Moe, our charismatic and knowledgeable guide, started running these tours in 2019, taking visitors on a journey through the city’s rich history and diverse flavours. Upon our meeting, he pointed out the bank of Utah’s first millionaire, who was an member of the church of Latter Day Saints (LDS for short) who couldn’t run for a second term due to a new rule about polygamy (wild!!). The iconic temple stands as ground zero, aligning perfectly with 0 degrees north, south, east, and west.

One of the highlights of the tour was learning all about our tour guide and the cool things he’s done – for example, he runs a doughnut shop which has some of the most solid values I’ve ever seen. Within this program, he takes homeless individuals under his wing, teaching them baking skills, and provides them with a chance of employment.

Moe passionately advocates for continued support post-recovery, leading to a high success rate. He taught us all a lot about history, food, and some of the biggest issues in America today, and as such, this has to be one of the most well-rounded and somewhat personal tours I’ve ever been on.

After a sweet start (and yes, the doughnuts were incredible), our culinary journey took us to Aqua Terra, a steak and sushi haven, and my favourite spot on the tour. We indulged in some of the finest food I’ve ever tried – and this patten of new and delicious cuisine continued for the next few hours. Meanwhile, the conversation flowed as smoothly as the seasoning on our dishes (the thought of the ravioli still has me salivating).

I learnt that Salt Lake City is home to a substantial LDS population, comprising 60% of its residents. As we explored the city, I tried “goat” ice-cream (I will not be giving any further context on this – it is for you to experience for yourself) and Moe continued to fill in my gaps on North American history.

By the end of the tour, I felt as though I’d become friends with some of the other tourgoers, been thoroughly inspired by Moe, and was round enough to roll all the way back down to my accommodation.

Moe’s walking tours offer more than just culinary delights; they’re a narrative of the city’s past and present. They offer a glimpse into the soul of Salt Lake City – a city with a rich history, diverse flavours, and a surprisingly compassionate heart.

So, lace up your walking shoes, bring your appetite, and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and indulgence.

Ghosts!

But if you think SLC is just about doughnuts and sushi, think again.

As dusk falls, the streets take on an eerie glow, and a different kind of tour emerges: one filled with whispers from the past…

Recently, I had the opportunity to take a tour with US Ghost Adventures Salt Lake City — a chilling and captivating dive into the haunted history lurking beneath the city’s clean-cut façade.

Led by storytellers who know how to chill your spine with a well-timed pause, this ghost tour is not just about jump scares or folklore, but is rooted in true historical accounts, from tales of 19th-century crime to tragedies that still echo through alleyways and old buildings. You’ll wander past infamous sites like the haunted Rio Grande Depot and the eerie McCune Mansion with an EMF in your hand, while learning about SLC’s less wholesome secrets — including spiritualism, death, and the paranormal.

The contrast between day and night in Salt Lake City couldn’t be more dramatic — by day, it’s a warm and welcoming hub of food, culture, and community. By night, it’s a place where shadows stretch long and stories linger. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, this tour is an unforgettable way to uncover another layer of the city.

So after filling your belly and your heart with Moe’s soulful storytelling, consider spending your evening peeking behind the veil… because in Salt Lake City, the past is never quite gone.

THE HISTORY

Prior to my arrival, I had been enticed by the history of the hotel – the fact that it’s the city’s oldest continuously operating hotel after opening in 1927. Marie Dempcy – who now co-owns the hotel – became Seattle’s first female hotel general manager, and helped turn Mayflower Park into the gem that it is today. The long history of the hotel is certainly evident in the beautiful open-plan lobby with old-world furnishings, tasteful vintage decor, and glistening crystal chandeliers – and I fell in love immediately.

THE AMENITIES (NAMELY – COFFEE)

As I walked into my suite, I was greeted with a gorgeous parlour where a staple glass table sat in the middle, a plethora of local magazines laid across it. Having come to Seattle with zero plans, I wanted nothing more than to just fall back onto the sofa and scour their pages for inspiration. However, first thing’s first – coffee.*

There was a small selection of Starbucks coffee on a wooden stand – unsurprising, considering Seattle is the home of the famed coffeehouse chain. I freshly brewed some Caffeè Verona, and it was so rich and cocoa-y that for the first time in my LIFE I didn’t add sugar as I didn’t want to risk ruining the flavour. As there were little branded takeaway cups in my room, I was also able to take out a fresh brew each morning when I inevitably had to do a last minute-dash outside because I’d lost track of time (although that’s possibly not the intended use).

THE SUITE

The suite itself was extremely charismatic and charming, with a little desk area where I was able to write some letters home (using the letter writing set I found whilst nosying around the drawers). With statement curtains that matched the scalloped trim of the beds, and a three piece-suite of stylishly mismatched furniture. The earth-tone armchairs were perfect to melt into at the end of a long day exploring, feeling cozy and cared for and content as I gazed out of my two large windows. Around me, there were copious paintings and prints lining the walls, rendering it to feel like my own personal art gallery. How rare is it that it feels just as good to stay in the hotel as it does to explore the city?

I would fall asleep easy each night, swathed in soft white bedsheets in a bed large enough to accommodate my starfish poses, with the city lights twinkling at me from my open window. Arising in the morning to the pink-hazed morning sun falling on my face, I’d open my eyes to the bustle of city life below weaving around the classic American architecture. I’d find myself getting up each morning approximately four hours earlier than usual – fuelled by an insatiable craving to explore both the city and the chambers of the hotel (and honestly the coffee probably helped). Using the abundance of magazines and travel guides to plan my day ahead, I’d kick back on the sofa with my morning paper (delivered daily), legs up on the gold-tinted steampunk barrel, fortunate to be in this little hotel in Seattle.

I felt as though I were in a juxtaposed time warp – the modern convenience of a flat-screen TV and fast Wi-Fi contrasted the antique steel lamps and distressed frames around the large ballet studio -esque mirrors (which made me hyper-aware of every angle of my outfits).

The bathrooms were both finished with golden and cream striped paper, with a bath perfect for getting lost in and a shower framed with a marble and silver arch. On a normal day, in a normal fairytale-less place, I already find leaving showers one of the hardest things to do. But the showers in the suite, which felt both powerful and soft at the same time (my travel partner didn’t understand that either until he had tried them out himself), I could have spent hours in there. Especially when the bathrooms featured shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and embossed soaps by Antica Farmastica, it was a dangerous temptation to stay in there until my skin was as wrinkled as a prune. By the time I dragged myself out of the shower on the first night, swathed in an opulent fluffy robe, with soft and shiny hair, slathered in Grapefruit-scented lotion, I felt like I was at the height of luxe. Not to be dramatic, but I want to live like this forever.

