Category: Europe

Sipping Coffee in a Cone: A Window to Fun at Fenster Café

Fenster Café, renowned for its Instagram-worthy coffee served in an ice cream cone, is a charming little gem tucked away on Griechengasse. This takeout spot operates from a small window in a historic building, boasting a colorful and graffiti-adorned façade that immediately catches the eye.

The barista was friendly and entertaining, making the experience even more delightful. Before pouring the coffee into the cone, he playfully asked me to have my camera ready—clearly aware that capturing the moment is part of the allure for tourists visiting the café.

As for the coffee itself, it was mild yet enjoyable, perfectly complementing the unique presentation.

Fenster Cafe

Griechengasse 10, 1010 Wien, Austria

Kanso Coffee Lab: A Hidden Courtyard Gem for Coffee Enthusiasts

Kanso Coffee Lab is a specialty coffee shop tucked away in a charming courtyard near Max-Joseph-Platz—a true hidden gem. The indoor space, though small, is thoughtfully designed with a minimalist aesthetic that feels both modern and inviting. However, the real charm lies in the courtyard, where cozy seating invites you to relax and enjoy your coffee in a tranquil outdoor setting.

Kanso Coffee Lab opens its doors early at 8 a.m., allowing you to savor a cup of freshly brewed coffee before it gets busy—a perfect way to start your day on a peaceful note. The service at Kanso is warm and welcoming, with a friendly barista who takes pride in their craft.

During my visit, I ordered a flat white with oat milk, and it exceeded my expectations. It was expertly crafted with a velvety texture and rich flavor and arrived with stunning latte art that added an extra touch of beauty to the experience.

If you appreciate a well-made cup of coffee like me, Kanso Coffee Lab is a must-visit destination.

Kanso Coffee Lab

Theatinerstraße 35, Residenzpassage, Innenhof, 80333 München

Balkan Grill Walter: Home of Salzburg’s Legendary Bosna Sausage

Balkan Grill Walter is a legendary hot dog stand in Salzburg, famous for its original Bosna sausages. Tucked away in the Stockhamer Durchhaus passageway, this tiny shop features a charming takeout window.

The menu offers five topping variations, and I opted for the classic. It includes two sausages nestled between soft white bread, topped with onions, parsley, and a signature spice blend. The bun was fragrant and soft, with a delightful crust, while the sausage was savory, with hints of curry and a touch of spiciness, perfectly balanced by the freshness of the onions and parsley. It’s an excellent spot for a quick and delicious bite!

 

Balkan Grill Walter

Getreidegasse 33, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Where Flavor Meets Comfort: A Must-Visit Café in Old Town Salzburg

220GRAD Rupertinum is a café is located in Old Town, right next to the Museum der Moderne Salzburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll need to wait to be seated. The ambiance is bright, welcoming, and chic, featuring white accents, exposed brick floors, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. It creates a relaxing, comfortable environment where you can unwind and enjoy your meal.

The table setup is beautiful, and the staff is lovely and friendly.

While the breakfast menu is small, it’s hearty and well-curated, and the coffee selection is impressively extensive. What’s particularly unique is that the menu provides flavor profiles for each dish, allowing you to anticipate the perfect combination of tastes.

I ordered the egg brioche and opted for rye sourdough bread. The dish consisted of:

  • Brioche
  • Ristretto-glazed bacon
  • Ham
  • Poached egg
  • Nut butter espuma
  • Tomato chutney
  • Basil mayo
  • Baby spinach

It was an incredible medley of flavors—creamy, sweet, savory, and fatty—all coming together beautifully. The bacon stood out with its delicious umami flavor, perfectly balanced and not overly salty.

To accompany the meal, I had a flat white with oat milk. The coffee was delightful—full bodied with a hint of sour aftertaste. I enjoyed it so much that I couldn’t resist ordering a second cup.

This café is a must-visit if you’re in Salzburg. Its cozy atmosphere, fantastic food, and exceptional coffee make it a true gem.

220GRAD Rupertinum

Wiener-Philharmoniker-Gasse 9, 5020 Salzburg

Slovak cuisine at Grandmother’s restaurant

Grandmother’s Restaurant, nestled in the heart of the Old Town, offers a nostalgic atmosphere with its outdated communist-style décor—honestly, it was a bit gaudy. The service was decent, though not exceptional.

