A Tailored Way to take on Europe.
26 days, 6 Cities, 3 Planes and 6 Trains later we have weaved our way from London to Rome, to give you the lowdown on all the do’s and don’ts when it comes to travelling around Europe.
Here is our top spots to eat drink and shop in each city:
London
Where to Eat:
The offering as far as food goes in London is very impressive. It was hard to choose but here is our favorite…
Our go-to-spot would have to be the Chiltern Firehouse. Regarded as the place to be seen eating and drinking, Chiltern Firehouse has the perfect combination of great food and atmosphere. The restaurant offers three separate dining experiences, an outdoor courtyard for drinks and two dining areas inside the restored firehouse.
Located: 1 Chiltern St, London W1U 7PA, United Kingdom
Where to Drink:
It would be easy for us to also include Chiltern Firehouse in this tip off, however we opted for a local favourite E&O. Set in the beautiful, quiet suburban town of Notting Hill, E&O offers the perfect setting for after work drinks or a date night destination. Every time we walked past this great hidden gem, there were always people spilling out onto the streets.
Note* they also have incredible Asian inspired food.
Located: 14 Blenheim Crescent, London W11 1NN
Where to Shop:
It would be easy for us to say head to Savile Row and your sartorial wares will be just fine. However, we suggest you head to the surrounding streets and laneways of Soho. Why you ask? The amount of local designers and brands that coming from Australia you may never have heard of, are everywhere. Amongst the side streets and laneways, you will be sure to find everything you are seeking.
If you want a good starting point, head to Monmouth Street and go from there. Some of our personal favourite stores would be Larsson & Jennings and Le Labo Fragrances.
Paris
Where to Eat:
This is an easy one for us as Atelier Vivanda provided the most incredible food experience we had on our entire trip. Make sure you don’t eat too much cheese and croissants during the day as you need to order the set menu, you will not be disappointed by this boutique Parisian Steak House.
Warning*** the crème brulee is sensational.
Located: 18 Rue Lauriston, 75016 Paris, France
Where to Drink:
If it wasn’t for a good local friend tipping us off to this place and personally walking us to the front door, you could blink and miss it. The Little Red Door, has recently been voted in the Top 50 Cocktail bars in the world and it’s easy to see why.
Located: 60 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris, France
Where to Shop:
If you want high-end designer brands, then definitely head to the Champs Elysees. However, continuing with our theme of finding you the best-hidden gems Europe has to offer then the district of Marais is a must.
Offering a huge array of different options when it comes to shopping, Marais has a great mix of new Age Street wear apparel and high-end fashion labels.
Milan
Where to Eat:
Milan, renowned as one of the Fashion capitals of the world, means that people forget it is part of Italy and great food is aplenty. One of our favourite spots to grab a bite to eat was Il Salumaio. Situated in a hidden courtyard, Il Salumaio offers beautiful, authentic, homemade Italian cuisine. Our must try off the menu would have to be the Osso Bucco.
Located: Via Santo Spirito, 10, Milano MI, Italy
Where to Drink:
One of the hottest talked about destinations in Milan is Ceresio 7. This rooftop bar, situated a little out of the city center, offers panoramic views of Milan, a pool and all the Aperol Spritz you could ever dream of. Our suggestion is to get there around 5-6pm to ensure you get a table or make sure you book ahead.
Note* may see multiple Victoria Secret models
Located: Via Ceresio, 7, 20154 Milano, Italy
Where to Shop:
When it comes to shopping in Milan, one of the fashion capitals in the world it means designer brands and designer price tags. However, don’t be alarmed there is still plenty for the everyday guy to spend his hard earned on.
Head to Via Montenapoleone, where you will find stores such as SuitSupply, Aqua di Parma, Massimo Dutti, all of which fit into an achievable price bracket.
Florence
Where to Eat:
In Florence, we came across the best pizza we’ve ever tasted. Cucina Torcicoda, situated adjacent to Basilica di Santa Croce, had pizza that really was too good to be true. If you are a true pizza enthusiast, or you just love a good pizza you have to pay this place a visit.
Note* make sure you book for the pizzeria and not the fine dining area.
Located: Via Torta, 5/red, 50122 Firenze, Italy
Where to Drink:
YAB. Traditionally, Florence not known for it’s party culture is a more laid back affair. YAB is the complete opposite. Everyone in the venue is dressed up to the hilt, following a very strict dress code of ‘smart casual’. A cool place to people watch and enjoy a drink or two, but make sure you’re looking your dapper best.
Located: Via de Sassetti 5, Florence, Italy
Where to Shop:
Just like every Italian City, Florence is filled with fashion outlets on every corner. Our favorite place to shop here was the Santa Maria Novella.
A 5th century Pharmacy, Santa Maria Novella, houses some of the most incredible colognes in the world.
Located: Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 18, 50123 Firenze, Italy
Amalfi Coast
Where to Eat:
It no secret that The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful coastal regions in the world, so when picking a restaurant it’s hard to go past those that offer a view of the Coast. Restaurant Marina Grande, contains both seaside views and the most incredible seafood pasta you have ever had.
One of the top reviewed restaurants on Trip Advisor, Marina Grande is a food experience like no other.
Note* if you don’t like seafood you probably shouldn’t go to the Amalfi Coast
Located: Viale della Regione, 4, 84011, Amalfi, Italy
Where to Drink:
Enotavola Wine Bar in Ravello, is the perfect little oasis away from the hustle and bustle of main town Amalfi or Positano. Depending on where you’re staying it may be a bit of a hike, however if you’re after the most authentic Italian experience you can find, this place is a must.
Time just ticks by in this beautiful little spot, with all the wine and cheese you can imagine.
Located: Via della Marra, 7, 84010 Ravello SA, Italy
Rome
Where to Eat:
Rome, is home to more espresso bars and pizzerias then you can imagine. This can make picking a place to eat extremely difficult. We know we have been recommending a lot of dinner spots and so we wanted to offer a lunch option for you to try in Rome. Fres & Co, a small sandwich bar, is the perfect spot to grab a quick bite to eat. Try the ‘Italiano’ Panini; it was easily the best sandwich I have ever tasted and it was under 5 Euro.
Located: Via dei Coronari, 94, 00186 Roma, Italy
Where to Drink:
Being one of the world’s most famous tourist locations in the world, its nice to be able to get out of the hustle and bustle of the Roman streets. That’s why our next spot, Sofitel Villa Borghese is the perfect rooftop retreat for an afternoon/evening Aperol Spritz.
Located: Via Lombardia, 47, 00187 Roma, Italy
Where to Shop:
If you’re not shopped out by this stage of your European tour, you’re simply not trying hard enough. If a little more retail therapy is what you’re craving, head to Via dei Condotti. This shopping strip is located pretty much at the base of the Spanish steps.