Restaurant Konstantin Filippou - One Visit What a find. While walking, we walked past this restaurant, and one of the team members came outside as we read the menu and gave us their card. We decided later to return and have a lazy lunch, not realising we managed to get into a two-star Michelin restaurant. Usually, these restaurants are outside our budget. However, the restaurant offers a fixed-price lunch on par with other tourist-style places. Even better, we sat in the meal presentation area; there was great food and wine, and the team was terrific. What a great experience. If you get a chance, the restaurant for lunch is a must-do.

Hoşça "Kal" Alaçatı Meyhane - Two visits This little gem was our first dining experience in Alacati, Turkey. After arriving late in the evening, we wandered down the cobblestone street and couldn't walk past the energy flowing from Hoşça Kal, a traditional Turkish restaurant. We were warmly greeted, and as busy as the place was, they found a cosy table in the corner for us to enjoy the atmosphere. It was bustling with locals and travellers, enjoying and dancing away to the DJ tunes at their tables. It was the perfect initiation to Alacati. The team was friendly and fun, the service was excellent, and we soon became friends with the staff. We quickly ordered some traditional food, Kofta (meatballs) and some local wine, followed by drinks (and then pours are generous). You couldn't take the smiles off our faces. We loved watching everyone seated at their tables dance away from their seats, Turkish style. The energy was infectious. We even met our neighbours, and Wayne was up and dancing in no time. We enjoyed our time so much that we returned the following evening to greet our new friends and enjoy more food and drinks. We genuinely felt spoilt as we walked in, and soon, we were treated to a spread of fresh fruits and chocolate to accompany our drinks. It was lovely! Fun fact: Hoşça Kal Meyhane, methane, is a traditional restaurant or bar in Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran, and the Balkans. It serves alcoholic beverages like wine, rakı, vodka, and beer with meze and traditional foods. "Meyhane" means house of wine and comprises two Persian words: mey and khāneh.

Super Clean, Legal, 4th Flr 1 BR in Old/China Town - Three nights The perfect Airbnb in Victoria. We were very impressed by the quality of the home, and no detail has been left unturned; you have everything you need and much more. The location is very convenient. You can easily stroll around Victoria and enjoy all the sights and local restaurants. You are also very close to Chinatown, the oldest in Canada. We found the apartment quiet and immaculately clean, very comfortable with fast wifi, and we work remotely, so this was perfect. Paul & Takayo, your hosts, are a pleasure to communicate with; they are accommodating, warm and friendly. This Airbnb has everything you need and more. The kitchen is fully equipped, so you can enjoy cooking meals at home if you stay in for the evening. We would recommend this lovely Airbnb for a couple, and you are also spoilt with magical sunsets most evenings.

Villa Domenico - One visit This restaurant is located in the heart of Old Pazar Korce, a new hotel and restaurant recently opened in a beautiful building. We came across each other during our walk and enjoyed a lovely lazy lunch while listening to live music. The design is very high-quality, comfortable seating and service was warm and friendly, The food was delicious, with traditional and Italian dishes and a great selection of wines. The rooms also looked very modern and would have been a great place to stay.

Bellihan Cafe - Two visits It is an excellent cafe in the heart of the grand bazaar that offers traditional Turkish tea and coffee. We visited this cafe seven years ago on our first visit to Istanbul via a cruise. We were delighted to stumble across the same cafe while visiting the Grand Bazaar. You are greeted with beautiful energy from the staff. It is the perfect location to enjoy a traditional Turkish Çay (black tea) and watch the hustle and bustle of the Grand Bazaar around you. It is very popular with tourists, so you will find it busy most of the day, but the tables turn over rapidly, so you shouldn't need to wait. We were also blessed to experience the Friday noon 'Call to Prayer' during this visit. We were amidst the ritual, and it was quite the experience to see over 100 local men surround us while they prayed. It was very peaceful and memorable. While reminiscing, I found some pics from our first visit exploring the Grand Bazaar in 2014.

Pizzeria Delfin This is a cheap and cheerful pizzeria, so expect big servings, quick service, and a hectic atmosphere. Extensive menu with seafood, grilled meats and pasta selection. There was a limited wine list, house or premium selection, but they were quality choices. The service was excellent, too.

Vila Velebita - One Visit We visited this restaurant in Korenica, a short drive from Plitvice Lakes, during the off-season. However, a number of the items on the menu that Vila Velebita is known for, such as anything spit-roasted, were not available. You always know that when the waiter pushes the mix-platter to every table, you should avoid it; I think the best value is to order an individual main course as the quality is much higher. We did have a mixed platter between us, but fortunately, we also ordered a main, and it was fantastic. Both the wine and food were very good value for money. There was a reasonable selection of wines, and we were pleasantly surprised with the tastings. We wanted to ensure we were opting for the bottle that we most preferred. It was 1L, so it's best to get it right! The service was warm and friendly. It seems to be supported by the local community, and it was busy during the week.