THE FOOD

In the evenings, I would order room service from Andaluca, their Mediterranean Restaurant. Whilst the restaurant was only a few feet away from the lobby, I could never find myself wanting to leave the comfort of my room after a long, hard day exploring (I blame the 6am starts). Their desserts were absolutely stunning – especially the rich chocolate brownies paired with strawberries. For those of you who like more than just desserts, the famed Oliver’s Lounge is also accessible directly from the lobby – the classy downtown bar which has won numerous awards for their martinis. Perfect.

LEAVING THE HEART OF SEATTLE

When I eventually departed the Mayflower Park Hotel, with the two doormen pulling back the glass doors for me and flashing me their usual big smiles, I felt remarkably sad to be leaving. I, like every other person out there, loves to be spoilt – and man, did the Mayflower Park indulge me.

Starting with the base rate of £92 per night, the Mayflower Park Hotel makes it affordable to (briefly) live in luxury. With gorgeous views, equally as gorgeous coffee, and service to die for, I now refuse to stay anywhere else in Seattle. The hotel is located in the very heart of Seattle, being a five-minute walk from the waterfront and Pike Place, a 40-minute train ride straight to the airport, a three-minute walk from Tiffany and Co. (an essential!). The hotel also connects to Westlake Centre, which offers both a four-storey shopping mall and direct access to the monorail (where it’s only a ten-minute trip to tourist attractions such as the Space Needle.

*I officially feel as though the Mayflower Park Hotel has turned me into a fiend for coffee. Thoughts about when I can possibly get my next Caffeè Verona fill plagues me dearly.

And so, would you guys ever consider staying somewhere like the Mayflower Park Hotel, where you’re endlessly spoilt with views, service, and Starbucks? Let me know in the comments below!

BUT BEFORE YOU DO – WHY NOT SHARE THE LOVE AND PIN THE POST?

What is Chicago-Style Pizza?

First off, let’s talk about the reason why I flew all the way from Wales to Chicago: the pizza. And namely, the little curiosities that make up a Chicago-style deep dish pizza.

To begin with, there’s the crust: thick, sturdy, and ready to carry the weight of all your pizza dreams. It’s like someone decided pizza needed more carbohydrates – because, you know, pizza is clearly lacking in the carb department.

Now, onto the cheese. Imagine a cheese blanket so thick and gooey that you’ll wonder if you accidentally ordered a fondue pot with a side of dough. Mozzarella, the superhero of cheeses, takes centre stage, resulting in me pre-gaming with a handful of lactase tablets.

But we’re not done yet, oh no. The pièce de résistance is the tomato sauce, but this isn’t your ordinary marinara. It’s chunky, hearty, and bursting with flavour. It’s not just a topping; it’s art.

And toppings? Oh, honey, load ’em up! This pizza can handle it all. It’s like a pizza canvas, and you’re the artist, free to create your masterpiece. Pepperoni, sausage, veggies – it can handle everything. But personally, a handful of basil leaves is all it takes to transcend this marvellous work of art.

When this bad boy comes out of the oven, golden and bubbling, you’ll know you’re in for a treat. Chicago-style deep dish is the pizza for when you want to feast like a king and nap like you just conquered a food mountain. So, if you want your pizza to be an event, not just a meal, Chicago-style deep dish is waiting for you with open arms and a cholesterol warning.

Worth travelling all the way to Chicago? I certainly think so.

The Best Way to Experience Deep Dish Pizza

Now, we all know me and my love for food tours – and what better way to experience the best pizza in the city than with a wonderful Chicago Pizza Tour?

The owner of the company, Jon, took me and a small group of other pizza enthusiasts around the city to sample the very best that Chicago had to offer. And boy, did Chicago have some gems.

I was able to meet Robert of Robert’s Pizza, who told us all about his 25-year-old dough starter, the fermentation journey of said dough, and about the importance of sourcing good cheese. I learnt about American tomatoes (apparently very different to Italian tomatoes), the Great Fire of Chicago, and the significance of using gas-fired brick ovens to create the perfect base.

And then finally, I was blessed enough to try my first ever Chicago-style deep dish pizza.

The cheese was light and melty, the tomato was chunky and sweet, and the base was thick enough to contain all of these flavours. Quite frankly, all of my deep dish dreams had finally come true.

Jon continued to fill us in on everything pizza-related, but I was too lost in elation to write more notes about the experience. Frankly, I’m not even sure I was present at the end: a part of me ascended to a pizza-fuelled utopia.

After breaking bread four times with strangers and consuming some of the best pizzas that the world has to offer, I decided that Chicago has to be the best place on earth. And without a pizza tour, I would have missed it all.

And so, with this post sounding suspiciously like a pizza love letter, I’m signing off.

A massive thank you to Jon and the team at Chicago Pizza Tours for showing me the wonders of the city – I will forever reminisce on the joys of the deep dish.

It is difficult to compare New York to New Jersey because they’re both so incredibly different… but I’m going to do it anyway.

1. The bagels in New Jersey are a million times better than the ones in New York.

2. New York is super crowded and everyone’s always in a rush. The pace of New Jersey is a lot slower, and the whole vibe feels much more relaxed.

3. New Jersey is mega close to Philadelphia, so you don’t have to travel far to get good cheese.

4. New Jersey is one of two states where you don’t have to pump your own gas.

5. New York is suuuuper expensive and you don’t get a whole lot for your money.

6. No offence, but New Jersey Taylor Ham is superior to anything that comes out of New York.

7. There’s a helluva lot of super cute diners in New Jersey with significantly less people than New York.

8. New Jersey is a million times cleaner than New York. It has less rats, less filth, less disease (probably).

9. The houses in New Jersey are nicer – unlike in New York, you can even get a backyard!

10. Six Flags is located in New Jersey.

11. Everyone loves New Jersey – even the New York Jets and the New York Giants are based in NJ.

12. New Jersey has lower taxes (NY has a sales tax of 8.5%, whereas tax is 3.5% in NJ).

13. “New Jersey” feels better on the tongue, ya know?

14. There’s like, no traffic in New Jersey compared to New York.

15. A lot of people say that raising a family in New Jersey is better than in New York (probably bc of the smaller killer rat population).

16. New Jersey is a lot safer than New York, with places like Fort Lee, Edgewater, and Alpine coming up top.

17. New Jersey has better beaches. There, I said it.

18. If you like how NYC looks then there’s no better views from across the Hudson River in New Jersey! Just with less, how do you say, grime?

Of course, I do love New York. I love how crazy it is, I love the novelty of it all. But at the end of the day, I’d much rather rest my head in New Jersey.

You might think that I’m grossly wrong and out of order for this one, but I can’t help but love the underdogs! Let me know in the comments below if you’re on team New Jersey or New York 0:)

If you are a loyal fan of New Jersey or New York, you must not miss the Customized Keychains Bulk, which is a special way to express your love.

