Savvy Dining

Savvy Traveller has recruited culinary agents across the globe to report on exceptional, fun and out-of-the-way eateries and bars that appeal to the discerning traveller. Updated frequently, this list ranges from rustic trattorias in Sardigna and hard-to-find wine bars in New York City to the trendiest restaurants in Kuala Lumpur. All offer exceptional value, hospitality and sumptuous food and drink.

Featured Restaurant

Monsoon Restaurant and Bar- Yangon, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). 85-87 Thinbyu Road, Botataung. (near the Strand Hotel). Tel: 95-1-295-224; (95-9) 501-5653. A charming colonial style house is where chefs prepare some of the best Indochinese dishes, including Thai, Lao, Vietnamese, Burmese and Cambodian. Friendly and efficient service. This is a rare find in the Burmese capital that is popular with the expatriate crowd. The emphasis is on healthy dishes, thus no MSG is used. Among our favourites are: stir-fried beef with bamboo shoots, spicy green papaya salad Lao style, braised fresh water prawns in palm sugar, Vietnamese chicken wings in a caramel sauce and braised catfish with eggplant. Decent beer and wine selection. Be sure to visit the upstairs gift shop for high-end cookware/glassware, household items and womens accessories. This is a Savvy Traveller must-stop destination! Monsoon's chef is one of only two women registered with the Myanmar Chef Association. Hours: Daily, 10am to 11PM. Email: monsoon-ygn@myanmar.com.mm


Monsoon Restaurant in Yangon (formerly Rangoon) is in a class of its own

Canada

   Sidney, B.C. (YYJ)
   Dockside Grill. 2320 Harbour Road, Tsehum Harbour. Tel: 250-656-0828. On the dockside location of the former Dock 503, the Dockside Grill serves Sunday Brunch, lunch and dinner daily. Owned by the proprietors of Fish on Fifth (also in Sidney), chefs here take advantage of fresh seafood and local ingredients to create delightful dishes - this is about as close as it gets to from-farm-to-plate dining. The calamari appetizer deserves loud applause as do the crab cakes made of locally-sourced dungeness crab. Recently Savvy Traveller tried the Lobster Ravioli and Seafood Spaghettini, as well as Wild Salmon on a bed of local octopus and seasonal vegetables. Kudos to the owners for taking the long view and presenting an extensive wine list of British Columbia wineries - including the exquisite Sandhill Cabernet Merlot! This eatery is a hit during summer as its dockside patio opens up to the beauty of Tsehum Harbour. Summer hours: Sunday-Thursday 11am-930pm; Friday,Saturday 11am-10pm. Live music on certain weeknights. Dining at the bar; free Wifi.

Tsehum Harbour - the setting for Sidney's Dockside Grill

 
  Montreal (YUL)
  L'Express. 3927 St. Denis (just north of rue Roy). Tel: 514-845-5333. Great place to enjoy a lazy Sunday brunch. Bistro atmosphere that evokes eateries we've visited in Paris or Lyon. This is a noisy, often crowded place for comfort food that's moderately priced. A specialty is the bone marrow appetizer - roasted bone marrow served with sea salt! Highly-recommended: the steak frites. The long bar is a great perch if you are alone. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Popular among locals. Reservations recommended!

  Toronto (YYZ)
  George Restaurant. 111 Queen Street East (just east of Yonge Street). Tel: (416) 863-6006. This is fine dining and for special occasions - perhaps a first date. The restaurant is housed in a former 1850's chocolate factory and tables are sufficiently spaced for discreet conversations. Chef Lorenzo Loseto, with an emphasis on the freshest, local ingredients, presents an a la carte tasting menu consisting of 3 courses with a selection of cheese and desserts to follow. Or chefs specials, six and eight course tasting menus are also available. The kitchen makes everything from scratch including all breads and pastries. Breads include Canadian Red Fife wheat, a heritage variety once nearly extinct, the genetic parent to virtually all bread wheat grown in North America today. An excellent wine list - handpicked by restaurant managers and the waiters -  is available and are sold either by the bottle, six or eight ounce glass. On warm summer evenings dine alfresco in what is described as the most romantic courtyard in Toronto. Patio special for lunch and dinner are offered at C$22 and C$75 respectively. Lunch: Monday - Friday: 12:00pm - 2:00pm. Dinner: Tuesday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 10:30pm.

The earth colours and hushed tones of George create a pleasant intimacy.

  Ferro Bar & Cafe. 768 St. Claire Ave W. Ph 416 654-9119 Cozy, friendly neighbourhood hang-out with awesome wine list, appetizers and gourmet pizzas. Open until 2am Thursday through Sunday. Try magic mushroom appetizer. A bit noisy on Sundays. Reservations only for 8 or more.

  Frank's Kitchen (Little Italy)- 588 College Street - 416-516-5861. Frank’s Kitchen is relatively new and is offering the most delightful cuisine for reasonable prices. Nestled in the heart of Little Italy, Frank’s Kitchen is a treasure trove of delightful Mediterrannean dishes and offer simple but personal touches such as refreshing cucumber infused water, linen toilettes in the washrooms and a bevy of free appetizers such as house made Charcuterie and Artisinal Bread baked daily, an Amuse Bouche, Intermezzo and home made Chocolate Truffles free with every dinner. Little Italy is renowned for its trendy, intimate European atmosphere. It is located on College Street from Euclid Avenue to Shaw Street but Franks stands out from the rest. One of our personal favourites is the Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan, Roasted Pear and Candied nuts in a Lemon Vinaigrette $8; a must try - Champagne Risotto with Peas, Asparagus, and Morel Mushrooms with Truffled Pecorino Cheese $17. The two most expensive dishes on the menu are well worth it: Milk Fed Ontario Lamb– Rack, Loin and Braised Shoulder in a Syrah Reduction with a Ratatouille and White Bean Puree $27 and the Grilled 12oz Striploin with Parmesan Frites and Glazed Carrots served with a Shallot Peppercorn sauce $30. The chef shops weekly at St. Jacobs Market in Cambridge, Ontario where he hand picks his fruits and vegetables. Reservations are a must on weekends. People watching on patio was great too, especially after 10 pm. Open Tuesday-Saturday 5:30PM to 10:30PM; Sundays 12:00PM to 3PM.

