New Amsterdam Surf Association

Amsterdam

I chose Kaasland because it’s my summer hotspot to go have breakfast or lunch, like the best cheese and the best sandwiches. And it’s in the Haarlemmerdijk which is one of the nicest streets in Amsterdam. 

We’re at the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, that’s where the store is and that’s next to the dam so there’s not many places more central. During corona everything was kinda hard, especially during the winter months. I think it should be that community hangout spot for us, the surf team and everybody but I think now it’s just started to become that, because we can do the drinks and the afterparties and collection release parties here.

You have a lot of types of people jumping from the piers and everyone just brings their own towel and a lot of food and drinks. It’s a really fun place to just chill and get a tan. In summer it gets really busy so sometimes you really have to come early to get a good spot but it’s worth it. You can stay there for the whole day and usually at night, people will play music and maybe light little barbecues.

It’s a spot that’s a little bit further away from the city centre, so for us, it’s a bit more local. It’s very DIY in a way and it has this mix of fine dining but not with a dress code and not with those prices and afterwards around 9pm they usually take out all the chairs and tables and it just turns up really, really quick.
 
It’s just a place where they don’t want to have too many rules and they just want to be very open-minded about everything and if stuff goes crazy, the owners will be the guys that go crazier. It’s very easy-going, it’s not about who you are, it’s about music and having fun with a lot of people. 

New Amsterdam Surf Association’s Guide To Summer in Amsterdam

Casey MQ

Toronto

Fresh pressed juices and cold cut bánh mì sandwiches from this local restaurant. A gem in Toronto and the owners are incredibly kind. Plus their instagram is amazing.

A great beach spot to suddenly feel a little removed from Toronto while maintaining a view from the city. There is a clothing optional area as well.

I do not drink coffee but if I did, from what I’ve heard, I would purchase from The Common. I regularly get a tea and croissant from there though. Currently takeout but in the past I have spent a lot of time hanging out in there.

This family run restaurant in Parkdale makes excellent Momos. Lovely place!

TECHNICALLY you could ride your bike from Leslie Spit through to Don Valley Trail but it would be a mission. It’s a beautiful bike ride though and Leslie Spit takes you to an outer point of Toronto where you end up looking right back at the city by the end of the epic trail.

The Lightbox is not open at the moment but I’ve always loved the programming and have gone on solo dates there many times!

This is a lovely fashion store in Toronto. Tightly curated selection of clothing and publications. The store really has it’s own demeanor.

A great place to find preloved books. There are three locations at this point in Toronto but most of my purchases have been at the Bloor location. I basically stand around the recommended reads for a little too long.

Which brings me to the Toronto Reference Library lol. Last year I spent a lot of time at this library on the fourth or fifth floor. The inside is gorgeous. I actually spent a lot of time working on ‘babycasey’ at this library.

I have only been here a few times at night but if you hope the fence which is not a particularly easy task - you can maybe get a few laps of swimming in!

Casey MQ takes us around Toronto

Gundelach

Oslo

If you have a little extra to spend, go here. Legendary restaurant with 10-course menu and only 23 seats. This is a place with soul, fantastic food and far too much good wine. Don’t plan anything important to do the next day because you are going to get terribly drunk.

Ask for: Gunnar

Pro tip: After you’ve eaten you can just stumble into the club Skaugum which is in the same weird old building. If you can manage it…

Oslo is a coffee-city and this is the boss. Order an “Anistetta” which is an espresso based iced coffee with aniseed-infused syrup. Addictive!

Ask for my good friend Erlend who runs this sausage-kiosk that he inherited from his father. Just wiener-sausages with homemade toppings. The perfect lunch.

Pro tip: Go to the forest to pick mushrooms in autumn and then visit Syverkiosken afterwards to get your mushrooms inspected. Erlend is a certified mushroom expert!

New bürek spot at the top of Grunnerløkka. Try the traditional spinach and feta one, tasty as hell.

Expensive but delicious! Einer strives for organic and bio-dynamic agriculture and wines. In the basement you can find the bar “Einbar”.

A cosy little café run by a lovely married couple ☺ They make good salads and sandwiches and you can also get a bottle of peroni. They love dogs so feel free to take yours with you or just pet the ones that are there.

Order: Italian vegetarian & tallegio sandwich.

