Restaurant Reviews

Pakwan Restaurant: Pakistani Indian in San Francisco

Chicken Tikka Masala, Pakwan Restaurant, San Francisco, California

Pakwan is a Pakistani Indian restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area, known for blends of Indian spices and traditional cooking techniques. When it opened in 1991, its mission was to use authentic recipes from the Indian subcontinent. Thanks to their tireless efforts and devotion, Pakwan swiftly gained a reputation as the go-to destination for authentic and traditional Pakistani Indian cuisine in the Bay Area. The restaurant attracts locals, tourists, families, and business workers alike. Today, Pakwan operates five restaurants …

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Sweet Maple: Bacon and Brunch in San Francisco

Savory Soufflegg Skillet, Sweet Maple, San Francisco, California

Sweet Maple is a casual and inviting restaurant, coffeehouse, and gathering spot nestled in San Francisco’s Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood. After opening in 2010, Sweet Maple quickly gained popularity as a top brunch spot in San Francisco. Over the years, the spot has gained a following with locals, tourists, and culinary enthusiasts. At Sweet Maple, simplicity is key when it comes to their menu. They opt for high-quality, locally-sourced organic ingredients to create uncomplicated yet delicious dishes. Sweet Maple is …

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The Bird: Fried Chicken Sandwiches in San Francisco

The beautiful and delicious Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich, The Bird, San Francisco

The Bird is a fried chicken sandwich shop with two locations in San Francisco, California. This fast-casual restaurant is famous for its cage-free chicken, freshly baked buns, homemade slaw, and craft beers. While San Francisco can be an expensive city to eat in, The Bird somehow doesn’t break the bank. They pride themselves on affordability without sacrificing quality. Almost every item on the menu is around $10 or less, almost unheard of in San Francisco. Since opening in 2016, The …

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Doña Eutimia: Paladar in Havana, Cuba

Masas de cerdo Doña Eutimia, Havana, Cuba

Doña Eutimia is a paladar, or small restaurant, situated in a tranquil alleyway near Cathedral Square (Plaza de la Catedral) in Havana, Cuba. Despite being situated in the center of Old Havana (Habana Vieja), a bustling and touristy area, the restaurant’s location seemed calm and peaceful. Paladar is a term used in Cuba to describe a small, family-owned restaurant that serves local cuisine. Although they were once illegal until the 1990s, today these privately owned establishments are a popular dining …

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Barack & Szilva Étterem in Budapest, Hungary

Paprika Chicken, Barack & Szilva Étterem, Budapest, Hungary

It was a cold and rainy night in the Jewish Quarter of Budapest, Hungary, one of the city’s most vibrant, lively, and historic neighborhoods. Though it was a Friday night, the streets were empty as most people had retreated indoors to restaurants or bars to escape the harsh weather. After enjoying a few drinks at one of the nearby ruin pubs, I decided it was time to find dinner. I had no plans or made any reservations that night, which …

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Cookie Beacon: Brunch in Budapest, Hungary

Eggs Benedict on Biscuit & Avocado with a side of bacon, Cookie Beacon in Budapest, Hungary

Cookie Beacon is a popular brunch restaurant located between the Hungarian Parliament Building and St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest, Hungary. This spot, popular for its menu featuring brunch items and fresh baked cookies, is always busy. And, it is not uncommon to find lines forming at any hour of the day. The idea for Cookie Beacon dates back to 2003 when Andreas Kanakis, and his wife Tanya Volkhina, opened a café in Barcelona. From the very beginning, their idea was …

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Roxor BRGR & BEER: Burgers in Bratislava, Slovakia

El Gringo Burger, Roxor BRGR & BEER, Bratislava, Slovakia

When it comes to eating in Bratislava, burgers might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, after a week of eating meat, potatoes, and dumplings, I was in the mood for something a little different. This is how I stumbled upon Roxor BRGR & BEER, a popular burger restaurant known for their fresh ground organic beef, house made sauces, high-quality ingredients, and extensive drink menu. From the outside, the restaurant may not look like much with its …

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No 9: Breakfast and lunch in Bratislava, Slovakia

Honest Bratislava’s Sausages and Scrambled Eggs, No 9, Bratislava, Slovakia

No 9 od raňajok po olovrant is a small brunch restaurant located on the outskirts of the Old Town of Bratislava, Slovakia. “Od raňajok po olovrant” is a Slovak phrase that translates to “from breakfast to lunch.” And, as its name implies, the café serves an assortment of scratch-made breakfast and lunch items on their menu. To make things easier to follow along, I will refer to the restaurant as No 9 for the remainder of this post. I stumbled …

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Atlanta Breakfast Club: Southern brunch in Atlanta, Georgia

Biscuits & Shrimp Gravy with a side of Over Medium Eggs, Atlanta Breakfast Club, Atlanta, Georgia

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. And, if there is one thing I love about traveling to new cities, it’s eating at local breakfast restaurants. No matter the city, I am sure to find something unique and delicious. This is no different in Atlanta, a city which has some of the best southern food in the country. One of the most popular places in Atlanta to have breakfast or lunch is at Atlanta Breakfast Club. Since opening in …

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Matt’s BBQ: Best barbecue in Portland, Oregon

The colorful BBQ Plate of brisket, pulled pork, and sausage, Matt's BBQ, Portland, Oregon

When I think of the must-eat foods in Portland, Oregon, the last thing that comes to mind is Texas-style BBQ. While Portland is a foodie paradise, the city isn’t known for its smoked meats and BBQ scene. Portland is best known for seafood, doughnuts, Asian food, and craft beer. But if you are looking for Texas BBQ, you might need to visit another city—or so I thought. Everything changed in 2015 when a small food cart known as Matt’s BBQ …

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