restaurant – EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog EuroCheapo editors take on the world of budget travel. Tue, 18 Nov 2025 18:54:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.3 Paris: When (and when not) to tip in Paris https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-when-to-tipand-when-not-to-tip.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-when-to-tipand-when-not-to-tip.html#comments Thu, 24 Jan 2019 09:05:48 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=12086 In a city where customer service is as low a priority as cleaning up after your dog, the scarcity of tipping in Paris should come as no surprise. Still, many Americans find it difficult to stop calculating 15-20% of the bill before it hits the café table. Some visitors and foreigners in Paris take a » Read more

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In a city where customer service is as low a priority as cleaning up after your dog, the scarcity of tipping in Paris should come as no surprise. Still, many Americans find it difficult to stop calculating 15-20% of the bill before it hits the café table.

Some visitors and foreigners in Paris take a “no-tip” approach to everything in Paris, based on the idea that service is included in the price listed on the menu. There are general rules, however, for those who want to be good customers, especially those who want to become regulars at neighborhood establishments.

Related
50 Ways to save time and money on your trip to Paris
The top 25 Free things to do in Paris
Simple ways to save on your Paris hotel 


Tipping in Paris

Before you lay down a tip everywhere you go, brush up on these tips to help you navigate tipping culture in Paris.

When NOT to tip:

In general, it is never wrong to tip, but some people just don’t expect it. Imagine if you left the dentist a few dollars after a mouth cleaning — it’s nice but also, let’s admit, kind of weird.

Cafés: A quick coffee and croissant at the local café may set you back €5, but there’s no need to drop an extra euro on the tip. The server isn’t working for tips, and his salary is consistent despite how many tables he or she gets.

Bars: Drinks at a bar are usually tip-free and bartenders rarely expect anything extra, which is good news for happy hour fans.

Clubs: At clubs, coat checks already cost a few euros, so tipping more is unnecessary. I can only imagine tipping the checkers in ritzy clubs that budget-seekers don’t frequent anyway.

In general, the less something costs, the less likely it is that a tip will be necessary. Leaving 15% on a coffee that only cost two euros seems like you were trying too hard.

Related: Paris: 10 money-saving tips for first time visitors

When TO tip:

Restaurants: When a server goes out of their way to explain the wine list in a cozy neighborhood restaurant or is exceedingly nice throughout the service, a small tip is absolutely deserved. You can leave up to five euros depending on the bill and expect a gracious “merci.”

Taxis: Taxi drivers usually expect a bit extra, understandably. Driving in Paris isn’t easy, and they will often be very helpful with luggage and shopping bags.

Tour Guides: Tour guides are not poorly paid, but those who go the extra mile to answer questions and make the visits enjoyable deserve to be tipped. Anyone in the service industry, familiar with foreigners, will often expect a tip, so have a few coins on hand.

Hotels: If a staff member helps to bring your bags up to your room, then you can offer a few euros in return. However, most of the hotels we stay at, we lug our own bags! You can also give a tip to a concierge for making reservations at a restaurant or helping you get tickets to a show. Check in at one of our favorite budget Paris hotels.

Salons: Hairdressers and barbers, especially if you want to become a regular without mangled bangs, appreciate a few extra euros.

Related: Our 8 favorite hotels in Paris under €80

Doubtful?

Not sure if the service was good? You spent two hours in a café and only bought two coffees? The taxi driver was a bit erratic driving down the Champs Elysées? When in doubt, just round up the bill, even if that means leaving just 50 centimes.

Although Parisians seem exceedingly proud, no one is going to refuse your tips if you offer it. Money speaks the same in any language!

Your tipping advice?

Got a tip for us? What has been your tipping experience in Paris? Tell us about it in the comments section.