A Turkish family-run restaurant which is located in the “Sagene samfunnshus” (community centre). A lovely place to sit outside in the summer. The best squash cakes in the city.

Order: Squash cakes and bulgur or halloumi burger.

A low key fish restaurant which is located in Mathallen (the food hall). Nice spots to eat outside, delicious oysters and fish and chips with a really good pea stew.

Ask for: my old friend Dre, and then you will get a refill ;)

Eight Places You Need To Visit in Oslo with Gundelach

Ariel Zetina

Chicago

Belizean restaurants are so rare, and I’m literally so glad I live in one of the only cities in the US with the food I grew up with. Black-owned and family-owned, perfectly authentic dishes, this is the real deal. My go-to order is panades (Belize’s version of empanadas, filled with fish or beans) and Belizean stew chicken (get it with rice and beans – a must), Belizean potato salad and plantains on the side). If you have to go to one place on this list, this is literally not the one to miss!

If you’re going to Chicago, please skip the deep dish; original Chicago pizza is thin crust. Chicago-style hot dogs are acceptable, but the real Chicago staple not to miss is the jibarito. Using tostones (fried plantain) instead of bread, this sandwich is a staple of Puerto Rican diasporic cooking in Chicago, and although it is not the inventor of the jibarito (Borinquen in Humboldt Park is, and also amazing), Jibaritos y Más in Logan Square delivers such a deep gastronomical experience that keeps me coming back. My favourite is the shrimp jibarito.

This Costa Rican BYOB spot is amazing for groups, especially for vegetarians – the veggie casado is amazing. Really proud of this restaurant for surviving the pandemic and coming out strong on the other side! Costa Rican cuisine is another that is so rare in the world to find and this is, in fact, the only Costa Rican restaurant in Chicago.

Sorry, I gotta do another Belizean place. Redz is on the very northern tip of Chicago, closest to the northernmost train station on the Red Line. Another family-owned spot that cannot be beat. My recommendations are the same here (panades, stew chicken), but be sure not to miss my favourite Belizean creation: the meat pie, basically replacing the terrible bland innards of British meat pie and replacing it with jerk turkey.

Belize was a British colony until the 80s, the more you know! Don’t miss getting bun either – a raisin sweet bread on the dessert menu. Though I grew up eating it with cheese on it, so try that if you dare.

The spot that’s also signed off by my Dominican friends. I used to live near this place and discovered Dominican food through here. Located in the very west of Logan Square off the beaten path, this casual place is a great breakfast or lunch spot. Get the mangu!

OK, really, you can’t go wrong anywhere on or near 18th Street in Pilsen – a formerly immigrant Czech neighbourhood but now mostly Mexican American. The staple, 5 Rabanitos, is the most vegetarian-friendly place. Here you can find vegetarian versions of many of the different dishes available at most of the places on or near 18th Street.

Also on 18th Street, and my go-to when ordering to-go Mexican. Make sure you’re headed to the correct Los Comales, the one on the corner of 18th and Ashland! I love the milanesa tortas here and also the escabeche on the table, marinated carrots, onions and peppers to top your dishes with (or to eat with chips).

I used to have a DJ gig weekly on Mondays at nearby Beauty Bar. This is my most random choice on this, since there are so many good Mexican taquerias all around Chicago, but this is the one that speaks to me most intimately over the years. The chile relleno torta is incredible. Great place to go after drinking with friends in the area. Very little seating so get it to go.

When you hear Peruvian food in Chicago, a lot of peoples' minds go to Cabra: the Stephanie Izzard-owned Peruvian rooftop restaurant above the Hoxton in West Loop. While this is good and one of my go-to rooftop spots, the real Peruvian staple is the family-owned, Guy Fieri-approved Taste of Peru on the north side. Rarely a wait, and a true Chicago hidden gem.

Known exclusively as the Tamale Guy, anyone who frequents semi-popular late night bars in Chicago knows this man. The husband-wife team runs their business out of a single cooler, which travels from bar to bar serving drunk and hungry patrons. When I see him, I always get one. The best tamales in Chicago. Follow @tamaletracker on Twitter to find the Tamale Guy, but more likely you will run into him, as he somehow always knows where the crowd is. Truly, truly impressive.