Frank's Kitchen, Toronto. Credit: Claire Korionoff, Savvy Traveller 2010

  Vancouver (YVR)
  Elixir. 350 Davie Street. Ph: 604.642.0557 Not cheap, but excellent food, wine list and friendly service. In the so-hip-it-hurts Opus Hotel. Chef Don Letendre’s takes a contemporary approach to classic French cuisine. Try raised veal cheek goulash "petit plat."
  La Terrazza . 1088 Cambie St. Ph 604-899-4449. In fast-paced Vancouver other restaurants have come and gone but the luscious La Terazza has been impressing aficionados of Italian food since 1998. Nestled in trendy Yaletown it has one of the best wine lists in the city, earning Wine Spectator awards over four consecutive years. It even has an ample supply of the hard-to-find Savvy Traveller favourite - Burrowing Owl Cabernet Sauvignon 1998. Romantic, cozy and friendly staff. The food can best be described as simple but elegant. Awesome martinis in the lounge up front. Reservations highly recommended.
  The Lift Bar-Grill View. 333 Menchions Mews (near the Westin Bayshore Hotel). Tel: 604-689-5438. The best feature of this bar and eatery is the spectacular view. Second is the stylish interior design, especially the sweeping bar. Third is the charming bar staff. With a group or date? Go for the upper outdoor patio, which feature a fireplace and heaters - not to mention spectacular views of Stanley Park. Food-wise the chefs focus and fresh and hearty dishes from the land and sea. Dishes we have tried and recommend are the Steamed Salt Spring Blue Mussels (with pancetta, leaks, thyme, merrudale cider and pomme frites), calamri (served with tzatsiki and cocktail sauce) and the pomme frites. Excellent wine-by-the glass selections. Located on Coal Harbour next to the Westin Bayshore.
  The Salt Tasting Room. 45 Blood Alley Square (in Gastown). Tel: (604) 633-1912. Though difficult to find in a back alley in the tourist district of Gastown, the search is worth the time. We rank this as one of Vancouver's best and most unique wine bars. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. An extensive wine list (many BC wines are featured) is supported by a constantly-changing menu of 10 small-batch cured meats (think wild boar chorizo!), 10 artisanal cheeses, and 10 condiments. There is no kitchen here and all menu items are posted on a huge blackboard at the back. On a recent thirsty evening, a solo visit with the C$15 tasting plate and three glasses of wine ran under C$50. Don't by shy to ask the staff for suggestions...it takes the hassle out of thinking here! Lunchtime at Salt features hearty soups, shaved fennel salad, and various grilled sandwiches. The 18-foot-long communal table is excellent for large groups. Ron Brill describes the Salt Tasting Room best: "It combines the best aspects of a charcuterie, wine bar, and chill spot into one enigmatic meeting space." Hours: 430PM-12AM (last call for food just before 11PM). Email: info@saltastingroom.com

The main dining hall of Vancouver's Salt Tasting Room.

  La Bodega. 1277 Howe Street. Tel: 604-684-8814. Savvy Traveller loves tapas and La Bodega is the first Spanish restaurant to be reviewed in the city of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Hearty tapas plates, warm hospitality and a comfortable - almost rustic - setting is to be found here. Not to mention reasonable prices. Most tapas plates clock in at under C$9. Recommended are: Pollo Frito, the Spanish meatballs, ceviche and Gmbas al Ajillo (prawns in sizzling garlic oil). La Bodega has been in operation since 1971 and has a loyal following.

China

  Beijing (PEK)
  LI QUN 11 Beixiangfeng, Shengyi Lu, Ne of Qianmen, Dong Cheng. Tel: 6705 5578. A Peking duck restaurant - regarded by Savvy Traveller to be the best in the Chinese capital. Stashed deep in an atmospheric hu tong (alley way), this small family –run duck diner is not so much adored for interior design or service - but the duck is excellent. The aroma of the slow roasted duck from the huge charcoal oven set at the front door is guaranteed to wet your appetite. The Chinese salad is worth noting. As for the wine menu, the standard Chinese Great Wall is available but Li Qun also has imported wine selections - including Australian shiraz. The washrooms are not recommended so watch your water intake. There are no washrooms nearby so you’ll have to take a taxi to Tiananmen Square, as long as it's before 10pm. Major credit cards are accepted. Another bonus is that waiters understand enough English to take orders. One final note: the potions of the dishes are small but the price is very reasonable.

  Denmark

  Copenhagen (CPH)
   Vin Baren. Dronningens Tvaergade 6. Tel: 3332 0982. Takes a bit of searching but not far from the landmark Admiral Hotel. Friendly service, warm atmosphere and good selection of wines. Opens at 6PM.

East Jerusalem

  Askadinya. 11 Shimon Hazadik St. in Sheikh Jarrah (1 block east of Hwy. 1 or the "Green Line" and 4 long blocks north of the Jerusalem Hotel). 02/532-4590. Named after the Loquat tree in the middle of the garden, this popular restaurant is know for hospitable service, a warm ambiance, creative dishes and huge portions. One visit drew raves about the pomegranate marinated steak! The spiced pumpkin soup with shrimp is to die for. Fresh draft beer (try the local Palestinian beer - Taybeh) and decent wines are on offer. Don't be shy to bring your own wine. This eatery is a draw for the who's who in Palestinian society - no wonder it's been open for more than 10 years.
  Borderline Bar. Just two or three doors up from Askadinya this is the perfect place for a night cap. Though don't expect to find an empty seat on busy Friday nights. In summer the outdoor patio offers discreet table for dining and drinking.

Egypt

 Cairo (CAI)
  Sequoia. 3 Abu Feda Street, Zamalek. Tel: 010-0334466/2735-0014/ 737-0523.. On the shores of the Nile in central Cairo, just off the trendy area of Zamalek. Unabashedly so-hip-it-hurts, this is the place to see and be seen. Well-heeled Cairenes come here to wine and dine, and there are refreshingly few camera-totting tourists!. Order a series of mezza plates for a hearty meal. The local beer is cold and the Egyptian wines drinkable. Very good views of the river and all sofas and tables are al fresco. This is definitely the place to relax with a sheisha (try melon flavoured) in one hand and a drink in the other. Service is spotty - but on good nights professional and efficient, with a tad of snootiness. Part of the restaurant is tented and there's a large movie screen at the back. With the wooden floors, low tables and canopies, the venue takes on a club-like atmosphere. Summer nights are when this becomes one of Cairo's hotspots - and a good perch to watch Cairo's style cognoscenti parade by. Reservations are recommended but if you do not have one, walk in as if you own the place! To be avoided during Ramadan, when the place is reduced to a crowded iftar buffet (150EGP/person!) and ad market for multinational companies. Open daily 1pm to 2am.

