
Le Petit Vendôme · Paris
Le Petit Vendôme Paris, France
Right off of Place Vendôme, this classic, old-school cafe serves the best jambon beurre in Paris (no really, it recently won best sandwich in the city). The charming, casual bistro looks unchanged from the 60s, with red- and white-checkered tablecloths and a chalkboard menu of French classics like onion soup and duck confit. Get there early to avoid lunch crowds and a wait, but even still, it’s worth the line.

Taverna ton Filon · Athens
Taverna ton Filon Athens, Greece
A classic Greek taverna in Athens that serves delicious, local dishes with an elevated touch in a casual, charming space—think exposed brick, white tablecloths, and twinkly lights draped above an alfresco patio. Everything is fantastic, but don’t miss the fava, horta, and pork chop for dinner and chocolate mousse for dessert.

Amaria · Adail
Amaria Adail, Portugal
This gem of a boutique hotel in Portugal offers a chance to get away from it all surrounded by truly breathtaking coastal scenery. Located in the Algarve region, Amaria is set on several acres of Vicentina Natural Park, which is known for its dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches. The hotel’s contemporary suites are set in a collection of white-washed Mediterranean farmhouses, with free-standing tubs and floor-to-ceiling windows that open to shady pergolas and desert greenery. Days are spent exploring the landscapes via e-bike, visiting the surrounding towns and delightfully uncrowded beaches, or lounging by the infinity pool. There’s a wood-burning sauna and yoga deck on the property, as well.

Maison Ozenfant · Paris
Ozenfant House Paris, France
Located in the 14th Arrondissement, Ozenfant House is a 20th-century gem designed by famed architect Le Corbusier. The former home and workshop of painter Amédée Ozenfant is credited as one of the first examples of purism in Paris– referred to similarly as brutalism or cubism, which is characterized by clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. Visit to admire the home’s understated design, with its spiral staircase, high ceilings, and massive windows beneath a glass roof.

Bord · Stockholm
Bord Stockholm, Sweden
For a date night in Stockholm, this contemporary-cool restaurant from Chef Joel Aronsson (formerly at Ett Hem) is a "10/10," according to our editor. Located in the elegant Roslagsgatan neighborhood, Bord offers a quintessentially Swedish ambiance with its minimalist, white-tiled interior and open kitchen. The cuisine is fresh and creative, with exceptional seafood dishes including mackerel, monkfish, and langoustines.

Montezuma Café · Paris
Montezuma Café Paris, France
With its vinyl records and natural wines, this cafe in Paris’s 2nd Arrondissement is just as cozy as it is lively. The menu changes seasonally with dishes like fried chicken and risotto, and it has an impressive selection of natural wines. The downstairs listening bar hosts live jazz and draws a trendy crowd for dancing after dinner.

Bleach - café cantine vin à Biarritz · Biarritz
Bleach Biarritz, France
Our favorite cafe and wine bar in Biarritz offers a must-order banana bread topped with caramelized bananas and hazelnut butter, as well as a menu of small plates including oeufs with miso mayo, celery remoulade, and sandwiches. Located in the vibrant Bibi district, Bleach is perfect for a casual breakfast or lunch. They also have a great menu of organic wines.

Stir Crazy · Los Angeles
Stir Crazy Los Angeles, California
This beloved coffee spot, a favorite among writers and creatives in Los Angeles in the 90s, reopened as a casual wine bar and restaurant. The ambiance is low-key but the menu is elevated, with appetizers like rockfish carpaccio and bigeye tuna tartare and it offers an excellent (albeit short) wine list.

A tot · Athens
A tot Athens, Greece
This hole-in-the-wall cafe in Athens is beloved for its pastries, with some of the best babka and banana bread in town. They serve superb coffee, which can be taken to go, in addition to vegan treats. The central location—just a stone’s throw from the National Historical Museum—is another bonus.

Bonjardim · Lisbon
Bonjardim Lisbon, Portugal
A simple, traditional Portuguese restaurant in Lisbon known for their rotisserie chicken and piri piri. Avoid the line for dinner and go for a delicious, casual, and affordable (a whole chicken for two is €13) lunch. Order the chicken with a side of creamed spinach and fries.
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