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New York: A guide to tipping for foreign tourists https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/new-york-a-guide-to-tipping-for-foreign-tourists.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/new-york-a-guide-to-tipping-for-foreign-tourists.html#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:11:44 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=21683 New York business owners and workers consider foreign tourists notoriously bad tippers. To be fair, many tourists are visiting from countries that don’t expect substantial tipping. And face it, eating, drinking, traveling and getting beautiful in New York is already pretty expensive, even without the gratuity thrown in at the end. Although tipping can stretch » Read more

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New York business owners and workers consider foreign tourists notoriously bad tippers. To be fair, many tourists are visiting from countries that don’t expect substantial tipping. And face it, eating, drinking, traveling and getting beautiful in New York is already pretty expensive, even without the gratuity thrown in at the end.

Although tipping can stretch the traveler’s budget, it’s really quite important. Most waiters don’t make a living wage, so they rely upon the tips to balance out their income. The same goes for taxi drivers, whose tips make up roughly 25 percent of their income.

Related: How to visit New York City on a budget

Tipping isn’t hard or complicated. Here’s a quick overview of how much to tip in New York:

Paying for your taxi by credit card. Add 25%, 20%, 15% or whatever you like. Photo: Wayan Vota

Taxis

Even New Yorkers find tipping taxi drivers difficult at times. It’s no secret that cabbies face long hours and dangerous working conditions. That said, some drivers can be pretty rude, refusing to drive to outer boroughs or ignoring you while chatting on their hands-free phones. Still, you’ve got to tip.

Most passengers tip around 15 percent of the fare. The credit card machines available in all yellow cabs give passengers the option to tip 15, 20 and 25 percent. Don’t panic, Cheapos. You can still tip as you see fit using the keypad.

Restaurants

This is the big one and applies to all restaurants where a waiter brings food to your table. (This does not apply in fast-food restaurants where you order at a counter and take your own food to a table.)

After paying your bill, leaving a 15-18 percent tip is standard. If service is outstanding, reward your waiter with 20 to 25 percent. You can add it to your bill if paying by credit card, or simply leave the money on the table if paying with cash.

Always look carefully at your bill: The tip should not be already included. However, we’ve heard that certain swanky establishments like the Gansevoort Hotel have started adding 18 percent gratuity for everyone.

Larger groups (more than six people) should expect to have gratuity automatically added to their bill (usually about 18 percent). Make sure you check your bill carefully and ask if it isn’t clear.

Note for foreign visitors: We’ve noticed, with some frustration, that gratuity is sometimes added to bills when it’s obvious that the diners are foreigners. It’s annoying, as it sends a message that just because the waiter or manager overheard the table speaking a foreign language, the diners will be unaccustomed to adding a tip on their own. Be aware and check your bill carefully — especially if you’re speaking another language.

Coat check

If you hand your coat, bag or purse to an attendant to be checked away while you dine or attend an event, giving a $1 tip is customary when you pick up your item.

At some bars, you’ll pay a small charge per item when you drop them off. This is a sort of preemptive tip. Feel free to drop off another tip when you pick up your item, although it won’t really be necessary.

Note that tipping is not required (and may be forbidden) when checking items at museums.

Bars

For a drink under $10, a $1 tip per drink is common. Go up from there depending on the quality of the bar. Most bartenders agree there’s a difference between pulling a beer tap at a dive bar and muddling fresh ingredients to make a top-notch drink at a lounge—and they expect customers to tip accordingly.

Tipping in bars has more to do with making sure your next drink comes faster than it is about service. But by all means, give the cute, friendly or super-efficient bartender a couple more dollars.

Salons

In the land of $7-manicures, feel like a big spender with a 30 percent tip—it’ll only set you back $2 extra.

When it comes to the other services at hair salons and day spas, the standard 15 to 20 percent rule applies.

Getting a 90-minute massage? Feel free to go over 20 percent for your tip. You’ve just spent quite a bit of time with a complete stranger!

Your tips?

Have any advice on tipping to add to our list? Tip us off in our comments section.

Also in our guide: Heading to New York and looking for great, affordable places to sleep? Check out our reviews of the best cheap hotels in New York City, all visited, inspected and reviewed by our team of editors. Read more in our New York hotel guide.

