Wow - probably the best restaurant I've ever eaten at (not just because of the food). Il Pentagono emerged mirage-like on our journey west from Villa Rey. We were starving and so had taken a gamble and followed the crossed fork and spoon signs along and then off the SS125. Totally empty when we arrived, we were soon treated to a feast of local delicacies, including mussel gratin, tasty seabass, fruit fresh from the farm and wine produced on site. Service was exceptional and although we had a plane to catch, it would have been rude to turn down the trolley of homemade liqueurs, wheeled out with the bill. The bill for four (three courses, plus wine, liqueur and an extra bottle of wine to take back) came to an unbelievable 60 euro.
presso Lago Simbirizzi Q.S. Elena (Ca)
Tel: 070 830879
There is comparatively little written about the east of the Island in the guide books which is a shame as Aleria is a bit of a find for foodies: L'Etang de Diana is France's foremost spot for the farming of oysters and mussels (they say) and the region is carpeted with vineyards. Our favourite restaurant was Le Maracana on the town's main street. Don't be put off by the roadside setting and plastic chairs... A 13 euro menu featured hearty local vegetable soup, succulent pork fillet served with figs and brocciu cheese and mint-stuffed omelette plus a choice of fresh desserts and a carafe of house wine. Simple, yet stunning.
Route de la Mer, 20270 Aleria
Tel: 04 95 56 24 84
This is a website I just stumbled upon this morning, which is dedicated to Paris top restaurants. Worth a visit, especially for its list of the very top French cuisine restaurants and their worldwide acclaimed chefs (Michelin-starred, etc).
You can’t leave Tokyo without sampling some sushi but the city can be a pricey place to eat out. Head instead to Kaiten-zushi for affordable plates from a conveyor belt. This fad may have spread to cheap London chains but the quality is definitely better out in Japan. There are several branches across the city, including Shinjuku.
It’s also handy for anyone who doesn’t speak Japanese or like surprises when it comes to their dinner!
3-25-9 Shinjuku
Three of us ate at Christy's Fish Restaurant last night and we had a superb meal at very reasonable prices. We chose from the fish specials on the board - two of us had lemon sole, deep fried in batter and one had scampi and chips - the fish was very fresh and moist. We were given a dish of smoked fish pate and shrimp to enjoy while ordering. An excellent bottle of wine completed the meal - none of us could manage a dessert afterwards. We will be back soon to sample the fish pie and skate wings! The dining room is tucked away at the back of a takeaway fish bar and unless you knew it was there, I guess you would drive past, but the dining room was very pretty with a bistro atmosphere, and I should imagine that at the weekends it would be buzzing with fish addicts like us.
1 Portsmouth Road, Thames Ditton, Surrey
Fantastic new grill restaurant. Decorated like an American bistro, everything was cheaper than I expected; Verve Clique champagne at around €40, a good choice of wine similarly priced.
The food, the important bit, was superb. They have an America grill which chargrills the steaks and chops, both of which are delicious. You have to order your sides, of which there's a decent range. I had the creamed spinach - perfect, and a portion of the best chips in Ireland. For dessert they encourage you to try a selection of different, small desserts, each for €2. We were not disappointed.
The restaurant stays open late - we arrived at half eight and didn't leave until one in the morning. We weren't the last to go.
The staff were excellent, particularly the impressively tall and friendly Rory, who informed me they are planning a small portion menu - like tapas but a bit more substantial, and a lunch menu.
Easily one of the best restaurants in Limerick and very good value for what you get, the Hamptons is worth a trip nearly on its own.
underneath the Marriott, Henry Street, Limerick City
This restaurant, on the Petite France side of town, has a compelling and creative menu of organic vegetarian dishes. Look past the boring location (it has no real view to speak of) for great food at a moderate price.
In late August 2008, the owners opened another restaurant, Bristrot et Chocolat, which, although I haven't tried it, looks fantastic. It's located on Rue de la Râpe, near the Cathédrale de Notre Dame.
2 Place des Meuniers
Telephone: 03 88 32 33 23
The Palffy Palace is a real hidden gem. Nestled in a faded 18th century Baroque building below Prague Castle, the restaurant serves excellent modern European food. It's especially romantic in winter.