France

  Lyon (LYS)
  Brasserie Georges. 30 cours Verdun, Perrache. 04-72-56-54-54. Oozing with history come here for the famous cabbage dish, choucroute. Lyonnaise selections abound. Try the saucisson brioché (sausage in brioche stuffed with truffled foie gras). Reasonable prices. It's the oldest in Lyon (founded in 1836), and probably the largest in France (with 450 seats). Jean-Paul Satre dined here - as did Ernest Hemingway and femmes de lettres Colette. Many have their names immortalized on plates affixed on the booths. The mature staff serve dishes with a warm efficiency. Open weekdays 11:30am-11:15pm and weekends 11:30am to 00:15am Closed May1.

Germany

Munich (MUC)
  Osteria Italiana  Schellingstraße 62. Tel: 087-2720-717. Savvy Traveller has been known to bolt from Munich Airport during brief transit stops, just to enjoy a lazy lunch at this cozy, intimate Italian eatery. Known as Hitler's favourite Italian restaurant (its history goes back to 1890 and Lenin and King Umberto of Italy reportedly dined here), Osteria Italiana is now popular with couples - young and old - local residents and the occasional tourist who's been brought here by locals. During warm weather try to grab a table on the outdoor patio, which requires skillful navigation through the kitchen. Homemade pastas are wonderful here - and look for white asparagus dishes when in season. The tuna carpaccio appetizer is to die for! The wine flows easily here thanks to the affable, helpful waiters. For dinner, reservations are recommended 2-3 days in advance - sometimes more. Tuesday-Saturday: Noon-230pm; 630pm-1am

Osteria Italiana in Munich: main dining room

Frankfurt (FRA)
  Holbein's. Holbeinstrasse 1. Tel: (069) 660566-66. Where else can you enjoy great food, awesome wines, and friendly service in the magnificient setting of a museum? Enter Holbein's. This lovely dining option is located in the courtyard of the Städel-Museum. With its soaring glass walls and stylish décor, it is a contemporary jewel box amid the old-master paintings. Try the Argentine filet mignon and grilled Canadian lobster in vanilla foam. Portions are fortifying. Main courses 22€-29.50€ ($29.70-$39.80). There's a good wine selection and live jazz music most nights. Head for the outdoor terrace on warm evenings. Open 10am to midnight. Reservations highly recommended. Email: holbeins@meyer-frankfurt.de

Live jazz at Franfurt's sublime Holbein's

Hong Kong

  Hong Kong (HKG)
  Grassini. Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Rd.; 8520-2588-1234. Named after the bread sticks that appear on the tables, this swank restaurant-with-a-view features carefully prepared Milanese dishes (porcini mushroom and pumpkin risotto, braised duck with aged balsamic reduction) paired with wines from its 1,000-bottle cellar. Prices that easily cause sticker-shock to any corporate accountant! Reservations highly recommended.
  Luk Yu Teahouse. 24-26 Stanley St., Central. 852-2523-5463. Famous for its noodles, dim sum and gruff waiters. A tourist attraction in its own right (first opened in 1933), this multiple story, Cantonese eatery deserves a visit even during short transit stops in Hong Kong. Locals often receive preferential treatment and the best seats in the house but be patient. While waiting enjoy its ceiling fans, spittoons, individual wooden booths for couples, marble tabletops, wood paneling, and stained-glass windows. Dim sum is served from 7am to 5:30pm, but best to enjoy before 10am while the Cantonese waitresses make the rounds with trays of dumplings.

Jordan

  Amman (AMM)
   The Living Room. Tel: 962 6 4644228/7. Jabal Amman area, off 3rd Circle. Across the street from the Amman Intercontinental Hotel, this has long-since been a favourite all night hang-out for expats and well-heeled Jordanians. Some of the best sushi in town. A small sushi bar near the front serves up the fresh stuff but diners throughout the restaurant can order off its menu. Friendly service. One of the few places that serves alcohol during Ramadan. If you are after a table or couch it is advisable to book ahead of time. The central bar is a good perch to people watch. Good music that doesn't drown out conversation. For Italian food go downstairs to the Romero Restaurant. Valet parking available. Open 1pm to 1am.

Israel

  Tel Aviv (TLV)
  Manta Ray. Alma Beach, Jaffa. Tel. 03 517 4774 Located on a quiet beach between Jaffa and Tel Aviv, specializes in seafood and tasty breakfasts. The awesome mezza plate - with such selections as ceviche, marinated beets, goat cheese and spinach/shrimp salad - is a must! A great wine list - try the Spanish Tempranillo and inhale its sensuous aromas. Ask for a table on the outer, covered patio to watch the sunset. The staff here are very friendly, efficient and helpful with recommendations. A Savvy Traveller favourite is the seafood pot - almost overflowing with shrimps, crab and other local and imported treats from the sea. A recent dinner for two - with six mezze selections, two mains and wine by the glass - clocked in at about 85 Euros.
  Nanuchka. 28 Lilenblum St. Tel: 0576605111 x220. A Savvy Traveller favourite - this trendy Georgian restaurant and bar famed for its dumplings and friendly service. Great bar scene at night that sees this quaint establishment filled to the gills with a DJ playing excellent music from the 70s and 80s. You can place you trust entirely in the hands of the amiable bar staff, especially when it comes to wine recommendations.

