Cozy Japanese-Inspired Café in Oslo

Hakone Coffee is a minimalist coffee shop with a Japanese-inspired design reminiscent of cozy cafés in Japan. Conveniently located just a five-minute walk from Oslo Central Station, it’s the perfect spot for an early morning start, opening at 7 a.m. on weekdays.

The café offers a range of coffee drinks and traditional Japanese teas like Hojicha and Matcha. You’ll also find a selection of pastries for a light breakfast or salads and sandwiches for a simple lunch. The staff are welcoming and friendly, adding to the pleasant atmosphere.

I ordered a flat white and a pistachio croissant. The flat white was rich and bold, with a smooth, creamy top and a slight bitterness. The croissant was beautifully flaky, topped with a nutty pistachio coating, and filled with a sweet, creamy pistachio filling—a delightful pairing with the coffee.

Hakone Coffee

Website: https://www.hakone.no/
Opening hours:

Monday to Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 18:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday – 9:00 a.m. – 17:00 p.m.

Address: Storgata 23c, 0184 Oslo, Norway

Chocolate break at Fjåk

Fjåk is the first bean-to-bar chocolate maker in Norway, and their coffee shop is located in Bergen Old Town. You can sit in front of the store, indoors, or in the charming backyard. The shop serves a selection of hot and cold drinks, cookies, and popsicles.

You can also purchase their unique chocolate bars. In addition to selling regular dark chocolate, they offer a Nordic twist with unique local ingredients such as brown cheese and reindeer moss, bringing a taste of Norwegian tradition into their creations.

I visited a little after opening, and there were just a few customers, which added to the relaxed vibe. The service was absolutely phenomenal. The guy behind the counter was courteous and patient, explaining everything in detail and even making thoughtful recommendations.

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I got the Haiti 60% chocolate with whipped cream.

It had a unique aftertaste—smooth yet not overly sweet, with a lighter consistency than most hot chocolates.

It’s not your typical sugary hot chocolate but more of an artisanal experience.

Fjåk chocolate shop & café

Website: http://www.fjaak.no/
Telephone: +4740851893
Opening hours:

Monday	8 am–7 pm
Tuesday	8 am–7 pm
Wednesday	8 am–7 pm
Thursday	8 am–7 pm
Friday	8 am–7 pm
Saturday	10 am–7 pm
Sunday	10 am–7 pm

Address: Skostredet 5, 5017 Bergen, Norway

Fjellskål: Where Bergen’s Seafood Tradition Meets Modern Flavor

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Fjellskål Sjømatrestaurant is located in a fish market next to the Bergen port. Founded in 1976 by brothers Øystein and Ragnar at Bergen’s Fisketorget, Fjellskål has grown from a small fish stall into a seafood destination. For over 40 years, they shared their passion for seafood, making Fjellskål a part of Bergen’s cultural history. In 2012, the family formed Fjellskål Fisketorget AS, expanding their legacy.

At Fjellskål, you can choose to buy fresh seafood to take home or enjoy a meal on-site. The market offers an enticing selection of the region’s finest seafood, including king crab, salmon, cod, shellfish, langoustines, and more. The restaurant features three outdoor seating areas overlooking the wharf, though it can get busy and noisy when cruise ships dock.

The menu includes both à la carte options and set menus, offering a variety of seafood and meat dishes.

Bergen is famous for its fish soup, so I had to try it. The soup featured a mix of white and red fish combined with carrot and leek and finished with parsley and chervil oil. It was creamy and, to my surprise, not overly fishy. The flavor was mild and comforting.

Since I’m not a fan of cod, I opted for the fish and chips of the day, which was Wolffish. The fish had a golden-brown crust with a satisfying crunch, while the inside revealed the juiciest, freshest fish I’ve had. Its texture was firm, with a neutral flavor. This was some of the best fish and chips I’ve ever enjoyed. The fries were perfect, too—crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

I ended my meal with a rich and creamy creme brulee with a sweet custardy flavor—the perfect end to an amazing meal.

