(Vienna, Austria – August, 2012 – Photo by Andrea Pardo)

Next to cooking, travel is my passion. Being a traveler of the world is part of my soul, and discovering a place is best accomplished through food. To find new places to eat when visiting somewhere new is often done by searching on google for restaurants in the area. What can be really frustrating is when a fantastic eatery ignores the need for quality seo which can help reach hungry customers! This is why some restaurants are crying out for a comprehensive local seo audit. Come on, there’s no better experience than eating somewhere special! But, few things are more earth-shattering than arriving somewhere foreign and not knowing where or what to eat. there are so many amazing places to eat everywhere you go. I wish I was audacious enough to open my own restaurant too. How great would that be, although my business acumen isn’t great at the moment and I’d have to consider menu ideas and learn more about Restaurant accounting. Maybe these quotes about business would help me out. While standing on a random street corner, lost and yelp-ing desperately on your phone sometimes helps you find a gem, I much prefer having a plan.

Friends and family always ask me for eating recommendations from around the globe. Below are the memorable places I believe are worth a visit.

A few general tips:

1. Avoid restaurants menus in forty languages that can be mistaken for bricks/weapons. (Cheesecake Factory is the only exception.)

2. If you need to be lured into a restaurant by semi-charming men singing about their spaghetti, steer clear. No. I am not a cobra snake.

3. Be a traveler, not a tourist. Several of my memorable eats were birthed from cheap, grungy, and questionable-from-the-outside establishments. A 4-euro gyro I had in Germany two years ago crosses my mind frequently, while memories of other expensive meals have vanished the second they’ve reached my esophagus. I might get salmonella, but hey, at least my street meat was delicious.

4. Any untz-untz-untz, super sceney restaurant. You know what I’m talking about. Restaurants should not be mistaken for clubs.

5. Any foreign restaurant in the United States is acceptable if that said foreign culture has inhabited it like its motherland.

UNITED STATES

AUSTIN, TX

Peche [American food & classic cocktails] I only had a delicious (and properly prepared ) fancy cocktail in this bustling, bistro-like restaurant. I wish I had stayed for a meal to revel in its swanky, old-school French vibe.

Sway [Thai] This Thai place is modern, has communal seating, and everything on the menu tastes like fireworks in quintessential {saltysourspicysweet} Thai flavors. The food is simply amazing, and I genuinely wish more restaurants like this existed in the world.

Terry Black’s [Barbecue] I was in a bad mood when I got to this restaurant (womanly stuff), but once I tasted their pepper-crusted brisket, I got tears in my eyes. Like for real. People talk about this happening and I’m always like, “ok you weirdos”, but then it happened to me. I bow down to this brisket. Turkey and sausage come in a close second. I tried more than 5 barbecue places in Austin, and this one was the best, by far.

Uchiko [Asian] I took my boyfriend here for his birthday, and we couldn’t have been more happy and satisfied with the food. We opted for the tasting menu; the portions were small but plates were plentiful. The food quality is excellent. They needn’t be excessive with the flavors or quantities, it’s perfect as it is. I have zero idea how they source their fish in a city with no ocean in plain sight, but I’m not complaining.

BOSTON, MA

Area Four [Pizza & upscale bar food] Get the garlic knots. Michael Leviton knows his bread.

B&G Oyster [Seafood] I made it a mission to try all of the lobster rolls in Boston, and the Lobster BLT (my first Boston Lobster roll) from this place was the best.

Clear Flour Bread [Bakery] Your butt must get out of bed early to wait in line and snatch these ethereal, best of Boston, breads before everyone else does.

Cuttyfoods [Sandwich shop] Amazing eggplant sandwich + Italian sandwich. Be indulgent, get a cookie with Taza chocolate while you’re at it.

Formaggio Kitchen [Cheese shop] In my dreams, the world’s most artisanal, interesting and delicious foodstuffs are nestled in one place. Oh wait, this actually exists, and it’s Formaggio Kitchen. Ihsan Gurdal was my cheese teacher (yes I had a cheese teacher) and is the owner of this wonderland.