Endorfin - Nine visits Endorfin is the culinary journey you have been searching for in Belgrade. It is tucked away in a quiet pocket of a beautiful tree-lined street in Dorcol, a heartbeat from the famous pedestrian street in the centar. It is perfect for all seasons. You can enjoy the summer breeze outdoors, with the sunshine filtered by the trees. On those colder days, you can enjoy a cosy meal indoors. The lovely chef continues to delight your senses with his creations. Each dish is mouthwatering and prepared exquisitely. He previously worked at the incredible Langouste Restaurant and is definitely an up-and-coming shining star. The menu is full of comfort food, succulent steaks, and healthy options—there is something for everyone. The gnocchi is incredible, and the duck is a must-do as well. The restaurant has a family feel, so you feel incredibly welcome, and the warm energy is infectious. The service team is very attentive and super kind, and they love guiding you through the menu and recommended wines. Be sure to experience the cocktails; they are the perfect ending to your delicious meal. Endorfin is the perfect choice for a long, lazy afternoon lunch. The kitchen is open all day and delivers a consistent quality of food no matter the time of day. You can enjoy the warm and friendly energy of the locals, and it is also perfect for watching the latest Serbian fashion trends. We love Endorfin so much—the ambience, the food, and the team.

Belgrade Center - Obilicev venac - Seven weeks This magical Airbnb is your home away from home. No detail is left unturned in this home away from home, which is located in the heart of Belgrade, Serbia. It is the perfect location to explore all the laneways and diverse dining establishments in the beautiful pedestrian street, Knez Mihailova. The apartment has an industrially inspired design with incredible attention to detail, so you want to extend your stay immediately. This Airbnb has all the luxuries to ensure you can feel at home and enjoy a peaceful night's sleep. For those days you wish to stay in, it is fully equipped to cook your meals. All windows not only have entire block-out shutter blinds, but during the day, you can enjoy the fresh air breeze throughout and be comfortable; no insects will bother you with fly screens on all windows and doors. Not only is the kitchen fully equipped with all your cooking essentials, but you also have a range of condiments and a cafe-grade Lavazza coffee machine with enough pods to get you through the week. Tea lovers are also spoilt with a range of teas and tea-making facilities. The bed is heavenly with high-quality white linen hotel standards. Bedroom storage in abundance, a place for everything and more; it truly feels like home. We have stayed in over 40 Airbnbs and have never encountered a stunningly clean property. Even the balcony was spotless (and beneath the outdoor plants). All linens, towels, and glassware, including the kettle, were cleaned to the highest standards. The bathroom is much bigger than you expect; it is vast, and a dual shower spoils you. The home's overall design is very relaxed and comfortable. It has a spacious furnished balcony that receives all-day sun, including sunsets. An automatic canopy protects you when you need a break. The art, including full-wall murals, also adds to the ambience. The location you can't beat, it is situated on a tree-lined avenue with no traffic across from a park, you have everything on your doorstep, from supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. Knez Mihailova is the main pedestrian and shopping zone in Belgrade. The energy from the city, especially over the weekends when live music pops up in the squares and parks, is infectious. It's truly a great vibe. Ivan, the host, is the best. He is super friendly and very responsive, and he will make sure your stay is perfect. He will even store your luggage if you need it. Thank you to Ivan and the team for being so wonderful. You should be incredibly proud of your apartment, and the effort has not gone unnoticed. We highly recommend this Airbnb. We decided to extend our six-day stay to seven weeks, and incredibly blessed, we have found a new home in the wonderful city of Belgrade.

Èlie Restaurant - Three visits Elie restaurant is a must-visit, a hidden oasis in the trendy neighbourhood of Beşiktaş, Istanbul. It is a new gem on the block but is fast becoming the place to be. Mature olive grove trees and greenery will surround you, the tables are set beautifully, and no detail is left unturned. You can understand why they are so popular: The food is exquisite, and the service is impeccable and very attentive. Thank you to Ziya and Sevil for making us feel unique on each dining occasion. After three visits, we have sampled many dishes, all bursting with flavour and made with love. A favourite is the homemade Agnottli. Be sure to try the delicate and delicious desserts. Oh, and the hand-made chocolates are a treat. Outdoor dining boasts a lounge bench chair that extends the entire outdoor area, perfect for large groups and private functions on the terrace, along with a beautiful indoor dining space for more intimate moments. The Elie team is super friendly and welcoming. They all work seamlessly together (front and back of house) to bring a smile to your face on arrival and make you very comfortable during your dining experience. Be sure to follow their lead on the cocktails; they are impressive. We recommend Elie, which we have visited three times during our month-long stay in Istanbul. The quality and consistency of the service and food are exceptional. You won't be disappointed.