Before coming here, I had seen many pictures of garlic soup served in a bread bowl, and it piqued my curiosity, especially since it’s a traditional Slovak dish.

I tried the garlic soup and a roast duck leg, served with lokše (potato pancakes) and stewed red cabbage.

The bread bowl itself wasn’t particularly appealing, but the soup was quite good. It had a creamy texture similar to mushroom soup but with a garlic flavor. The soup was light yet fragrant, complemented by the earthy taste of potatoes, carrots, and onions.

The duck leg was tender, with the meat falling off the bone in most parts. However, some areas were a bit dry and chewy. The stewed cabbage was perfectly balanced, offering a harmonious blend of sweetness and tanginess, which paired well with the duck. The duck itself had a subtle citrusy aftertaste, adding an interesting twist to the dish. The potato pancakes were soft, buttery, and savory.

Overall, while the restaurant’s décor may not be to everyone’s taste, the food was satisfying and offered an authentic taste of Slovakia.

 

Grand mother’s restaurant

Michalská 2, 811 01 Staré Mesto, Slovakia

Swedish Classics and Antique Charm at Den Gyldene Freden

Den Gyldene Freden has been around since 1722, serving timeless Swedish classics in a historic setting. The restaurant’s old-time façade sets the tone, offering an authentic old-world atmosphere that transports you back in time. The antique furnishings add to the charm, creating a nostalgic experience that feels like stepping into another era. Located in the heart of the Old Town, the restaurant is a true gem.

While the service was a bit slow due to having only two waiters, the overall ambiance made up for it. The classic decor, with its warm candlelit glow and elegant candle chandeliers, adds a cozy and inviting touch to the experience. Dining at Den Gyldene Freden feels like a journey through history, where every detail contributes to an unforgettable atmosphere.

The meatballs are soft and flavorful, with a perfect blend of seasoning and texture. The mashed potatoes have a creamy, smooth consistency with just the right amount of salt and butter, making them the perfect comfort food. The lingonberries add a subtle sweetness, while the pickled cucumber offers a delightful tanginess, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The plating is beautifully done, with vibrant colors that make the dish visually appealing and appetizing. The entire combination is not only delicious but also well thought out in terms of taste and presentation.

Österlånggatan 51, 111 31 Stockholm, Sweden

Juno, the beloved neighborhood bakery

Juno is a popular bakery in the Østerbro district, owned by former Noma pastry chef Emil Glaser and renowned for its cardamom buns.

The efficient and friendly service created a welcoming atmosphere even as the line quickly grew. I arrived around 8 a.m., just after a coffee at Prolog, and was lucky to beat the rush. Since I had already tasted Juno’s famous cardamom bun at Prolog, I decided to explore other offerings and picked up a milk bun and a custard bun for takeaway.

The custard bun was delightful, with a subtle hint of vanilla that complemented its sweet, soft, and chewy texture. On the other hand, the milk bun was a bit of a surprise. While I usually associate milk buns with a mildly sweet profile, Juno’s version had a salty aftertaste. It was dense yet soft and chewy, offering an unexpected twist.

While Juno is undeniably a quality bakery with a great reputation, my experience fell short of the hype. The pastries were good, but they didn’t leave me as impressed as I had hoped. It’s a nice spot, but for me, it’s not quite the standout that it’s made out to be.

sgade 48, 2100 København, Denmark

Hoel Gård: A Tranquil Escape to Norway’s Historic Lakeside Farm

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

Hoel Gård is a large historic farm estate idyllically situated on Nes Island along the shoreline of Mjøsa—Norway’s largest lake.

Hoel Gård is a little over an hour from Oslo Airport and about one hour and 40 minutes from Oslo city center by train to the closest station, Brumunddal, followed by a 15-minute taxi ride. I recommend asking the hotel to assist with booking a taxi.

The farm focuses on using local produce in its kitchen, with many of the ingredients sourced directly from its gardens.

Its bucolic charm, along with the serene surroundings, makes it a perfect getaway.

Dinner was a set course served on the spacious outdoor terrace overlooking Lake Mjøsa, which provided a stunning view of the sunset. The meal was communal, with all guests seated at a single table, creating a warm and interactive dining experience. The waitress thoughtfully introduced each dish, adding a welcoming touch to the evening.