Highland Kitchen [American] Homey, delicious, and they let you linger for a while. Go for brunch.

Island Creek Oyster Bar [American/seafood] Their oysters popped my oyster cherry and are the best in the world (seriously, Thomas Keller has them Fedex-ed to The French Laundry and Per Se DAILY). All of their bread is made in-house. I love the short-rib and lobster roe pasta. Plus, take note of the oyster wall in the back made ENTIRELY of oyster shells. They’re also super connected to their farmers and source locally. The bar next door, The Hawthorne, is swanky and has awesome cocktails. And pretzel bites.

Modern Pastry [Italian pastry shop] You’re in the North End, and you want a freaking cannoli. Don’t kill me, but I think this is better than Mike’s.

Neptune Oyster [Seafood] My favorite restaurant in the North End is not Italian but has the #2 lobster roll. No reservations, prepare to wait in line.

Oleana [Mediterranean] Whoa, what a shitshow of fresh and seasonal flavors! I like the hot buttered hummus, falafel, and labneh burrata. It’s fun to get a few apps and zerts to share.

Picco [Italian] Pizza! Gelato! Fava bean salad! Lots of other stuff!

Sabatino’s Pizza [Pizza & subs] This place was a block from my apartment, totally gross looking, and totally had my favorite pizza by the slice.

Sofra [Mediterranean] Oleana’s sister restaurant, but it’s takeout. You can get a lot of the same stuff, and lots of pastries and cookies. Also, milk jam?!

DENVER, CO

Table 6 [American] Table 6 serves super seasonal, exquisitely cooked, straightforward food. Get there if you’re in Denver.

Vert Kitchen [Sandwiches, salads & soups] This is a wonderful lunch spot, especially after hiking. It’s fresh and high quality. I loved their turkey balsamic salad with thick cut bacon and fig compote.

GAINESVILLE, FL

Five Star Pizza [Late night pizza] If you find yourself somewhat inebriated at three in the morning in Gainesville, get Five Star. We liked onion, bacon, and pepperoni with extra tomato sauce.

Ivey’s [American, best for brunch] My roomies and I were regulars here when I was at UF. Get the banana bread french toast or huevos rancheros. Also, the fact that their iced coffee has ice made of coffee obviously makes them geniuses.

Satchel’s [Pizza] Satchel’s is a quaint Gainesville establishment, better suited for normal hours of eating.

HONOLULU, HI

Mitch’s [Sushi] I tried uni for the first time here and yowzas, what a weirdly slimy, delicious experience. Stick with simple sushi. It’s near the airport so you can easily visit on your way in or out.

Ono Seafood [Poke] How did I not know about poke, ceviche and tartare’s Hawaiian cousin, until 4 months ago? It’s like eating a saucy, deconstructed sushi roll. I tried the miso-ginger-shoyu tuna and spicy mayo tuna and was genuinely sad when the meal was over.

Waiola Shave Ice [Shave ice] These are not the sno-cones that will leave you crunching away on tiny ice cubes. This is smooth powdered snow with added flavored syrups. The menu is confusing and plentiful, and I would stick with a few simple flavors or just sweetened condensed milk.

LOS ANGELES, CA

Guelaguetza [Mexican, specifically Oaxacan] Get serenaded by mariachis while discovering the universe of mole. This place is totally down to earth and fun. The mole sampler is a good idea, along with the chorizo and guac. The flan is great, too.

MIAMI, FL

Chicken Kitchen [Grilled chicken, salads, etc.] I literally used to live here during high school. The chop-chop is a Miami staple. It’s a simple combination of yellow rice topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and chicken. The kicker is their famous curry-mustard sauce, which I use in excess, making my chop-chop look like a curry soup.