Ariel Zetina’s Top 10 Latin American Restaurants in Chicago

CHAII

Los Angeles 

This is always the first Persian food place I stop at when in LA, Attari Sandwich shop! It reminds me of Iran, so it’s very special to me since I don't often get to experience that. To start off, you have to try the mouth watering Eggplant dish (Kashke bademjan) then any of their delicious sandwiches - my two favorites are Sausage and Tongue. They have an amazing menu filled with yummy Persian food that you can enjoy in the cute outdoor area. Persian cream puffs (Noon Khamei) is a MUST for dessert.

The name says it all! When you go to Saffron and Rose Ice Cream shop in Westwood you must try the ice cream that the shop is named after, the Saffron ice cream. Mixed with pistachios, I don’t know anyone who could dislike this signature Iranian Ice Cream flavor, it’s a must try.. 

Feeling a little fancy? Then Darya restaurant is the place to go to have an amazing dinner. My favorite dish is Zereshk Polo Morgh (Persian Barberry rice with chicken) OR ANY of the dishes. If you’re new to Persian food then get a few different dishes and share. Some nights there is live music to enjoy while dining at Darya Restaurant.

Iran has such a rich culture and a long history in arts, music and traditions. Stores like Ketabsara (ketab = Book) are much needed to keep the Persian culture alive. I can never get enough of walking in a store that carries that much depth in the art and history.

This is definitely the spot to go for a casual hang out with your friends where you can enjoy Shisha food and board games. Open until 3am most nights and until 5am on weekends this is the perfect place to end up after going out for dinner to the movies etc. I think of this place as somewhere nice and chill and if I lived in LA I imagine i’d become a regular here. Shisha (Ghelyoun) is a big part of Persian culture. In Iran, my family always would have the Ghelyoun going after lunch or dinner over a cup of tea and snacks. It’s not about smoking, it's more the fact it brings everyone together.

I went to Cafe Glace with my cousin and my friends for the first time in 2019 when we were in LA to shoot music videos. Everyone is so lovely here and the food is amazing. I’ve had their gourmet Pizzas and sandwiches. Don’t forget to order some Chai (tea) after your meal. In Persian culture, we drink tea a lot. First thing in the morning, before and after meals tea is something that is always being made and poured into your glass. We also believe that tea is great for the stomach after meals to help with digestion.

If you’re looking for some quality hair products including amazing hair extensions and wigs then look no further, my uncle's store Santee beauty in Downtown LA. I love visiting my family when I'm in LA and my uncle has had so much success at his store in downtown where many celebrities go to get their hair  products from.

Explore Los Angeles' Persian Spots with CHAII

GUAPDAD 4000

Oakland

Brazilian / Asian / soul food fusion spot. I know the chef personally and this food is VERY well prepared and upscale.

THE FILIPINO SPOT WITH HANDS DOWN THE BEST CHICKEN WINGS. GOTTA GET THE G FIRE CHICKEN WINGS. NO EXCUSES!

A dimly lit, very sexy, very tucked away sushi spot. Believe me when I say this is some of the best cuts of fish in the whole of the Bay Area

This is a nod to secret speakeasy spots. The hidden restaurant, the bar and the wings and burger are amazing and not to be missed.

The best thing since Philly cheesesteaks fact check me

In the Dubs ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Best banh Mi !!!!! Exxxtraa latte


Oakland's Top Food Joints with Rapper, GUAPDAD 4000

Paris

She describes herself as a sassy club in the 6th arrondissement around Saint-Germain-des-Près. Pretty new to the scene but hosts a lot of parties during fashion week. Interesting people to look at, music varies every night so can match anybody’s music taste. Might get a little hot and sweaty but we love it!

There's not much time since we’re running around, so a delicious, filling sandwich is my go to. Can be eaten on the go. They have veggie versions, some with fish but my go to is the roast beef one – it’s to die for! Also you've got to get the crumble, it’s a must!

If you have time to sit and have a nice dinner, this spot is my absolute favourite. It’s a hidden tapas restaurant in the back of a cute alley. They have the most delicious natural wine selection and the food is incredible. Amazing to share with your friends that you only get to see during fashion week. Make sure to make a reservation ASAP!

Need a coffee or matcha break? This is the perfect spot. It’s owned by a Japanese couple. They make amazing coffee but my go to is their iced houjicha latte. It’s a perfect pick-me-up with one of the cakes that they make everyday. I personally like their lemon glaze cake or their scones. Might be a little crowded to sit but you can walk around and sit at a nearby park!

