21 restaurants to improve your February

Franco’s, London

Image: Franco’s, London

Discover Franco’s, one of London’s oldest Italian restaurants, established in 1945. Located in the heart of St. James, Mayfair, Franco’s is renowned for its warm hospitality, authentic Italian cuisine and exceptional fine wines. Here you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in the elegant dining room. Relax on the heated outside terrace with a cocktail or cigar in hand, soaking in the iconic charm of Jermyn Street. Whether you’re a local in London or planning a big city break, Franco’s is a must-visit destination on anyone’s itinerary.

61 Jermyn Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y6LX, UK
020 7499 2211

STICKS’N’SUSHI, London, Oxford and Cambridge

Image: Sticks'n'Sushi

For a unique combination of classic and creative sushi, along with succulent sticks from the grill, you must stop-by the hugely popular Danish-Japanese restaurant, Sticks’n’Sushi. With 30 locations dotted across London, Oxford, Cambridge, Copenhagen and Berlin, there’s no excuse not to add this place to your foodie itinerary. Expect urban-cool interiors that mix Danish hygge with Japanese aesthetics, where you can dine, drink and unwind at your own pace. And what’s even better, no two venues look the same. A sushi restaurant – even for those that don’t like fish.

Various locations

Red Dog, London

Image: Red Dog, London

With state-of-the-art smokers imported from the US, Red Dog serves up authentic Texas barbecue-style food that will give the Lone Star State a run for its money. Don’t just take our word for it. Some menu highlights include their legendary brisket, iconic St. Louis pork ribs, Nashville hot chicken and fully loaded platters of meats, burgers and barbecue sandwiches. This delicious food is complemented with a warm and lively atmosphere, friendly staff, great cocktails and an extensive list of beer, bourbon, tequila and mezcal to tie your meal to a close.

37 Hoxton, London, N1 6NN, UK
+44 203 551 8014

DITTISHAM HIDEAWAY, Devon

Image: Dittisham Hideaway, Devon

Devon is famous for its fresh seafood, succulent beef and local produce. If you’re after the full seaside experience, Dittisham won’t disappoint. From sharing a homemade pie and local brew in a charming village pub to taking a shoreline stroll with fresh fish and chips, there’s plenty of choice. Several nearby food places offer everything from gourmet meals to takeaway dishes, a personal favourite of many being the Red Lion, located around one mile from Dittisham Hideaway.

Treehouses, Shepherds Lodges & Airstream, Dittisham, Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 0JB, UK
01803 925034

DEANES, Belfast

Image: Deanes, Belfast

For almost 30 years, Deanes Restaurants by Chef Michael Deane have been at the forefront of hospitality in Ireland, providing the best dining options around. Set in the city centre, Deanes Meat Locker offers top-quality steaks, poultry, fish and more. Next door you’ll find mrDeanes Bistro Bar Social, which serves up á la carte classics in contemporary surroundings. Then, in the University Quarter, stands Deanes at Queens. This large brasserie, bar and grill is complete with terrace views and unreal local produce.

Various locations across Belfast
+2890 331134/+2890 382111

eastZeast, Manchester

Image: eastZeast, Manchester

Founded in 1976, eastZeast is a family-owned and managed Punjabi restaurant. With a dedicated team of in-house trained chefs, they’re proud of using fresh, high-quality ingredients from both local and international suppliers to produce the best flavours. Their grass-fed meats are sourced from the valleys of Cheshire and Lancashire, which are then prepared by an expert team of butchers before arriving at the kitchen. Fresh poultry from Cumbrian farms is also a menu highlight that’s prepared by their butchers and chefs before making its way to your plate.

When creating each unique dish, the eastZeast team use natural sea and rock salt sourced from the Atlantic Ocean and the Himalayan Hills as seasoning, adding an extra element of discovery for the tastebuds. With dishes prepared and seasoned on-site daily, you can trust the whole family will be impressed by the freshness and taste of this food. For those with a sweet tooth, desserts are also freshly prepared by the in-house chefs, making them the perfect option to round out a delightful evening of dining in Manchester. There are also two other eastZeast locations in Liverpool and Preston, so make sure you drop by at least one.

The Riverside, Blackfriars Street, Deansgate, Manchester M3 5BQ, UK
Locations also in Liverpool and Preston
0161 834 3500

VANOOST, Amsterdam

Image: VanOost, Amsterdam

Located in a former university building from 1908, VanOost delivers a fine dining experience in a setting unlike any other. Authentic wooden details, soaring ceilings and an immersive open kitchen are at its heart. Inspired by Japanese and French cooking influences, chef Floris van Straalen creates a multitude of dishes that take you on a culinary journey, crafted with fresh local and seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re savouring a multi-course experience or a swift yet satisfying two-course moment, VanOost welcomes you to dine your way.