Fjellskål Sjømatrestaurant

Website: https://www.fjellskaal.no/
Telephone: +4798905898
Opening hours:

Monday – Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – midnight

Friday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – midnight

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – midnight

Address: Strandkaien 3, 5013 Bergen, Norway

Fuel Up at Shake Cafe, Florence

Shake Cafe is a trendy spot with a bright space and a relaxing courtyard. With five locations in Florence, I visited their flagship store on Via Cavour, just a stone’s throw away from the Accademia Gallery, which houses Michelangelo’s David. It’s the perfect place to stop by after visiting the museum.

The extensive menu offers freshly squeezed juices and smoothies, tea and coffee, freshly baked pastries, a brunch menu, wraps, burgers, sandwiches, bagels, and more. There are also vegan and gluten-free options.

We enjoyed a custard donut, a bottle of kombucha, a cappuccino, and two refreshing juices: I AM STRONG (carrot, orange, lemon, ginger) and DETOX (celery, fennel, spinach, kale, parsley, apple, lemon, ginger).

Each item was delicious, especially the vibrant and refreshing juices. Shake Cafe is a perfect spot for a nutritious meal or a quick snack in a welcoming atmosphere.

Shake Cafe (Via Cavour)

Website: http://www.shakecafe.bio/?lang=it
Telephone: +390550515418
Opening hours:
Mondays to Saturdays 7:00 a.m. – 19:30 p.m.
Sundays 8:00 a.m. – 19:30 p.m.

Address: Via Camillo Cavour, 67/69R, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy

Grilled Fish and Coastal Flavors at Cielo, Fiumicino

Cielo, situated in the coastal town of Fiumicino just 10 minutes from the airport, specializes in seafood cuisine. Our decision to spend the night in Fiumicino before an early morning flight was rewarded with a tip from our taxi driver, who highlighted the town’s reputation for serving the freshest seafood. We were searching for a restaurant that served grilled fish, and I discovered this place on Google Maps. The restaurant is spacious and has a contemporary setting. The service was satisfactory.

We ordered a seasonal mixed salad, deep-fried squid served with lemon gel sauce, and two kinds of whole-grilled fish.

We selected two of the freshest fish from the display case, as not all were fresh. Once grilled, the server presented them to us before deboning and plating them, ensuring the sides were evenly distributed. The grilled fish came with roasted potatoes, mixed salad, and sautéed broccoli rabe. The broccoli rabe was overly salty, and while the fish were grilled well, they were somewhat bland.

The fried squid was delicious, particularly enhanced by the tangy lemon gel sauce. The only downside was that it had too much coating.

Cielo

Website: http://www.cielofco.it/
Telephone: +39066506368
Opening hours:

Tuesday	4 pm–1 am
Wednesday	4 pm–1 am
Thursday	4 pm–1 am
Friday	11 am–1 am
Saturday	11 am–1 am
Sunday	11 am–1 am
Monday	4 pm–1 am

Address: Via della Torre Clementina, 154, 00054 Fiumicino RM, Italy

Naples’ Chocolate Haven

Gay Odin is a long-established chocolate factory in Naples. I visited the branch in the historic center of Via Benedetto Croce in the Spaccanapoli neighborhood.

Specializing in chocolate, Gay Odin offers a wider variety of chocolate gelatos than most places. I tried the dark chocolate and almond flavors. The gelato was chewy, smooth, and creamy, with a rich depth of flavor. The chocolate gelato did not disappoint!

In addition to gelato, the shop also sells artisanal chocolates and other confectioneries.

Gay Odin

Website: https://gay-odin.it/
Telephone: +390815510794
Opening hours:

Saturday	9:30 am–8 pm
Sunday	10 am–8 pm
Monday	9:30 am–8 pm
Tuesday	9:30 am–8 pm
Wednesday	9:30 am–8 pm
Thursday	9:30 am–8 pm
Friday	9:30 am–8 pm

Address: Via Benedetto Croce, 61, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy

Derwandi’s Lebanese Gastronomy, Abu Dhabi

Derwandi is a Lebanese restaurant nestled in the heart of the city—the Corniche. It harmoniously blends contemporary decor with a calming atmosphere. It features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that double as doors, providing a spacious dining experience both indoors and outdoors.

