1. La Colombe - Fine dining in Constantia, South Africa

An evening at La Colombe was an unforgettable experience for Thomas. True to its motto, “Food is our theater, we hope you enjoy the show,” the restaurant serves innovative fine-dining creations that delight both the palate and the eyes. Exceptional service ensures that every course is perfectly staged, making the visit a memorable highlight. Thomas recommends La Colombe as a culinary highlight of any trip to the Western Cape.

2. Kyukouan - A matcha café in the bamboo forest of Hokokuji, Japan

Nestled in the serene Hokokuji Bamboo Forest near Kamakura, about an hour by train from Tokyo, our colleague Sarah discovered the small, charming café Kyukouan. Visitors can enjoy entry to the bamboo grove with a cup of matcha, taking a few quiet minutes to savor the tea alongside some traditional sweets - the perfect balance to the matcha’s slight bitterness - all while soaking in the magical view of the swaying bamboo. This was a personal highlight of Sarah’ s trip to Japan in May.

Kamakura itself makes a wonderful day trip from Tokyo: stroll along the beach, admire the giant Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple, visit the stunning Hasedera Temple with its sea views, and explore the quaint Komachi-dori Street. A ride on the little Enoden Line along the coast and through charming villages is highly recommended.

3. Fable Café - A cozy retreat in the heart of Krakow, Poland

Our colleague Trinity recommends a charming café in the center of Krakow - a spot that combines affordability, calm, and genuinely warm hospitality. Tucked within walking distance of the city’s top museums, the leafy paths of Planty Park, and vibrant shopping streets, this café is an ideal pause point while exploring the Polish cultural capital. Here, fresh ingredients take the lead, complemented by superb coffee and a menu that caters to many preferences: gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are all available. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a peaceful haven in the middle of the city - and a delightful stop you won’t want to miss on your next visit to Krakow.

4. Juicy Dumpling - A steamy stop in Toronto, Kanada

Craving something quick, comforting, and unmistakably authentic? Matteo points us toward Juicy Dumpling in Toronto’s vibrant Chinatown - a tiny spot with a big reputation. Their famed soup dumplings arrive steaming hot: delicate dough encasing rich, fragrant broth and tender meat that melts as soon as you take a bite.

It’s the kind of simple culinary pleasure that lingers - unfussy, flavour-packed, and perfect for a spontaneous stop while exploring the city. If Toronto is on your itinerary, this is the snack you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

5. Nama - Elegance in the heart of Bordeaux, France

Katrin highly recommends Nama in Bordeaux - a modern restaurant right in the heart of the city, known for its elegant fusion of French and Japanese cuisine. The dining experience follows the omakase style, where the chef designs a surprise tasting menu built around fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

The atmosphere is warm, contemporary and subtly intimate - the perfect setting for a dinner that Katrin describes as both delicious and truly memorable. Since this cozy spot has become increasingly popular, she suggests booking a table in advance to make sure you don’t miss out.

Extra tipp: Hiltl - A swiss icon of vegetarian cuisine in Zürich, Switzerland

Hiltl is the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world - since 1898, it has stood for refined, meat-free specialties rooted in long-standing tradition. Its kitchen follows the motto “healthy indulgence” and delights guests with creative, varied vegetarian and vegan dishes. Since 2009, Hiltl has also enjoyed a close partnership with SWISS: as part of the SWISS Taste of Switzerland program, Hiltl brought its creations on board for the first time, and the positive response made the collaboration a lasting one. For guests visiting Zurich, Hiltl offers several ways to experience this vegetarian diversity: at the historic Haus Hiltl on Sihlstrasse, the modern Hiltl Sihlpost in the Europaallee, and the stylish Hiltl rooftop terrace on Bahnhofstrasse. A visit is especially worthwhile if you're looking for sustainable, high-quality cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere — and if you’d like to discover how the dishes are created that later bring moments of enjoyment at 10,000 meters above ground.