  West Jerusalem
  Rahmo. 25 Yoel Moshe Solomon Street. Tel: 02-624-0468.Pop in here after you've finished buying great Israeli and other wines at the Avi Ben wine shop just a few doors down on Rivlin Street. This is the closest you'll come to home-cooked Kosher food. There are just a few selections each day and you'll find it difficult to choose from all the soups and stews boiling away in the huge pots! Rahmo has one of the best hummus in town, and other recommended servings are the “kube” soup – a soup with dough wrapped meat-balls, “Majadra” – a side order of rice with lentils. A two-course lunch with locally-bottled water ran just a few dollars - one of the best deals in Jerusalem! No reservations required; sit inside or outside on the pedestrian mall. No table service; cash only. A second location is at 5 Eshcol Street.
  Adom. 31 Jaffa Street, Finegold Yard. Tel: 02-624-6242. Hidden away in the Feingold Courtyard, Adom is an oasis of peace and quiet in the middle of urban downtown Jerusalem, popular with expatriates and locals alike. A three-in-one restaurant featuring different menus for lunch, dinner and late-night snacks. The lunch menu includes a wide variety of meats, fish and seafood and is known for its French-Belgian cuisine with a touch of Israeli style. Dinner choices include liver pate in a cherry tomato jelly sauce (to die for!), shrimp, cheese platters, chicken wings in a spicy sauce and more. The restaurant also has a wine cellar containing 160 different wines, and at night Adom becomes an exclusive bar with more than 150 types of alcoholic drinks. Friendly, efficient service. Reservations highly recommended! Sun–Thur: 12:30pm-2:00am; Sat: 1:00pm-2:00am.
  Sakura. 31 Jaffa St., Feingold Courtyard. Tel: 02 - 623 54 64. Believed by many to be the best Japanese restaurant between the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean! Very popular with the expat crowd. sushi fish, which is flown in almost daily from New Zealand, the Pacific Northwest, and the North Atlantic. The best appetizers are sakura ebi, miso salad and fish carpaccio;and the best main courses are mixed gioza, sushi sashimi special and special maki.Main courses range from $13 to $20. Open everyday 18.30-23.30h and lunch from 12.00 till 17.00h, Open Fridays only in the evening.

Sakura is said to be the best Japanese restaurant in Israel

Italy

  Milan (MXP)
  Trattoria Da Pino Di Ferri Marco & C. S.A.S. Via Cerva, 14. Ph: 02 76021911 Fabulous authentic and unpretentious trattoria. Home cooked and delicious food, not expensive, right on the edge of the main Duomo shopping district.
  Il Coriandolo. Via Dell'Orso #1. Ph +39 22 869 3273, For dinner, in Brera neighborhood, near the Gucci and Prada-type shops. Famous for Milanese risotto. Average cost Euro40.
  Armani/Nobu. Armani World, Via Manzoni 31 (restaurant entrance at Via Pisoni 1). Tel: 02 6231 2645. Models and fashionistas concerned with their waistlines can enjoy the stylish softly lit design, whilst nibbling famous dishes like black cod in miso sauce and sushi.  

Sardigna
  Cagliari (CAG)
  Trattoria da Serafino. Via Lepanto 6 (steps from the Palazzo della Regione). Ph: 070/651795. Inexpensive, good food in a trattoria setting. Regional fish and meat dishes figure prominently on the menu. Try any of the dishes with clams (vongole) - a particular specialty in Cagliari  Closed Thursdays. No credit cards.
  Torre Grande (Oristano)
   Il Pescatore. Via Mille Lire, Marina di Torre Grande. Tel: 0783/22152 or 0783/22090. On the beach near the ruins of Tharros. Spend an entire afternoon here, sampling sumptuous and generous seafood dishes served by friendly staff. Overlooking the sea this is a wonderful, rustic eatery for gathering with friends. Wine is inexpensive and free-flowing.

Rome (FCO)
  Enoteca Cul de Sac. Piazza Pasquino, 73 Ph 06.68.60.10.94 A charming, rustic trattoria-type restaurant housed in a wine bar, just off Piazza Navona. Friendly service, great food, reasonable prices.
   Enoteca Il Piccolo.Via del Governo Vecchio 74-75. Tel: 06-68801746. Also off Piazza Navona, this small, trendy and cozy wine bar is a favourite of up and coming locals. More for drinking and cheese sampling, light snacks and lunch items fill the menu. (Some savvy travellers to Rome claim the best food is to be found in enotecas - or wine bars). Il Piccolo serves a refreshing wild berry wine - complete with a long spoon to scoop out the wine-soaked fruit. It's in a giant bowl at the bar. Friendly staff who are knowledgeable about wines. One of the few places outside Tuscany to find a moderately-priced Brunello di Montalcino.

Laos

  Vientiane (VTE)
  Jazzy Brick. House No. 038, Setthathirat. Ph: (021) 771-1138. Almost opposite the noisy Kop Chai Deu bar and restaurant and one of the coolest places in this relatively sleepy capital. Friendly, efficient service. Great martinis and cold beer. Bar appetizers include Lao sausage - try it! Savvy Traveller hasn't yet reviewed the adjoining restaurant (closed Sundays) but the manager (who is Lao but raised in Australia) insists it is worth a try. In all there are more than 150 cocktails on the menu! High-back wicker chairs at the bar lend a Southeast Asia touch to this place. Nice hideaways corners upstairs if you desire more privacy. Open daily from 6pm, with last call usually around 11pm.

Lebanon

  Beirut (BEY)
  White. Al-Nahar Building. This trendy establishment views with Sky Bar to be THE place to be seen in Beirut. Located on the top of the Pierre al-Khoury-designed building in the center of downtown, you get a beautiful view of the city at night and the nearby sea. Reservations for the ringside tables and central couches are highly recommended, otherwise cozy up to the bar for a stool. Wine by the glass here is very good and the recorded jazz music will appeal to those in their 30s and 40s.The staff are friendly and helpful.

Malaysia

  Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
  Frangipani. 25 Cangkat Bukit Binatang. Ph: (603) - 2144 3001. Fusion, design and innovation come together for a wonderful dining experience. On weekends the upstairs bar heaves with the in-crowd. In the restaurant, try baby octopus starter and tea-smoked salmon as main.
  Pacifica Bar & Grill. Mandarin Oriental Hotel, KLCC. 02-2380-8888. Our favourite place to drop by for drinks and appetizers before heading out for dinner. Belly up to the bar and enjoy the friendly service. If you get lazy the adjoining restaurant with show kitchen always has sumptuous dishes - highlighting "contemporary European cuisine with distinctive Asian influences."

