“Do you have anything gluten-free? So, no milk?”
“You mean lactose-free?”
“I’d prefer vegan.”
“Well, we have a fruit salad or some of our sandwiches can be made vegan. There’s also a bagel with…”
“I’ll take the scrambled eggs.”
“Ah. Okay. I thought you wanted something vegan?”
“No, just gluten-free. I always say vegan for that.”
“Alright, so we’ll leave out the toast with the scrambled eggs to keep it gluten-free?”
“No, that’s not necessary. Toast is fine.”
Anyone thinking this conversation is made up couldn’t be more wrong.
The late nineties had faded into the past and the enthusiasm of the new millennium was beginning to wane.
I had graduated from the Technical University of Munich as an architect and decided to stash my Buffalo platforms along with the low-rise jeans in the attic.
But slipping into the black turtleneck of the architecture guild in my late twenties didn’t quite feel right.
The creative spark of my studies had fizzled out in the dusty routine of office life, bogged down by liability clauses and dull government regulations.
I couldn’t muster much excitement for the idea of arguing with the building authority.
So my husband and I surprised our parents with the plan to open a café with a concept store.
Vadim Otto Ursus describes his gem on Oderberger Straße as a small, lively neighborhood restaurant.
And the description couldn’t be more fitting.
Rooted in regional tradition, close to nature, and stripped down to the essentials - both in its ingredients and its décor.
Yet, this minimalism is, in truth, a distilled essence of Ursus’ years of experience in some of the world’s most acclaimed kitchens - Noma, Maaemo, Koks…
“At the heart of it all is always a really good product. Then it’s about asking what we can do to make that product taste its very best.“, he explains.
Making culinary artistry appear this effortless might just be part of the secret to why dining at Otto feels simultaneously like a cozy meal in your own dining room and a visit to a Michelin-starred restaurant.
The picturesque streets between Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Singel have long ceased to be a hidden gem, but perhaps that’s precisely why we want to write about them.
Sometimes, even after being discovered by many enthusiastic visitors, a recommendation manages to retain its old charm.
For many visitors to Amsterdam, the heart of the city often means wandering through the Red Light District.
But we also see the many picturesque corners with their historic, crooked houses, old fountains, and small squares... and the enchanting garden of the Koffieschenkerij in front of the cozy, repurposed parish rooms of the Oude Kerk.
This oasis, where sunlight filters through the leaves of the trees and a few sparrows chirp among the flowers, is perfect for enjoying coffee and cake.
Indulging in fresh fish and seafood can be a delightful luxury.
When, as in this case, the highest standards of sustainability are also prioritized, the enjoyment becomes even more profound.
For Amsterdam locals, The Seafood Bar, which boasts three locations throughout the city, is likely no secret.
It's akin to recommending Dallmayr to a Münchner or Das Schwarze Kamel to a Viennese.
However, if you love the freshest seafood, prioritize sustainable fishing and appreciate bright spaces that evoke the charm of a bustling fish market, this is the place for you.
Confiseur, master confectioner, artisan of sweets - these melodious titles describe the skilled hands behind Sawade’s exquisite treats.
Following time-honored traditions, they handcraft brittle leaves in delicate layers and produce truffles and pralines using recipes dating back to the 19th century.
Wrapped in eco-friendly foil and cellophane, these colorful confections make the perfect souvenir from Berlin.
The pastel-colored boxes, adorned with black-and-white Berlin motifs, are so charming that they’re unlikely to be discarded, even once the delicious contents are gone.
At the corner of Theresienstraße and Türkenstraße, from March to October, you’ll find Munich’s best ice cream. During this time, the restaurant owners in Maxvorstadt wistfully tuck away their dessert menus.
Because everyone knows – by 10 p.m. at the latest, after the main course, the guests head off in the same direction anyway.
The goal is to get a portion of the creamiest Ballabeni ice cream for dessert, before they close at 10:30.
I love that scene from Shrek where Donkey tries to cheer up the grumpy ogre.
„We can stay up late, swapping manly stories and in the morning I'm making waffles!“
That works just as well after a girls’ night out and always makes me cheerful - waffles for breakfast!
Hot and buttery is exactly how André and his husband serve them at Café Helma.
Helma is a place for long, leisurely breakfasts, rotating lunch specials and homemade cakes paired with carefully selected teas in the afternoon.
And if the night is young? A Yuzu-Prosecco and a cheese platter make for a perfect start.
We wouldn’t mind spending the whole day here in cozy Helma.
And the charming square in front of St. John’s Church, with the café’s outdoor tables on it, is anyhow one of the most beautyful spots in Munich.
For years, Toshio Kobatake, known as Toshi, ran an elegant Teppan-Yaki restaurant in Munich’s Altstadt, named after himself.
Now, he welcomes us to his Japatapa Toshibar in Schwabing.
Stripped back to the essentials, it’s just as exciting as the original Toshi.
For those who, like us, are passionate about authentic Japanese cuisine, Toshi’s place is a must. Together with his wife, he creates a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with Japanese hospitality and cozy Izakaya charm.
It’s no wonder Toshi was honored as a Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador.
This unique spot, hard to find elsewhere in Munich, is tucked away on the unassuming Marschallstraße.
Flowing dresses, airy white blouses, casual blazers, light fabric trousers—this is exactly how we envision Scandinavian fashion.
And this is precisely what you'll find at Filippa K.
In the bright flagship store on Biblioteksgatan in Stockholm, we always enjoy adding a few new basics to our wardrobe.
Timeless without being dull, elegant without being restrictive, high-quality and durable, Filippa K's clothes are pieces we never quickly discard.
And that, in itself, is the first step toward sustainability, isn’t it?
This small neighborhood restaurant boast just a few seats and each one is highly coveted.
If you want to experience the refreshingly nonchalant yet elegant cuisine of Daniel Räms and Tom Sjöstedt, be sure to book in advance.
While you might snag a shoulder-to-shoulder spot at the counter with a view of the kitchen, the best seats are at the large window in the cozy dining room, styled like a French bistro.
Miss Clara is one of those rare hotels that we enter and immediately feel at home.
It's centrally located yet away from the hustle and bustle, refined but not stiff, spacious yet intimate.
In high-ceilinged rooms with stylish bathrooms, we sleep in unbelievably cozy beds.
The inviting bar on the ground floor offers a nightcap in the evening and a delicious Swedish breakfast in the morning, preparing us to explore Stockholm refreshed.
“Daytime cooking” is how Frederik Bille Brahe describes what he does at Atelier September, and it fits perfectly.
Here, we can have breakfast all day, enjoy a light lunch, or have an early evening snack before heading out for dinner.
Atelier September is a bright and beautiful place to meet friends or enjoy the friendly atmosphere alone.
The SP34 by Danish Brøchner Hotels impresses with its Scandinavian design, cozy co-living spaces, and friendly atmosphere.
For those who are adventurous and sociable, this hotel and the vibrant Latin Quarter surrounding it offer plenty of variety and excitement.
Night owls and foodies will find themselves right at home at SP34.
The hotel itself boasts three restaurants, ensuring guests are never far from a delicious meal.
Italy has an enclave in Copenhagen!
At Bæst in Nørrebro, our foodie hearts soar.
The best local organic products and the skilled hands of Chef Christian Puglisi ensure that even the simplest dishes are a grand delight.
From pizza to pistachio ice cream, we indulge in a Danish-Italian Dolce Vita.
In the heart of Mitte district, Esther Perbandt’s flagship store sits on Almstadtstraße.
A string of black pennants fluttering above the sidewalk and a small bench by the door give the storefront the casual charm of a neighborhood gathering.
The iconic Berlin TV Tower watches over the city rooftops, gazing directly into Esther’s display window.
Every piece in the Berlin-based designer’s collection is steeped in black, her signature color.
Her gender-fluid designs break traditional molds, reimagining fashion with a bold artistic vision.
To us, Esther’s work feels like the embodiment of Berlin itself.
Small and exquisite - that’s how pastry chefs Daniella Barriobero Canal and Guadalupe Eichner have envisioned their three patisserie locations.
In Berlin’s Sophienstraße, a bright vermilion bench sits in front of the café’s matching storefront.
Indoors it becomes even more colorful with most beautiful éclairs displayed in a glass case.
Flavors like Tahitian vanilla-pecan, salted caramel, pistachio-raspberry or matcha-blackberry-white sesame transform these éclairs into edible works of art.
And wow - this art is seriously delicious!
We usually try to steer quite clear of recommending five-star hotels.
Suggesting the most luxurious place in town, only to have it exceed most budgets, feels a bit too easy.
But with the Stue, we simply can’t resist.
The Berlin Zoo had already celebrated nearly a century of existence when, in the late 1930s, the Royal Danish Embassy was constructed on the edge of its northeastern corner.
Over seventy years later, this elegant building on Drakestraße became home to one of Berlin’s most distinctive hotels.
„Stue“ is the Danish word for living room and it’s a fitting description.
Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that leave the greatest impression - provided, of course, they’re done just right.
That’s exactly what makes St. Bart so special.
This pub in the Graefekiez neighborhood radiates an understated charm - vintage pendant lamps, a tiled bar and a timeworn wooden floor that seems to hold countless stories.
The laid-back crew moves at its own unhurried pace, exuding a calm that’s contagious.
As we sink our teeth into the Back Bacon Sandwich, slathered with homemade BBQ dip and complemented by house-pickled vegetables and sip on a crisp IPA, we imagine black cabs pulling up outside next to a classic red phone booth.
Whenever a spontaneous craving or thirst arises in Amsterdam, the local deli chain STACH is always exactly where we need it.
Often found in charming corner shops, sometimes with a few seats for a quick break, STACH is always delightfully colorful and appetizing.
Moreover, they offer a lovingly curated selection of local products that make for wonderful food souvenirs.
We adore Berlin’s signature charm of discovering hidden courtyards within courtyards within courtyards…
It’s a secret world tucked away from the one outside.
Stepping off Oranienburger Straße, we slip through an archway into the Heckmann Höfe, where a quaint little house awaits us.
Once upon a time, horses were stabled here.
Today, the space feels like a film set straight out of Oliver Twist - red brick walls, gas lanterns, trees, a wooden bench and cobblestones completing the scene.
Inside, bathed in warm light against rust-red wallpaper, everything revolves around the open kitchen.
The coolest team serves up divine cocktails alongside mouthwatering Israeli mezze.
Our role simply requires to sit back, soak it all in and savor the night.
The Coffee District combines everything coffee lovers dream of - carefully selected specialty coffee, a great selection of delicious fresh pastries, bright spaces in Scandinavian design and a fantastic shop with stylish coffee accessories.
For those who can’t get enough, there are courses on roasting and brewing that can be booked for yourself or a group of friends.
For lovers of Dutch architecture, especially Amsterdam’s iconic bridges, SWEETS Hotel offers a truly unique experience.
Scattered throughout the city, these suites are nestled in charming former bridge houses that have been lovingly restored with meticulous attention to detail.
Each of these small houses has been expertly redesigned and outfitted for maximum comfort, blending skilled design with perfect space utilization.
Staying in one of these gems is a magical way to discover Amsterdam from an unparalleled local perspective.
“Tuesday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. until the last loaf” - the opening hours of the two Julius Brantner bakeries are to be taken quite literally.
The delicious bread is always freshly baked, using traditional craftsmanship and the finest organic ingredients.
In line with the principles of mindfulness and sustainability, nothing goes to waste.
The selection is intentionally kept small, but the quality is simply outstanding.
So, it’s well worth arriving early.
And for those who are still a bit sleepy, you can grab an excellent coffee in a charming Brantner cup to go.
100% Arabica - whole beans - roasted in Bavaria - that’s how Lucas, Pete and Emanuel sum up their approach to specialty coffee.
But their concept goes a little deeper than that. The three friends from Schwabing have crafted a vision that extends beyond the beans themselves.
In their bright, minimalist Suuapinga cafés, now dotted across Munich’s most charming neighborhoods, expertly trained baristas serve up coffee with precision and care.
But their passion doesn’t stop at the perfect cup, it flows seamlessly into a love for fresh, handmade pastries.
And let’s be honest, that’s a combination we’ll never say no to.
The charming bistro with the cheerful name belongs to Ella, André, and Corvin.
Right in the heart of Glockenbach, the trio of Munich locals has created a delightful mix of Bavarian coziness and French ease.
Here, they serve small plates made with regional ingredients and inspired by French recipes, accompanied by Bavarian beers or French wines.
The menu simply lists the ingredients, leaving the details to be explained personally at your table.
And “personal” may be the best way to describe the atmosphere at Bingo.
Everyone here takes their time with guests. Even the chefs come out now and then to chat and make sure everything is just right.
Bingo is truly one of our favorite Munich discoveries.
When writing about Stockholm, we often highlight the beautiful long summer days. Finally, here’s one of our favorite tips for Swedish winter days: Sibyllans!
Especially when Sibyllegatan in Östermalm is adorned with fairy lights during the Christmas season and a festive magic envelops Stockholm, the windows of this small tea shop glow brightly and invitingly.
Vividly colored tea and coffee tins with elegant gold lettering line the dark wooden shelves, and the shop exudes a cozy warmth, surpassed only by the fragrant cup of tea we'll brew at home.
The small Swedish bakery chain, Fabrique, has successfully expanded to London and New York for good reasons.
Stylish stores with an industrial look provide the perfect backdrop for traditional baking craftsmanship.
Here, crispy sourdough bread, lovingly topped buns, cinnamon and cardamom rolls, cakes, and cookies are all handmade from natural, fresh ingredients.
The spacious, tastefully furnished apartment in a dream location, right in the heart of the historic Old Town, is the perfect spot and ideal starting point for two people eager to explore Stockholm while feeling completely at home.
If you, like us, have a penchant for old buildings and appreciate the skilled touch of an architect's hand, you should definitely rent this place on your next visit to Stockholm.
On Jakobsbergsgatan, nestled between the massive complexes of Epi Center Stockholm and the Europahuset, an almost unremarkable entrance leads into the red-lit underworld of Sin.
Stepping inside feels like entering an Asian science fiction set, where you can savor fantastic ramen, Korean fried chicken, delicious gyoza and the best bao burgers, complemented by Japanese IPAs and Far Eastern-inspired drinks.
The experience is made all the more enjoyable by a super friendly crew that adds a touch of playful lightness to the dark, almost illicit atmosphere.
Chiara Barla came from Liguria in Italy to Copenhagen to delve into the excitement surrounding the new Scandinavian cuisine spearheaded by René Redzepi and his restaurant Noma.
Now rooted in the Danish capital herself, she runs Apotek 57, a beautiful café that meets all the high standards of Copenhagen's culinary scene.