Their meticulously curated menu is a feast for the eyes, offering a vast array of choices with enticing pictures to match. Whether you crave breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Derwandi has you covered.

The servers epitomize hospitality, greeting us with smiles and friendliness, further enhancing our dining experience. With their commitment to good quality food, excellent service, and delicious flavors, I am eager to return and explore more of what Derwandi has to offer.

Lebanese flat bread with Zaatar

The flatbread was warm and chewy with a crisp crust, offering earthy, nutty, and subtle citrus undertones.

Lentil soup

The Lentil soup was wonderfully rich, warming, and absolutely delicious!

Fattoush
(Assorted vegetable salad, topped with crispy bread and mixed with special Derwandi dressing)

The salad was bright and refreshing, with a delightful acidity complemented by the lovely crunch of the pita chips.

Kharouf Mehchi
(Oriental rice with slow-cooked lamb shanks and special oriental sauce with yogurt and mixed nuts)

The rice is aromatic and nutty, perfectly complementing the tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb meat.

Shish Taouk
(2 skewers of marinated cubed chicken breast. served with grilled onions & tomato, and garlic dip)

The chicken was tender and juicy, and the garlic dip infused an extra punch of boldness to the flavor.

Ladyfish
(deep-fried ladyfish served with fried bread and tahini sauce)

The succulent ladyfish offers a mild flavor and relatively light texture. The crispy batter adds to the enjoyment, while a touch of lemon enhances the overall flavor.

Knefetna
(Lebanese fine cheese – kunafa topped with sugar syrup and crushed pistachio)

This dessert was the highlight for me. The Knefetna had a delicate crunch and smooth creaminess with a subtle hint of rose. The sugar syrup was served separately, allowing us to adjust the sweetness according to our preferences

Derwandi

Website: https://www.derwandi.ae/
Telephone: +971588539633
Opening hours:

Sunday	8 am–1 am
Monday	8 am–12:30 am
Tuesday	8 am–12:30 am
Wednesday	8 am–12:30 am
Thursday	8 am–12:30 am
Friday	8 am–1 am
Saturday	8 am–1 am

Address: Al Ahkam St – Corniche Rd – next to Radisson Blu Hotel – Al Bateen – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

Scoops of Rome: Discovering the City’s Gelato Spots

Gelateria Del Teatro

Gelateria Del Teatro is a quaint gelateria located just before Ponte Garibaldi, right before crossing over to Trastevere. The service was lacking, as the lady behind the counter appeared unfriendly and distant. However, there are two benches outside the shop where you can sit and enjoy your gelato.

I decided to try the pistachio and ricotta cheese, as well as the almond and fig flavors. Unfortunately, the flavors were rather mild compared to what I’ve experienced elsewhere, and the texture was somewhat hard and brittle.

Fatamorgana (Trastevere)

This gelato chain offers options tailored to various dietary restrictions, such as dairy, gluten, nuts, sugar, and eggs, with clear labeling for each. Their flavor range is extensive, featuring intriguing combinations like pineapple and ginger, avocado, lime, and wine.

On my visit, I tried the Basil, walnuts & honey, rose petals, violet flowers, and Sorrento walnuts flavors. Each flavor boasted a unique yet delicate profile, showcasing natural ingredients and a creamy texture.

Overall, it’s an excellent spot for those seeking healthier gelato choices.

The Gelatist

In contrast to my previous experiences at gelato shops where I would order first and then pay, I discovered that this particular establishment operated on a pay-first basis. Unfortunately, none of the servers informed me of this until it was my turn, forcing me to return to the back of the line.
Despite the need for better communication regarding the service, the gelato itself was exceptional! This was my favorite out of the gelatos I’ve tasted in Rome. We indulged in hazelnuts with milk chocolate, hazelnuts with dark chocolate, and mangoes with cheesecake and strawberry.

The gelato was dense, creamy, and impeccably smooth, with flavors that were perfectly balanced in sweetness. Each flavor was distinct, delivering pure bliss with every bite.

Gelateria del Viale

A charming little family-run gelateria located in Trastevere. The woman serving us was warm and hospitable. We tasted the mango, chocolate, and pistachio gelato. Since it was my last day in Italy, I was eager to enjoy one final, delicious gelato. Unfortunately, the flavors were somewhat muted and the texture wasn’t as smooth as I’d hoped.