You can customize them with photos of your favorite players, wonderful game pictures, elements related to the football team, and your words of encouragement for them. Choose your favorite color and shape to design your unique product.

Whether you give these personalized keychains to friends who also like New Jersey or New York, or use them to decorate your items, they are all very good choices.

BUT BEFORE YOU DO – WHY NOT SHARE THE LOVE AND PIN THIS POST?

Whilst talking to friends and family about some of the best things to do in the city, one key activity that they all seemed to avoid taking part in was flying in a helicopter. Whilst I liked the idea of visiting Madison Ave and Broadway and all of the other tourist hotspots, I knew that the one thing that would really make my trip to NYC complete would be by doing something that I’d never done before – and that, quite frankly, scared the living daylights out of me. For someone who hates flying, it wouldn’t have made any sense whatsoever to go on a helicopter ride – and yet, that’s the exact reason why I wanted to do it. I told my travel partner of my plans, sent her links, and bam, it was settled. We’d be seeing New York from the sky (the best way to see it!) – and it was incredible.

A breeze shook my hair from the open window as we flew over the city, which was swathed in bright sun and was absolutely beautiful. Flying with FlyNYON, with a pilot that both put us at ease and made us laugh out loud, it was a really incredible experience. I think that helicopters are officially my new favourite mode of transport.

Harlem

Brooklyn

Manhattan

Staten Island

From canoeing in the Hudson River, to going on endless food tours, to watching Mean Girls on Broadway, to visiting a rooftop bar and watching the sun set – everything we did in the city was incredible. We stayed at a gorgeous little Airbnb where we became good friends with the hosts and their array of pets, and it truly felt as though we’d walked into a concrete jungle wonderland.

New York quickly became one of my favourite cities in North America – and I even have plans to return next year!

Have you guys ever been to New York, or plan on visiting? Let me know in the comments below!

I fell in love with the place instantly – from its art culture, to its even bigger food culture, to its exceedingly welcoming locals. Since arriving in the Rose City, I have exhausted both every Tourist-orientated and Local-orientated thing you could possibly do – and so, I bring you the complete weekend guide to Portland. 

Powell’s city of books

Due to the fact that I am a massive bibliophile (is it not obvious from my posts about Lisbon and Madrid?), one of my favourite places in the whole city is this ridiculously massive bookstore. Not only is it perfect for die-hard book nerds like yours truly, but it’s also pretty cool to just wander around the maze-like corridors, pausing every now and then to fondle an old copy of 1001 Arabian Nights. It’s a must-see landmark, where you can take a couple hours out of busy city life to sit back with a hot coco and enjoy a good book. 

The Historical Society

Easily the best place in the city to go to learn about the history of Portland, the Historical Society illustrates the Oregon territory explorations, the growth of business and industry, the development of artwork and crafts, and it’s surprisingly detailed maritime history. My favourite part of the museum is the wind tunnel, which replicates the storm from the 60s that wrecked havoc on local life – and in doing so spends a good few minutes whipping hair into your mouth. 

oregon museum of science and industry

Due to the fact that I spent many a year in my childhood wanting to become an astronaut (btw NASA, I’m still waiting for that big approval letter), this place seemed like a pretty perfect place to inspire jealously. The highlight of the whole place is definitely the planetarium, where you’re able to kick back and watch a show as the universe plays out around you and a guide talks softly about all the intricacies of the galaxy. The museum features a giant-screen theatre, a  retired navy submarine (USS Blueback), hands-on exhibits and laboratories, and a lovely little cafe which sells stunning ice-cream from Salt and Straw. 

pittock mansion

Definitely the coolest mansion you’ll ever go to, with decrepit old medicine cabinets, obnoxiously patterned walls, and amazing views. The whole place is super interesting and is just filled to the brim with art and gorgeous antiques and impressive architecture. The US as an established “country” really isn’t very old, so the fact that this mansion has been standing for over 100 years is pretty impressive – and means that by American standards, it is basically prehistoric. 

portland japanese garden

A very pretty place which can be absolutely freezing when visited out of summer seasons. Proclaimed to be one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of the island nation, these gardens are filled with the most gorgeous cherry blossoms, a medieval castle wall, and the essence of tranquility flowing through every little detail. It’s the perfect place to go to clear your head, as the gardens transport you out of the hustle and bustle of the city and into an entirely serene place filled with nothing but beauty. I challenge you to find anything better than a day in the gardens with a good book, looking out as all four seasons envelope you, stopping for lunch at their absolutely gorgeous cafe. 

portland art museum

I absolutely LOVED the paintings in this art museum, as they’re exactly the sort of artwork you can actually spend hours looking at. With portraits of people in faraway lands painted at a time when tourists didn’t exist, and landscape images of places so gorgeous that you’re not even entirely sure that they actually ever existed – or if the artist was simply hallucinating in a fevered state encouraged by the chemicals in the paint. As this is the eleventh oldest museum in the United States, the whole place is full of history and really does make for a great day trip. Even my travel companion finds it hard to stay in galleries for more than ten minutes at a time – and we stayed for approximately four hours.

lan su chinese garden

These Chinese Gardens sure are cute – but also pretty jarring as behind the traditional Suzhou-style buildings are the towering skyscrapers of the city. Incorporating the five elements of a traditional Chinese garden, this site features plants, water (in the form of Lake Zither), stone, architecture, and poetry – and it all comes together to create a beautiful and relaxing, place. They hold many events here, with recent ones including summer jazz sessions, brush painting demonstrations, and talks about travels on the Silk Road – with the majority of events being FREE!

take a food tour

Honestly, one of the highlights of my whole Portland trip was going on a food tour around the city. Being able to visit the foodie highlights of Oregon was the best way to spend a day – and I wrote a whole post about Portland food and the tours offered here. After experiencing the food tours in Portland, I can quite confidently say that there’s no better way to see such a vibrant, compact city than through its stomach.

Where to Stay

Having checked into multiple hotels across the city, I have come to the conclusion that my absolute favourite place to stay was at the Jupiter Hotel. It’s a quiet little haven to return to after a long day filled with bustling adventures – with a reception that doubles as an art gallery (in true Portland style), and a bedroom filled with travel magazines. The apartments feature small writing tables with metal-thatched chairs, massive feature walls depicting local photography, massive double beds which are just perfect for starfish-ing across, and a chalk board on the back of the door to really get your creative juices flowing. Our room had an en-suite filled with eco-friendly and paraben-free hair and skin products, and a bar of “ergonomically shaped waste-reducing” soap with a massive hole in it. There’s a condom and some earplugs on the side, and bottomless green tea and coffee in the lounge. It’s very local, very comfortable, and reasonably priced – perfect when you want to splurge your budget on the sights rather than a place you spend less than an hour awake in.

