Category: Food

  • Where We Ate/Drank In Belgium

    Where We Ate/Drank In Belgium

    📍Oh!MA

    Location: Ghent, Belgium

    Type: Plant-Based Restaurant

    Why We Recommend It: Even if you’re not vegetarian or vegan, don’t skip this place. It completely changed our expectations of plant-based food. The atmosphere is modern, welcoming, and one of the cutest restaurants we visited in Ghent.  

    Must Try: The burger! Kat said it was one of the best burgers she’s ever had (plant-based or otherwise) 

    📍Frites Atelier

    Location: Ghent, Belgium

    Type: Frites Shop

    Why We Recommend It:Belgium is famous for its fries, and this was easily our favorite place to try them. Perfectly crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and served with delicious dipping sauces 

    📍Edel Rot

    Location: Ghent, Belgium

    Type: Wine Bar & Tapas

    Why We Recommend It: A cozy little wine bar with a relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and great small plates to share.

    📍Bar Terroir

    Location: Ghent, Belgium

    Type: Wine Bar

    Why We Recommend It: If you’re a wine lover like we are, this is another excellent stop while exploring Ghent. The atmosphere is intimate and perfect for slowing down with a glass of wine after a busy day. 

    📍De Alchemist

    Location: Ghent, Belgium

    Type: Cocktail & Beer Bar

    Why We Recommend It: A fun spot to grab a drink while exploring Ghent’s nightlife. Great atmosphere and a nice place to end the evening.

    📍Delirium Cafe

    Location: Brussels, Belgium

    Type: Beer Bar

    Why We Recommend It: One of our favorite nights of the entire Belgium trip. Delirium is famous for carrying thousands of beers from around the world, and it’s easy to see why it;s such a popular stop.

    Must Try: The beer flight. It’s a great way to sample several Belgian beers and discover your favorite style.

    📍Billie

    Location: Brussels, Belgium

    Type: Bar

    Why We Recommend It: A great place to grab a drink while exploring Brussels. The atmosphere was lively without feeling overwhelming, making it a fun stop during our evening out. 

    📍Bar Blu

    Location: Bruges, Belgium

    Type: Breakfast Restaurant

    Why We Recommend It: What stood out most was the incredibly friendly staff. Sometimes great service makes the experience, and this was one of those places where we immediately felt welcome.

    📍Chez Albert

    Location: Bruges, Belgium

    Type: Belgian Waffle Shop

    Why We Recommend It: If you’re only getting one Belgian waffle during your trip, this is a fantastic choice. Freshly made, warm, and topped with your choice of delicious toppings.

    📍The Spot

    Location: Bruges, Belgium

    Type: Breakfast & Brunch Cafe

    Why We Recommend It: A cozy brunch spot to fuel up before a day of wandering Bruges. Fresh food, great coffee, and a relaxing atmosphere 

    📍Bourgogne des Flandres

    Location: Bruges, Belgium

    Type: Brewery & Beer Tasting

    Why We Recommend It: One of the coolest places to enjoy a Belgian beer in Bruges. The outdoor seating along the canal makes it a perfect place to relax and soak in the city’s atmosphere. 

    Must Try: Try one of their signature beers or a tasting flight if available.

  • Where We Ate/Drank in France

    Where We Ate/Drank in France

    📍Au Coeur des Vins

    Location: Avignon, France

    Type: Wine Bar & Specialty Wine Shop

    Why We Loved It: This cozy wine bar became one of our favorite stops in Avignon. The staff was incredibly friendly and took the time to learn what we enjoyed before recommending a bottle. 

    Must Try: Gris de Grenache | 2024 – Les Grains Terroir d’Altitude

    ** Kat’s favorite wine of the entire Europe trip

    Would We Go Again? Absolutely

    📍Bambino Rocco Et Sa Mère… La Cucina Che Dit “Je T’aime”

    Location: Montpellier, France

    Type: Italian Restaurant

    Our Thoughts: Hands down my favorite pizza and pasta from our entire Europe trip. Everything tasted homemade, and the staff made us feel incredibly welcome from the moment we walked in. 

    ** Kat’s favorite meal of the trip

    Would We Go Again? 100%

    📍Néo Bordeaux

    Location: Bordeaux, France

    Type: Steakhouse

    Our Thoughts: If you’re looking for a fun dinner experience in Bordeaux, this is a great choice. The presentation alone makes it memorable

    📍Vins de Bordeaux

    Location: Bordeaux, France

    Type: Wine Bar

    Why We Recommend It: One of the best places we found to sample Bordeaux wines without spending a fortune.

    • Beautiful interior
    • Extensive local wine selection
    • Great prices

    📍La Table de Saint-Sulpice

    Location: Saint-Émilion, France

    Type: French Restaurant

    We Didn’t Get to Eat Here…This restaurant was highly recommended by Lucie from Château de Lescours, but unfortunately it was fully booked when we visited. 

    Helpful Tips 

    • Make reservations ahead of time
    • Staff primarily speak French
    • Double check opening hours; they’re somewhat limited

    📍Le Petite Vendôme

    Location: Paris, France

    Type: Traditional French Bistro

    Why We Recommend It: If you’re looking for a classic Parisian dining experience with an old-world atmosphere, this is a great spot. It has a cozy, authentic feel and is clearly a favorite among both locals and visitors. 

    Helpful Tips 

    • Arrive early or make a reservation, it fills up quickly
    • Staff primarily speak French, but don’t let that discourage you. Everyone was welcoming, and ordering was still easy.

    Would We Return? Absolutely 

    📍Gabin Dans Le Pétrin

    Location: Paris, France

    Type: Bakery

    Why We Loved It: One of the local favorites we discovered while exploring Paris. The pastries were fresh, buttery, and exactly what you ‘d hope for from a neighborhood French bakery.

    Best For Breakfast or grabbing a pastry before a day of sightseeing

    📍Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond

    Location: Paris, France

    Type: Traditional Parisian Bouillon

    Why We Loved It: This is where we fell in love with escargot. 

    If you’re visiting France, we highly recommend eating at least one bouillon during your trip. Bouillons originated in Paris in the late 1800s as affordable restaurants serving classic French comfort food, and many still carry on that tradition today. They’re one of the best ways to experience authentic French cuisine without spending a fortune.

    What we Recommend Ordering 

    • Escargot (a must try, even if you’re hesitant!)
    • Beef Bourguignon
    • Duck Confit
    • Creme Brûlée

    Helpful Tip: There are several excellent bouillons throughout Paris, so if this one is full, don’t be afraid to try another. They’re all known for serving delicious, traditional French dishes at very reasonable prices.