Gelateria del Teatro (Lungotevere branch)

Website: http://www.gelateriadelteatro.it/
Opening hours: Mondays to Sundays, 12:00 p.m. – 21:00 p.m.
Address: Lungotevere dei Vallati, 25, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Fatamorgana (Trastevere branch)

Website: https://www.gelateriafatamorgana.com/web/index.php
Opening hours: Mondays to Sundays, 12:30 p.m. –22:30 p.m.
Address: Via Roma Libera, 11, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

The Gelatist(Via del Corso, 293)

Website: https://www.thegelatist.it/
Opening hours:

Sunday	9 am–1 am
Monday	9 am–12 am
Tuesday	9 am–12 am
Wednesday	9 am–12 am
Thursday	9 am–12 am
Friday	9 am–1 am
Saturday	9 am–1 am

Address: Via del Corso, 293, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Gelateria del Viale

Opening hours:

Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	12–7 pm
Thursday	12–8 pm
Friday	12–8 pm
Saturday	12–8 pm
Sunday	12–8 pm
Monday	12–7 pm

Address: Piazza Giuseppe Gioachino Belli, 9F, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Bar Gianicolo: A Charming Local Gem on Janiculum Hill

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Bar Gianicolo is a cozy local neighborhood bar with an authentic charm located in Janiculum Hill. There is outdoor seating with a view of Porta San Pancrazio. It’s not a very large establishment, but it’s a great spot to get a bite away from tourists. They have a good selection of drinks and distinctive sandwiches, some of which were entirely new to me, such as Tramezzini and Paninis. Upon spotting the mini sandwiches in the display case, excitement bubbled within me, and I couldn’t wait to savor them.

The little sandwiches were adorable. Each sandwich was warm and bursting with various fillings, offering a satisfying and flavorful bite.

This is definitely a local gem!

Bar Gianicolo

Telephone: +39065806275
Opening hours:

Sunday	6 am–11:30 pm
Monday	Closed
Tuesday	6 am–11:30 pm
Wednesday	6 am–11:30 pm
Thursday	6 am–11:30 pm
Friday	6 am–11:30 pm
Saturday	6 am–11:30 pm

Address: Piazzale Aurelio, 5, 00152 Roma RM, Italy

A Peaceful Lunch at Il Fantino in Rome’s Jewish Ghetto

I was looking for a place to have a quick lunch before heading to Fiumicino. I found this restaurant with positive reviews on Google Maps, conveniently situated down the street from where I was staying. Il Fantino is in a quiet area within the Jewish Ghetto alongside the Portico of Octavia. There is a small indoor dining area and a beautiful courtyard adorned with hanging vines. I arrived right at the opening and was the first one there, but customers gradually started arriving, and before long, the outdoor dining area was filled up. Service was efficient and friendly.

The menu offers a simple selection of antipasti, pasta, secondi, and desserts. I ordered a Carciofo alla Romana (Fried artichoke), Rigatoni all’Amatriciana (Rigatoni with bacon, hot pepper, tomato, and Roman cheese), and a Tiramisu.

As I waited for my meal, they brought out a bruschetta. It was amazing—the warm bread with a fresh, pureed tomato topping was just perfect.

The fried artichoke, lightly seasoned with salt, offers a taste reminiscent of artichoke chips, albeit a tad oily.
The pasta was delicious, simple yet flavorful, and not spicy. Every rigatoni was perfectly coated in the sauce.

I found that the flavor, texture, and consistency of the Tiramisu are more reminiscent of a custard than the type that I prefer, which is richer and creamier.

Ristorante Il Fantino

Website: https://www.ristoranteilfantino.it/
Telephone: +390666736928
Opening hours:

Saturday	12–3 pm 7–10:30 pm
Sunday	12–3 pm 7–10:30 pm
Monday	12–3 pm
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	12–3 pm 7–10:30 pm
Thursday	12–3 pm 7–10:30 pm
Friday	12–3 pm 7–10:30 pm

Address: Via di S. Angelo in Pescheria, 13/14, 00186 Roma RM, Italy