Valdstejnska 14, Mala Strana, Prague 1
Malostranska (line A)
Tram stop: Malostranske Namesti (trams: 12,22,23)
Zuka is a very sophisticated restaurant, located in a charming quarter of Rio.
I went there with my wife and we liked it a lot, especially because of the great reception and creative food. We ordered farfalle (pasta with tomatoes, basil, garlic and mussarela di búfala) and prime rib with Italian potatoes. I also recommend the white chocolate petit gateau! Everything there is very tasty!
Rua Dias Ferreira, 233, Leblon- Rio de Janeiro.
(55)(21)3205-7154
www.zuka.com.br
This new restaurant serves delicious Moroccan food (by the cook formerly at Villa Maroc) in beautiful, simple surroundings. The chicken pastilla was by far the best we tasted anywhere on our trip - deliciously moist and worth going there just for this. This is a small restaurant which means we were able to pick and choose from all the various menus rather than feeling bound by one particular set menu. Very reasonable prices too. We got a table for two without reserving but as it becomes better known it may be preferable to book ahead, especially for larger parties. It's down a little street not far from Les Alizes (which was also an excellent restaurant choice).
6 Rue Med Diouri, Essaouira near the Musee L'Alliance Francaise. 024 78 58 54.
Azul Marinho is a restaurant specialising in seafood. I had a great afternoon there! After the beach I stopped by to have a late lunch with some friends. I ordered lagosta à brasileira (lobster) and camarão na moranga (shrimp). Both plates were very good! The restaurant also has an amazing view to the beach. Sunset there is out of this world!
Av. Francisco Bhering, S/N° - Praia do Arpoador.
(21) 2513-5014
This is a chain which has a range of restaurants across the far East. In a city where you can get cheap and plentiful food this is a restaurant that produces quality food in smaller quantities. More pricey but worth it. An eight-course sampler of signature dishes is 228 yuan.
Wangfujing shopping mall
Brasileirinho is a small and cosy restaurant located in Ipanema.
I recommend it because they serve real Brazilian food for a very cheap price. To start, ask for "caldinho de feijão" (it's like a soup made with beans), then order a plate with rice, beans, "farofa", french fries and a grilled steak. I'm sure you will love it!
Rua Jangadeiros, 10 - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro.
(55)(21)2513-5184
00 is a very famous bar, nightclub and restaurant in Rio.
I liked to go there because I ate great food and then danced with my friends all night! There are so many beautiful people there! Especially the girls.
Avenida Padre Leonel Franca, 240 - Gávea, Rio de Janeiro.
(55)(21)2540-8041
This restaurant is located in a very traditional quarter in Rio de Janeiro. I liked it a lot, mainly because of the fresh fish that goes to the restaurant right after being caught. The music was nice too. When I was there they played some popular Brazilian music.
Rua Almirante Alexandrino 432, St. Teresa, Rio de Janeiro
(55)(21)2244-1003
Casa da Feijoada is a restaurant, in Ipanema, specialising in Brazilian food. It's a cozy place to go with your date, friends or family.
I recommend it because there you can taste the most famous Brazilian plate – Feijoada! They serve a very tasty one and besides that, people there will attend to you pretty good.
Rua Prudente de Moraes, 10 - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro
Phone#:(55)(21) 2523-4994
www.cozinhatipica.com.br
This restaurant in Santo António das Areias near Marvão is well worth a visit if you are going to this area. You can eat outside in the courtyard or in the trendy modern interior.
We had a fabulous meal and the owners were so friendly, they were celebrating a birthday and offered the guests a glass of champagne. We will definitely return. Don't miss the prawns in beer sauce or the pork with plum sauce. Great with a bottle of Chamine Vinho Tinto (red wine).
Charming restaurant right in the village centre, you need to book but the best food in the village.
Bamburgh
A relatively new addition to the Krakow Restaurant scene and a delight to find good value delicious food in a pleasant airy dining room with an adjoining characterful bar and garden. Great friendly service.
Kazimerz, just off the main square as you head back to central Krakow underneath the Spartz hotel
Simply the best top end Thai cuisine you'll taste in Bangkok outside a five-star hotel. It's not expensive but the whole dining experience will blow you away. I've lived in Asia for 25 years and can honestly say this is Thai food at its best.