an open kitchen that adds a lively, inviting atmosphere. The staff were really friendly and welcoming.

I ordered a gluten-free Margherita pizza. The sauce was flavorful and fresh, and the mozzarella was light and creamy. The base was chewy and slightly dense, but had a satisfying crusty edge that gave it a nice texture.

Overall, Tony’s is a cozy and delicious stop for pizza lovers—especially if you’re exploring the area around the old town.

TONY’S Pizzeria

Maximilianstraße 9, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

Coffee & Comfort in the Latin Quarter

Frappé is a charming coffee shop nestled in the heart of the Fifth Arrondissement, right in the vibrant Latin Quarter. The cafe offers a cozy, minimalist decor that creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding or catching up with friends. With its chill vibes and comfortable seating, it’s a great place to spend a quiet morning.

The shop opens early at 8 AM on weekdays, making it an ideal spot for a coffee before starting your day. The menu is simple yet delightful, featuring a selection of hot drinks, cakes, and pastries.

The barista, with her friendly demeanor, took great care in crafting my flat white, which came with beautiful latte art. The coffee itself was bold and smooth, providing a perfect balance of flavor. I paired it with a slice of banana bread. While the bread was a bit on the dry side and not overly sweet, it was still enjoyable. I think it would have tasted even better if it had been warmed up.

 

Frappé coffee shop

20 Rue Monge, 75005 Paris, France

Melbourne-Inspired Coffee Culture at Ratio Coffee, Salzburg

Ratio Coffee is a cozy, hip café that opens early at 8 a.m., making it a great spot for both locals and travelers looking for a quality caffeine fix in Salzburg.

The owner, Brent Nicoll, a passionate coffee enthusiast from Melbourne, Australia, aimed to bring Melbourne’s renowned coffee culture to Salzburg. As a third-wave specialty coffee shop, Ratio focuses on high-quality, single-origin coffee and precise brewing methods to deliver a superior coffee experience. Ratio Coffee also sells a curated selection of coffee beans and brewing equipment for home brewers.

The café offers a simple yet satisfying selection of pastries and cakes to complement its coffee. The croissant was buttery and soft—lacking the classic crusty exterior but still enjoyable. The coffee itself was bold and aromatic, served in a charming ceramic cup that added to the cozy ambiance.

Ratio Coffee Roasters

Linzer G. 72A, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Baristar Café: A Cozy Breakfast Spot

Baristar is a bright, cozy café that opens early at 8 AM on weekdays, making it an excellent spot for breakfast or a mid-morning coffee. Located behind the Manor department store on Rue de Cornavin, it offers a welcoming atmosphere with friendly and efficient service.

The menu at Baristar is a delightful mix of drinks and food, catering to a variety of tastes. From a good selection of drinks, including coffee, tea, and fresh juices, to a variety of food options such as pancakes, toast, and fruit bowls, there’s something for everyone. The availability of gluten-free bread further adds to the excitement, making it a suitable choice for those with dietary preferences.

I ordered the juice of the day, a flat white with oat milk, and pancakes with bacon and scrambled eggs. The juice was refreshing, a perfect start to the morning. The coffee had a bold flavor with slight acidity, delivering a satisfying kick. The pancakes were soft and fluffy, striking a delightful balance between savory and hearty when paired with the crispy bacon and creamy scrambled eggs.

Overall, Baristar is an excellent choice for those looking for a relaxed breakfast or brunch spot in a convenient location.

Baristar Coffee & Tea Shop

Pl. De-Grenus 4, 1201 Genève, Switzerland

A Classic Parisian Experience at Brasserie Vaudeville

Brasserie Vaudeville serves traditional French cuisine and is particularly known for its seafood. The restaurant is located next to Palais Brongniart and boasts a warm and inviting ambiance, featuring plush leather banquettes and subdued lighting that create a timeless Parisian café aesthetic.

I visited during lunchtime when the restaurant was bustling with diners. Despite the busy atmosphere, the service remained efficient. It took a little while for the waiter to take my order, but once placed, the food arrived promptly. The waiter was friendly and attentive, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

To start, I ordered a Virgin Mojito, which was refreshing and well-balanced, with the perfect hint of mint and lime. For my main course, I had the Roasted Sea Bass fillet prepared Dieppoise-style. The fish was cooked to perfection—tender and flaky—complemented by a light, fresh sauce that enhanced its delicate flavor without overpowering it.

For dessert, I indulged in a classic Crème Brûlée. Its beautifully caramelized top offered a satisfying crack with each spoonful, revealing a rich, velvety custard beneath. The contrast between the burnt sugar’s deep sweetness and the creamy texture made for a delightful ending to the meal.

Overall, Brasserie Vaudeville delivered an excellent dining experience with its well-executed dishes, charming atmosphere, and attentive service.

 

Vaudeville

29 Rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris, France