Delhi2Dublin
Address: Priory Market, Main Road, Tallaght, Dublin D24 YYK4
Telephone: N/A
Cuisine: Indian
Cost: €€
Restaurants & Food
Where to eat and drink in Florence
Food is big business in Florence, to the extent that the city council introduced a law limiting the opening of new bars and restaurants in the UNESCO-listed city center.
This measure was in response to concerns about the excess of tourist-focused dining options there, exacerbated by the tripling of restaurants in just 10 years between 2005 and 2015.
Advertisement
In the center of the Renaissance city, there is approximately one dining establishment for every 31 residents. While the array of options seems endless, Italians, generally being creatures of habit, tend to gravitate towards familiar foods. Lengthy queues outside TikTok-promoted venues are met with disapproval, and terms like “traditional,” “authentic,” and “genuine” have been so overused when describing new restaurants that they’ve lost their meaning.
For Florentines, no culinary novelty will outshine a reputation built over the years. We stick to what we know and are generally skeptical of everything else. Here are my tried and trusted places to eat and drink.
Breakfast
The day starts with a shot of bitter espresso – the first of many – at the nearest cafe. In my case, that’s Bar Piccioli, a dimly lit, old-school patisserie in Borgo Ognissanti.
Italian breakfast is quick. Many foreigners who arrive in Italy for the first time are often surprised that a sweet pastry and espresso, typically enjoyed standing up at the bar, are what locals consume to kickstart their day. But pastries can go a long way if done right, and Claudio, Piccioli’s owner, has been serving exquisite cornetti (croissants) and other morning delicacies fresh out of the oven for decades.
The daily changing variety of crunchy croissants – filled with anything from zabaglione (egg and Marsala custard) to pistacchio – are a safe bet, but depending on when you visit you may also find maritozzi (brioche buns) filled with whipped cream, custard and pine nuts, shortbread, and seasonal specialties such as rice frittelle (fried bites), prepared in early spring.
Advertisement
Coffee
I would love to feature Circolo Rondinella in every category of my list. It’s a place where you can easily spend the whole day, from breakfast to dinner. There’s something special about sitting, coffee in hand, on the faux grass in the outdoor area, which overlooks the Arno River and the 14th-century Torrino di Santa Rosa. Here, you’ll often find groups of elderly men gathering daily for a glass of wine and engaging in lively games of briscola, peppered with good-natured swearing.
In terms of food, don’t expect anything especially refined here. Coffee is your standard espresso shot and lunch is a changing menu of seasonal pastas and main courses. That’s the draw of Rondinella – not trying hard to be special in a city where hundreds of restaurants and cafes compete for people’s attention.
Circoli, or social clubs, are a cornerstone of Tuscan culture and are found scattered throughout the region. These clubs typically revolve around a cultural activity. Circolo Rondinella served as the former headquarters for the local calcio storico historic football team, a fact evidenced by the collection of memorabilia on display. They’ve long been a place for members of the community to come together and build ties. Rondinella stands out as one of the few circoli still operating in central Florence.
When you visit, remember to order at the bar and pay in cash.
Lunch
These days, most restaurants offer at least a couple of plant-based dishes on their menu, but eating in meat-centric Tuscany can get a bit repetitive for vegetarians. Il Vegetariano stands out with a daily changing selection of a dozen meat-free specialties inspired by local recipes and prepared with ingredients sourced directly from Florence’s surroundings. Look out for creative dishes like potato and black cabbage gateau with parmesan fondue.
Il Vegetariano, found behind the hand-carved wooden sign marking the entrance, has been operating since the early 1980s. It pioneered vegetarian eating before it was cool in a city known for its T-bone steak. This is not just a good vegetarian restaurant — it’s a good restaurant overall, as the flow of regulars sitting amid quirky decor shows. Don’t forget to try the cakes.
Aperitivo
If you love your wine with a bit of background music — vinyl spinning on the turntable— and haven’t yet fallen for Aperol’s aperitivo marketing, Vineria Sonora is your wine-filled, pre-dinner drinking spot. This funky enoteca (wine bar) on Via degli Alfani is known for its impressive selection of natural, organic and biodynamic wines from independent Italian producers, and its weekend DJ sets. Stop by to start your night with unique wines, from an orange Trebbiano from Tuscany to a sparkling Pinot Noir from Northern Italy.
Dinner
By 9pm, after a few glasses of wine, you might find yourself ready for something more substantial. Just around the corner from Vineria Sonora is Trattoria Accadì, the perfect place to continue your evening. The trattoria has a cozy feel with dark wood furniture and a hand-written menu featuring Tuscan classics including fried artichokes and hearty, traditional stews such as peposo (with spiced beef) and ribollita (with seasonal vegetables). Plus, you’ll find a few unexpected Japanese touches in the old-school decor, a nod to the chef, Toshifumi Mitsubiki, whose passion for Italian cuisine led him to move to the opposite side of the world and open Accadì.