Nigeria
  Abuja (ABV)
  Wakkis.  Plot 171, Aminu Kanu Crescent, Wuse 2. Tel: (09) 780-2929. This Indian restaurant is a popular hangout for diplomats and expatriates in the restaurant-starved capital city of Nigeria, Wakkis stands out as a down-to-earth, friendly eatery with reasonable prices and hearty portions. Perfect for large crowds and casual dining. The King Prawns are a must and do not disappoint. If you are seated on the Ground Floor, you can watch the Tandoor - the traditional clay over - in action. Note that credit cards are not accepted. Email: info@wakkis.com

Pakistan

  Karachi
  Okra. 12-C, 1- Zamzama Commercial Lane. 021-583-1350/586-6616. Probably the hippest eatery in town in the hip area of Zamzama. One of the few places where you can bring your own wine (no alcohol served here). Serving French and other European dishes, this restaurant has a warm, if somewhat cramped feeling. The prawns are exceptional. Friendly service. Reserve well in advance!

Singapore

   Singapore
    Graze. 4 Rochester Park (off Buona Vista Road). Tel. 6775-9000. In the new restaurant and bar area of Rochester Park, a leafy residential neighborhood with colonial-style homes (once residences of the military brass) converted into bars and restaurants. The area is so new that most taxi drivers don't even know it yet. Graze has indoor and outdoor eating and drinking areas. Australian chef Matthew Ladorn crates lovely Asian fusion dishes and earthly barbecues. A superb menu features marvelous seafood, pasta and meats. Awesome appetizers are the oysters, king prawns three ways and scallops. Try the roasted barramundi with pumpkin and goat cheese ravioli, or signature dishes - hand-rolled pork hock and braised soyed lacquered wagyu ox cheek! Of the menu, think jazzed-up home-style cooking, emphasizing fresh, modern and stylish elements. Opened recently by the owners of Hong Kong's Philippe Starck-designed Jia Hotel, Opia Restaurant. There's a lounge pit where silent black and white movies play all night, but watch for the hungry mosquitoes! Try the nearby One Rochester Road for a pleasant al fresco night cap! Breakfast: Sundays 9am-3pm; Lunch Sat 12noon-3pm; Dinner Tues-Sun 6:30pm-midnight. Bar open 630pm to 1am.
  Wild Rocket. 10A Upper Wilkie Road, Mount Emily Park. Tel. 6339 9448. A swank restaurant in a backpacker hotel (the Hangout Hotel)? It doesn't make sense to us but this new designer eatery is worth a go. Lawyer-turned-cook Willin Low, 35, presides over the kitchen and creates such dishes as Ginseng Chicken Soup (S$9), Black Pepper Soft Shell Crab (S$12.50) and Grilled Tofu Baby Spinach ($9). Unfortunately the owners, perhaps striving for a minimalist look, paid little attention to design elements. Service is a bit spotty as well. We suggest a dinner visit (breakfast is buffet style and open to hotel guests). With only 40 seats, reservations are strongly recommended.
For a pleasant pre-dinner cocktail or night cap, walk a few meters up the hill to the Wild Oats Bar. Housed in a colonial mansion, guests can enjoy drinks al fresco in nostalgic rattan chairs. There's a modest finger food menu.

South Africa

See our special World Cup section at: http://www.mysavvytraveller.com/15.html

Spain

  Barcelona (BCN)
  Bar Pinotxo. Mercat de la Boqueria, Parades 66-67, La Rambla 91. Tel: 347-1731. This is Savvy Traveller's hands-down favourite for great food served in an informal setting. In fact be prepared to eat your food at the counter bar stools, standing up or on one of the nearby tables. In any case be prepared for waits of up to 45-minutes for a seat. But the wait is worth it! Bar Pinoxto is the favourite breakfast spot for Barcelona-native, model Alex Al-Bader. During a recent visit, Savvy Traveller enjoyed a dish of chicken and chick peas. Juanito - the star of Bar Pinoxto - puts a wine bottle in front of you - pour as you wish and a unique honour system takes care of the rest! The house wine during a recent visit was Luis Canas Crianza 2003 Rioja. It is located at the entrance to the venerable La Boqueria market off La Rambla. Open Mon-Sat 6am to 7pm.
  Restaurante Venta Manchega, No 58 Carrere de Guiter. Stop here on a sunny day, perhaps while cycling along Barcelona's famed beachfront. You'll need some tenacity to catch the attention of the waiters, who dash back and forth between the small kitchen (located on the ground floor of an apartment block) and the tables assembled across the street. Savvy Traveller enjoyed a lovely dish of potatoes and mussels, washed down by two glasses of Rioja - all for Euros 18.50.
  4 Gats. (aka els Quatre Gats) Bis Montsio Street, 3. Tel: +34 93 302 4140. (GPS coordinates: 41° 23′ 8″ N, 2° 10′ 24″ E). A mix of romantic ambiance, history and music. 4 Gats first opened in 1897 and describes itself as "emblematic of Catalan modernism." In different parts of its life it existed as a hostel, cabaret, pub and restaurant. Vetted by our agent in Barcelona, the restaurant is situated on the ground floor of a building designed by the modernist architect, Joseph Puig i Cadafalch. Pablo Picasso and Woody Allen have dined here. Allen liked it so much that he selected it as a location for the film, Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Ramon Cass used the cafeteria (4 Gats has a ground floor cafeteria and upstairs restaurant area) as the setting for his movie, The Tandem. As for cuisine - this is a must stop for traditional Catalan cuisine. But given all the publicity, expect a fair share of tourists. Many diners complain about the brusque, indifferent service - but look like a serious diner and you will receive commensurate service! Mon-Sun: 1pm to 1am. Email: 4gats@4gats.com
  Cerveceria Catalana. Near Placa de Catalunya on C/ Mallorca, 236 (Tel.93 216 03 68). Very best example of the vast array of tapas Barcelona has to offer. Enjoy the sounds, smells and tastes of authentic Catalonia. Great for breakfast too! Walking distance from the Hotel Balmes (see Savvy Sleeping section).
  Bar Tomas. Major de Sarria, 49. Tel: 932-031-077In Sarria. Cheap and cheerful. The best patatas bravas in Barcelona! Rated by travellers and locals alike as a wonderful place for a quick beer and tapas.