This spot has been a Paris girl favourite lately. They sell the cutest and well curated vintage pieces, and they also started making their own clothes which are actually so cute and great quality. They restock quite often, so if you go in the chances of you coming out with something you love are very high.

You might already know this spot but if one night you feel like dressing up and being fancy, this is the place to go. Getting a drink surrounded by red velvet and dim lights is always a vibe, whether it’s with friends or why not a date?! If you’re feeling a little peckish and have a sweet tooth, definitely get the pavlova – it’s delicious!

Where to Go in Paris During Fashion Week, According to Local Creative Yaya

Ghetto Gastro

New York City 

Highbridge is a neighbourhood in the Bronx that's connected to Washington Heights in the Upper Manhattan by way of the pedestrian high bridge. The blending of cultures across this physical landscape is rich and the patties have a nice sweetness and a spicy punch. They also take some time, because you'll need to ferment the plantains for the filling for up to one week, which adds a tangy depth to the flavour.

For $4 or $5, any short-order bodega cook can style it how you like it, but the classic build is ground beef cooked down with white onions and American cheese, then topped with tomatoes and shredded lettuce on a hero or roll. Like a lot of foods that emerge from neighbourhoods and cultures where many are systematically deprived of wealth, the chopped cheese is a blue-collar dish, [with] it's social complexities. As the class makeup of the Bronx and Uptown has shifted to attract the richer, whiter populations in recent years, the chopped cheese found its way into the hands of folks who didn't grow up on it like we did but rather often "discovered" the sandwich, and, naturally, loved it. 

This place opened as Brother Roy's Green Garden in 1983 at a different location (it's always going to be Brother Roy's to us), but the juice bar is a beloved, Black-owned gathering place that promotes health and wellness. For youth used to seeing smoke shops and liquor stores on countless corners, this West Indian spot is where you find like-minded people knowledgeable about nutrition. Brother Roy's is across from an elevated train, facing the New York Housing Authority's Gun Hill Houses. The energy is chaotic on the streets. In the shop it's like an oasis. You smell fresh fruit. You hear patois that reflects Caribbean roots. 

The hood Chinese restaurant is ubiquitous in Black hip hop culture. For decades, references to dishes have appeared in song lyrics; there's even a brown and green Timberland boot that's been dubbed "beef and broccoli". The tan joints are called "sesame chickens". These are not the spots where you look for traditional Cantonese dumplings or classic Sichuan noodles. You're gonna find chicken wings next to egg foo Yung. Chinese sweet tea served in plastic quart containers. Everything comes in a to-go box because even if the spot is large enough for tables and chairs, you're probably not staying long. 

A popular seafood restaurant in City Island, across the street from Johnny's Reef, these restaurants have a serious cult following. 

Ghetto Gastro’s Top 5 Restaurants in New York City 

Athens

One of my favourite wine bars in Athens. Stergios is one of the owners, a warm-hearted person with a great knowledge of wine. I totally recommend trying Roditis Orange, Ktima Sklavou-Tsaousi and Ktima Patistis Bio.


There are not a lot of spots in Exarchia where you can buy good quality bread. However BLACK SALAMI is quite a new entry and makes amazing bread as well as good espresso to take away. Try the focaccia and the avocado toast. Definitely pay a visit and grab your breakfast if you stay around.


This is very old pastry shop just around the corner of my store transfers you to an old Athenian scenery. Wooden decoration, assistants with uniforms, long glass windows, smell of biscuits. If you pass by, try their fresh chocolate cream, the traditional rice cream and the squared tiny praline bytes! To die for!!


Two brothers own this cafe. The younger one, Makis, can make you amazing espresso and let you know more tips about Athens. In case you need a sugar boost , try their apple pie!! Last but not least , there you can find a well curated selection of international magazines.


This place is as old school as my dad's Chevignon puffer  jacket. There is no music, but there you can find the most original drinks in town. The space is cosy and small, filled with beautiful people who usually go for an 'afterwork' drink.


Located opposite my store, this bar looks dark from outside but it will brighten up your taste with the best GIn & Tonic in Athens.

Traditional taverna in Exarchia, cult and cute, try the bacalao fish as well as their piaz beans.

Best pizza in the area. I am always happy to eat the one with Zucchine & gorgonzola.