Mauritskade 61, 1092 AD Amsterdam, Netherlands
+312 0802 0202

UNCENSORED, Budapest

Image: Uncensored, Budapest

This is an original concept restaurant created by renowned restaurateur Marvin Gauci, offering a unique fine dining experience in the heart of Budapest. Hidden behind secret doors, UNCENSORED Restaurant delivers a chef’s degustation paired with a captivating 360-degree audiovisual show. This immersive journey spans the flavours of Hungary, Europe, Asia and beyond, blending world-class cuisine with a multi-sensory atmosphere. UNCENSORED creates an unforgettable taste-led adventure for all diners.

1073 Budapest, Erzsébet krt, Hungary
43-49 +363 0171 8011

Hard Rock Cafe, Tromsø

Image: Hard Rock Cafe, Tromsø

Nestled in the heart of the city, just 15 minutes from the airport, Hard Rock Cafe Tromsø is the perfect spot to start your time in Norway. Not only is this the world’s northernmost Hard Rock, but it’s also set in a historic building from the 1800s, which will give you something to admire whilst waiting for your fare. In true Hard Rock style, you can enjoy iconic American dishes, discover legendary memorabilia from the world’s greatest musicians and grab exclusive gifts in the iconic Rock Shop.

Storgata 42, 9008, Tromsø, Norway
+474 0400 081

IZAKAYA, Munich

Image: IZAKAYA, Munich

At IZAKAYA Asian Kitchen & Bar Munich, extravagant Japanese cuisine meets rich Peruvian flavours. Here, you’re invited to explore authentic recipes and classic ingredients, but with a twist. Modern techniques and creative plating revolutionise the restaurant, making it an ideal spot for adventurous diners. After its debut in Amsterdam in 2012, IZAKAYA expanded its allure to Munich, where it now resides on the ground floor of Roomers. If you’re in the mood for something different and delicious, add this place to your must-dine list.

Landsberger str, Munich 68, 80339, Germany
+49 (89) 12232000

CASA PEPE, Gibraltar

Image: Casa Pepe, Gibraltar

Situated next to Queensway Quay Marina, Casa Pepe provides a cosy atmosphere for all manner of mealtimes, from relaxed family dinners to professional get-togethers. This restaurant is designed with indoor and outdoor terrace seating, as well as a private dining area for functions, making it the perfect destination for all occasions. Their speciality is authentic Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine, including fresh fish and seafood that’s brought in daily and a quality selection of meats such as Argentinian and Angus.

Unit 18 Queensway Quay Marina, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA
+350 200 46967/+350 549 95000

La Table du Marquis, Nantes

Image: La Table du Marquis, Nantes

In the refined setting of the Château de Maubreuil, La Table du Marquis invites you on an exceptional culinary journey from the moment you arrive. With a delightful bistronomic offering at lunch and a gastronomic experience in the evening, each unique bite tells a story. Chefs Ingrid and Guillaume Decombat reinvent their dishes by fusing global influences with local, seasonal produce from the restaurant’s own farm. Here you’ll be treated to a range of unforgettable dining experiences enhanced by a single enchanting setting.

6 allée de Maubreuil, 44470 Carquefou, Nantes, France
+33 2 22 70 03 70

Amigos Tapas, Basel

Image: Amigos Tapas, Basel

Amigos Tapas Steinenvorstadt brings the vibrant flavours of Spain to Basel. Located in the city’s heart, this gem serves up authentic Spanish tapas, crafted with passion and fresh ingredients. From sizzling patatas bravas to succulent gambas al ajillo, each unique dish offers a taste of Spain’s culinary soul. Perfect for both casual dining and special gatherings, this restaurant promises unforgettable moments and recipes that you won’t find anywhere else. Drop by to start your journey to the heart of Spain now, one dish at a time.

Steinenvorstadt 42, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
+41 61 525 46 46

Grái kötturinn, Reykjavik

Image: Grái kötturinn, Reykjavik

For the perfect start to the day, you’ve come to the right place. Translated as ‘The Grey Cat’, this cafee is a cosy, dimly lit, book-lined escape, tucked away in an old townhouse in Reykjavik. It opens early, specialising in American-style breakfast, lunch and brunch. It’s famous for its big breakfast dish, ‘The Truck’, and iconic American pancakes, but there’s plenty more that deserve your attention, too. From fresh sandwiches and bagels to delicious eggs and bacon, their menu is bursting with tasty, comforting dishes that’ll make you feel at home.