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Paris: Where to find the best burgers (à la francaise) https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-where-to-find-the-best-burgers-la-francaise.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-where-to-find-the-best-burgers-la-francaise.html#respond Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:01:25 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=20541 By Bryan Pirolli in Paris— The long Parisian culinary tradition takes a sharp turn when it comes to the most quintessentially un-Parisian food, “le burger.” I can hear the groans of purists who wince at the very thought of ordering “un burger” in Paris. But for better or worse, the hamburger has become something of » Read more

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By Bryan Pirolli in Paris

The long Parisian culinary tradition takes a sharp turn when it comes to the most quintessentially un-Parisian food, “le burger.”

I can hear the groans of purists who wince at the very thought of ordering “un burger” in Paris. But for better or worse, the hamburger has become something of a French staple, adopted mostly from the great American version.

Sadly, many French chefs who excel in delicious parmentier de canard and perfectly cooked steak frites have difficulty wrapping their head around the burger. Those of us aching for a diner-sized cheeseburger topped with cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomato will be disappointed, but that’s not to say that all hope is lost.

Cheeseburger, coleslaw and beer at H.A.N.D. Photo: Shok

If you’re not ready to empty your wallet at Ralph Lauren’s restaurant (173 Boulevard St-Germain) for an “authentic” American version, have no fear. Armed with €15 at the most, you can fill up on a burger and fries à la française in some of these favorite spots:

1. Super Nature
12 rue de Trévise, 75009
Burger: €12

Super Nature, in the center of Paris’ right bank, is not a tourist destination at all. Located on an unattractive street in an otherwise dead zone of the 9th arrondissement, this all-natural restaurant boasts a pretty good burger. While not organic, like most of the restaurant’s offerings, the perfectly medium-rare burger is sandwiched between a delightful bun with a bed of alfalfa. The accompanying potatoes, reminiscent of tater tots, are a welcomed side dish. And it all just feels healthy.

2. H.A.N.D. (“Have a Nice Day”)
39 rue de Richelieu, 75001
Burger: €10-12

There are several American-style diners in Paris, but H.A.N.D – Have A Nice Day – is the one to try for a cheeseburger. Reviews are often mixed, but the burgers are “correct,” as the French say. While slightly small and with a mediocre bun, the Canadian bacon makes a nice, addition to a juicy burger. The fries are just fine, but get the onion rings for an extra dose of American nostalgia.

3. Le Floréal
73 rue du Faubourg du Temple, 75010
Burger: €13

Le Floréal, a newly renovated café conveniently located down the street from me, is one of my favorite places, and not just because of its close proximity. This seemingly trendy but not-at-all intimidating spot does a mean burger. The meat was nestled between a perfect bun with plenty of cheese and onions to keep me satisfied. Paired with a cold beer, their burger is the perfect indulgence while people-watching from the café terrace.

More burgers to try

Some other addresses worth noting for a burger and fries under €15 euros while wandering other neighborhoods of Paris:

Café Crème
4 Rue Dupetit-Thouars, 75003

Coquelicot (with a review)
24 Rue Abbesses, 75018

Coffee Parisien (with a review)
4, rue Princesse, 75006

Your favorite burger?

So Cheapos, what other places are there in Paris to get a classic – or not so classic – burger?

Also in our Paris Guide: If you’re planning your next trip to Paris, please check out our reviews of the city’s best inexpensive hotels. Our editors have visited, inspected and photographed more than 70 budget-friendly hotels in central Paris. Read more in our Paris hotel guide.

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Florence: How to enjoy a cheapo aperitivo https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/florence-how-to-enjoy-a-cheapo-aperitivo.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/florence-how-to-enjoy-a-cheapo-aperitivo.html#respond Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:40:47 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=19834 Since arriving in Tuscany, you’ve not only developed a palate for fine wine, but also a handsome routine where every night you like to indulge in an aperitivo. The only problem is that it’s been putting a real dent in your budget. So here’s what to do to keep the coins in your pocket and » Read more

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Since arriving in Tuscany, you’ve not only developed a palate for fine wine, but also a handsome routine where every night you like to indulge in an aperitivo. The only problem is that it’s been putting a real dent in your budget.