And so, have you guys ever visited Portland, or plan on travelling to the Rose City? If so, let me know in the comments below!         

BUT BEFORE YOU DO – WHY NOT SHARE THE LOVE AND PIN THIS POST?

Yonah Schimmel’s Knish Bakery 

Despite going out of my way to try every single type of food I’ve ever had the opportunity to gorge on, I’d still never come across knishes until I went to Yonah Schimmel’s bakery. Not only are their knishes absolutely gorgeous and perfect for filling yourself up on a budget, but they’re also ideal for eating alongside other forms of classic Jewish comfort food, such as potato lakte and homemade borscht. Their walls are full of newspaper articles and photos from the past 100 or so years, and everything about this place is super cosy and welcome.

Katz’s Delicatessen

The iconic location for where Harry met his good pal Sally, this deli is the cutest place on the East Side. It’s usually quite busy (which honestly isn’t unexpected considering the film history of the establishment), but waiting a couple minutes to be seated and served some of the nicest pastrami of your life is definitely worth it. Established in 1888, it’s also one of the oldest places in the city – it’s super cool to sit back in a place where so much has happened.

The Pickle Guys

I’m not going to lie to you – I’ve never actually been a big fan of pickles. Whenever my family would take us out for burgers, I would pick out the gherkins to avoid eating them – and yet, in NYC, I found myself sauntering over to this little old-fashioned pickle place. They offer a full range of flavours from sweet to sour – and all of them are delicious. You’re able to wander into the shop, gawp at their plethora of pickled goods, and choose which ones you want to try straight from the barrel. It’s one helluva experience, let me tell you.

carlo’s bakery

After having watched Cake Boss for the past million years (and having still not picked up the ability to even bake a simple cupcake), I wanted nothing more than to visit the renowned Carlo’s Bakery whilst in the city. It turned out to be just as epic as expected, with their baked goods both tasting and looking absolutely gorgeous. Honestly though, if I’m allowed to spout a little sacrilege – the location at Hoboken in New Jersey is so much better and prettier. And there’s a lot less people.

Takumi taco

Takumi Taco is located in the beautiful Chelsea Market – which is very historic in regards to the fact that it was built to host the National Biscuit Company (that’s where Oreos came from). Amongst this notable setting is this lovely little Mexican-cum-Japanese food stall. My absolute favourite thing to order at Takumi is their rice bowl, which boasts just the right amount of spice, protein, and flavour, to make you fall in love with it. I also love their burritos, as they’re ideal for taking on the go and snacking as you wander around the market itself. Be sure to check out their beautiful iced teas – especially their peach flavour.

Beecher’s Handmade Cheese

I would have mentioned this place first, had I not felt like it would definitely overpower all of the other places I visited in New York (and as you can see, there’s a lot of them). Beecher’s is hands down my absolute favourite place in the city, and no trip would be complete without spending at least a couple hours at this stunning little restaurant. I love everything about it – from the pretty interior design (namely a feature ceiling, stripped back to the bare bones), to the fact that you can see the cheesemongers doing their thing at their stations behind a glass panel, to the staff being the friendliest ever. Obviously, one of the best things to order is their charcuterie and cheese board – with the cheese being absolutely divine. Another gorgeous item that they have on offer is their Wagyu burgers, which are very tender and very delicious. Overall, it’s the best place in the city – and their array of mocktails only happen to make it all that little bit better.

Seed and mill

Having never tried halva before, I was intrigued to find that the name is derived from the Arabic word halwa (meaning ‘sweet’), and that the concept of halva has been brought all the way from the Middle East to this little market store in New York. They make traditional varieties such as pistachio and rose oil, but also offer flavours such as cardamom and sea salt dark chocolate (with the latter being my personal favourite). Each flavour is absolutely delicious, and unexpectedly moorish. Seed and Mill also offers halva with ice-cream, which is a combination I couldn’t help but fall in love with. Due to the fact that I have Crohn’s, I physically cannot digest even the concept of dairy – meaning that their vegan options are pretty convenient for me, without compromising on flavour. The staff are all super friendly and very energetic (perfect for a Saturday morning), and their Instagram account is always full of delicious-looking concoctions (it also has about 20 times more followers than me, so it’s gotta be epic).

Doughnuttery

Never have I eaten so many doughnuts before in my life. One of the best things about this place is that you get to see them deep fat fry the dough and powder them right in front of you, and there’s about a million flavours to choose from. If you’re looking to fall in love and start a love affair with a doughnut, then my top five favourites to try are:

• Chai Me to the Moon: black tea, cinnamon, cardamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and black pepper
• Purple Pig (AKA me after eating 25 doughnuts): maple, purple potatoes, and bacon
• Green Tea Buzz: green tea matcha, honey, and ginger
• PB+J: peanut butter and grape jelly (strangely enough)
• The timeless classic plain vanilla glaze with sprinkles

Lion lion

Whilst not solely a food establishment, Lion Lion is a place that I could nevertheless not resist mentioning. Not only do they serve the most delicious cocktails, but it’s also the one place in Harlem that I would actually venture to at unholy hours of the night. Going from the cold and quiet outside to a bustling and warm inside, where the servers greet you like old friends and you’re surrounded by nothing but chatty locals, it’s a pretty lovely place. The red mood lighting is perfect for a lil’ photography sesh, and the music choice is flawless.

Emporio

The only actual Italian place that I managed to visit in the whole of Nolita (Northern Little Italy), Emporio is a gorgeous little restaurant which serves the most divine pizza, cooked right in front of you in a traditional 700+ degree stone oven. It’s one of the only places that passes as serving genuine Napoli pizza, with every other one of their pizzas also being delicious. My personal favourite is the prosciutto and arugula (also known as rocket, to my fellow non-Americans) – which is designed just so that it happens to match the exact colours of the Italian flag. Coincidence? I think not. Also, let it be known that their crusts are to die for – I would genuinely purchase bucket loads of just the crust.

tacombi 

The first thing you notice about this restaurant is that it is left partly open, with the front of the place spilling out onto the street. When you walk in, you see a classic VW Campervan where you can pick up bits and bobs, before taking a seat at one of the little wooden tables to order your food. The food itself is gorgeous, with my absolute favourite being their Mexican roasted corn – which features just enough flavour to make you forget that corn isn’t usually a staple dish, and just enough spice to remind you you’re alive. Everything about this place is super laid back and chill; one of the main reasons that you will keep coming back for more.

little cupcake bakeshop

To be completely honest with you, before visiting this bakeshop I had never heard of the Brooklyn blackout cupcake – but quickly learnt that as a visitor, it’s something you really must try. They’re absolutely delicious and dangerously moorish, rendering it a combination that is sure to have you buying whole boxes. I can promise you that you won’t find a better rendition of this cupcake anywhere else in the borough.

seamore’s

Serving grub much fancier than that which you would find on the seafront in Falmouth, Seamore’s specialises in gastronome fish and chips – and will definitely raise your standards to an inconvenient high for the popular dish. On one of the walls, there’s a large instalment which suggests which fish you should order based on the fresh catches of the day. Their selection of white wines go perfectly with the dishes, and their sweet potato fries are some of the nicest sides I have ever tried. Despite being in the Little Italy district, there is something inherently British about the place – which, quite frankly, might be why I am so drawn to it.

stick with me sweets

If you’re looking for that perfect Instagram pic of bright, shiny, pretty little hand-painted bonbons, then you’ve come to the right place. Everything is very aesthetically pleasing, and the amount of variation between the different styles and flavours really makes you want to try them all. My personal favourite is their salted caramel truffle, which is the most delicious bonbon I have ever tasted in my whole entire life (and, I fear, will ever taste).

