Cafe restaurants in Europe
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A
Cafè Zurich
It doesn’t have the atmosphere of the cafe of the same name that once occupied this prime spot, but not even the hardest of hearts can deny the location is impeccable. Pull up an outdoor pew for the human circus that is Plaça de Catalunya, or huddle over a paper on the mezzanine on a winter’s day. In summer it stays open as late as 1am.
reviewed
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B
Mum’s
After a change of name due to management fall-outs, the original founder of Monster Mash has reopened with a new name. This nostalgia-fuelled cafe continues to serve up classic British comfort food of the 1950s – bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, fish and chips. But there’s a twist – the food is all top-quality nosh freshly prepared from local produce, including Crombie’s gourmet sausages. And there’s even a wine list!
reviewed
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C
Erzurum Evleri
A stunner set in an old wooden house near the main drag. It feels like half the paraphernalia from six centuries of the Ottoman Empire has ended up here, with an onslaught of kilims (pileless woven rugs), pictures, weapons, farming tools and other collectibles from floor to ceiling. Surrender to the languor of the private alcoves with cushions and low tables and treat yourself to a soup, a börek (filled pastry) or a tandır kebap (stew). The nearby Daşhane, which has the same management, features live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. If only it was licensed!
reviewed
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D
Cap'n Jaspers
Unique, quirky and slightly insane, this cabin-kiosk has been delighting bikers, tourists, locals and fishermen for decades with its motorised gadgets and teaspoons attached by chains. The menu is of the burger and bacon butty school – trying to eat a 'half a yard of hot dog' is a Plymouth rite of passage. Try the local crab rolls – the filling could have been caught by the bloke sitting next to you.
reviewed
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E
Mums
After a change of name due to management fall-outs, the original founder of Monster Mash has reopened it with a new name. This nostalgia-fuelled cafe continues to serve up classic British comfort food of the 1950s – bangers and mash, shepherd's pie, fish and chips. But there's a twist – the food is all top-quality nosh freshly prepared from local produce, including Crombie's gourmet sausages. And there's even a wine list!
reviewed
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F
Heart Buchanan
The famous West End deli – give your nose a treat and drop in – has a small cafe space next door. Break any or all of the 10 commandments to bag a table, then enjoy some of Glasgow's best breakfasts, all with an exquisite quality of produce, a refreshing juice or milkshake, or regularly changing light-lunch options. If you failed in the table quest, the deli also does some of these meals to take away.
reviewed
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G
Café Arriba
Arriba is a funky little cafe, brightly decked out in primary colours and offering the best choice of vegetarian grub on the island, ranging from a veggie breakfast fry-up to Indian-spiced bean cakes with mint yoghurt, as well as carnivorous treats such as slow-cooked haunch of venison with red wine and beetroot gravy. Also serves excellent coffee.
reviewed
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Cake Café
Dublin's best-kept pastry secret is this great little cafe in a tough-to-find lane just off Lower Camden St. The easiest way in is through Daintree stationery shop (61 Camden St); through the back of the Daintree is the self-contained yard, which in good weather is the best spot to enjoy a coffee and a homemade cake.
reviewed
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Jama Michalika
Established in 1895, Jama Michalika is famous as the birthplace of the Młoda Polska movement - a hang-out for writers, painters and other creative types in the days of yore. The grand Art Nouveau interior has historic appeal, but the bored staff do not offer much in the here and now.
reviewed
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J
Blake's Coffee House
There is nowhere better than this high-ceilinged cafe for a Sunday-morning cure on any day of the week. It's friendly, relaxed and serves up the biggest selection of coffees in town. Every second Thursday is Acoustic Night, which has featured big names such as Katie Tunstall as well as lesser known local strummers.
reviewed
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Frigate Café
This waterfront cafe is a popular venue for coffee, tea and ice cream; it also sells a very tasty local smoked cheese. But you can also sit down and graze the Italian-influenced menu of salads, pizzas and pastas, or just drop by for a glass of wine or a beer.
reviewed
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Almshouse
Fancy imaginative and satisfying snacks served in a genuine 17th-century house right on Palace Green? It's a shame about the interior, which has been restored to look like any old museum canteen. All the artwork on the walls is for sale.
reviewed
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Rocotillo's
American-style diner serving gourmet burgers, crispy fries and the best milkshakes in town.
reviewed
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N
Everyman Bistro
Out-of-work actors and other creative types on a budget make this great cafe-restaurant (beneath the Everyman Theatre) their second home – with good reason. Great tucker and a terrific atmosphere.