Bar Tomas in Barcelona: said to have best patatas bravas

Thailand

  Bangkok (BKK)
  Lan Na Thai. 29 Sukhumvit Rd, Soi 38 Prakanong Klongtoey. Part of an international chain of restaurants in Jakarta and China, Lan Na Thai is arguably one of the best Thai restaurants in Bangkok in terms of food, ambiance and service. Step into the complex of wooden houses and ponds and you enter an incredibly tranquil environment. A superb wine list compliments the menu of traditional Thai dishes. Our savvy favourites are the pandan chicken, prawn soup and duck curry. Aside from the superb food, the design of Nan Na Thai is what caught our interest: its a mix of Indian, Chinese and Indo Chinese artifacts with the site layout and architecture. The traditional Thai buildings are made with over 99 large ancient columns, interspersed with pools and gardens. There is a traditional Thai spa on site, so Savvy Traveller recommends an afternoon spa session, followed by pre-dinner drinks in the bar and then dinner Lan Na Thai is past of Face Bangkok, where you can enjoy Thai, Indian and Japanese cuisine in one of the three restaurants, or just relax in it's stunning bar or spa. The complex is brilliantly designed after the classical Thai extended family house.

Lan Na Thai, Bangkok

Switzerland

  Geneva (GVA)
  Cafe du Soleil. Place du Petit-Saconnex, 22 733 34 17. This ancient, two-storey roadhouse claims to be the oldest restaurant in Geneva and serves the best fondue in Switzerland. Lovely outdoor patio that fills up quickly with after work crowds. Reservations required!
  Le Calamar. 92 Blvd Carl Vogt, Plainpalais. 022-3216277. Very hip, almost NY-type atmosphere. The clientele changes through the evening - students, businesspeople, local residents. Old movies on a large screen. Great wines, tapas and burgers (CHF14). Friendly staff.
  Café des Negociants. 29 Rue de la Filature, Carouge. Tel: 022/3003105. Cozy, romantic, friendly service and hearty dishes. A bistro suitable for dinner with mother or girlfriend. Dishes with fresh ingredients and traditional French/Med ingredients. Great wine cellar!

 
Turkey

  Ankara (ANK)
  Karaf. Uğur Mumcu cad. No. 96/A, (312) 436 31 01. Great seafood, a relaxed atmosphere and reasonable prices combine to make this a must-visit eatery for locals and travellers alike. Ask the chef for a private cooking lesson.

United Kingdom

London (LHR)
  Frontline Restaurant. 13 Norfolk Place.Ph +44(0)20 7479 8950. Excellent, fresh ingredients from the Frontline's own farm are used to create superb dishes such as orange and spinach salad; Say the owners: "Nowhere else within 100 miles sources raw materials from its own farm, offers wines at not much above retail prices, and has a chef who puts his heart into every dish." The fish and steak are to die for, as is the chocolate pudding with black pepper ice cream! The restaurant is located below the venerable Frontline Club - a members only venue for journalists and writers. Great wine list, friendly service and reasonable prices. The Frontline Restaurant is open Monday to Friday for lunch from 12 - 3pm and dinner from 6pm - 11pm. Saturday dinner from 6pm - 11pm and Sunday lunch from 12 - 4pm. On Sundays come for the excellent roast pork: slow-roasted over night while it coats in sumptuous pan drippings!
  Odins. 27 Devonshire St., Marylebone, London. Ph +44 (0)20 7935 7296. Great food, awesome service. An eclectic but warm interior. Anglo/French menu. Romantic. Most fans of Odins recommend a booking well in advance but last minute urges to come here, especially on a week night, might be accommodated. Savvy Traveller recommends pre-dinner drinks at the martini bar of Claridge's - just a short taxi ride away.
  Beach Blanket Babylon, 45 Ledbury Road. Tel: +44 (0) 7229-2907. Also known as "BBB" this popular Notting Hill hangout in a Georgian house has an over-the-top design and furnishings. But friendly staff, great people-watching and a good wine selection have been drawing a savvy set for the past 17 years. We say this is a good first or second date venue; try to secure one of the secluded tables. Outdoor seating in summer. Serving cuisine best described as modern and European, starters include “Seared Scallops with Black Pudding and Cauliflower Puree” and “Pan Fried Quail Breast with Caramelized Commis Pear & Foie Gras." Mains include:  “Roasted Pork Belly Marinated with Fennel Seeds, Sautéed Spring Greens, Creamy Mash, Buttered Apples & Cider Jus."
  Cafe Laville. 453 Edgware Road. Tel: +44 20 7706-2620. If you can grab a small table along the adjacent canal, this is a nice place to spend Sunday brunch on a sunny day. Perched directly over the Little Venice canal, one can enjoy lovely views of this unique waterway. Unfortunately the service doesnt live up to the location: slow and haughty. Specials such as pumpkin soup and goulash populate the menu.

Special at Cafe Lavalille on a recent Sunday


  Mandarin Oriental Hotel Bar. 66 Knightsbridge. Tel: +44 (0) 7201 3724. Pricey but still a Savvy Traveller favourite. What strikes us is that visit after visit the staff come across as friendly and accommodating. The bar scene is hard to beat. An extensive list of martinis, cocktails and scotch. Snacks from the adjoining Asian restaurant can be ordered: crispy Peking duck spring rolls with hoi sin sauce, dim sun, and wok fried chili salt squid with line, coriander and sweet chili sauce. Monday to Saturday 11am to 2am; Sunday 11:30am to 12am (GBP 5 late license charge applies after 10:30pm for "non-residents").

  The Fifth Floor Restaurant & Bar. Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge. Tel: 022-72357856. Ok we admit the bar can be a bit of a pick-up place or haven for posers but the after-work crowd brings energy and style to this hideaway on the top floor of the venerable Harvey Nichs. Recently renovated this is a decent place to escape the tourist masses outside and grab a glass of champagne or well-made vodka-cocktail. Great people-watching perch after 5pm! The bar is open for lunch every day, with a late licence until 1am Wednesday to Saturday. Reportedly a DJ shows up on Wednesday nights. The adjoing restaurant is fine for a light lunch or a sumptuous dinner. Executive Chef Jonas Karlsson's menus are inspired by seasonality, and his daily changing 'Market Menu' comprise of fresh ingredients selected from the adjoining Harvey Nichols Foodmarket. An wine list offers more than 300 wines from all over the globe, many by the glass.