Veniero’s

Even in the dead of night, Veniero’s will be bustling with hoards of local dessert enthusiasts. It’s officially one of my favourite places in the city (along with being one of the oldest running restaurants in NYC), and everything about it is lovely – especially the stained-glass ceiling above your head. If you’re going to try a famous New York cheesecake then the only acceptable place to buy one is here, in this little busy piece of history located in the unlikely heart of Chinatown.

Oyster Bar

I had never tried clam chowder before, but I’d always been curious about what it was. When I came across this gorgeous little vaulted oyster bar in the heart of Grand Central Terminal on a food tour, I knew that I had to try their chowder – and boy, I was not disappointed. Not only is the bar super suave and pretty, but the food is gorgeous. Plus, the fact that you’re in arguably the most famous station in the world really has an appeal to it.

sidewalk food tours

One of the first food tours I happened to find myself on in the city, Sidewalk Food Tours stopped at many more places than any other company. Not only did we have the ability to try a wide array of dishes at a range of places, but we also ended up with a decent amount of leftovers – meaning that technically, this food tour kept me fed for two days.

Our tour guide, Adam, was one of the nicest people ever, and was full to the brim with fun local facts and suggestions. He was super chill and laid-back, and was more than happy to bring out more of our favourites dishes just because he could. After the tour – where he gave us leftover doughnut pieces and offered us endless gherkins – he walked us to the subway station and stayed with us until we had to leave, which was a real nice touch.

Overall, this tour felt more like hanging out with friends and snacking on a bottomless pit of gorgeous food than an organised business taking you to pre-determined stops. It was a lot of fun, and the fact that they offer several tours visiting other cool areas of the city only makes me want to go with them again.

Foods of NY

Having heard so much about the area of Nolita (namely about the gangsters and Mafia), I was very excited to be able to go on a tour here with Foods of NY. Our tour guide was a very energetic actress called Manuela Sosa, who made sure that we did not lose even a single second of focus. She was very animated and lively, and I genuinely think that this is the only tour where I didn’t drop concentration once. She was more involved in the owners and chefs of the places than on the other tours, meaning that we were able to meet everyone behind the scenes and tell them how much we loved their places personally, which was pretty nice.

When we arrived, we were handed bottles of water and a little insiders guide from FNYT, which talks about the best places to visit in the city (and also includes a subway guide which is useful) – and it was a cool touch.

The food itself was gorgeous, even if a lot less Italian than I had expected – who knew that Lolita wasn’t made up solely of pizza and pasta? Overall, it became one of the most memorable tours I’ve ever been on – and the fact that our group was made up of funny, likeminded travellers also helped further that.

Manhattan walking tour

The best part about this tour is the fact that their portions were ridiculously large – as one has come to associate with ‘Merica. I’m pretty sure that I ate about the equivalent of five full courses on this tour – and the feeling that you’re on the verge of bursting at the seams is one that you should definitely witness when on a tour devoted entirely to the consumption of food.

Our guide, Nancy, was super lovely, and seemed to know the whole city like the back of her hand. She took us on a Grand Central tour – to beautiful places filled with beautiful food. Despite it not being on the itinerary, Nancy bought us all hot beverages at a stop because a member of our group was craving a coffee – and it’s that going-the-extra-mile vibe that really made me enjoy with this tour so much. She offered us suggestions of other places to visit, and gave us directions to the gorgeous Chrysler Building at the end of the tour. Afterwards, as promised, she sent me an email filled with recaps and tips on other nice places to eat at, and it really made it a wholesome, fun experience.

And so, have you guys ever visited any of these places, or fancy following this guide and checking out each place, one after another? If so, let me know in the comments below!

BUT BEFORE YOU DO – WHY NOT SPREAD THE LOVE AND SHARE THIS POST?

What to do

THE SPACE NEEDLE

The first stop on your Seattle tour should 100% be the Space Needle, a place which offers arguably the best views in the whole city. The best thing you could possibly do is plan your visit so that you rock up at around sunset, where you can sit back, kick your legs up, and watch the skyline gradually turn from blue to orange to red. As the sky darkens and the lights switch on in buildings across the city, you get to see the skyline come to life. It’s absolutely gorgeous, and one of the most stunning ways to acquaint yourself with the city.

WOODLAND PARK ZOO

Frankly, it’s a rare day that I go to the zoo. After visiting the horrendous Bioparco Di Roma in Rome, I had vowed to never visit a zoo which doesn’t focus on rescue and rehabilitation ever again. That was until I found myself at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle – a place which actually genuinely cares for their animals (such a wild concept). Not only are their animals happy with larger enclosures and proper tending, but if the weather is too cold for tropical animals to be outside then they will be moved to a warmer and more comfortable environment – something which many zoos fail to do. Whilst this may be a bit of a bummer if you just so happen to visit in the dead of winter to approximately three animals roaming the pastures, it certainly makes you feel better to be supporting a place which genuinely has the wellbeing of the animals at heart. Also, the zoo itself is super pretty – being set in one of the greenest urban pastures in the city, something which is even more impressive when you realise that Seattle’s nickname is the “Emerald City” due to how green and vibrant everywhere is.

SEATTLE AQUARIUM

Next up, we have officially the best aquarium I have ever been to in my entire life. It is 100% what I expected a typical American aquarium to look like (thanks, Hollywood Movies), and it was super cool to be able to get this close to octopi, otters, seals, and insane little neon fish – a million times better than my local Welsh aquarium. The Seattle Aquarium is the best place to whittle away a whole day, factoring in lunch breaks beside some sting rays and photoshoots in front of their three-person-tall tanks. Just remember to not get too close to the tanks – I can promise you that you will absolutely jump out of your skin when a baby shark saunters past about three inches from your face.