Chill’n [Nitrogen ice cream] Without a doubt, this is the best ice cream I’ve ever had. The texture of this ice cream is unmatched since it’s frozen on the spot with nitrogen and made to order right in front of you, so you’re not getting ice cream scoops that were made three months ago. I always get an ice cream base of nutella & dulce de leche, then mix in Reese’s peanut butter cups and if I’m feeling crazy, get more dulce de leche mixed in. This stuff is special.

El Atlacatl [El salvadorian] SWEET. CORN. TAMALES. That’s it. Go, and dip bites of those in cream. Oh, and try the pupusas in all of their delicious glory.

El Palacio de los Jugos [Shakes & cuban food] Fresh fruit shakes, or batidos, in every tropical flavor you can imagine. I am a guava lover. They also have all the typical Cuban food. And TORREJAS, Cuban sweet toast. My grandmother made the best ones obviously, but these come close.

El Rey de las Fritas [Frita burgers] Fritas = Cuban burgers = sausage and beef patties topped with shoestring fries. Get them here, ahora.

El Siglo [Cuban] Miami is known for its Cuban food, and if you don’t have a grandmother to cook it for you, it’s should cost $10-or-less and be eaten at a counter. This place is inside of a supermarket, literally. The Cuban food I like is vaca frita, with moros and platanos maduros. Or a pan con lechon. Or masitas de puerco, deep fried pieces of pork. Yum. Consider getting a croqueta or pastelito de guayaba for breakfast, too.

Garcia’s [Seafood] You can sit on picnic benches on the Miami River while eating fish supplied from local purveyors. Along with typical Cuban sides, of course. I like the salmon in tamarind sauce or dolphin sandwich.

Green Street [American] Perhaps I’m partial to this place because of my memories there, but their goat cheese salad with grilled chicken is one of my favorite salads ever. The Greek one is good too, along with their pastas. In over 15 years, I’ve never had a bad meal.

Fratelli Milano [Italian] my personal down-to-earth favorite Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown. Get the fiocchi!

Macaluso’s [Italian] You might get confused for a second and think you walked into Vesuvio’s from the Sopranos with this restaurant. It’s old school and amazing. Their meatballs have an egg yolk inside!

Matsuri [Sushi] Best sushi in Miami.

Michael’s Genuine [Seasonal American] This is my favorite restaurant in Miami. The food is seasonal, straightforward, and excellent, always. I love the duck confit, fried pig ears, and octopus. Plus, the vibe is cool.

Misha’s Cupcakes [Cupcakes & other baked goods] Careful, these are addicting. I like the salty caramel, guava, cinnamon-sugar, red velvet, and oreo.

Ortanique on the Mile [Caribbean/Latin] Fresh fish meets tropical flavors. The mahi is awesome, so is the tuna over wasabi mashed potatoes. Take a few bites of the garlic tostadas.

Pubbelly [Fusion] I guarantee you haven’t seen a restaurant this interesting, a nice combo of Latin, Asian, and American cuisine. I like the dates, shortrib tartare, pumpkin dumplings, mofongo, and brussels sprouts (!).

Raspado Loly [Shaved ice] Nicaraguans know what’s up when it comes to their dulce de leche, get it served over their ice with pieces of pound cake. My godmother likes the ice with tamarind.

Scarpetta [Italian] Fine, this restaurant is totally sceney, but it’s spectacular. Their spaghetti with pomodoro is a masterpiece, and the mushrooms and polenta come in second.

Sergio’s [Cuban] Another Miami Cuban establishment, up one notch from El Siglo. I prefer it to Versailles.

Xixon [Tapas] Awesome tapas and a bustling vibe with an extensive wine list and binoteca.

NEW YORK CITY, NY

Cafe Boulud [American-French] Totally pricey and sceney, but the food here is the type that you can’t really cook at home. Save it for a special occasion.

Cafe Mogador [Moroccan] This place has my favorite type of food: bold, vegetable heavy, and simple. I was eating the labneh from my fingers.

Chelsea Market [Flea food market] SO MANY options at this wonderful and homey space. Markets, bakeries, ice cream, and little restaurants.