Hverfisgata 16a, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
+354 551 1544

Taverna Luciana, Naples

Image: Taverna Luciana, Naples

Among other things, a stay in Naples is guaranteed to bring with it a refreshing, artistic edge and an irresistible helping of gastronomic delights. Blending the beauty of both, Taverna Luciana is a must-visit restaurant that deserves a spot on every foodie itinerary. You don’t have to be a connoisseur to clock that Naples’ culinary history is rich in legends, like the world- renowned Genovese sauce you know and love. Once served in the port trattorias of the 15th century and later featured in royal banquets, this traditional delicacy has earned a reputation over decades of refinement. At Taverna, the chefs pull from these storied traditions to inspire their delicious recreations.

The restaurant’s signature dish, Polipetto alla Luciana, is offered in various forms across the menu, such as on their pizza, pasta and in their hearty fish soup. Other classic fare includes risotto and steaks, as well as a wide range of sharing plates and tasty vegetarian dishes, making Taverna Luciana an ideal location for family meals and wholesome group get-togethers. Their vast menu means you’ll have to make another trip to try out everything that has caught your eye. Don’t worry, their reasonable prices mean you can still have an incredible, authentic dining experience without eating away at the holiday fund. If you’re in the mood for a true Napoli mealtime, swathed in culture with a community atmosphere, there is no better place to try than Taverna Luciana.

Santa Teresa degli Scalzi, 143, 80135 Napoli NA, Italy
+390 8154 46313/+393 4089 38663

La Caravella, Venice

Image: La Caravella, Venice

Managed by the same family since 1963, La Caravella is a warm and hospitable location, rich in history. Their menu reinterprets classic Venetian flavours by blending traditional and innovative techniques. Every dish crafted by the restaurant’s two chefs tells the story of Venice in a contemporary way, using only carefully selected local ingredients. Set in the heart of San Marco, this gem offers a unique experience of the city, making it a must-try when you’re in the area.

Calle Larga XXII Marzo 2398, Venezia, Italy
+390 4152 08901

NYX Rooftop, Athens

Image: NYX Rooftop, Athens

NYX is the place to be in the Athenian gastro-scene. Here, you can dine with unrestricted views of the Acropolis, thanks to its stunning rooftop location in the heart of Athens’ downtown. Chef Dimitris Kotsalis and his team curate an inspiring fusion menu influenced by Japanese gastronomy. Exceptional, fresh and raw produce becomes the base of a selection of elegant dishes, tastefully paired with signature premium cocktails for a complete dining experience.

Omirou 19, Athina 106 72, Greece
+306 9815 18000

LiMonella, Tenerife

Image: Limonella, Tenerife

This restaurant embodies the perfect blend of Amalfi Coast culture and modern creativity. As a ‘gastrocratic’ evolution of a traditional Trattoria, Limonella offers authentic Italian recipes with creative touches. Most of the kitchen’s ingredients are sourced directly from local artisans, ensuring gastronomic exclusivity for diners. The wine selection is exceptional, too, allowing guests to explore and enjoy outstanding wines that have been expertly chosen and paired by the restaurant’s specialists.

Calle Managua 17, 38660 Playa de las Americas, Arona, Tenerife, Spain
+346 1593 0587

Restaurante Calamar, Madeira

Image: Restaurante Calamar, Madeira

Nestled along the breathtaking north coast of Madeira Island, Restaurante Calamar offers a delightful escape for food-lovers everywhere. This restaurant prides itself on its traditional Portuguese cuisine crafted from the finest local ingredients. With a stunning private sea view, every meal transforms into a memorable dining experience, allowing you to savour authentic flavours amidst a picturesque setting. If you’re ready for a taste of Madeira’s culinary heritage, stop by this place for a truly enchanting atmosphere.

Av. Marcos Marques Rosa 29, 9240-210, Madeira, Portugal
+351 291 846 641

MK Rooftop, Marrakech

Image: MK Rooftop, Marrakech

Ideally located in the medina, MK Rooftop boasts a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Koutoubia and the surrounding mountains. Its Moroccan menu and range of cocktails, available with or without alcohol, are a delicious invitation to spend some time around the patio or on the rooftop underneath the stars. You’ll appreciate the magnificent setting of this atypical riad, where it’s better to stay to prolong the pleasure. No matter how long you’re stopping in Marrakech, this gem is not to be missed.

14 derb sebaai, Quartier Laksour, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco
+212 7020 84555

Americo’s Restaurante, Cape Verde

Image: Americo’s Restaurante, Cape Verde

Americo’s Restaurante is located in the heart of the pedestrian street in Santa Maria, Sal Island in Cape Verde. It’s the oldest restaurant in the city but, judging by its innovative menu and vibrant atmosphere, also the most modern. Here, you can enjoy a fusion of global flavours, expertly prepared with local ingredients. Will you indulge in a perfectly grilled steak or a delicious serving of fresh fish? No matter your taste, each dish promises a delightful exploration of taste and quality that you won’t forget.

Santa Maria – Ilha Do Sal – Cabo Verde C.P- 78
+238 2421 011