CHIHULY GARDEN AND GLASS

One of the most #InstaWorthy spots in the whole city, Chihuly is a gorgeous gallery full of the prettiest pieces of glass you have ever seen. My personal favourite part of the place is actually outside – the gardens feature intricately blown and painted bubbles of glass placed beside crimson camellias and handkerchief trees, with the contrast between the art and the nature being pretty darn cool. I also adore their massive feature greenhouse, where you look up through the glass ceiling to realise that you’re stood almost directly beneath the Space Needle. I can bet that approximately 99.9% of people that wander through the city take a classic Chihuly selfie underneath that visage.

ARGOSY HARBOUR CRUISE

Not only is the Argosy Harbour Cruise the prettiest way to see the skyline from the sea, (which is an absolutely gorgeous view), but it also offers a great way to learn about the city. Local guides will fill you in on history which you otherwise may not have known, telling you stories of times gone by. It certainly makes for a fun afternoon to chill at the back of a boat, staring out at the sea as you drink a hot beverage and contemplate how much your legs hurt from the sheer amount of walking you’ve done across Seattle.

TOURS NORTHWEST

If you’re either strapped for time or merely want to learn more about the city whilst also having the opportunity to jump out and have a look around every now and then, I highly recommend taking a tour with Tours Northwest. I happened to take a tour out of season – meaning that I had the whole bus and tour guide to myself and, quite frankly, felt like royalty. My guide, Lance, was the nicest guy ever, and he spent around three hours filling me in on the little facts about the Emerald City. He took me to some tourist hotspots which I definitely would otherwise have not have visited (namely Mercer Island, Magnolia Bluff, and the waterfront), and it was a pretty cool way to spend an afternoon.

WHERE TO EAT

RELISH BURGER BISTRO

Easily the best place for burgers in the whole city, I can promise that you will quickly fall in love with literally everything about this bistro – it’s hard to not when you’re faced with a burger about the same size of your face. Sit next to one of the large windows overlooking the city and watch the world go by, and I’ll bet that you won’t be able to get enough of the moorish food and equally as moorish location.

1900 5th Ave, WA 98101

FONTÉ COFFEE ROASTER

Located just up the street from Pike Place, it’s in the perfect area to be just out of the grasp of tourists whilst also still being in the heart of downtown. It’s a large, open cafe with white sofas and monochrome works of art hanging on the walls, and it is just the prettiest place to hang out. Fonté’s coffees are hands down the best in Seattle.

1321 1st Ave, WA 98101

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Not only does this place make you feel like you’ve sauntered into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but it also offers the most mouth-watering creamy chocolate. I highly recommend their white chocolate dipped strawberries for a snack that makes you feel as though you’re not eating just pure junk food.

1419 1st Ave, WA 98101

PIKE PLACE MARKET 

No post talking about food in Seattle would be complete without a mention to Pike Place. The market is most well-known for both their wide abundance of sellers and the guys that throw fish for money (I’m not going to lie, I’m not entirely sure about how that whole thing works) – but somehow, they’re not nearly as well known for their tasters. Not only is all of the food (and I mean all of it) absolutely gorgeous, but almost every stall is happy to hand out a plethora of tasty testers – meaning that you can fall in love with the food riiiight before demolishing a whole year’s supply of it in one go.

85 Pike Street, WA 98101

LOLA

Perfect for a nice sit-down meal, Lola is the sort of restaurant that demands that you stay for hours savouring each dish. Every item on the menu is delicious and made with locally sourced ingredients, and designed to showcase their array of Greek-influenced flavours. Perfect for date night.

2000 4th Ave, WA 98121

Where to stay

I hands down cannot recommend a better place to stay in Seattle than the Mayflower. It’s the sort of place where you not only fall in love with the comfort and the beauty, but you also have a chance to get entirely enamoured with the history. I knew it’d be my new favourite hotel from the second that the doorman pulled the doors aside for me and flashed me a grin – and I think you’ll feel the same about it too.

How to get there

Seattle is one of the easiest places to get to, with an endless influx of flights, trains, and boats dedicated to getting you to where you need to be. I personally took the Victoria Clipper ferry from Victoria to Seattle, due to the fact that I had read about it being a whole experience in itself and something which every traveller must do – and I fell in love with the transport immediately. For those of y’all that have never heard of the Clipper before, it is a passenger-only vessel which travels between Seattle and Victoria, and Seattle and San Juan, and it’s a super fun way of getting from one place to another. I highly recommend sitting up front in Comfort Class, as everything you could ever need is pretty much on tap. The best seats on the whole boat are at the dead centre of the front, due to the fact that you can see the whole ocean stretching out in front of you. Kick back in their insanely comfortable chairs, ordering a plethora of snacks (with my favourites being their blueberry cornmeal muffins, Northwest smoked wild-caught Alaskan salmon with bagel bits, and Jade Cloud green tea). The staff members are the nicest and most accommodating people, and every final detail is put down to perfection, to the extent of offering anti-sickness tablets if need be.

The Seattle CityPass

Due to the fact that I’d never been to Seattle before, I had absolutely no idea as where to begin exploring the city. The Seattle CityPass was the first thing that I found myself acquiring – and honestly it was the best thing I could have done. It offers admission to the city’s top attractions at a much discounted price (you genuinely save about 45% of what you’d otherwise spend purchasing the tickets independently), and overall just makes the whole experience easier. When you’re in a new city and spend approximately half of your time lost, a pass that helps you cheaply plan out your whole itinerary (and skip the ticket queues) is pretty much a necessity.

Have you guys ever been to Seattle, or plan on visiting the Emerald City? Let me know in the comments below!

BUT BEFORE YOU DO – WHY NOT SHARE THE LOVE AND PIN THE POST?

Day 1 – Kuliouou

Kuliouou is the best place to start your road trip, due to the fact that it’s relatively close to the airport and an easy base to begin exploring. The first day of travel is usually wasted as you try to figure out where you are and how far away everything is – so why not instead spend the day swimming with the wildlife? Mark the beginning of your trip by stopping at one of the many roadside shops to stop and drink from a coconut on your way to the Mermaid Caves.

Nānākuli is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the island, along with a hidden underwater cave where you can clamber down and bathe in the pristine teal water. Outside of the caves, you can snorkel with turtles, and then make your way to the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail – a hike which is, frankly, a thousand times better than the one at the well-known Diamond Head.

Day 2 – Pearl Harbour and Downtown Honolulu

After spending the first day getting to grips with the area, the second day should be spent jumping into the history of Oahu. An full excursion around Pearl Harbour will probably see you spending no less than six hours in the area, as you can visit the Pearl Harbour Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbour Virtual Reality Centre, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, Battleship Missouri Memorial, and also go on the USS Arizona Memorial Narrated Tour. 

