Barcelona
Set on the edge of the Jardins de Laribal, La Font del Gat's lovely, spacious terrace is dotted with orange trees and surrounded by greenery. It has a…
Must-see restaurants in Mediterranean Europe
Arezzo
Located near the railway station, this much-loved trattoria is cosy in winter when its vaulted, red-brick cellar setting comes into its own. Cuisine is…
Fira
You're up for authentic Italian pizza, with ingredients imported from Rome, perfectly al dente homemade pastas and other Italian favourites at this old…
Istanbul
The usta (grill master) at this simple place presides over a charcoal grill where choice cuts of meats are cooked to perfection. You can claim a stool, or…
Menorca
This wonderful old-school pastelería (bakery) stocks all kinds of homemade sweet and savoury goodies. Feather-light ensaïmades pastries filled with cabell…
Rhodes Town
Nireas delivers beautifully prepared seafood, served outdoors beneath a vine-shaded canopy, and presided over by the dynamic Theo, from Symi. It's a…
L'Eixample
At the most authentic gelato outlet in town, all flavours are natural (and most gluten-free) and fruit arrives fresh every day. Along with classic Italian…
Cefalù
Fresh seafood rules the chalkboard menu at this upscale eatery along the old town's main waterfront thoroughfare. Depending on the season, you'll find…
Iraklio Province
The best taverna on Old Malia’s main square goes for the Crete-meets-English-B&B look, with plenty of knick-knacks and lace curtains. The nicely prepared…
Toledo
In this haven for jamón and game, vegetarians can go hungry in Toledo. This excellent vegetarian restaurant has a menu that ranges from tofu and seitan…
Pisa
This small bistro on a pretty square, well away from the Leaning Tower crowd, is the perfect fusion of easy dining and gourmet excellence. Its menu is…
Syracuse
'Voglia Matta' means 'Mad Desire', which is exactly what you'll feel at this busy corner gelateria. The ice cream here is superlative, made fresh and with…
Mallorca
Much-loved by cyclists seeking a breather or just to fuel up on breakfast, this restaurant/bar/cafe serves excellent pizza, pastas and paella (you often…
Spain
The best restaurant in the region, El Arco is located in Villavieja del Lozoya, close to Buitrago, and is known for its fresh, creative cuisine based on…
San Giovanni & Testaccio
Just round the corner from the famous Volpetti deli, this casual restaurant serves a cosmopolitan menu of beloved Roman pastas and creative modern mains…
Rethymno
Not your average takeaway joint, Makan is more of a designer souvlaki bar, with a contemporary-chic interior yet old-school prices. Here you can build…
Salamanca
Restaurante Estay is partly a standard Spanish bar, where besuited waiters serve café con leche, and partly one of the best-loved tapas bars in this part…
Siena
The name means 'Whaddya want?' and the answer is simple – cheap and tasty food prepared fast and served in pleasant surrounds. Beloved of local students,…
Porta Garibaldi & Isola
All natural, hand-turned ice cream and sorbets in an interesting range of flavours, such as chocolate with chilli, and DOP pistachio with salt and pepper…
Assisi
A short hop from the Basilica di San Francesco, this inviting restaurant is big on old-world charm, with low arches and stone walls. The menu is similarly…
Morro Jable
The small menu here may be translated into several languages, but the voices around you are almost all Canarian and so is the entirely uncontrived feel…
Lanzarote
The seafood-tastic menu showcases what's been caught each day at cheerful family-owned El Amanecer, an unpretentious local favourite with a sea-view…
Venice
In addition to unleavened pumpkin and radicchio bread, this kosher bakery sells unusual treats such as crumbly impade (biscuity logs flavoured with ground…
Cortona
Simple seasonal dishes are the trademark of this vaulted cellar, a hotspot with local bon vivants who come to indulge in their pick of Tuscan and Italian…
Vicenza
A short walk from the city centre, behind a stained-glass door, this local institution serves up a thoroughly local scene where walls are hung with family…
The Veneto
This cosy tavern with its winter fire and streetside summer seating is everyone’s favourite spot in Arquà. The menu features Venetian cuisine with…
Centro Storico
A Roman primo colazione (breakfast) rarely consists of more than a coffee and a cornetto (croissant). Not here. Coromandel is renowned for its breakfasts…
Southeastern Sicily
This popular cafe-cum-cake-shop is a great spot for a quick bite of lunch or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. There's a daily selection of pastas and simple…
Oltrarno
This contemporary pizza space in San Frediano is an inspirational cocktail of perfect pizza, delicious craft beers brewed by small producers and striking…
Istanbul
After a morning spent trading repartee with the touts in the Grand Bazaar, you'll be in need of a respite. And where better than this Western-style cafe…
Cuenca
A good all-round restaurant located at the top of the old town with panoramic views over the river gorge, this place will satisfy both romantic diners and…
Tarifa
Amiable Sergio roams the tables Italian style, armed with loaded plates and amusing stories, and presides over genuine home-country cooking at this…
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
With a dining room decked out in standard terracotta and stone, this Italian-owned restaurant serves a better class of pizza and pasta than most at very…
Gros
The pick of the seats at this little cafe a block from the beach are on the terrace, shaded by a retractable awning. Breakfast dishes range from yogurt…
Barcelona
The most magical place to dine at this romantic restaurant is in the bougainvillea-draped, tree-filled garden, reached by an arbour. Outstanding,…
Ancona
Hidden away in a tennis club near the Passetto, this workaday fish restaurant is as authentic as it gets. Every lunch, crowds of hungry locals – everyone…
Ios
The Nest feels authentic, right down to the rembetika music and the tables of older men deep in discussion over rounds of raki. Local garlic sausage,…
Naples
Mennella has developed a cult following with its superb, all-natural gelato. Each flavour is made using fresh, prime ingredients, whether it's lemons from…
Barcelona
A welcome find in seafood-centric Barceloneta, El Ben Plantat serves a varied menu of small plates, with excellent vegetarian choices (hummus, guacamole…
Mallorca
With a plumb spot, overlooking the beach, this slightly old-fashioned Mallorcan restaurant is a welcome alternative to the glitz that dominates this part…