8 Food and Drink Spots You Need to Try in Athens 

Sama Beydoun 

Beirut

Best hidden spot for a good coffee in the heart of the city. You can grab coffee during the day and catch some live music at night. Ask for Youssef, he'll tell you all about the space or he’ll hit you up with some special recommendations. My favorites are the ginger lemon honey tea or the iced doppio, that you can ask the waiter for, it’s off the menu.

Exquisite brunch or sandwiches with beautiful sunlight if you’re sitting outside. I often pass by for coffee too. If it gets crowded it extends onto the facing staircases, for a drink literally on the streets on Beirut. Ask for Antoine, he’s the sweetest and the funniest, he’s usually there until the afternoon, probably singing along to the music spreading his joie-de-vivre.

For film photographers and printmaking lovers, I develop my films at the Beirut printmaking studio, hidden in an alley in Gemmayzeh. Tarek opened this space to gather artists, photographers and creatives, where they can take different printmaking, developing and darkroom classes. Ask him about the names of the cats. You’re in for a ride.

If you’re looking for a special gift or a souvenir, Plan Bey is the ideal stop. Posters, books, prints and many projects that carry so much of Beirut’s visual identity and spirit. The selection of artists is amongst Lebanon’s finest in the contemporary art scene. If you take the stairs you get to the coffeeshop too, it’s beautiful.

Souk el Tayeb is a farmer’s market that happens every Saturday where you can buy vegetables from the farmers themselves. Fresh, fair, colorful, and so tasty. There’s also stands with delicious recipes and innovative projects reviving or revisiting some culinary Lebanese traditions. You must try Em Ali’s manoushe, you will not regret it.

For an afternoon meeting, an evening date or a late night drink, Molo never fails me. “Molo” is the name of the owner herself, who’s often serving you your food or your “Mexican beer” (light beer with lemon juice and salt, delicious). She can always recommend the latest addition to the menu. It has a great outdoors sitting area in the Badaro neighborhood, where you’ll have plenty of choices for the bar that will follow.

Ballroom Blitz is definitely a must if you’re a nightlife lover and a club hopper. It’s located in an industrial area, where more than one club are located. The 3-room experience offers different styles with their respective selection of fine DJs. You won’t come out before you can’t stand on your feet anymore, still wanting more. A cherished space-space for sure.

When you come out of Ballroom Blitz in the middle of the night completely famished, jump to Jabbour, nearby, to grab one of the best Shawarmas in town. Special tip: Ask the man making you the sandwich to add some grenadine molasse to it. An explosion of taste.

For a proper Lebanese lunch or dinner, locals eat at Mezyan, in the Hamra neighborhood. I can’t even begin to count all the things on the menu that are worth trying: Cashew Halloumi, Eggplant Fatté, Batata Harra, Fattoush, obviously hummus. Oh and a pitcher of Araq of course. Choose a night with live music, it often ends up being a party.

For proper sunset and sea view, get ready to trespass the metal fence from the Corniche (don’t panic, everyone does). Grab a snack, a hot drink as it gets windy and choose where you would like to sit, vue-sur-mer. The blessing of living so close to the Mediterranean Sea.

Explore The Creative Underbelly of Beirut with Sama

Janice

Stockholm 

100% EGGS is so delicious it’s almost ridiculous. The creamy scrambled eggs on the perfectly sliced and crispy toast with avocado and chilli flakes on top is just MMMMMM so good!!! Located in Vasastan and Södermalm.

This cute little hidden gem is located in Solna and is actually on my favorite places. It’s by the sweetest family, yes they are my friends but I’m purely objective on this one. Order the Luxury porridge with an oat cappuccino and thank me later!

Restaurant Garba is a sensation in itself. The place is absolutely stunning, it’s got a beautiful energy and great food with their own special twist. They also switch up the menu often so there is always something new to try!

This place is popular for a reason, all the stuff on their menu is yummy. My favorite is definitely the levain avocado sandwich with creme cheese and pickled jalapeños. Also! The frozen banana yoghurt!

Gast got a menu full of delights but if I’d had to pick on dish I’d say the avocado sandwich on danish rye, simple yet SO good! Did I mention that I like eggs haha? Definitely a spot that’s quite busy on the weekends but they got quite a lot of space!

Here we have great brunch spot that has more than something for everyone! Their avocado smash with poached egg is lovely and I add some feta cheese on it for some extra magic. Also, The American pancakes are so fluffy and so good!

