Your passport to the planet’s tastiest bites — thanks to Phil Hoffmann Travel!
If you’re anything like us, food isn’t just part of the holiday — it IS the holiday! Sure, we love a bit of history, a museum or two or some jaw-dropping architecture… but point us toward a life-changing pastry, a rooftop bar with a story, or a steak worth writing home about, and we’re booking flights faster than you can say ‘bon appetit.’
We’ve teamed up with Phil Hoffmann Travel’s expert consultant (and certified foodie), Mel Wynne, to round up some of her favourite must-eat destinations and drool-worthy experiences around the globe. Hungry? Excellent!
Image credit: Scott Greer
England
The Original Ivy, London
A celebrity hotspot since 1917, The Ivy is where timeless glamour meets Anglo-French-Asian comfort classics. Mel’s go-to? Their iconic shepherd’s pie — a luxurious trio of duck, lamb and beef that’s rich, cosy and pure perfection, (especially paired with a great glass of red). Top it off with the sticky toffee pudding and consider your life changed.
The Wolseley, London
Originally a luxury car showroom, The Wolseley is now one of Europe’s grandest cafe-style dining rooms. For breakfast, Mel swears by the bubble & squeak with wild mushrooms and a fried duck egg. If you’re visiting for dinner, the coq au vin with creamed potatoes is non-negotiable. Seal the deal with a slice of their famous Battenberg cake for an all-round ‘holy decadence’ experience!
Image credit: The Wolesley
South Africa
The Butcher Shop & Grill, Johannesburg
Steak and wine are a perfect match at the best of times, but the Butcher Shop & Grill takes it to the next level. Order the perfectly aged fillet mignon and pair it with a glass (or two) of Meerlust’s The Rubicon. Then finish with malva pudding — a warm, apricot-jammy Cape Dutch dessert served with custard and cream. This is comfort food, redefined.
Image credit: The Butcher Shop and Grill
United States
Pike Place Market, Seattle
Seattle’s original farmers market is a sensory playground of fresh produce, artisan goodies and (yes) wildly enthusiastic fish-throwing! Mel recommends jumping on an ‘eat-everything’ tour with Eat Seattle Tours, where you’ll graze your way through cheeses, blue-corn tacos, beignets, chocolate-covered cherries and the famous ‘Seattle fog’ ice-cream. It’s delectable chaos — and we fully approve!
Image credit: Eat Seattle Tours
Austria
Marchfelderhof, Vienna
This is possibly the most original restaurant in all of Austria, if not all of Europe. Marchfelderhof is essentially a museum you can eat in, filled with memorabilia from legends like Freddie Mercury, Liz Taylor and Placido Domingo. Just 30 minutes from central Vienna, it serves hearty classics such as wiener schnitzel, pork knuckle and spätzle… all in a setting where every corner has a story to tell.
Image credit: Marchfeldhof
Vietnam
Rooftop Garden Bar, Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City
Once the famous hangout for international correspondents during the Vietnam War (nicknamed the ‘Five O’Clock Follies’), this rooftop now draws visitors for its sweeping city views, icy cocktails, unbeatable vibes and seriously good banh mi. History, skyline, cocktails and carbs. What more could you ask for?!
Image caption: Rex Hotel Saigon
France
Café Les Deux Magots, Paris
Set in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this beautiful cafe has hosted writers, artists and the effortlessly chic for more than 150 years — including novelist Ernest Hemingway himself. Mel never visits Paris without stopping in for a croque monsieur (French toasted ham and cheese sandwich) and a chocolat chaud (hot chocolate). Simple, yet so iconic.
Berthillon Glacier, Paris
For ice-cream worth standing in line for (yes, even in summer), Berthillon on Île Saint-Louis is the holy grail. With more than 70 flavours — from classics to Earl Grey, Grand Marnier or lavender, plus sorbets like blood orange and thyme-lemon, choosing your scoop is half the fun. (Eating is the other half).
Image credit: Berthillon
From schnitzel in Vienna to sticky toffee pudding in London, no matter the destination, the world is overflowing with unforgettable eating experiences. If your taste buds are tingling, the team at Phil Hoffmann Travel can help you turn every craving into a real-life adventure. Pack your appetite!
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