So here’s what to do to keep the coins in your pocket and the wine in your tummy.

Squat a Piazza

If you’re not picky on location but like to be around people, here’s what I suggest. Make your way to one of the piazzas, like Piazza Sant’Ambrogio and find yourself a seat on the steps of the church or any of the benches.

Next, resist the temptation to drink at one of the surrounding establishments. They will be overpriced and lousy. Instead, walk the neighboring streets until you find a little store (some call it a “kiosk”) that sells cheap beer and wine. There are lots of these in Florence and lots of people do it.

Purchase a beverage, return to the piazza, soak up the ambiance and toast the stars.

Fun bars for aperitivo

If you are not big fan of “piazza guzzle” here’s a few bars that are fun. First try “Volume” in Piazza Santo Spirito with its vintage/museum deco. Or the nearby La Cité (still my personal favorite) with its book-covered walls and small music stage.

Or maybe it’s food you want with your aperitivo, so try Kitsch Bar where you’ll have access to a full buffet of Italian specialties during aperitivo time.

If pubs are more your thing, try The Lion’s Fountain Pub, which is usually overflowing onto the square.

Bottoms Up

Have you heard of Vin Santo? If not you need to try it. Often made in Tuscany’s very own Chianti Region, Vin Santo is a strong sweet wine served either before or after dinner (or at any other time of the day that you see fit). You can pick it up anywhere that sells wine, but my suggestion would be one of the larger supermarkets where it is definitely cheaper (Coop, Esselunga, etc.).

And if you are completely new to the Italian drinking scene, consider trying an ice cold shot of Limoncello, a lemon liqueur from the south or a shot of Grappa, Italy’s answer to Tequila.

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Tipping in Amsterdam: How much to tip in restaurants, bars and cafes https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/tipping-in-amsterdam-how-much-to-tip-in-restaurants-bars-and-cafes.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/tipping-in-amsterdam-how-much-to-tip-in-restaurants-bars-and-cafes.html#comments Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:41:44 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=19153 Tipping abroad can be confusing, especially when you’re on a whirl-winded European trip that takes you into and out of different countries with different customs. Often travelers tip too much, or to little, and rarely the right amount at the right time. How much should you tip in Amsterdam? Learn from the locals and follow » Read more

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Tipping abroad can be confusing, especially when you’re on a whirl-winded European trip that takes you into and out of different countries with different customs. Often travelers tip too much, or to little, and rarely the right amount at the right time.

How much should you tip in Amsterdam? Learn from the locals and follow these general guidelines:

Hospitality has a healthy wage

The restaurant and hospitality industry in the Netherlands represents a well-paid group of workers. They’re usually students, and if they’re considerably older chances are they own the place.

Regardless, minimum wage at cafes, restaurants and bars is well above that in North America (usually more than double), so servers do not live off of tips. In fact, many don’t expect anything beyond coins left on the table. Hence the lack of fast, positive and friendly customer service here: They’re simply doing their job.

Ten percent rule for nice restaurants

Eating out, for the Dutch, isn’t as common as it is in North America. It’s not as cheap (due to low demand), and the idea of a restaurant is reserved for special occasions (friends in town, celebrations, etc.).

Knowing that, don’t expect happy hours, “early bird” specials or daily deals. And if you find them, chances are it’s a tourist restaurant (which is not a bad option if you’re looking for a cheap dinner). Authentic, delicious dishes are reserved for cafes with three-course meals, charming canal-side ambiance and patient customers who take their time when dining.

For a tip at these fine dine establishments, hover around the 10 percent mark. It’s easy math, and the fine dining experience justifies the little extra spent on a tip.

Not one buck at the bar

When ordering any drink at a bar or a café, don’t tip. It might feel wrong at first and it takes some getting used to. But unless you’re at a high-end cocktail bar, servers only expect a little extra tip if it benefits the team. (Most places pool tips and split after a day, a week, a month; or they save up yearly and splurge on a party.)