Bar
Late-night drinking happens on the south side of the Arno River and, more specifically, in Piazza Tasso, where Circolo Aurora serves its cocktails under Florence’s ancient city walls. Removed from the crowded Borgo San Frediano and Piazza Santo Spirito – where most bars in this part of the city are found – Circolo Aurora draws locals to its bar with regular live jazz nights and open mic sessions. Choose your drinks from a list in a vintage photo album with actual vintage photos, a touch that is very much in line with the nostalgia-inducing decor of the bar, comprising ’80s action figures scattered around the room, old advertising posters and a vintage bike hanging from the wall. Since the pandemic, Florence’s live music scene has experienced a sharp decline, but Aurora keeps culture alive, especially during summer months when tables spill on the square and music can be heard flowing from the bar.
Here is more expert guidance to help you plan your trip to Florence
Find your way around the city with our guide to transportation
Don’t miss these top experiences
Budget travelers can save some money with our tips
Continue Reading
What’s on offer?
Delhi2Dublin is a small family outfit which is finally planting roots after years on the market circuit. Its new base at Priory Market in Tallaght is its first permanent home.
The menu, chalked on a blackboard, wanders across India’s street food map. You’ll find samosas, hand-folded momos, pani puri, and vada pav, the Mumbai potato burger. Sides stay snacky – masala fries dusted in Delhi-style seasoning.
“Kebab-ish” ups the portions. There’s a kebab platter with minced or seekh-style kebabs, salad, chutney, mayo and masala chips; a naan sandwich with kebabs, salad, peppers, onions and cheese; or loaded fries topped with kebabs, chutney, mayo and cheese.
“Big Bites” mean full meals; a crispy butter chicken rice bowl with potato bhaji, chickpea rice and cucumber salad, a naan wrap of the same, a chicken tikka masala burger stacked with fried fillets, mint slaw and masala fries, or chicken tikka masala loaded fries.
Dishes such as like the chicken rice bowl, loaded fries with chicken tikka or kebabs, and the loaded naan sandwich are proving to be the most popular choices.
What did we order?
Chicken samosas, the crispy butter chicken rice bowl, a lamb kebab platter and a loaded naan wrap.
How was the service?
This is a popular food stall, so there was a queue and a bit of a wait. You’re given a buzzer that goes off when your order is ready.
How was the food?
The chicken samosas were a mixed bag. The filling of mashed veg and cumin was good, and the dipping sauce worked, but they were greasy and not very crisp.
The crispy butter chicken rice bowl was as expected; breadcrumbed chicken with a spicy butter sauce, sticky rice, chickpeas and a fresh minty sauce on top of lettuce. The sauce was good, and the chickpeas and mint gave it a nice lift, though it’s more a fast-food version than a proper curry.
The lamb kebab platter came with a kofta-style minced lamb kebab, salad, dressing and masala chips. The chips were salty but a bit limp – fine for soaking up sauce but not much crunch. The loaded naan wrap used the same chicken and salad as the rice bowl, but in a large naan folded over, with plenty to eat. Overall, it is fast food that hits the spot if you want saucy, filling carbs.
What about the packaging?
Everything is served in cardboard packaging.
What did it cost?
It was €45 for lunch for three people: chicken samosas, €4; crispy butter chicken rice bowl, €14; lamb kebab platter, €13; and loaded naan wrap, €14.
Where does it deliver?
Takeaway and dine-in only. Open daily, 11am-10pm.
Would I order it again?
Yes, Priory Market is a vibrant market with a great atmosphere, and the food here – particularly the lamb kofta – is perfect for eating on site.
Alabama foodies, rejoice: Birmingham Restaurant Week is back for another year, and it’s more delicious than ever.
This annual culinary celebration brings together nearly 50 local restaurants, food trucks, bars, and catering companies, offering exclusive, limited-time menus and special pricing to highlight the best of Birmingham’s food scene. From upscale dining experiences and international flavors to casual favorites and hidden gems, Restaurant Week invites locals and visitors alike to explore and support the city’s vibrant culinary culture.
Restaurant Week’s Preview Party, which was held at Haven in Birmingham’s Southside, gave us a taste of what to expect in the week ahead. The lively event brought together chefs, restaurant owners, and food lovers under one roof to sample bites and sips from over a dozen participating spots. The evening highlighted the creativity, passion, and diversity that define Birmingham’s ever-evolving food scene. Take a look at some of the Preview Party’s standouts, as well as what you can expect from their Restaurant Week offerings.
Offering a fresh and elevated take on Latin cuisine, Sol Y Luna pairs artful tapas with handcrafted cocktails. From small plates to fresh margaritas, this is a go-to destination for flavor-packed nights with friends or a lively date spot. At the Preview Party, chef and owner Jorge Castro served up perfect bites of passion fruit shrimp ceviche on tortillas.
Castro has been part of Restaurant Week since its beginning, and commented on how the event brings the community together. “Restaurant Week is about the people,” he said. “We really get to know our customers and it’s amazing to see them return year after year, while also meeting many new faces.” Their Restaurant Week specials include fixed-price dinner menus featuring shrimp sliders, a Cuban sandwich, and a tres leches lemon cake.