Ukraine

  Kyiv (KBP)
  Le Cosmopolite. Vladimyrskaya 47, tel. (044) 228-7278. If you can overlook the slow service this Belgian brasserie is quite strongly recommended. Good meats, a decent wine list, excellent draft Belgian beer - even great borscht and pelmeni for Slavic appetites. Reservations recommended. There is a proper non-smoking section and a live jazz soloist on many evenings. Conveniently located across from the Golden Gate Metro Station.
  Vernisage Cafe. Andriyivskiy uzviz 30. (044) 425-2403. This cozy restaurant has arguably the best service in Kyiv. Great steaks, pasta, lovely coffee and deserts. Good selection of wines by the glass and bottle. This is a relatively small space, so wise to book a table.
  Vesuvio Pizza. Vul Reytarska 25 (near Canadian Embassy). Tel: 234-5268. There is a second location at Shevchenko Blvd. 25.  Large, tasty pizzas with crispy crusts. Vesuvio was the first chain in Ukraine to offer home and office delivery. The Reytarska location has a pleasant outdoor patio in summer. Named "Best Pizza" five years in a row by the Kyiv Post. 

  Lviv (LWO)
  Kupol. vul Chakovskoho 37. (032) 261-4454; 261-4482. Housed in a charming old mansion on a hill, this is a lovely venue for a leisurely lunch or romantic dinner. We loved the antique tables, crockery and photos of 19th century nobility. Savvy Traveller was very happy with the borscht and cabbage rolls, served in almost designer fashion! A banquet room for up to 20 people is available for booking. Hours: 11am to 11pm.
  Kavarnya. Ploscha Rynok 29. (032) 235-4544. Lviv is famous for its Vienna-style coffee houses or kavarnyas. This is aA friendly, cozy hideaway that is conveniently located off the main square. Excellent coffee and delicious snacks.
  Kryyivka. Ploscha Rynok. (032) 254-6119. You have to look carefully to find this incredibly alternative eatery and drinking hole. You will also have to utter the password "Slava Ukraini" to get past the armed, uniformed door man. (A proper reply is often rewarded with a shot of strong honey-flavoured vodka!). Come here for a boiisterous atmosphere, friendly service, a great hearty food - including varennyky, borscht and an excellent kapusniak - or cabbage soup. The upstairs room is for quieter dining or drinks, while the two rooms downstairs - behind a secret door - are for noisier dining, solo or in groups. Posters and photos from Ukrainian Partisan Army - which also influenced the menu - stare down at diners. Larger groups should consider the half-meter garlic sausage offering. Service is spotty, sometimes indifferent!
  Cafe Veronika. Shevchenka Propekt 21. Tel: (032) 297-8128. The best cakes and sweets in a Vienese-style decor in Lviv. Friendly, efficient service. For hardy meals head downstairs.Some say the best breakfast in the city.

  Odesa (ODS)
  Klarabara (aka Klapabapa). Gorodskoi Sad. Tel: (0482) 375-108; 741-3331. Ove the course of a recent visit to the seaside city of Odesa, Savvy Traveller visited Klarabara no less than four times - to sample the succulent ribs (95UAH), catfish flillet roasted with mushrooms in foil (86UAH), fish soup and mouthwatering meat and seafood shashlyk. The salads are to die for - try the hot mushroom salad with sunflower seeds (45UAH). Sundays are special here with an all-you-can-eat-and-drink buffet from 1-4PM (150 UAH). We love the friendly service (though you do have to be patient at times), artistic decor and - most of all - the awesome outdoor terrace facing the city park and fountain. Klarabara is situated in an old mansion house near the city centre. So far our favourite place to wine and dine in Odesa!

United States of America

  Buffalo (BUF)
  Anchor Bar. 1047 Main St. (716) 883-1134. Since 1964, claims to be "home of the original buffalo chicken wing." Long line-ups on weekends attest to the popularity of this greasy spoon. Wings are exceptional and jazz on weekends! More than 1000lbs of wings served daily.

  Los Angeles (LAX) 
  AGO Restaurant. 8478 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood. Tel: 323 655 6333. Calling itself a "New Yorkish" style Italian restaurant, this eatery specializes in the culinary treats of Tuscany. Included among its owner-investors are: Robert De Niro, actor Christopher Walken, Miramax's executive producers Harvey & Bob Weinstein ("Scream," "The English Patient," and "Pulp Fiction"), and director Ridley Scott. An incredible wine cellar. Try the sea bass carpaccio and seafood risotto. Reservations are a must though walk-ins are catered to. Agostino Sciandi is the chief chef and the name of the restaurant is derived from his first name. Also talked about is his tuna carpaccio, bisteca alla Fiorentina, polenta, striped sea bass, veal chop and the grilled ribeye from Ago's wood-burning oven. Sciandri hails from the Tuscan village of Aulla, and studied at Italy's School of Hotel and Catering. This is a busy place with somewhat gregarious waiters. Our wish would be for some fine Italian music to accompany the food and wine.

  Miami (MIA)
  Sardinia. 1801 Purdy Avenue. Tel: 305-531-2228. Difficult to find but well worth the effort for this popular eatery hidden away in a residential district in the Northwest corner of South Beach. Service is very friendly and many locals frequent. Chef Pietro Vardeu left New York to come here to create a lively setting that has the 90-seat plus restaurant buzzing seven days a week! One food critic described Sardinia's food as "terrific, honest, traditional and reasonably priced." Try the Smerelda salad: fresh seafood salad with borlotti beans. In true Sardegna fashion, wild boar pops up in the menu in the form of Orecchiette pasta ($15). Even the trademark Mirto liquor finds its way into the dish of roasted baby suckling pig ($26). Octopus is served with fregola - the toasted Sardegna version of cous cous. A wood-burning oven churns out wonderfully-roasted vegetables. Order a plate of crackly rosemary carasatu bread, Reservations only for six or more, so if you must wait for a table saddle up to the bar and watch the aromatic dishes float by! A very impressive list of Sardegna red and white wines, as well as labels from other regions of Italy. By the glass at least 10 different wines available in red and white so go ahead an experiment.

