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✦ HUNGRY FOR SYDNEY ✦ 🇦🇺

Sea breezes, skyline clinks & always one more bite Sunshine, pasta, ocean swims, cocktails with a view — Sydney has a delicious swagger.Every day can start with pastries and end with saltwater hair and a martini… which is, frankly, how life should be. Here’s where to eat, sip and soak up Sydney’s coastal cool. 🥐 Breakfast & Bakery Hits AP Bakery — Surry Hills (Paramount House)A rooftop bakery hidden above the city’s creative hub — coffee and pastries in the sunshine. Their croissants crackle as you tear them open, revealing buttery interior layers that melt instantly. Sit upstairs by the rooftop garden, watch the city wake slowly, and treat yourself to a morning that feels like winning. Bills — Darlinghurst / PaddingtonThe brunch icon. The ricotta hotcakes are legendary: fluffy, cloud-like stacks topped with banana and honeycomb butter. There’s a relaxed elegance to Bills — bright morning light, friendly staff, and that Sydney feeling that everything is going to be okay because breakfast tastes this good. Pina Potts PointAlways a queue — always worth it. The scrambled eggs are silky, the coffee strong, and the vibe is casual cool: colourful plates, chatty diners, music that makes you want to stay longer than you should. Sit outside for peak people-watching. 🍝 Restaurants Worth Planning Your Day Around Mr Wong — CBDDimly lit, theatrically styled Cantonese dining with exceptional dumplings and iconic roast duck. Arrive hungry and let the team recommend a spread — they’ll build the ultimate dinner experience for you. Restaurant Hubert — CBDParis romance meets Sydney swagger: velvet booths, low lighting, steak frites, live jazz drifting through the red-curtained room. It’s moody, indulgent and absolutely must-do for a late dinner that lingers. Fratelli Paradiso — Potts PointChalkboard menus, bustling tables and pasta that tastes like it’s been perfected over generations. The linguine al nero (squid ink) is rich, intense and unforgettable. No fuss — just bliss. Sean’s Panorama — BondiBeachfront dining where simplicity sings. Seasonal produce, gentle flavours and ocean views that make you order a second glass. Arrive before sunset — the colours will make you emotional. Bar Copains & Gilda — Surry HillsEuropean-style share plates paired with an exceptional wine list that encourages low-stress indulgence. Sit at the bar, order charcuterie and settle into the neighbourhood rhythm. Bennelong — Sydney Opera HouseDine inside the sails of one of the world’s most famous buildings. The menu is refined yet comforting — Australian produce at its most poetic. A celebratory meal you’ll talk about for years. Clam Bar — CBDBig New York energy — seafood towers, martinis, leather booths and a soundtrack that makes you feel cooler than you are. A perfect Friday night. Margaret — Double BayChef Neil Perry’s love letter to Australian seafood and coastal dining. Polished but not pretentious — just beautifully made food that respects the ocean. King Clarence — CBDPlayful Asian-inspired flavour mash-ups executed with serious skill. You’ll leave thinking about the textures, flavours, and the fact you definitely need to return. 🍸 Bars Worth Dressing Up For Maybe Sammy — The RocksRanked among the world’s best bars — and for good reason. Pink-blazered bartenders pour inventive cocktails with effortless charm. It’s glamorous, but friendly, the way good hospitality should be. Icebergs Bar — BondiSwim at Icebergs… shower… then sit high above the turquoise pool with a spritz as the waves crash below. It’s Sydney’s personality distilled: sunny, casual, a little fancy. PS40 — CBD ⭐ Added! With your personal twistExperimental cocktails in a design-forward, futuristic space. There’s creative genius behind the bar — flavours that surprise but absolutely deliver. Their iconic Afrikola cocktail is smoky, citrusy and completely addictive — it’s the one that hooked me and made me return with friends. A must for curious drinkers. 🍦 Best Ice Cream Gelato Messina — VariousThe flavour list is wild — think inventive combinations that somehow make perfect sense. If pistachio is on the board, it’s a winner. Pro tip: always get two scoops. 🎨 Art, Culture & Design Stops MCA — Museum of Contemporary ArtA perfect waterfront wander and quick dose of art-fuelled inspo. Art Gallery of NSWMajor exhibitions, soaring galleries and a stunning new wing worth exploring. Check what’s showing — blockbusters are common. 🌊 Coastal Walks & Cinematic Views Bondi to Coogee Coastal WalkRock pools, cliffs and beachy cafés dotted along the way. One of the world’s greatest walks — and it’s free. Sydney Harbour Bridge WalkNo matter how many postcards you’ve seen, the view still steals your breath. Icebergs Pool Swim (Bondi)Brave the chill, enjoy the thrill — reward yourself with a drink upstairs. 🛍 Indie Shopping Stop-Offs Sorry Thanks I Love You, Incu, HAY, Above the CloudsGifts, fashion and homewares with a point of view. Perfect for grabbing something stylish (and suitcase-friendly). 🧺 What to Wear Swimsuit under everything. Sunnies always. Something a little glam for the bars. ✦ Written by Rebecca Caughey ✦ Co-founder of Cook & Nelson — believer in sunshine, snacks and spontaneous swims.

