Gelato with a Korean Twist: Discover Soontofu’s Flavorful Delights

Nestled just steps away from the famous Gangneung Café Street, Soontofu Gelato offers an unforgettable twist on the classic Italian treat — creamy gelato made with silky soft beancurd sourced locally. Using imported Italian gelato machines, this place perfectly blends Korean tradition with artisanal craft.

Spread across four floors, you’ll find cozy booths on the second floor, spacious round tables for groups on the third, and a rooftop with stunning views of the river and mountains.

The flavors are a delightful mix of Korean classics like black sesame and sweet potato, alongside international favorites such as chocolate, pistachio, and mango. They even serve gelato coffee!

On our visit, we tried black sesame with soft tofu, Nutella, and yogurt gelatos — all light, fluffy, and perfectly balanced. The black sesame paired exceptionally well with the strong, flavorful gelato coffee.

 

Soontofu Gelato

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

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.

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

Drei Stuben: Where Rustic Charm Meets Comfort Food

Tucked away in a quiet part of Zurich, Drei Stuben welcomes guests with its rustic charm and cozy ambiance. The wooden interiors and intimate atmosphere make it the kind of place where you instantly feel at ease.

I started with an exceptionally good cappuccino—creamy, robust, and deeply satisfying. It had the perfect balance of rich espresso and velvety foam, a comforting prelude to the meal.

For the main course, I opted for the Cordon Bleu, which came with fries or salad. The meat itself was a little tough, and while the flavor wasn’t as bold as I’d hoped, the highlight was undoubtedly the gooey, creamy cheese oozing out with each bite. Paired with the tangy-sweet cranberry sauce, it provided a delightful contrast that cut through the heaviness of the dish.

While the execution of the Cordon Bleu could have been more refined, the overall experience at Drei Stuben was warm and enjoyable. It is a place that invites you to slow down and savor a comforting meal in a cozy setting.

Drei Stuben

Beckenhofstrasse 5, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland