The chicest resto-cafés around the world, where seasonality and design co-exist

Food has always been one of the most telling ways to experience a place. Across continents, certain restaurants manage to capture the spirit of their destination through inviting spaces, thoughtful menus, and meals you remember long after the trip ends.

This list brings together twelve such dining spots from around the world, each offering a true sense of where you are. From an uptown New York vibe to the artistic charm of Vienna, these restaurants suit every kind of traveller whether you’re travelling solo, planning a romantic getaway, heading out with family, or exploring with friends.

 EL&N London, London

Cascading rose walls, soft lights, and pastel seating make EL&N London instantly recognisable as a café that leans into its signature pink aesthetic without feeling overly staged. Their Spanish latte is mellow with a hint of cinnamon, while the pistachio rose cake has a gentle sweetness that pairs well with an unhurried afternoon. It’s the kind of spot where you settle in, take a breath, and enjoy the small, pretty details around you.

Café Carmellini, New York

Café Carmellini brings a sense of old-school New York glamour with its high arches and warm, polished interior. The menu blends comfort with refinement. The Maine lobster ravioli, finished with truffle butter, is rich without being heavy, while the Nonna Carmellini’s polpette deliver familiar flavours with a neat, modern touch. It’s lively, stylish, and equally suited to a celebratory dinner or a long lunch.

LouLou, Paris

With a clear view of the Eiffel Tower, LouLou manages to feel relaxed yet elegant with a mix of Italian ease and Parisian polish. Among their specials is the spaghetti al pomodoro, which is unfussy and well-executed, letting the tomatoes shine, while the pavlova, crisp on the outside and soft within, is a simple but satisfying finish. It’s a leisurely place to soak in the city without trying too hard.

Café Kitsuné, Paris

Café Kitsuné on Rue Condorcet blends Parisian café culture with clean, Japanese-inspired design. Green banquettes, pale wood, and subtle fox motifs add quiet charm. The matcha latte is smooth and balanced, while the fox shortbread is buttery with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a relaxed, thoughtful spot, ideal for a slow morning or a mid-day reset.

Café Central, Vienna

Café Central is one of Vienna’s classic institutions, known for its grand interiors and long literary legacy. They have an incredible apfelstrudel that is crisp and warm, served in the traditional Viennese style, along with the Central Torte, which offers a deeper, richer bite for chocolate lovers. It’s a place where you linger a little longer, partly for the pastries, partly for the atmosphere.

Truth Coffee, Cape Town

Truth Coffee’s steampunk-inspired space is bold, energetic, and impossible to mistake for anywhere else. The resurrection blend flat white is strong and full-bodied, showcasing their roasting style, and the croissants—warm and flaky—are an easy pairing. It’s a café with personality, ideal for anyone who enjoys their coffee with a bit of attitude.

Emporio Armani Caffè, Milan

Located in the heart of Milan’s fashion district, Emporio Armani Caffè mirrors the brand’s clean, understated aesthetic. Some of the must-haves include the cappuccino Armani, which is smooth and well-balanced, along with the tiramisu Armani, which feels light while still delivering classic flavour. The overall experience is polished and unfussy, offering a quiet break in the middle of the city’s fast-paced energy.

Blue Bottle Coffee, Japan

Blue Bottle’s cafés in Tokyo and Kyoto are serene, minimalist spaces designed around natural light and calm. The New Orleans iced coffee is slightly sweet, easy to sip, and consistent across locations, while the lemon pound cake is soft, citrusy, and not overly rich. It’s a dependable stop for a moment of quiet in the middle of a busy neighbourhood.

Café de l’Ambre, Tokyo

Tucked into Ginza, Café de l’Ambre is a tiny, atmospheric coffee shop dedicated to classic hand-drip brewing. The single-origin hand-drip coffee is prepared slowly, with clarity of flavour that reflects the café’s decades-old method. Their coffee jelly—smooth, bittersweet, and lightly nostalgic—is a simple standout. It’s a place that values craft over novelty, and that’s exactly its charm.

Lead image: Pexels

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