Whilst there are small food trucks and cafes on site, you may still be absolutely ravenous after visiting the sites. From there, drive down to Proof Public House and gorge yourself on the most gorgeous pizza in Oahu. You can then easily travel to Downtown Honolulu – a central hub made up of pretty buildings, cute cafes, and quirky shops.

Day 3 – Kapolei & Kailua & Kahuku

On the third day, you will need to get up at the crack of dawn to be ready for the longest (and potentially most scenic) day of the whole trip. This will be a day where a third of the time is spent in the car as you travel from the bottom of the island to the top, and then back around again. Some key places to stop at are:

• • Waiāhole Beach Park
  • Tantalus Lookout
  • Duke’s Waikiki
  • Hula Grill
  • Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout
  • Halona Blowhole Lookout
  • Moana Surfrider
  • Koko Crater Railway Trailhead
  • Lanai Lookout
  • Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site

As you drive upwards from Kapolei to Kailua, be sure to check out Teddy’s Bigger Burgers for a meal that will keep you full for hours. When you reach Kahuku, the amount of lookout spots will increase even further, lending endless places to stop for a cute little picnic. Also, look out for the roadside shops selling cane juice – they will be sure to replenish your energy instantly.

On your way back to Kapolei, there will plenty more things for you to spend the rest of the day doing (if you even have time!) The old Hawaiian Railway is located just down the road, with Coral Crater Adventure Park easily accessible from the town. From there, why not drive up to Matsumoto Shave Ice and try the island staple before the day ends? There’s a reason it’s raved about.

–

Day 4 – Waikiki

Waikiki is often regarded as the heart of modern-day Oahu – and it’s not hard to see why. Spend a night or two in the city,and you’ll quickly fall in love with the free hula shows (such as the Kūhiō Beach Hula Show: every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 6.30 – 7.30pm just across from the Hyatt Regency Waikīkī), endless testers at Honolulu Cookie, and the street entertainment which goes on all night. My absolute favourite live band is easily The Fresh Preps – a gorgeous self-proclaimed mix of Twentyone Pilots and Relient K.

Take a quick trip out to Ganesh Dosa for food, taking time to kick back in the Ohana Hale Marketplace to watch local bands, make your own Leis and Hawaiian quilts, and try on a classic Hawaiian shirt.

Day 5 – Mokuleia & Waialua

After such a nice, relaxing, cultural few days, the fifth day should be spent doing something that makes your heart pound – and why not let that be by throwing yourself out of a plane at 14,000 feet? I went out with Pacific Skydiving Honolulu and despite my utter fear at the plane ride up, I ended up having the most incredible time ever. As it happens, you really can’t beat the views you get several thousand feet up in the air.

After flinging yourself out of the aircraft, it’s probably a good idea to spend the rest of the day on a beach to recover. The beaches located at the North Shore of the island (where all the skydiving places are) are some of the best in the world – and are definitely worth spending an hour or two.

At the end of the day, one of the best, most fulfilling things you could do is have a barbecue. Either rent one from your accommodation or visit a restaurant which offers freshly grilled food – it’ll be the best way to kick back with some pals and tell everyone you know about your earlier adventure.

Day 6 – Haleiwa & Laie

Now you have a taste for adrenaline rushes, why not go one step further and go on a shark dive? Several companies on the island offer caged dives, where you merely peek out at the gorgeous creatures from behind some solid metal bars – but frankly, the best way to see them is up all close and personal. One Ocean Diving offers freediving with sharks, where you get to swim with the graceful animals out in the open ocean.

This was hands down one of the most incredible experiences of my life. A small group of us took a boat out to the survey site, where we were given wetsuits and snorkels and taught about the lives of these creatures. It was heartbreaking to learn about how little protection they are offered and that certain species are even pushed to the brink of extinction – all because of the negligence of humans. Due to the consumption of shark fin soup, illegal fishing, unintentional shark bycatch, purchases of squalene products, and shark hunting for sport, thousands of sharks are killed each year. After spending time swimming amongst these gorgeous, friendly creatures, I realised just how important it was to work together to save these little guys – and honestly, I think that’s an experience that more people need to have. The divemasters are all marine biologists and are the loveliest, most informative people ever. I will forever be grateful and in awe of them for showing me the playful side of these big friendly giants.

By the time you would have finished this incredible experience, you will probably be absolutely starving. My favourite place to eat at on the whole island is Maui Mike’s Fire-roasted Chicken – a place offering the most gorgeous, succulent, and perfectly seasoned chicken. My mouth is salivating just thinking about it, honestly.

No trip to Oahu would be complete without then taking a trip to the Polynesian Cultural Centre – the place where I saw my first ever Fireknife competition. Every night, they offer a plethora of paid and free events, with one of my favourite of the latter being the ones held at their Old Villages. Designed like Polynesian towns from hundreds, if not thousands, of years ago, they make you feel like a real-life storybook explorer – and frankly, it’s an incredible feeling. By the time you leave the centre, expect to have tried the most gorgeous food, seen the most incredible events, and be swathed in some very vibrant Lei.

To end the perfect last day whilst you’re out of the city, go and stargaze. I promise you the view of a dome of stars above your head will be worth it.

Day 7 – Kaneohe & depart

Similar to the first days of a trip away, a lot of the last day is also usually wasted – alas, not with me as your trusted tour guide slash beloved travel advisor slash overall legend. In order to make sure that the last day is lived to the fullest, make sure that you get up early to watch the sunrise (and remember, the sun rises in the East. Don’t be like me and face the complete wrong way for an hour), before heading over to Ho’Omaluhia Botanical Gardens. One of the most Instagrammed places on the whole island, it is absolutely gorgeous, surrounded by wildlife and plantation that is hard to see in such an abundance. Oahu is one of the most populated islands, and in being so, is made hard to spend some time utterly engulfed by the stunning nature of the place. The botanical gardens are made super important for that reason alone.

And so, have you guys ever been on a road trip around Oahu, or plan on doing so? Let me know in the comments below!

BEFORE YOU GO – WHY NOT SHARE THE LOVE AND PIN THIS POST?

VOODOO DOUGHNUT

Best for… a sugar high

Prepare to walk into a store brimming with the BEST atmosphere – I’m talking customers twirling around to the Gipsy Kings, bright pink walls popping with abstract posters and prints, and revolving display cases featuring crazily decorated doughnuts in all their comatose-inducing glory. It’s all very #InstaWorthy – and that’s before you’ve even tried the flavours. The bakers are never short on creativity, and regularly come up with the wackiest ideas for their products – with my favourite being their famed Oreo “dirt” doughnut (the sheer amount of glucose and following energy crash was just an added bonus). I also adore their maple and bacon creation, their cinnamon sugar “blunt,” and the Tang and marshmallow hybrid which makes your cheeks tingle.  