If you’re a group of two or more sitting down for a drink, and you feel guilty for not throwing something on the side, the general rule is this: Take the total and round up to the nearest euro. It might be a mere 30 cents, but it will relieve the server from fishing around for change (and they’ll be thankful).

“Going Dutch”

One joke I heard from an expat about her dating experience with the Dutch summed it up pretty well: “The Dutch are like birds… cheap, cheap, cheap!” Alright it’s not that bad, but most Dutchies know they have a culture that leans on the thrifty side of life. The term “going Dutch” has a hint of truth, although many locals will say this view is long passe.

Regardless, I’d be fibbing if I said I’ve never split the bill with my local buddies. That’s how it usually goes even on dates, even for one round of Heineken. I’ve even received emails and Facebook messages with bank account details so I could transfer them an easy €10! So, relax and don’t be afraid to split the bill!

Final “tip”

Simply put, go easy on the tipping. If you really want to impress a server with generosity, cover the entire bill for your party, and have someone else worry about the tip!

Note: This goes for tipping in drinking and dining establishments only. Hotels, tour guides, taxi drivers and the like have their own tipping tradition, which will be covered in a later post.

For additional “tips” on what to see and do in Amsterdam, click here.

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Berlin: Cheap eats along Kreuzberg’s Falckensteinstrasse https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/berlin-cheap-eats-along-kreuzbergs-falckensteinstrasse.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/berlin-cheap-eats-along-kreuzbergs-falckensteinstrasse.html#respond Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:24:40 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=18707 By C H Kwak in Berlin— Some streets in Berlin are so jam-packed with cheapo establishments that they deserve their own blog post. Falckensteinstrasse, in the fast gentrifying Wrangelkiez, is one of them. This Kreuzberg street, which intersects with the hoppin’ Schlesische Strasse, has a number of budget eateries worth checking out. Here are my » Read more

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By C H Kwak in Berlin—

Some streets in Berlin are so jam-packed with cheapo establishments that they deserve their own blog post. Falckensteinstrasse, in the fast gentrifying Wrangelkiez, is one of them.

This Kreuzberg street, which intersects with the hoppin’ Schlesische Strasse, has a number of budget eateries worth checking out. Here are my favorites:

Basilikum / Eis Aldemir / Thymian
Falckensteinstraße 7

The holy trinity of budget eateries is owned by the same Turkish family. Basilikum and Thymian each serves two to four daily specials that range from Mediterranean (pasta) to German (Spätzle)–all for between €2 and €4.50. Eis Aldemir, which is flanked between the two, is a good ice cream parlor with average prices (€1 a scoop).

Les Enfants Gatés
Falckensteinstraße 33
Web site

Cute cafe that serves real French pastries. At €3, the pastries may not seem like such a bargain for Berlin, but considering the quality and atmosphere, it’s a good deal.

Café am Kamin
Falckensteinstr. 18

This tiny cafe has a fireplace. Luckily, they keep it off in summer.

Buddha’s Kitchen
Falckensteinstr. 42
Web site

The Vietnamese community in Berlin has perfected the art of budget-friendly, fresh Asian food. Buddha’s Kitchen serves standard Berlin Asian fares–Vietnamese noodle soup, salad or meat in curry. It’s nothing you’ll write home about, but the €5 lunch deals definitely do the job. Best of all, there are two more Vietnamese-run places nearby, and they’re all pretty much interchangeable.

The main thoroughfare of Schlesische Strasse has an endless choice of bars and clubs, as well as snack bars. Cheapo night owls can do very well here.

Also on EuroCheapo: If you’re planning a trip to Berlin, check out our no-nonsense reviews of budget hotels in Berlin. We’ve visited and inspected hotels throughout the city, and recommend the best central cheapies. Read more in our Berlin guide.