I had trout mousse for the starter, accompanied by pickled carrots and cucumber, fresh dill, and toasted pumpkin seeds. The mousse was creamy and fresh, with the pickled elements adding a nice tang. It was a simple yet refined dish—a great way to begin the meal.

The main course featured sous vide steak served with hollandaise sauce, grilled carrots and onions, and baked baby potatoes. The grilled vegetables were naturally sweet, while the baked potatoes had a satisfying balance of sweetness and starchiness. However, as someone who prefers their meat well done, I felt the steak was undercooked to my liking. I did not enjoy the soft, raw texture, but I could tell it was a high-quality dish that others might appreciate.

The meal concluded with a delightful chocolate brownie paired with sorbet. The brownie was soft, chewy, and rich in chocolaty flavor, while the sorbet provided a sweet and sour contrast that perfectly balanced the dessert’s sweetness. It was a satisfying end to the evening.

Tingnesvegen 581, 2350 Nes På Hedmark, Norway

Barr: A Sister Restaurant of Noma

In an interview I watched, this restaurant came highly recommended by Kenneth Foong, the head chef at Noma. He specifically mentioned the schnitzel, and from the photos I saw, it looked absolutely delectable.

Barr is the third restaurant under the Noma umbrella. It occupies a historic 18th-century waterfront warehouse that was once home to the original Noma. The restaurant features rustic, cozy decor with an open kitchen and a spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the water, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

As I was dining alone, I was seated at a high table facing the open kitchen. Watching the chefs at work while waiting for my meal was both fascinating and enjoyable.

The restaurant offers a four-course menu or an à la carte option. I chose the à la carte.

For the starter, I was served a lemon pancake topped with brown crab and chives, accompanied by a langoustine sauce and pickled daikon. The pancake was soft with a subtle hint of lemon, the crab meat was fresh, and the pickled daikon added a refreshing tang that balanced the creaminess of the dish. Overall, it was a delicious and well-executed start to the meal.

For the main course, I had the schnitzel served with a side of fennel and dill salad, horseradish cream, and brown butter.

The head chef personally brought out the schnitzel and recommended generously drizzling it with the brown butter. The butter added a rich, nutty depth of flavor that complemented the tender pork perfectly, which was encased in a beautifully golden, crisp crust.

The horseradish cream was delightfully light and airy, melting effortlessly in the mouth.

Unfortunately, the fennel and dill salad was a bit too salty for my taste.

The meal concluded with a dessert of smoked hay vanilla ice cream, accompanied by Swedish blueberries soaked in birch, topped with birch oil, pine, and a sprinkle of salt.

The ice cream had a smooth and delicate texture, with a slight salty aftertaste that added an intriguing contrast. It was absolutely delicious.

Strandgade 93, 1401 København, Denmark

Rustic Elegance and Fine Dining at Sjøbua

Sjøbua is a rustic yet sophisticated restaurant, embodying a charming, classy ambiance with its wooden beams, sturdy pillars, and exposed brick walls. Nestled by the marina, it offers a cozy setting that feels both welcoming and refined.

The staff is warm and attentive, ensuring a memorable dining experience from start to finish. The meal begins with a serving of locally sourced milk bread from a nearby bakery, paired with brown butter dusted with smoked sea salt. The bread itself is soft, pillowy, and brioche-like, with a rich buttery flavor that invites you to tear off each piece and savor it with the flavorful, smoky butter.

I ordered a lobster bisque and grilled Sirloin from Røros (aged for 32 days).

The lobster bisque was served in a luscious blend of cream and butter, garnished with fresh chives that added a subtle hint of freshness. The bisque itself had a delicate, light consistency with a beautifully balanced smokiness that lingered pleasantly on the palate. Accompanying the bisque was a perfectly grilled lobster tail, cooked to tender perfection with a soft yet satisfyingly chewy texture that complemented the richness of the bisque.

The beef is soft, with a deeply satisfying smoky undertone and a touch of salt that enhances its rich flavor profile. It pairs wonderfully with baby potatoes, which are sweet and waxy, carrying just a hint of black pepper for a subtle kick. The seasonal vegetables are simply seasoned, allowing their natural sweetness to shine through and providing a refreshing balance to the heartier elements of the dish.

Brunholmgata 1, 6004 Ålesund, Norway