Eataly [Italian market] Eataly is packed, noisy, the size of a football field, and generally shunned by real Italians, but it is an Italian food lover’s dream. The wide assortment of product here lets you caress Italy without jumping on a plane. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, though. Pace and brace yourself. You can eat at one of their many sit-down areas, do a wine tasting, or pick up a panino and whatever else and eat standing up. The gelato is a MUST.

Gotham Bar and Grill [American] Also very sceney and pricey, but I had a mustard panna cotta with my steak here, seriously? SO GOOD.

Gramercy Tavern [American] This space is a visual enchanted wonderland. Dine in the tavern. The roasted and raw vegetable plate is amazing, as are the seasonal fish dishes and desserts.

Grimaldi’s [Pizza] Word on the street is that this is the best pizza in New York City.

La Superior [Mexican] Eat authentic Mexican food approved by real Mexicans while surrounded by hipsters. The guac, queso fundido, enchiladas and salsas are yum. I hear the tacos are amazing, too. Just get everything.

Levain [Bakery] Famous chocolate chip cookie.

Smorgasburg [Brooklyn’s flea food market] Sample artisanal and homemade eats from local New York peeps.

The Spotted Pig [Gastropub] More than anything, I love the easy vibe at this West Village restaurant. The ricotta gnudi are awesome.

ORLANDO, FL

Flying fish cafe [American] This restaurant is inside of Disney World’s Boardwalk and it is amazing. Maybe it’s because my parents have brought me here since I was little, but I don’t think that’s it. I think it just has really good food. Try the caesar salad, mozzarella salad, red snapper wrapped in potato in a leek brother (seriously.), and the tuna.

Dole’s Aloha Isle [Soft serve ice cream] I feel like a hypocrite listing Disney shit in a place where I’m telling you that tourists are the devil, but I kind of love Disney and I love this ice cream. It’s in the Magic Kingdom, and it’s swirled as high as Marge Simpson’s hair. I like the vanilla/pineapple combo.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Bi-Rite Creamery [Ice cream] No-no-no-notorious for icy deliciousness. Try their soft serve right next door. They have a food shop across the street that’s also worth checking out.

I FORGOT THE NAME OF THIS PLACE IN CHINATOWN (but am working on finding it) [chinese] This restaurant was packed like a can of sardines, and I was one of only two white people there. A sure sign of goodness. The fried tofu and sweet and sour pork are exceptional and cheap.

Dandelion Chocolate [Coffee & chocolate shop] A beautiful and quaint space to meet with friends in the Mission District. They have coffee and chocolate in every form, along with superb baked goods like a caramel brownie and salted chocolate cookie.

Delfina [American] This place is amazing. Especially memorable was a dish of austere proscuitto, peaches, and saba. Their brined roast chicken is one of the best I’ve ever had. Simple goodness. Make a reservation.

Ferry Building Farmer’s Market [Farmer’s market] This is the best farmer’s market in the world, hands down. Don’t eat before going, you’ll fill up on vendors’ generous samples.

TAMPA, FL

Bern’s Steakhouse [Steakhouse] Entirely barren and unsuspecting, it’s likely you will mistake this restaurant for a jail or mental institution. Don’t be fooled. One step inside transports you to a universe of plushness. Hype alert: Bern’s is noted for being the best restaurant in the United States. I’m not sure about that fact, but it is definitely an amazing experience. You get five sides for the price of one steak or other protein, and there is a DESSERT ROOM. Like, you can’t eat salty and sweet food in the same place there. Whoa! They also have the most extensive wine list in the United States. Make sure to take a tour of the restaurant. Yes, that is actually an option. You can watch them put a dent in the 500 pounds of onions they go through daily.