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Berlin: Vegetarian and vegan food on the cheap https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/berlin-vegetarian-and-vegan-food-on-the-cheap.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/berlin-vegetarian-and-vegan-food-on-the-cheap.html#comments Thu, 12 May 2011 10:52:07 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=18501 I stopped being a vegetarian when I came to Germany as an exchange student in a provincial town—otherwise I might have lived on salad for a whole semester. Things are a little different in Berlin. Many restaurants offer vegetarian options, and there are plenty of joints that are completely meat-free. Here are some vegetarian and » Read more

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I stopped being a vegetarian when I came to Germany as an exchange student in a provincial town—otherwise I might have lived on salad for a whole semester. Things are a little different in Berlin. Many restaurants offer vegetarian options, and there are plenty of joints that are completely meat-free.

Here are some vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Berlin worth checking out:

Yellow Sunshine
Wiener Straße 19
Tel: 030 695 987 20
Web site

You can have your döner and eat it too. Kreuzberg’s vegetarian/vegan fast food joint does Berlin staples meat-free. Currywurst? Check. Hamburgers? Of course. Don’t let the title “fast food” fool you, though. The wait can be quite long–it’s that popular.

Die Rebellion des Zimtsterns
Schlesische Straße 38
Tel: 030 612 888 98

This tiny bad-ass cafe on action-packed Schlesische Strasse is vegan. Grab that butterless, dairy-free apple strudel and down it with soy latte. Daily lunches are €5.

Samadhi
Wilhelmstrasse 77
Tel: 030 224 888 50
Web site

Samadhi serves vegetarian Thai and Vietnamese dishes–whoop de doo, you may say. But, notice the prime location–right by the Brandenburg Gate.

Yoyo Foodworld
Gärtnerstraße 27
030 49 787 384
Web site

This 100% vegan joint is a stone’s throw away from the Boxhagener Platz flea market in hip Friedrichshain.

More advice: If you’re also hunting down the perfect hotel for your trip, be sure to swing by our city guide to read our reviews of our favorite cheap Berlin hotels, all of them inspected and photographed by our editors.

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Dublin: Breakfast and brunch spots with a twist https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-breakfast-and-brunch-spots-with-a-twist.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-breakfast-and-brunch-spots-with-a-twist.html#respond Fri, 25 Mar 2011 10:26:16 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=17518 You don’t have to order the (sort of scary?) black pudding or the full Irish breakfast to enjoy a meal that will banish your Guinness-induced headache on a Sunday morning in Dublin. While there are still plenty of places in town to find your traditional “fry” (as an Irish breakfast is often called), there are » Read more

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You don’t have to order the (sort of scary?) black pudding or the full Irish breakfast to enjoy a meal that will banish your Guinness-induced headache on a Sunday morning in Dublin. While there are still plenty of places in town to find your traditional “fry” (as an Irish breakfast is often called), there are also new places serving up brunch with a twist.

The ingredients are just as Irish—including smoked salmon, hearty brown bread, and farm fresh eggs. What’s new is the preparation, a slight focus on healthy options over greasy ones and a pleasant atmosphere in which to enjoy it all.

Here are three of my favorites in Dublin City Center:

Junior's

1. The Canal Bank Café
146 Upper Leeson Street, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Tel: 353 (01) 478 9966
Web site

This leisurely café is the perfect place for groups. Inevitably, one person wants breakfast while another wants brunch. One wants only a fruit plate while another craves a hearty burger. The Canal Bank Café has it all—on a lovely corner in Dublin, where light streams through the windows and locals read newspapers at the tables.

I also like how spread out the tables are. Your chair won’t be bumped and you don’t need to listen to the next table’s conversation while you dig into your Eggs McSwiggan (similar to Eggs Benedict, but replace the ham with Irish smoked salmon). They aren’t in a rush here though, so if you arrive hungry be sure to order an appetizer (like their divine buffalo chicken) while waiting for your meal.

2. Junior’s
Bath Avenue, Dublin 4
Web site

This neighborhood favorite has the best interpretation of brunch in the city. Menu items are perfectly sandwiched between breakfast and lunch—think steak and eggs—and are hearty enough to carry you through until dinner. Open for brunch only on the weekends, the tables fill up fast when this spot opens at 11 a.m.