reviewed
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Melek Anne
Occupying a 120-year-old house, there's an arty feel to 'Mama Angel's' green and purple furniture and outdoor area with beanbags. A good range of home cooking is offered throughout the day, including breakfast plus vegetarian and chicken dishes.
reviewed
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P
DO-AN
Located in the heart of Naschmarkt, Do-An does an eclectic mix of sandwiches, rice and noodle dishes, delicious salads and meats as well as some Turkish staples at affordable prices. Many of its diners head straight for the breakfasts from around the globe; the American reads more like a traditional English fry-up and the continental is a nice, light starter of bread and spreads.This is a rectangular aquarium with huge glass walls and a steadfast following who enjoy the relaxed vibe and sunny corners.
reviewed
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Q
Paul's Place
The good word comes in coffee cups at this informal expat 'club' on the 2nd-floor of the St Paul Cultural Center. Regardless of your faith, enjoy the espresso or filter coffee and home-baked pastries on offer. There's a well-stocked lending library with 2500 books.
reviewed
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R
Avoca
The waiters are easy on the eye for a reason: the upstairs cafe of the city's best designer crafts store has long been the favourite spot of the Ladies Who Lunch. Designer bags can get very heavy, so there's nothing better to restore flagging energy than the simple, rustic delights on offer: organic shepherd's pie, roast lamb with couscous, or sumptuous salads from the Avoca kitchen. There's also a takeaway salad bar and hot counter in the basement.
reviewed
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Kantine
This upbeat cafe-bar housed in the former stables of the emperor’s personal steeds is the most laid-back spot to eat in the MuseumsQuartier. It has a couple of old sofas down the back where you can lounge about and surf in comfort, and you can grab a cocktail from the extensive list and make good use of the outdoor patio on MuseumsQuartier’s main square. It’s a versatile place, like most in the MuseumsQuartier, and a good place to meet up before moving on.
reviewed
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Lily's Coffee Shop
Don't be put off by the slightly sterile feel: Lily's is a top lunch spot fusing a creative blend of East and West. It's a unique cross between a Chinese bistro and chic cafe with made-to-order Chinese food (such as dumpling buns and mandarin-duck wraps) and standards like burgers and baked potatoes that are tarted up almost beyond recognition. The Chinese food is outstanding – fresh, lively and served with fruits and salad.
reviewed
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Sweet Treat
Effortlessly cool with its strung light bulbs, hipster mags and turntable (feel free to choose a disc to play), this intimate local cafe peddles brilliant coffee and seasonally inspired smoothies (soy milk available!). Breakfast options include oatmeal, while the freshly made smørrebrød (open sandwiches) are a digestible 28kr. The fish-ball sandwich, with chopped cucumber and homemade remoulade, is especially good.
reviewed
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El Corral de las Cigüeñas
The secluded courtyard with its lofty palm trees and ivy-covered walls just inside the Ciudad Monumental is the perfect spot for one of the best-value breakfasts around: there are six versions to choose from, including the basic madrileño (fresh orange juice, coffee and porras – doughnut type pastries) for just €2.20. It also has snacks at other times and sometimes live music in the evenings.
reviewed
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Granja Viader
For more than a century, people have flocked down this alley to get to the cups of homemade hot chocolate and whipped cream (ask for a suís ) ladled out in this classic Catalan-style milk bar–cum-deli. Together with one of the many pastries on display, the offerings here make for the sweet tooth’s ideal breakfast. The Viader clan invented Cacaolat, a forerunner of kids’ powdered-chocolate beverages.
reviewed
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Procacci
Even the opening hours are genteel at this Florence institution – the last of the old-world cafes on Tornabuoni. And staff actually have the courtesy not to charge you extra to sit down. Founded in 1885, the cafe’s wood-panelled interior is reminiscent of a London gentleman’s club. Truffles are the order of the day, and a few euros gets you a bite-sized panino tartufato (truffle pâté sandwich).
reviewed
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Reel
Part music shop and part cafe, Kirkwall’s best coffee-stop sits alongside St Magnus Cathedral, and bravely puts tables outside at the slightest threat of sunshine. It’s a relaxed spot that’s good for morning-after debriefing, as well as lunchtime panini and musically named sandwiches (along with their cheese one: Skara Brie). It’s a centre for local folk musicians, with regular evening sessions.
reviewed