LITTLE BIRD BISTRO

Best for… first dates

Officially my favourite place to go for a nice sit-down meal in the city, the Little Bird Bistro is perfect for first dates (or seconds, or thirds…). The ambience is ideal for meeting up with the future love of your life – with assorted chatter over soft indie music, warm low-lit surroundings, and a single understated candle per table, rendering one heck of a mood. The food is divine – I’m talking “ricotta gnocci á la bourguidon,” roasted beetroots with mâche (and peppered shallots, caramelised squash, and blue cheese), and gorgeous “bonbons de la maison.” It’s the sort of place that really makes you slow down and appreciate the combination of flavours in each dish. Also, for my fellow tea lovers out there – I can’t recommend their selection enough (the jasmine silver tip is my FAVOURITE). 

*Update, as of 2019, Little Bird has closed 🙁 However, you should definitely check out their sister restaurants <3

Bao Bao

Best for… hand food

I’m not going to lie to you – before I came to BaoBao, I had rarely eaten at a food truck. I was exceedingly apprehensive about eating at a place with a kitchen smaller than my bedroom – however, upon landing in the heart of Portland, I quickly realised that this inexpensive novelty absolutely runs the food industry here. And so, I took a leap of faith and tried my first ever meal at an American Food Truck – and it was stunning. I went for the BaoBao famous curry and chicken dumplings, subsequently fell in love, and have been searching (unsuccessfully) for equally as gorgeous dumplings ever since. I completely underestimated the awesomeness of food trucks prior to arriving here, but I’m glad to admit that now I am completely sold. Catch me never eating at a restaurant for dumplings again.

OLYMPIA PROVISIONS

Best for… taking away

This little charcuterie is located in the centre of the city – in another little food truck. The food is exceedingly gorgeous and filling, and it’s awesome to chat to the chefs as they prepare the meal for you. The food is pure comfort food – warm and tasty and made with love. I definitely under-appreciated the value of a good meal at a food truck before arriving in Portland – but now I realise how convenient, cheap, and tasty they are, I feel like a changed woman.

UMAMI CAFE

Best for… a view

Located in the very pretty Japanese Gardens, the Umami Cafe is as pristine as an Apple store. The walls are solid glass, meaning that you can gaze out into the woods around you as you wait for your food to arrive. They serve traditional Japanese food and tea, and you can watch them cook it all in the open-plan kitchen beside you. With the sun shining through the windows, authentically made Japanese meals being served as you sip the most gorgeous green tea, it was a truly beautiful place. I highly recommend the takikomi rice as it is both exceedingly filling and bursting with flavour, along with their classic orange tart (perfect for people like me who cannot tolerate dairy!).

Headwaters

Best for… luxe

Headwaters is a stunning little establishment, where the food is vastly different to anything I’ve ever eaten before – and the chefs revel in that very idea. It’s the sort of place that you make an effort to dress up for, and then spend hours lounging around, dipping into dishes and trying their array of alcoholic beverages. My favourite thing to do here is to request several smaller dishes in order to share them out as a group, so that everyone can taste a little of everything. They also offer several alcohol-free off-menu concoctions made from a variety of fruit juices and sodas – perfect for an afternoon lunch.

Q

Best for… service

The food was stunning, and even though I had to go for a dairy-free version of their dishes, the flavour was still equally as gorgeous as the dairy-full dishes. The best seats in the house are by the bar, where you can chat to the chefs at their stations and ask them questions as they cook up your meal. Each ingredient is both locally sourced, and extremely seasonal – meaning that the menu changes often, and you will never be served out-of-season produce. The staff welcomes you like family, and each returning visit makes you feel as though you’re coming home. 

The Crown

Best for… pizza

The Crown has quickly become my favourite place in the world to go for a slice of pizza. They offer endless doughy combinations, with their best concoction – in my humble opinion – being the BBQ sauce and fried chicken pizza. They also have the sweetest, bubbliest sodas in the whole of Portland – with my personal favourite being their spiced pear. 

Stumptown Coffee Roastery

Best for… mornings

A hipster hub overflowing with bearded men in plaid shirts slumping over their MacBooks, it’s the best place to go to wake up in the morning. The walls are lined with abstract art, and the surroundings remind me of a lumberjack’s home. I have spent a ridiculous amount of time here merely sitting back, sipping a dairy- and caffeine-free pour-over coffee, Shazaming their music to add to my own playlists, and writing notes about the city. The people are the friendliest, and the whole experience is very Instagrammable – especially with the selfie-perfect* mood lighting  in the bathroom. 

Arrosto

Best for… price

Having spent the whole day venturing around the city, there was nothing my travel partner and I were craving more than rotisserie chicken (that’s normal, right?). After a quick search online, we found this place that sells free-range hormone- and antibiotic-free chicken, as part of an entire dinner, for only 28 dollars. We sat in the bustling organic food court attached to their kitchen, and dug into the mounds of potatoes, salad, focaccia, veg, and a whole bloody rotisserie chicken. We were both absolutely starving, and the food was so gorgeous and filling that we just stuffed our faces in silence for a good twenty minutes. I’m pretty sure coming here was the best decision we made for the entire trip.

Salt and Straw

Best for… people watching

The atmosphere at Salt and Straw is bustling and buzzing, which makes it mega fun to wander around the stalls for hours. Perfect for a slow sweet snack, they offer the most gorgeous ice-cream – with endless flavours which are all exuberantly smooth, and creamy, and tasty. They have dairy-free options (perfect for someone like me with Crohn’s), and a million more sauces and toppings than you’d find in a typical ice-cream house. An ideal place for nipping in, soaking in the atmosphere, and people-watching whilst you gorge yourself on sugar.

Eat Adventures Food Tours

During our stay in Portland, we went on a food tour of the city – because what better way to acquaint yourself with a new place than with the local cuisine. Our guide, Donna, was both the most informative person we’d met on the trip, and the funniest. Frankly, our sense of humour was exactly the same, and I would often find myself about to take a massive bite of food only for her to make a quip that would have me bent double laughing. On the tour, we went to six different establishments, which were all equally as gorgeous and fun to experience. The tour was honestly the highlight of my entire trip (like I said, I’m a literal glutton), and if you want to see the authentic side of the city – along with trying the best food on offer – Eat Adventures is 100% the tour to try.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS:

• Behind the Museum Cafe – perfect for vegans! They offer an abundance of dairy-free, gluten-free, and egg-free Japanese cakes, snacks, and hot beverages – with the absolute best being their matcha and almond green tea.

• Moonstruck – perfect for treating yourself! They craft the most gorgeous, velvety truffles, and also give the option of buying pre-packed boxes to spoil yourself at home with.

And so, have any of y’all tried these gorgeous little eateries, or fancy strolling down to Portland just to try them? Let me know in the comments below!

*Do I sound like a millennial yet?

Before you go – why not share the love and pin this post?