The best tables are outside on the sidewalk, especially if you’re in a small group. Inside can feel quite cramped, as there are only eight tiny tables for two. On the inside, however, you have the perfect view of the chef as he creates your meal. I love Junior’s take on French Toast—this is a dish I would wake up craving on a Sunday.

3. The Lennox Café
31 Lennox Street, Portobello, Dublin 8
Tel: 353 (0)1 478-9966
Web site

The most stylish of these three brunch options is the Lennox Café, tucked into the Portobello neighborhood amongst prime examples of historic Georgian architecture. The best tables here are outside on the patio, or upstairs on the second floor, where you can get a glimpse of this building’s former life.

Everything on the menu is delicious and beautifully presented, but one of my favorite dishes is their take on huevos rancheros. Perfectly poached eggs, cheddar, chorizo and avocado all find a home with a little salad on top of a toasted tortilla. Spicy and nourishing, this is a meal I always find myself reurning to.

Don’t believe the rumors that Irish food is bland and boring. By venturing away from the Irish breakfasts on offer at pubs, you can find cafés that are bringing serious brunch culture to Dublin.

Your favorite breakfast spot?

Do you have a favorite brunch or breakfast spot in Dublin? Tell us about it in the comments section.

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Barcelona: 3 amazing dessert spots in the city https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/barcelona-three-amazing-dessert-spots-in-the-city.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/barcelona-three-amazing-dessert-spots-in-the-city.html#comments Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:14:03 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=15123 When I moved to Barcelona five years ago, I thought yogurt was a breakfast food. Oh how wrong I was! It took some time, and I was not an easy convert, but I now eat yogurt (Greek yogurt if possible, with honey) for dessert. Other favored local desserts include Crema Catalana, panellets, mel i mató, coques, » Read more

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When I moved to Barcelona five years ago, I thought yogurt was a breakfast food. Oh how wrong I was! It took some time, and I was not an easy convert, but I now eat yogurt (Greek yogurt if possible, with honey) for dessert. Other favored local desserts include Crema Catalana, panelletsmel i mató, coques, gelato-like ice creams and flan. Most of these are offered at your local restaurant in Barcelona, or come included when you order the daily special (menu del dia).

Then there are all the bakeries and chocolate shops. Temptation never teased me so as it does here in Barcelona. “Look at these tasty Nutella-filled croissants!” it says as I walk by the panaderia. “These bonbons will melt on your tongue,” it sings when I eye the Fargas chocolatier.

And eight times out of 10 I give right in to temptation. Why? Because A) I love dessert and B) Barcelona is a walking city, and if I have a truffle, I just skip the bus and walk home to burn off the calories…

Barcelona hot chocolate Mauri

Mauri’s hot chocolate. Photo: Acme

After a lovely, multi-course, wine-splashed Spanish or Catalan meal in the city, skip dessert at the restaurant and instead head over to one of my favorite sweet shops for the evening’s candied nightcap.

Bubo
Caputxes 10, Barcelona 08003

My goodness Bubo is divine! It is a tiny spot right off one of the Gothic Quarter’s most enchanting squares in front of the Cathedral Santa Maria del Mar. There are many wonderful restaurants in this barri (called “El Born”), and Bubo is an easy walk after lunch or dinner.

Half chocolate shop (their bonbons make for the perfect sugar-coated souvenir) and half petite dessert cafe, choose between cakes, tarts, truffles, and gourmet cookies. Some of my faves includes orange Sacher (give me orange and dark chocolate, anytime, anywhere), Marseille sponge cake with violet berry cream and raspberry mousse, or a simple strawberry sablée.

Bubo’s bonbons are filled with ganache or praline, and their bite-sized macaro cookies come in many vibrant colors and creative flavors. Or if you want something a bit lighter, then go for one of the Bubo mousses. Velvety mascarpone mousse with vanilla and raspberries will envelope your taste-buds, as will Bubo’s bittersweet chocolate mousse with lime gel.

Bubo is not cheap, but fairly priced. These are high quality desserts worth every euro cent, and true chocolate and sweet enthusiasts will not be disappointed.