Little Greek [Greek food] When I was doing my stint in Corporate America, I was OBSESSED with coming here. Like, it wasn’t normal. I was there at least twice a week and the guy behind the counter would give me a look like “you, again?”. IT’S SO GOOD. I still think about it all the time. It’s cheap, fast, super super fresh, and you get mountains of food. My staple plate was the chicken soulvaki with yellow rice, potato salad, greek salad, pita, and tzatziki. YUM!

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Estadio [Tapas] Amazing tapas near DuPont Circle. Get the brussels!

CENTRAL AMERICA

MANAGUA, NICARAGUA

Dulceria el Encanto [Desserts] Fresh fruits in syrups, and dulce de leche in INFINITE forms!

Pasteleria Sampson [Bakery] There is a cuatro, CUATRO, leches here that is stamped in my brain until eternity.

SOUTH AMERICA

BOGOTA, COLOMBIA

Andres carne de res [Colombian] So Andres isn’t just a restaurant, it’s an experience. It’s an onslaught of the senses: loud, colorful & vibrant, and totally delicious. It has an endless menu of food and cocktails, and I’d encourage you to try a platter of sorts. With a stiff drink, because you’re going to be encouraged to dance.

Club Colombia [Colombian] This restaurant serves most authentic Colombian cuisine, and you can experience most of the country’s delicacies there such as arepas, chicharron, and delicious cocktails.

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

Rosetta [Italian/bakery] Rosetta exudes romance. So when I ate dinner there with my best friend, we ended holding hands. There was wine involved, but the place is just THAT sultry; both in its essence and in the food’s taste. They make all their bread and pasta in house. The food is predominantly Italian, with bursts of Mexican cuisine mixed in.

El Cardenal [Mexican] El Cardenal’s menu encompasses authentic Mexican cuisine fully. You could take many chances here, but I chose a chile relleno with two types of goat cheese that will be imprinted in my brain for many, many years to come.

EUROPE

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Iscuypje [Ice cream] THIS IS THE BEST ICE CREAM I’VE EVER HAD. Yes I need to yell this, because my last summer’s European adventure was really only an excuse to globe trot ice cream and gelato shops. A LOT of ice cream was consumed. Much of it was good, but this was, without a doubt, the best. The chocolate and pistachio flavors almost killed me.

Kantjil & De Tijger [Indonesian] Amsterdam randomly has a ton of good Indonesian restaurants. In typical Amsterdam fashion, my sister and I sat outside here and people watched while spices danced around our mouths.

“Upstairs” Pannekoekenhuis [Dutch pancakes] Amsterdam is known for their huge, thin, and moist pancakes topped with both sweet and savory flavors. The shop owner makes them to order here. I got apple and cheese. Note that it is literally “upstairs” and a bit hard to find, but it’s worth it.

Waffle vendors in the Museumplein (near Rijksmuseum Amsterdam and the Van Gogh Museum) [dutch waffles – Gaufres de Liege] You need a crispy, sugar coated waffle with bready insides slapped with a smear of nutella and a side of ice cream while you’re in Amsterdam. Trust. This place is replete with tourists, but these waffles will stop your world for ten minutes.

Wok to Walk [Asian fast food] Quick and yummy fast Asian food. Noodles!

BERLIN, GERMANY

Curry 36 [Currywurst] This place did not disappoint. Eat standing up while dipping your fries and sausage in mayo and classic curry ketchup.

Dada Falafel [Mediterranean] Order a variety of mediterranean eats like hummus, grilled halloumi cheese, salad, kebab, and duh, falafel.

MINDEN, GERMANY

City Doner Takbas & Takbas [Kebab] If you ever find yourself in Minden, get the lamb meat in the pita pocket, and ask for extra of everything, especially the yogurt and tahini sauces. Falafel is an option for vegetarians.

PARIS, FRANCE

Creperie Josselin [Creperie] French locals inhabit this tiny spot where buckwheat crepes are made to order. We tried ham + gruyere with an egg (!) and goat cheese + tomato + spinach. Bomb. So are the little tossed side salads. We didn’t try the sweet ones but highly regret it.

