So...this is really more like the "table more travelled", but on my adventures I've experienced some great restaurants. Some of them are touristy, but most of them are off the beaten path.
I wanted to share these finds with you so if you're travelling you can eat at some great places even if you can't find your way to a local's table in their home. :) E-mail me for any other tips!
Italy
Osteria del Sole 1465 (in Bologna)
Opened in 1465, this bar has been a local watering hole for generations. Although you can order drinks a plenty (get a bottle of the local Pignoletto white sparkling wine), it's well known for it's BYOF (bring your own food) policy.
Portugal
Belem 2a8 (in Belém)
Everything was delicious but the breaded, grilled octopus was surprisingly so. If you're looking for a meat dish try the black pork.
Vietnam
Highway 4 (in Hanoi)
Get the catfish spring rolls. Don't ask questions...just get them.
Greece
Karnagio (in Chania, Crete)
Don't go to Crete and not go to this place! Traditional Cretan food that is very popular with the locals. Say 'hi' to my friend Tassos and tell him to make you whatever is good (everything)!
Fasoli (in Athens)
This is a nice, modern restaurant with 3 places in Athens. Get the Fasoli salad and saganaki (fried cheese), and don't forget to try the mastic alcohol after your meal.
Spain
Taverna Basca Irati (in Barcelona)
Pinchos! A great place to try the traditional food and lots of different flavors.
La Champagneria (in Barcelona)
This place is packed - standing room only. But a great experience for some cava (try the pink) and a lomo sandwich. Just don't wear white like I did.
La Taguara Areperia (in Barcelona)
Although this is traditionally Venezuelan it's well worth the visit in Spain. Get the #5 - the most traditional with black beans, bananas (weird, but good), etc.
Tunisia
Café Sidi Chabaane (in Sidi Bou Said, Tunis)
Watch over the Mediterranean as you smoke some apple shisha and sip on Tunisian coffee or tea.
Any restaurant or street stand for Malawi
Choose your toppings, smeared on this delicious bread and then wrapped like a burrito. My preference - cheese, eggs, lettuce, and a bit of harisa (watch out, it's spicy).
South Africa
Cornuti (in Plettenberg Bay)
The potato pizza is a must. I repeat...a MUST. Also, the smoked salmon appetizer was a great way to start with something fresh.
Kitchen Cafe (in Plettenburg Bay)
This is where we had the famed "Plett Bay Salad" (I don't know what they actually call it on the menu) - make sure you leave room to try one of their many pizzas with unique toppings.
Bakery at Jardine on Bree (in Cape Town)
Unfortunately they were closed on the weekend so I only went once. But the Chicken Caeser Ciabatta was bomb - and I'm sure everything else would have been too.
Delaire Graff Restaurant (in Stellenbosch)
After some serious wine tasting why not settle into a delicious lunch with a view? Don't forget some dessert too.
Argentina
Pizza Guerrin (in Buenos Aires)
My dear friend recommended this place for their chicken empanadas. Both fried and baked are delicious - but don't waste your calories on their other flavors or pizza - the chicken empanada is by far the best.
Campo Bravo (in Buenos Aires)
Try the bife de chorizo (a cut of steak) and make sure you sit outside so you can experience dinner like a true Porteno (Buenos Aires native).
Chile
La Gatita (in Concon)
The machas parmesanas are a traditional Chilean dish. And the shellfish is unique to the country. Or try the seafood sampler if you'd like a bit of everything. Warning - the wait can be looooong, especially during the summer.
Entremasas (in Vina del Mar and Renaca)
Empanadas are their specialty. Don't let the menu fool you - you can order anything you'd like. My favorite is queso, palmito, pollo y champinones.
I wanted to share these finds with you so if you're travelling you can eat at some great places even if you can't find your way to a local's table in their home. :) E-mail me for any other tips!
Italy
Osteria del Sole 1465 (in Bologna)
Opened in 1465, this bar has been a local watering hole for generations. Although you can order drinks a plenty (get a bottle of the local Pignoletto white sparkling wine), it's well known for it's BYOF (bring your own food) policy.
Portugal
Belem 2a8 (in Belém)
Everything was delicious but the breaded, grilled octopus was surprisingly so. If you're looking for a meat dish try the black pork.
Vietnam
Highway 4 (in Hanoi)
Get the catfish spring rolls. Don't ask questions...just get them.
Greece
Karnagio (in Chania, Crete)
Don't go to Crete and not go to this place! Traditional Cretan food that is very popular with the locals. Say 'hi' to my friend Tassos and tell him to make you whatever is good (everything)!
Fasoli (in Athens)
This is a nice, modern restaurant with 3 places in Athens. Get the Fasoli salad and saganaki (fried cheese), and don't forget to try the mastic alcohol after your meal.
Spain
Taverna Basca Irati (in Barcelona)
Pinchos! A great place to try the traditional food and lots of different flavors.
La Champagneria (in Barcelona)
This place is packed - standing room only. But a great experience for some cava (try the pink) and a lomo sandwich. Just don't wear white like I did.
La Taguara Areperia (in Barcelona)
Although this is traditionally Venezuelan it's well worth the visit in Spain. Get the #5 - the most traditional with black beans, bananas (weird, but good), etc.
Tunisia
Café Sidi Chabaane (in Sidi Bou Said, Tunis)
Watch over the Mediterranean as you smoke some apple shisha and sip on Tunisian coffee or tea.
Any restaurant or street stand for Malawi
Choose your toppings, smeared on this delicious bread and then wrapped like a burrito. My preference - cheese, eggs, lettuce, and a bit of harisa (watch out, it's spicy).
South Africa
Cornuti (in Plettenberg Bay)
The potato pizza is a must. I repeat...a MUST. Also, the smoked salmon appetizer was a great way to start with something fresh.
Kitchen Cafe (in Plettenburg Bay)
This is where we had the famed "Plett Bay Salad" (I don't know what they actually call it on the menu) - make sure you leave room to try one of their many pizzas with unique toppings.
Bakery at Jardine on Bree (in Cape Town)
Unfortunately they were closed on the weekend so I only went once. But the Chicken Caeser Ciabatta was bomb - and I'm sure everything else would have been too.
Delaire Graff Restaurant (in Stellenbosch)
After some serious wine tasting why not settle into a delicious lunch with a view? Don't forget some dessert too.
Argentina
Pizza Guerrin (in Buenos Aires)
My dear friend recommended this place for their chicken empanadas. Both fried and baked are delicious - but don't waste your calories on their other flavors or pizza - the chicken empanada is by far the best.
Campo Bravo (in Buenos Aires)
Try the bife de chorizo (a cut of steak) and make sure you sit outside so you can experience dinner like a true Porteno (Buenos Aires native).
Chile
La Gatita (in Concon)
The machas parmesanas are a traditional Chilean dish. And the shellfish is unique to the country. Or try the seafood sampler if you'd like a bit of everything. Warning - the wait can be looooong, especially during the summer.
Entremasas (in Vina del Mar and Renaca)
Empanadas are their specialty. Don't let the menu fool you - you can order anything you'd like. My favorite is queso, palmito, pollo y champinones.