Vioko Ice Creams and more
Passeig Joan de Borbo 55, Barceloneta 08003
Web site

Vioko is the new kid in town. Barcelona has an ice cream and gofre shop on every other corner, so when I saw that Vioko had opened up near the beach, I was skeptical, and then intrigued. With ice cream flavors such as violet, ginger, and rose, Vioko is not your average gelato stand.

No sir! This is quality ice cream, made from fresh ingredients and served in mammoth proportions. Last summer I ate more Vioko than I would like to admit. A goal of mine is to try all of their flavors, no matter how foreign. (It is important to have goals in life.) A cone will set you back about €3.50 or get a liter of their creamy concoctions for €18.

Mauri, the classic chocolatier
Rambla Catalunya 102, Barcelona, 08008

Since 1929 Mauri has been the go-to place for chocolates for those who want to impress. Nothing says “I have good taste and money” like Mauri. It is true, their candied lemon wedges dipped in dark chocolate and liquor-filled bonbons will set you back a few euros, but this is a small price to pay for history, tradition, and quality.

Aside from chocolates, Mauri also has a bakery and a tea shop. It is a fabulous idea to have a coffee in Mauri around 5 p.m. with a slice of something heavenly. They also do a daily lunch special, which has been delicious every time I have had it. Those who know and love chocolates will want to sample a couple of delectables from Mauri. Happily, two or three bonbons should not cost more than €5.

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Favorite Place in Amsterdam: Coffee and local culture at Café Koosje https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/favorite-place-in-amsterdam-coffee-and-local-culture-at-cafe-koosje.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/favorite-place-in-amsterdam-coffee-and-local-culture-at-cafe-koosje.html#respond Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:34:07 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=8853 Editor’s Note: For our “Favorite Places” blog series, we’re asking our local correspondents to write about one of their favorite places in town. For an ultimate Dutch time out in Amsterdam, head to Café Koosje. From coffee to apple pie with whipped cream, the place warms its patrons with cups of culture and a charming » Read more

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Editor’s Note: For our “Favorite Places” blog series, we’re asking our local correspondents to write about one of their favorite places in town.

For an ultimate Dutch time out in Amsterdam, head to Café Koosje. From coffee to apple pie with whipped cream, the place warms its patrons with cups of culture and a charming ambiance hard to find elsewhere. Plus, the Jewish Historical Museum, Botanical Gardens, and Waterlooplein are all within walking distance.

Koosje won my heart on a rainy afternoon as I sipped an Irish coffee and observed with amusement as a baby grand piano swung in the air by a rope. (A man across the street was moving into the top floor, and as Dutch flats are inconveniently narrow, hoisting a piano to the top floor was the only possible, unthinkable and [in]convenient option.)

But Café Koosje can be fun for all. Families burst in fresh from visits at the nearby Artis Zoo, and locals are lured in by the classy lunchtime scene. Scarlet awnings and curtains round out the vintage décor, though the long bar and mirrored liquor cabinet lend the space an airy vibe. The café’s interior is lit by cozy candlelight, with parlor-like windows along the front wall inviting customers to gaze out.

Koosje is a prime people-watching location, with everything from bike quarrels to nearby customers slurping on Chocomel delights providing entertainment for your eyes. Outside, patrons can choose between the covered patio or the wooden benches that wrap around the building.

The extras here are spectacular because Koosje is Dutch: Coffee always comes with cookies, “appletaart” comes with whipped crème, and “toastis” come with ketchup. Cool music posters and  papers in English and Dutch are readily available. While servers breeze back and forth holding the blackboard dinner menu, smart travelers indulge in the relaxed vibe and soothing atmosphere of a café open to serving all passersby.

Café Koosje
Plantage Middenlaan 37
website

Sun. to Thurs. 9 AM– 1 AM
Fri. 9 AM – 3 AM
Sat. 9 AM– 2 AM

Typical prices

Main courses: €11.50 – €18.50
Apple pie: €4.50
Coffee: €2.00
Fresh mint tea: €2.30
Beer: €2.20
Wine: €3.00

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