I loooove a good hotel breakfast buffet with a lot of options and the one at At six is not gonna disappoint you!

7 Breakfast Spots in Stockholm You Can't Miss

I’ve been visiting A1 Records almost every week since 1999. Lots of inspiration for what to play on the radio show comes from talking with Jeremie [Delon] and Shef who run things at the shop.

A night out starts (or ends) with a Manhattan made by Ivan Berko over at Clandestino. He’s got the best music playing in the bar too.

If you’re hungry in Dime’s Square, stop by Kiki’s for some Greek food. Favourite dish: branzino with the lemon potatoes!

When I’m over in the East Village and I’ve got time after stopping by A1 Records, then I head down the street to Mast Books. Amazing selection of new and old books. I love checking the rare books section.

I love searching out a good farmers market whenever I’m on tour. When friends come to New York, I send them to the Union Square Greenmarket. You’ll find something fun to eat.

If you need to tighten up that haircut, go see Coco. She takes no bullshit – and don’t forget to bring cash.

New York loves a good bagel. Russ & Daughters has your bagels, your lox, your cream cheese and an amazing chocolate babka if you’ve got a sweet tooth.

A new favourite that just opened at the start of 2023 in the Lower East Side on 191 Chrystie Street. Bringing quality music back into Manhattan.

Tim Sweeney's Guide to New York City 

Jordan Nocturne

Belfast

Originally destined to be a short-term pop-up, Freight is difficult to miss as it's housed in two shipping containers on the main Newtownards Road. It's brunch and dinner filled with Belfast character - the crispy shrimp po'boy is my pick, and if you ask for Christy you'll be well looked after!

A 'town square' in the traditional sense of the word. Enjoy a coffee and watch the diverse characters who have made the square home - from skate crews to edgy Gen-Z kids hanging out with their friends.

Dumplings & cocktails set to a soundtrack of balearic, disco or whatever fits the vibe.

Home to some of Belfast's most exciting creatives and independent artists, Vault is a community-driven collective of art studios based in an imposing former school building. From circus performers to musicians it's a genuine haven for eccentricity and art.

I came across rivet on the recommendation of my friend Timmy Stewart, who I run The Night Institute alongside. Run by one of Belfast's original rave crew, Ricky Johnston, I recently got kitted out from the comfort of Ricky's garage.

If you can brave the queue, your hangover is sorted. My tip is to pop to the off-licence down the road whilst waiting, grab a cold Estrella, and take your sandwich over to Stormont park and hope security doesn't notice.

Jordan Nocturne's Guide To Belfast

Tesselated

Jamaica

"Secluded, calm beach spot. One of my favourite places to get away from the city for the day and just breathe for a minute.

The ideal coffee spot. Just outside the city up in the Blue Mountains - super calm vibes. Sometimes I just go here to escape the heat in the summer.

My go-to spot for some rum with bredrins, old school vibes. You get your drinks and food; no frills but consistent every time.

Fire Mexican/Jamaican fusion spot. Always a solid option for lunch and also the venue for many lowkey mid-week events.

Unmarked but one of the most iconic spots. A dead end road overlooking the city, the scene of many many late night gatherings since teenage years.

Jamaica with Tessellated

My after-hours go-to in Kerameikos, a favourite neighbourhood in Athens. A quirky outdoors space with a skateboard bowl and bar, all set within an urban industrial courtyard. You’ll see many a local scene hero DJing here. One night could be R&B, another paying homage to Greek new wave and synth pop, I love the spontaneity of it all. Nice drinks with a laidback atmosphere and vibe.

Owner George is an absolute dreamboat. He is THE GUY when it comes to sourcing rare Levis and vintage jeans. I always have such a vibe playing dress-up in his shop. If you’re looking for a particular piece in denim, chances are he has it. It’s a real treasure trove of unique pieces and George is always happy to assist.

My favourite for designer garms and Y2K thrifting. Visits are by appointment only: reach out on their Instagram to book. Store owner Alexandra Koumantaki, a visual artist and musician, will meet you at the door and take you through her amazing finds.

The spicy mezcal margarita is to die for! Owners Stelios and George are mezcal connoisseurs. My favourite place for cocktails in Athens. If you love a bit of Mexican culture, here’s your authentic spot.