Eric Kayser [Boulangerie & patisserie] Paris has an onslaught of bakeries, but this is the best. Luckily, there are several locations. Their specialties are multi-seed breads, but personally I enjoyed the fig/walnut loaf. Thankfully, they come in tiny sizes so you don’t have to walk around hoarding seven baguettes under your arm.

L’Avant Comptoir [French] Stand up only place, more like a Spanish tapas bar with a creperie. Cool wines.

La Fontaine de Mars [French] This is typical upscale Parisian bistro fare, laden with red and white patterned tablecloths. It’s worthy of a special occasion. Everything from the bread and salted butter, salami, dover sole, potatoes, and strawberries with pistachio sabayon is simple and perfect.

Laduree [Patisserie] Lauduree is applauded for their macarons and ice cream, which I thought were totally overpriced and blah. BUT, their apple tarte tatin will resonate in my head forever. The chocolate eclair is pretty bomb, too.

Poilane [Boulangerie & patisserie] I had the best apple turnover and butter shortbread cookies of my life at Poilane. Get there early.

PARIS CHEESE SHOPS! (BIG FYI: These are all closed in August. Don’t learn the hard way. It hurts.)

Fromagerie Trotte: 97 Rue St. Antoine

Fromagerie Laurent Dubois: 2 Rue de Lourmel

Fromagerie QuatreHomme: 118 Rue de Mouffetard

Fromagerie Barthelemy; 51 Rue de Grenelle

Fromagerioe Alleosse: 13 Rue Poncelet

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

Bakeshop [Bakery] The almond croissant here is something I’ll think about forever. My sister and I went four times.

Lokal [Bar fare & beer] Pickled Camembert! Sausages! Bread! Kraut! Beer! Supported by Slow Food.

ALBA, ITALY

Slow Food Market Alba [Farmer’s market] This market has the best honey (castagna, tiglio, millefiori, acacia) and cheese (robiola, tume) in the universe.

Alba is known for their truffles, and in October’s truffle season, tourists flock like seagulls on crack to get them. But amongst them lies little streets with restaurants inhabited only by locals. If you find yourself in Piedmont, Northern Italy, make sure you venture to Bra (where Slow Food was founded) and eat some hazelnuts (their specialty). You must also visit Barolo wine country, the KING of Italian wines and experience views that will make you forget you’re a human.

ROME, ITALY

Antica Trattoria da Gildo [Italian] Old school style, with an amazing whole branzino.

La Tana de Noantri [Italian] Great casual amazing food.

Maccheroni [Italian] Get the black truffle pasta/rice.

Pizzarium [Pizza al taglio (sliced pizza)] After you say what up to the pope, Michaelangelo’s ghost, and the angels at the Vatican, head over to Pizzarium for FIRE pizza. Wow, so many options! The pizza’s earthy flavor and chewy texture comes from whole-grain kamut flour. I like to keep it simple with margherita pizza, but Pizzarium also has an amazing potato/cheese and peperoni. (Note: In Italy, peperoni means peppers.)

A WORD ON ITALY: It’s a fact that Italy has the best ingredients in the world. They also have a way of forming these austere ingredients into spectacular, simple dishes. It’s hard to have a bad meal there, unless you get munched by the tourist trap. Let the red-alert siren go off in your brain and AVOID them! If you see Americans infesting a place, it’s the Olive Garden. Walk a bit, and if you see locals, that place is probably worth going to. GOOD FOOD IS EVERYWHERE! Most of the best meals I’ve had in Italy were cooked by grandmothers and Italians, and others were the free shit you’re given at bars when you order a prosecco, like tuna salad (?!?!?!), bruschetta, and pesto, or a small restaurant on the side of the road that serves tiny friend anchovies with lemon. Unfortunately, many of these meals were so good and the place so homey and normal that I never wrote down their names.

VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Schonnbrun Palace [Museum food stands] The best pretzel of my entire European adventure was found here at one of the quick food stands. It was ginormous and delicious. SO RANDOM.