Lohikeitto - Salmon Soup @ Restaurant Fisken på Disken
In a city awash in delicious salmon soup, Fisken Pa Disken stands apart with a knockout version of this national dish. The flavors are unpretentious and clean, with a traditional dill-infused broth touched with allspice. Neither the mall location nor the modern decor can detract from the excellence of this traditional Scandinavian specialty. We had it twice in 3 days and wanted to go back a third time.

Steak @ Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse
Our team had a vigorous debate about the three great steakhouses of Toronto: Barbarians, Harbour 60 and Jacob's. Barberians has an impressive array of Canadian art and sculpture and the wine cellar is of the 3 best in the country. Harbour 60 has the best overall "steakhouse experience" with vest and tied waiters, white table clothes and all the appetizers and sides you would hope for. XF, however, has chosen to feature Jacob's despite the sleek, more corporate feel because Jacob's names each steak and its specific ranch offers multiple aging options and tags each steak with its particular characteristics. Jacobs is for steak nerds.

Tripe & Bone Marrow @ Trattoria Trippa
Trippa specializes in Tripe and bone marrow and may seem intimidating to less carnivorous types but actually their vegetable dishes - like the onion and pastas are sublime. The cozy atmosphere and delicious food make this an essential stop on a foodie itinerary in Milan.

Pizza @ Pizza Big
Milan-style pizza is a little-known splinter category popularized by the excellent Spontini pizzeria in 1953. The recipe should always be a crispy crust (thick or thin) with Tomato, Double Cheese, Oregano, and Anchovies. Apart from the original Spontini, the wood-fired version at Pizza Big is a true wonder. One of the thinnest crusts anywhere with a texture and flavor profile that will blow you away. Unmissable when in Milan.

Jacques Genin @ Jacques Genin
Jacques Genin is a real-McCoy old-fashioned pâtissier, using pastry, dried fruits and nuts, and whipped cream like a proper pastry master should do, and with him, you won’t find the trendy tricks other pâtissiers try, i.e. excess sugar, gelatin, whipped mascarpone, whipped ganache and buttercream everywhere, and other terribly greasy-cloying stuff. For a taste of sweet heaven - come here.

Paella @ Restaurante Elías
People speak in hushed tones about the paella at Casa Elias. With a thickness of a single grain of rice and made with loads of crunchy rice known as Socorrat - this is Paella of the highest order. Casa Elias is for dedicated eaters only as it is located 2 hours from Valencia and 45 minutes from the Alicante airport. A contender with Casa Carmela for the best paella in the world.

Taberna La Niña del Pisto @ Taberna La Niña del Pisto
Classic Tapas bar in the center of the old town - the sardines on "ajoblanco" are the best anywhere and of course you have to try the house namesake "pisto" like a Spanish ratatouille with a fried egg on top. The owners are charming.

COTXINO el bar de KAVA @ COTXINO el bar de KAVA
Is this the perfect tapas stop? First, try the tasty Tortilla de Patata, then the perfect anchovy followed by a slice of foie, and finally Chef Fernando Alcala’s award-winning cheesecake. The perfect tapas crawl all in one hot spot!

Roast Chicken  @ Asador de Nati
From the Morsles family of 2 Michelin stars Noor fame, comes this fantastic roast chicken with crispy, crunchy skin and super juicy meat. Take out only.

Choucroute Garnie (Sauerkraut with Sausages)  @ Bofinger
Balzar is a beautiful Art Deco Brasserie serving traditional French cuisine, such as steak frites, coq au vin, escargots, foie gras and bouillabaisse. It has been hosting famous writers, artists, and intellectuals since 1886 and should not be missed. But Wait! Bofinger was founded in 1864 and has a beautiful belle epoque decor with a spectacular dome in the center and bow-tied waiters who look as if they stepped out of a Degas painting. Along with the requisite oysters and seafood towers, it specialises in Choucroute Garnie (sauerkraut with sausages and various meat) which is perfect after a long day out in Paris. If you cannot go to both - go to Bofinger.