Milan may be known for its fashionable lifestyle and fabulous examples of Gothic architecture, but one thing people don’t give the city enough credit for is its diverse food culture. You see, that polenta you had last week comes from this gem in northern Italy, as do the cotoletta, the risotto alla Milanese, and the list goes on. When I first started my Milan food tours, I spent a significant amount of time in the city trying the good bites and the bad so I could give my customers a real taste of the food scene here. To break it down, I’ve put together this list of the most delicious foods tha ..read more

The historic Greek capital, Athens, is the home of Mediterranean cuisine and a culinary haven for those looking to indulge in some Hellinc specialties. I can’t help but have a soft spot for Athens. There’s a real buzz about the food scene here; nothing brings out my inner foodie more than sitting on a stool outside a taverna in Plaka, stuffing my face into a loaded gyros as the tzatziki sauce slowly oozes onto the plate in front of me. If you’re wondering what the best food is in Athens, you’re certainly at the right place. I’ve created this list of the must-try signature dishes in the Greek c ..read more

Sundown drinks while overlooking the Acropolis, anyone? Athens boasts an iconic skyline that could challenge that of any major city in Europe, and there’s no better way to lap up the scenery than at one of the Greek capital’s best rooftop bars. Between rooftop restaurants offering fine dining experiences and casual bars with lengthy wine lists and delicious cocktails, I’ve spent quite some time checking out the top-floor terraces adorning the Athenian streets. With that in mind, I feel it’s only fitting to share my most beloved Athens rooftop bars with you. The open-air establishments peppered ..read more

Paris is the home of flaky croissants, garlicky escargots, colorful macarons, redraw steak tartare, and wagon wheels of cheese. One thing Parisians hold close to their hearts is their cuisine is so unique, people flock from all over the world to get the chance to chew on a crispy baguette overlooking the Eiffel Tower. Trust me, I’ve had endless people join my food tours in Paris who tell me they’ve flown all the way just for the food. In a culinary scene as vast as the one in the City of Light, it can be easy to get lost in all the French dishes. That’s why I’ve written this list of the 5 must ..read more

When it comes to street food scenes around Europe, we often think of Mediterranean countries like Italy or Portugal, but somewhere else is on the verge of rivaling these two destinations, and that’s Athens. Athens is the hub of ancient Greek cuisine that foodies can’t get enough of; the way the street food vendors here work their magic is a sight to behold, from the slicing of some fresh gyros to baking batches of koulouri as the sun comes up. If you’re on the hunt for the best street food in Athens, I’ve got all the inside knowledge from when I planned my Athens food tours. In this list, I’ll ..read more

Florentine steak is to Florence as carbonara is to Rome; the two simply go hand in hand. Florentine steak, also known as Bistecca alla Fiorentina, is no ordinary cut of beef; it must follow some specific rules to be allowed to declare itself as such. For starters, this T-bone steak must be cut from a Chianina cow raised in Tuscany but must also be within a certain thickness. We’re talking 5-6 cm, so it’s best to avoid attempting to tackle it by yourself! Served rare, this steak has to be cooked over a fire to be truly authentic. Trust me when I say this: your first Bistecca alla Fiorentina wil ..read more

Is there any better way to experience the enchanting beauty of Palermo than with a glass of Italian wine in hand from one of the city’s chic rooftop bars? Certainly not in my book! Over the years, I’ve developed quite a fondness for Palermo’s open-air offerings, where I can soak up the beautiful panoramic views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the imposing Mount Etna. Since I began running my own Palermo food tours, I’ve had the chance to spend multiple evenings in some of the city’s top rooftop bars. As you read through this list, you’ll be able to discover some of my favorites for an ap ..read more

It will come as little surprise that the Tuscan gem of Florence is awash with splendid wine bars tucked away on every other street. With each visit to the city, I seem to discover new and exciting haunts for a nice glass of vino to add to my ever-growing list of favorite Florence wine bars. Whether you’ve been dreaming of sipping a glass or two of Chianti Classico while gazing up at the Duomo di Firenze or partaking in an afternoon of Italian wine tasting, I think you’ll find there are plenty of gorgeous spots to keep any keen sommeliers content. Having spent years perfecting the line-up of ba ..read more

It’s that time of the day in Venice when you need an espresso for a little lift-me-up. From charming hideaway coffee shops operating on a come-and-go system to luxurious espresso bars amongst tourist hotspots like Piazza San Marco, cafes in Venice are a unique experience. I’ve lost count of the number of cafes in Venice I’ve visited on my past trips here, but some stand out among others. How about a latte in the gorgeous Caffè del Doge or somewhere on the map like Torrefazione Cannaregio?  Throughout this article, I’ll show you my best coffee house picks that I discovered for preparing fo ..read more

Anyone who comes to Milan will surely have a few breakfast places on their itinerary to indulge in a typical Italian-infused morning feed. You can get it all, from light croissant and cappuccino combos to plates filled with hearty salami, eggs, and bread. Milanese breakfasts are usually smaller than I’d find in my home country of America, but I’m used to them by now, having been to a multitude of breakfast restaurants in Milan. If you’re one for bigger portions, don’t worry; there are plenty of places where you can still get them. Anyone who wants to try some fresh cornetto or a yummy panino ..read more