Some of the most flavourful and experimental dishes I’ve come across. You wouldn’t even notice the dishes are vegan. The watermelon (tuna) poke dish is an absolute showstopper. Even my devout, meat-eating Greek father approved. Make sure you save some room for dessert – the pavlova slaps.

Come here for your Greek souvlaki fix (kebab). I always go for the chicken gyros with tzatziki and all the extras. There’s a wide selection of meats and they also offer veggie options for the meatless crew.

My sister and I probably come here once a week. Best vegan souvlaki I’ve ever tasted. Their mushroom gyros is absolutely ridiculous, using four to six different kinds of mushrooms, with a zero waste philosophy, only using organic produce. Owner Tony still won’t tell me how they make their vegan mayo, but I’m working on it.

Family-owned Lebanese street food spot, a short walk away from the Acropolis. Classic recipes passed down from generation to generation, serving up good quality Middle Eastern flavours. Desserts, truffles, lahmacun, peinirli, zaatar pastries and lentil soups, as well as some great vegan options. You absolutely have to sample it.

Peng natural wines from all corners of Greece, in the heart of Exarcheia. Served with yummy cheese and meat platters. Perfect for a late night chill with pals. I recommend the Doric orange wine from the Balatsouras Winery – it’s so good!

The smell as you walk past this bakery is enough to entice anyone who passes by. This is honestly my favourite spot to come to for a classic spanakotiropita (Greek spinach and feta filo pie). Freshly baked pastries, tsoureki, pies and biscuits, with 15 types of koulouri bread rings (orange, walnuts, mastic, cinnamon, etcc) as well as the classic, corn, rye, seed and horiatiko village bread on offer – it’s an absolute must. Order a chocolate and walnut tsoureki, and fill a box with cookies to have with friends. Go for the pistachio, moustokouloura, mahlepi and sesame flavours for a proper taste of Greece.

Best seafood in Athens and worth the taxi ride out of the city centre. Make sure you order the octopus stifatho on melitzanosalata (baked octopus in tomato sauce and smoky aubergine puree); calamari yemisto psito (grilled, stuffed squid), lobster spaghetti, saganaki prawns, gavros, vlita, fries, tzatziki and feta! Better to come with a whole crew, so you can sample everything.

Firm favourite with the locals. Come here for lunch and authentic Greek meze. Staple orders: horta (wild greens), calamari, gigantes (giant beans), gavros (fish), fava (white bean dip), kolokithokeftedes (zucchini fritters), revithia (chickpeas), fasolia mavromatika (black-eyed bean salad) and obviously horiatiki (Greek salad). It's super wholesome and traditional, with lots of cute old men sat outside with their tavli and komboloi.

Really cute clothing and record shop owned by DJ and producer Astytekk, who’s a fellow Movement Radio resident. All the clothes are super niche, often from independent Greek designers (as well as my own MDMX-01 collection inside). Situated next door to one of my favourite hangouts, Handlebar, the shop is often open 'til late, and a nice street to come check out after hours.

Gourmet sandwiches since 1988, in the small neighbourhood of Koukaki. Out to Runner (my fellow Movement Radio DJ) for putting me onto this sandwich joint. He swears it’s the best sandwich shop in Athens and I have to agree! So many cheese varieties, cured meats and smells. It’s a must!

A humble burger joint serving up one item on the menu. Boasting good quality ingredients and zero waste values, Chef Fahk and partner Myrtia have taken it back to basics with their classic no-nonsense cheeseburger. Choose between a juicy single or double patty, and enjoy big flavours at small prices.

Kick is my coffee spot in Kypseli. Order the classic Cappuccino Fredo for the true iced-coffee experience, get there early for breakfast and spend a couple of hours “working from home” with your laptop, soaking up the sun in the company of other like-minded nomads.

Yet another fantastic Souvlaki Grillhouse. I recommend the ‘Calamaki’ meat skewers which can come in pork and chicken, as well as the traditional ‘Loukaniko’ - mixed meat sausage, often flavoured with orange peel, leeks, fennel seed and various other dried herbs, sometimes smoked over aromatic woods.

Cobra High is a really special unique hangout spot in the heart of Neos Kosmos. It's more than just a bar! It's a common-room for the community, full of creativity, artists and personality. Owner Gregoris is so hospitable and passionate and it really shines through his space. Hosting good foods, music, exhibitions, seminars, private birthday parties and home-brewed Kombucha, it's a lovely spot for a modest night out, with good vibes and people.

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