  New York (JFK/LGA/EWR)

    Sora Lella. 300 Spring Street (between Hudson and Renwick Streets). Tel: 212-366-4749. If you happen to come during Happy Hour (5-8pm daily) you can be forgiven for thinking that you are in Italy: the bar is laden with complimentary, sumptuous and creative appetizers. A treat too is to have the owners and chef come around to discuss wine and menu options. The all-Italian wine list is well proportioned - between by-the-glass choices and bottles. Try a glass of the excellent Brunello ($18). There is ever a decent selection of hard-to-find Sardegna wines.  On the appetizer side, the meatballs are airy and perfectly seasoned. Our favourites included the home-made potato gnocchi in a classic Roman sauce of smoked guanciale, tomatoes and Roman Pecorino cheese ($18) and the Tonnarelli "Cuccagna" (Aldo Trabalza's 1961 recipe) with sausage, cured pork belly, walnuts and other sumptuous ingredients ($22). The Tiramisu ($10) is sublime! There are some improvements to be made...to things like the music and the lighting. But an exceedingly friendly staff, family-owned hospitality, great wine list and sumptuous, hearty dishes make this worth a return trip to what is admittedly an off-the-beaten-path location. Email: soralellanyc@gmail.com

Les Enfants Terribles. 37 Canal Street (at Ludlow), New York. Tel: 212-777-7518. It was a difficult decision to part with this discovery. This Lower East Side gem is best visited Sunday to Monday evenings when the "bridge and tunnel" crowd is not crowding out locals. Sumptuous French food with a touch of West Africa and Brazil, friendly staff, great wines by the glass and bottle (try the house red from Corbières), a cozy atmosphere and great music! Our hands-down favourite dish is the Roasted Sea Scallops with Mashed Sweet Potatoes, mussels, and for a lighter snack the French fries (ask for a side of mayonnaise). Reservations are strongly recommended for Fridays and Saturdays; dining at the bar is also an option - and lots of fun. DJs play tunes nightly. Note that this eatery only accepts American Express and cash. An ATM is stationed outside. Check out the French-owned watering hole next door! - Bar Clandestino (if Les Enfants is too crowded you can take away and bring it here!) Lunch served weekdays 10am to 4:30pm; Brunch weekends and holidays 10am to 5pm and dinner daily 5pm to midnight.

Lavagna. 545 E 5th St. (between Avenue A & Avenue B). Tel: (212) 979-1005. Simple, unpretentious, friendly service and awesome Northern Italian cuisine. The white tablecloth service and eloquent dishes sets this apart from the other Bohemian trattorias in the neighbourhood. Guests rave about the pizzas, the Whole Wood Over Roasted Fish for Two (a red snapper with sauteed spinach and grape tomato relish (delightful!) and the rigatoni with fennel, sausage, peas and cream ($15). Although a good date venue, tables are closely packed but the open kitchen and friendly staff make up for it. A very good wine list (it's been awarded with the Wine Spectator award of excellence) with unpretentious prices. Every Sunday between 5-7PM and prixe fixe menu is offered at $29. Hours: Mon-Thurs 6-11PM; Fri-Sat 6-12: Sun 5-11PM.

Lavagna in New York's East Village - a small wine bar is situated near the front.

  Kampuchea. 78 Rivington St. (between Allen and Orchard Streets). Tel: (212) 529-3901. Tasty Cambodian cuisine in the East Village. The service was friendly and efficient. The soup or main - mussels in a broth - had a perfect combination of hard stuff (mussels, cilantro, bean sprouts, etc.) with broth. We enjoyed the pot of osmanthus tea. The meal clocked in at $20 - quite expensive for an Asian restaurant. There's no lunch menu except for a fixed price one. Here the Num Pang sandwiches are said to be the specialty - especially the sweet pulled oxtail ($14). Ditto for the Tamarind Baby back Ribs ($16). Hours: Tue-Thu. 5:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat. 12:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.; Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. 

  Centovini. 25 West Houston Street. Tel: 212-219-2113. Translated from Italian as "100 wines," the restaurant name hints at the large number of (all Italian) wines housed in its adjacent wine shop. Centovini is a trendy, uncongested place for Sunday brunch (voted by New York magazine as one of the Top Ten in the city). Healthy and unique Italian dishes - "classic Italian with a contemporary touch" - with a few seafood entrees. One of the owners has a design shop next door and that allowed the restaurant to adorn the large inner space with breathtaking glass chandeliers and other lighting fixtures. Staff are friendly, efficient and knowledgeable about the menu items. We like the beet-filled ravioli with poppyseed butter ($19) and the formaggi and salumi (three items $16 or five for $24). Dinner Mon-Sat 5:30-11pm; Sat 530-10pm. Lunch Mon-Fri: 12-3pm. Brunch Sat and Sun 12-4pm.

  Xai-Xai. 369 West 51 Street (Hells Kitchen). Ph: 305-878-7508. An "African bush inspired" South African wine bar with a vibrant atmosphere, captivating interior, friendly service and, as one might expect, an awesome wine list. This IS a popular place, even on weeknights so come early to get one of the 50 seats (including 12 at the bar). The owners deserve credit for transforming this once laundromat into an immensely-popular, mid-town wine bar. South African pinotage leads a parade of reds that include Merlot, Cabernet, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and blends. Small plates such as venison carpaccio, ostrich tartar and a cape Malay coconut chicken curry keep the tummy happy.
If you have a healthier appetitte and still love South African wines, then head down the block to the sister establishment, Braai Restaurant at 321 W51st Street. Tel: 212-315-3315. The owners of Xai-Xai opened Braai when they realized there was a demand in the City for South African cuisine. Intimate decore best described as "bush chic", friendly service, hearty South African food (try the succulent ostrich) and an awesome winelist that includes our favourite - Diemersfontein Pinotage. Of course, "braai" means 'barbeque' in Afrikans so expect to find many meat dishes, including mutton and venison. There are some Cape Malay dishes as well as incredible Oxtail Stew. A $14.95 prix fixe lunch includes an appetizer, glass of house wine, main course and the malva pudding desert. Tues-Thurs: 11am-12am; Fri-Sat: 11am-2am; Sun: 11am-12am.

Braai in Hells Kitchen - Manhattan's only South African restaurant

  Seattle (SEA)
  Chez Shea. 94 Pike St. Tel: 206-467-9990. There’s a little known French restaurant at Pike’s Place Market – which is overrun by French restaurants – where ambiance, food and great, friendly service conspire to wipe away the frustrations of a busy day. Gorgeous arched windows that overlook the famous market make the perfect backdrop. More often than not, it’s the only place in town to get seared foie gras. So, order it twice. It’s that good. Classic French fare, creative cocktails and a great wine list. How can you go wrong? Recently voted the best bar in which to have an affair, it’s nothing if not discreet. You know, when you walk in, that you are in Seattle’s best kept secret. Shhh…don’t tell anyone!