✦ HUNGRY FOR EAST LONDON ✦ 🇬🇧

Markets, makers & midnight eats This is London’s wild side — creative, colourful and always hungry.As we wandered from street art alleys to vintage markets, I realised the city’s heartbeat was in its neighbourhoods and its plates. 🍛 Flavour Institutions & Market Legends Brick Lane Curry Houses — Aladin / City Spice (Brick Lane)Pulse-raising curries, fragrant biryanis and freshly baked naan greet you as you stroll this iconic street. At Aladin, generations-old recipes bubble away just as they did decades ago; at City Spice, you’ll find the same spices and the same heat. It’s messy, loud and completely necessary. Old Spitalfields Market (Spitalfields)A restored 19th-century market hall filled with culinary rebels. Greek souvlaki, Korean BBQ, Italian pasta, sweet crumbles from The Humble Crumble — this is street food raised to an art form. Queue for the crème brûlée crumble and feel jet lag melt. ⭐ Cult Restaurants for Supper Dishoom (Shoreditch)Stepping into Dishoom feels like a vintage Bombay café reimagined in East London. Order the legendary House Black Daal (overnight cooked to perfect depth) and return for the Bacon Naan Roll the next morning. This place isn’t just dinner — it’s ritual. St John Bread & Wine (Spitalfields)Celebrate British produce at its boldest. Roasted bone marrow on toast, Eccles cake with Lancashire cheese — simple plates become heaven. Run by Kiwi-born Margot Henderson, it’s minimalist dining with major soul. Gloria (Shoreditch)A performance in plate form: lemon-mousse towers, a ten-layer lasagne that leaves you blinking, carbonara served in a pecorino wheel. Vibrant, theatrical and unapologetically fun. Smoking Goat (Shoreditch)Bangkok street-food grit meets London creativity. Smoke rises, plates slide, and the fish-sauce wings hit harder than your memories. Revel in the chaos. Boxpark Shoreditch (Shoreditch)A shipping-container mall turned food playground. Black Bear Burger hits hard, Soft Serve Society’s affogato (Oreo + butter cookie) hits your sweet tooth — one big food playground. Towpath Café (Regent’s Canal)A quiet refuge by the canal. Slow-cooked lamb, coffee by the water, leafy views — the green space under this city is underrated. Sit back and let the boats and brunch crowds drift by. 🍸 After Hours: Bars, Beats & Streetside Stories The Ten Bells (Spitalfields)Historic pub in a former Victorian haunt. Stone floors, deep wood, a history that includes Jack the Ripper whispers and good beer. You’ll feel like someone else’s story for a moment — in the best way. Seed Library (One Hundred Shoreditch)Mixology sculpture in a basement bar. Ryan Chetiyawardana (Mr Lyan) ruins you for all other cocktails. The Black Elderflower French Martini and Galangal Penicillin will make you believe cocktails can have a conscience. Broadway Market (Hackney, Saturdays)Saturday mornings are sacred. Vendors, street food, fresh flowers, cheese, charcuterie — and that 20-hour pork roast roll that sings. A vibrant food stroll with East London’s soul. Columbia Road Flower Market (Hackney, Sundays)Sundays = blooms + bargains + brunch. Pavilion coffee, vintage finds and locals who’ve made this their ritual. A walking tune in the soundtrack of this neighbourhood. 🎨 Street Art & Creative Grit East London’s walls show off. Murals from Banksy, ROA and Ben Eine thrive in alleys you wouldn’t expect.Nelly Duff (Columbia Rd) and Jealous Gallery (Curtain Rd) pull you into the print world — take something home. Wander, look up, keep your camera ready. 🛏 Stay in Style One Hundred Shoreditch — rooftop views, bold design, ultimate neighbourhood accessMama Shelter — playful interiors and live music in your lobby And yes — Ozone Coffee across the road keeps the Kiwi heart beating. 🧺 What to Wear Sneakers for walking miles, a tote bag for treasures, and an edge for the art-filled nights. ✦ Written by Rebecca Caughey ✦ Co-founder of Cook & Nelson and endlessly curious flavour-hunter, always planning her next bite.

✦ HUNGRY FOR SINGAPORE ✦ 🇸🇬

Flavour, skyline and the world on one plate Nick spent his teenage years in Singapore — and as we followed his old favourites, we discovered a city that’s always evolving, always tasting better, always ready to impress. Here, food isn’t just fuel — it’s architecture, culture, community and nightlife all rolled into one perfectly plated experience. ☕ Morning Rituals: Kaya Toast & Croissants, Singapore-Style Toast Box / Killiney Kopitiam — CitywideYour introduction to Singapore’s daily rhythm: kaya toast (sweet coconut jam and butter) that crackles as you bite, soft-boiled eggs you season with soy sauce and pepper, and kopi strong enough to reboot your soul. It’s fast, affordable, and deeply nostalgic — the working heartbeat of Singapore. If you want to feel like a local immediately, start here. Tiong Bahru Bakery — Tiong BahruA beloved French-style bakery in one of Singapore’s most charming neighbourhoods. The coconut kouign-amann is caramelised, flaky perfection — glossy and deeply buttery — with tropical flair. Sit outdoors under leafy trees, watching design-lovers and digital nomads breeze past. This is where heritage art deco meets espresso sophistication. The Coconut Club — Beach RoadA Michelin-approved riff on Nasi Lemak, Singapore’s unofficial national breakfast dish. Pandan-fragranced rice, crispy fried chicken, roasted peanuts, egg, and sambal with a gentle heat that grows as you eat. Every component is prepared with precision — heritage elevated into elegance. A brunch that leaves you glowing from the inside out. 🍜 Hawker Heroes: Singapore’s Soul Food Maxwell Food Centre — ChinatownA steamy, busy, brilliant feast hall where Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice reigns supreme. Tender poached chicken, glossy rice cooked in broth and ginger, and the kind of chilli sauce that can convert anyone. Sit elbow-to-elbow with strangers, fans, regulars — all united by the universal truth that hawker food here is worth crossing oceans for. Lau Pa Sat — CBD / Raffles PlaceAs night falls, Satay Street ignites — grills smoking, skewers sizzling, skyscrapers glittering above. Beef, chicken, prawns… dipped into spiced peanut sauce with a little lime squeeze on top. The air smells of charcoal, spice and weekend freedom. Grab a cold Tiger beer and settle in — this is Singapore’s version of a street party. Old Airport Road Food Centre — DakotaOne of the most respected hawkers in the city, where wok hei — that elusive smoky aroma — shines through dishes like Char Kway Teow and Hokkien Mee. Everything is fast, hot and wildly delicious. Go hungry, bring cash and share everything — life rule for Singapore. 🍽 Modern Dining: Where Precision Meets Play Burnt Ends — Dempsey HillA Michelin-starred wood-fire restaurant that draws food obsessives from around the world. The Beef Marmalade on toast — sweet, smoky, rich — sets the tone: comfort food turned couture. The bar counter is the best seat in town, watching chefs dance with flames. Book early. Very early. Candlenut — Dempsey HillThe first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant — preserving and celebrating Straits Chinese heritage through refined plates. Expect bold flavours like buah keluak, spice-layered curries and family recipes elevated with modern finesse. A beautiful introduction to one of Singapore’s most meaningful food cultures. Keng Eng Kee Seafood — AlexandraA little rough around the edges in the most endearing way. Come for chilli crab or black pepper crab, crack shells with your hands, laugh loudly and ignore the mess. This is Singapore’s joy — communal, warm, flavour first. 🌆 Cocktails in the Clouds & Design-Led Drinking CE LA VI — Marina Bay SandsLocated at the top of Singapore’s most iconic building, the view stretches from the Gardens by the Bay to the glittering port. Order something with bubbles, step to the edge, and remind yourself that life is meant to feel like a movie sometimes. Atlas Bar — BugisA soaring Art Deco palace with one of the world’s largest gin towers. The service is suave, the glassware elegant, and the cocktails layered with thought. Dress up. Lean into the moment. This is Singapore at its most glamorous. Jigger & Pony — Tanjong PagarConsistently ranked among the World’s 50 Best Bars — effortless hospitality meets technical precision. Try a house classic: the Madame President. You’ll feel important immediately. 🌴 Play & Wonder — For All Ages Gardens by the Bay — Marina BayThose towering Supertrees look surreal up close — glowing purple and fuchsia at night like nature walked into a sci-fi set. Cloud Forest’s misty rainforest dome is spectacular. The kind of place that makes everyone believe in magic again. 🧺 What to Wear Light fabrics, comfortable shoes and a little glam — humidity is the boss, but style still matters. ✦ Written by Rebecca Caughey ✦ Co-founder of Cook & Nelson and endlessly curious flavour-hunter, always planning her next bite.

✦ HUNGRY FOR MADRID ✦ 🇪🇸

Eat, sip, savour — Madrid at its tastiest Madrid swept me up in its energy — and fed me brilliantly along the way. We landed dusty and jet-lagged… but within hours, this city had us buzzing on caffeine, sunshine, and tapas joy. Madrid is a city that never slows — espresso in the morning, aperitivo in the afternoon, vermouth at dusk, rooftop cocktails at midnight. Here’s everywhere that made me fall hopelessly in love with the Spanish capital. ☕ Breakfast & Caffeine Rituals Golda — ChuecaA pop-art jolt of colour and comfort, this bright café is pure Madrid energy distilled into one tiny corner. The pistachio cookie — crisp edges giving way to a molten centre — is the sort of thing you think about later and smile. Order a flat white, sit at the yellow-tiled bar, and let the warmth of this place pull you back to life. Ideal first stop post-flight. Acid Bakehouse — JusticiaHome to what many call the best sourdough in Madrid — and I can’t argue. Their pastries are layered like works of art, and the cinnamon roll has a caramelised exterior that cracks beautifully before your teeth sink into soft, buttery dough. Pick up a loaf for later… or devour on the walk home. No judgement here. Chocolateria San Ginés — SolA Madrid institution serving churros and thick hot chocolate 24/7 for more than a century. The chocolate clings to the churros like velvet — sweet, rich, and totally indulgent. Go late morning or very late at night when the city is still buzzing. Queue moves quickly… and the payoff is pure joy. Monasterio del Corpus Christi — ÓperaA whimsical, secretive cookie ritual run by cloistered nuns. You push a button, speak into the silence, place your coins on a hidden turntable — and freshly baked almond biscuits appear. No eye contact. No chit-chat. Just tradition, warmth, and deliciousness. A little moment of magic. 🍽 Lingering Lunches & Tapas Traditions Taberna La Fragua de Vulcano — HuertasA relaxed, cosy spot serving a menu del día that feels like a local Madrid hug. The paella is generous and full of flavour — prawns, mussels, chicken, bright threads of saffron. Every table is animated, every server smiling. Go late, linger long. Mercado de San Miguel — Plaza MayorA lively gourmet market where you eat standing, chatting, and pointing to the next bite. Shucked-to-order oysters, Iberian jamón, croquetas, sangria on tap — the food here changes your definition of “snack.” Stay an hour. Then stay one more. DiverXO — TetuánThree Michelin stars and a wildly imaginative culinary universe created by Dabiz Muñoz. Expect dishes that surprise, provoke and delight — neon colours, smoky aromas, textures you didn’t know were possible. A bucket-list meal for those who believe food should be fun. 🌆 Evenings That Stretch Late Taberna Real — OperaThere’s something transcendent about eating Iberian ham prepared by those who honour tradition. Served simply, with nothing to distract from the nutty richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Sit outside, sip vermouth, and toast the good life. La Casa del Abuelo — MultipleSince 1906, they’ve perfected gambas al ajillo — sizzling prawns drowning in garlic-chilli oil so delicious you’ll mop the pan clean. Walls are lined with history; tables are filled with families; the atmosphere hums with pure life. A must-do. Botín — Plaza MayorRecognised as the oldest restaurant in the world, founded in 1725. Their roast suckling pig has crispy golden skin and soft, tender meat that dissolves in a cloud of happiness. If these walls could talk, they’d tell stories of Goya, Hemingway… and now you. 🍸 Rooftops & Cocktails With a View Círculo de Bellas Artes — CentroA rooftop bar that makes the city look cinematic — terracotta rooftops stretching out beneath a glowing sky. Come at golden hour for the perfect, heart-expanding view. Ella Sky Bar — Gran VíaWith my daughter named Ella, I simply had to go. We toasted to her under the twinkling lights of Madrid, feeling the city pulse below us. Cocktails here taste like celebration. Salmon Guru — Literary QuarterA cocktail bar that refuses to behave — neon lighting, unexpected glassware, flavours that delight. Order the Salmon Sherbet: gin, Pimm’s, pomegranate and a scoop of lemon sorbet. Yes, that combination works. So well that I went twice. 🧺 What to Wear Linen everything + comfortable sneakers. You’ll walk far — and stay out later than planned. ✦ Written by Rebecca Caughey ✦ Co-founder of Cook & Nelson and endlessly curious flavour-hunter, always planning her next bite.

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