(Birmingham Restaurant Week/Contributed)
Magnolia Point is redefining Southern soul food with an inventive twist, serving up comforting dishes that bring the bayou flavors. The restaurant is housed in a restored 1930s building at the corner of downtown’s Magnolia Avenue, and offers relaxed vibes that evoke everyone’s favorite seaside snacks. Their Preview Party sampling? A perfectly dippable black-eyed pea hummus with vegetable crudité, which is offered on both their lunch and dinner fixed-price menus for Restaurant Week along with plenty of Gulf Coast flavors like their classic gumbo and fried catfish.
(Birmingham Restaurant Week/Contributed)
A longtime pillar of Birmingham’s food scene, Michael’s Restaurant continues to impress with its steak, seafood, and Southern favorites. Under the leadership of Bernadine Birdsong, the restaurant has embraced Restaurant Week as an opportunity to connect with the community. “I love Restaurant Week because it brings people out and allows them the opportunity to try something new,” she said. Their Restaurant Week menu has promised to include their legendary Salmon Rockefeller: pan seared salmon topped with a spinach cream sauce and chopped bacon.
(Birmingham Restaurant Week/Contributed)
One of the city’s longest-standing Indian restaurants, Taj India has been serving Birmingham customers for nearly 30 years and is delighted to participate in Restaurant Week once more. Known for its rich curries, and warm hospitality, this Five Points favorite has become a go-to spot for both longtime locals and newcomers craving authentic Indian cuisine.
At the Restaurant Week Preview Party, Taj India served its beloved Chicken Tikka Masala–a comforting, flavor-packed dish that showcased the depth and warmth of traditional Indian cooking and was a standout among the evening’s offerings. The Chicken Tikka is featured on their fixed-price Restaurant Week menu, along with tandoori chicken and sag paneer.
From beloved institutions to rising stars, this year’s Birmingham Restaurant Week promises something for every palate. Whether you’re revisiting an old favorite or discovering a new go-to spot, there’s never been a better time to celebrate the creativity, culture, and connection that Birmingham’s culinary scene has to offer.
Several exciting events are lined up to keep the celebration going. Sipology, a cocktail tasting experience featuring local mixologists and spirit brands, will take place on Tuesday, July 23rd at City Walk Social. For a bit of foodie fun, don’t miss the BRW Scavenger Hunt, happening Saturday, July 20th, where you can explore the city and earn prizes along the way.
Birmingham Restaurant Week begins today, July 17th, and runs through July 26th. For more information about participating restaurants and special event tickets, visit bhamrestaurantweek.com.
When in Mumbai, especially around Andheri and Juhu, it’s not hard to find a buzzing cafe or a swanky fine-dining spot. But if you’re looking for hearty, budget-friendly vegetarian meals that pack in flavour and don’t break your bank, this guide is for you.
From soulful South Indian breakfasts to indulgent Rajasthani thalis and celeb-favourite paratha joints, here’s your ultimate veg food guide across Andheri and Juhu.
Shree Gomateshwara Bhavan
Craving soul food with a side of comfort? Shree Gomateshwara Bhavan is your go-to for South Indian delights with a twist. Don’t miss their Thecha Benny Dosa, and if you love coconut-based stews, their Idiyappam with vegetable stew will hit the right spot.
Where: Shree Gomateshwara Bhavan, Malad West, Near Andheri
Cost: Rs 500 for two
Vihara
Vihara – The International by Tunga specialises in quick upscale dining with a vast variety, including North and South Indian, Chinese, fast food, biryanis, and even pizzas. Their Chole Bhature and Sambhar are standouts, and you can’t go wrong with their Gini Dosa or Anjeer Halwa.
Where: Vihara – The International by Tunga, Andheri East
Cost: Rs 600 for two
Dakshinayan
If you love authentic South Indian fare served without frills, Dakshinayan is a classic pick. The Sweet Pongal, idlis, and range of dosas will take you straight to Tamil Nadu.
Where: Dakshinayan, Juhu
Cost: Rs 700 for two
Rajdhani Thali
When hunger hits hard, nothing beats a grand thali. Rajdhani Thali serves up the best of Rajasthani and Gujarati cuisine in a lavish thali spread. Expect dal baati, dhokla, sabzis, rotis, farsan, and indulgent sweets in a traditional setting.
Where: Rajdhani Thali, Juhu
Cost: Rs 1,300 for two
Khasiyat
A haven for paratha lovers! Khasiyat the Paratha House is known for serving celeb-approved, hearty parathas, from Cheese Chilli to Aloo Methi and Chana Bhatura. It’s affordable, quick, and oh-so-satisfying.
Where: Khasiyat, Vile Parle West
Cost: Rs 400 for two
Banana Leaf
Banana Leaf is your premium spot for South Indian fine dining. Known for signature dishes like Rajni Dosa, Neer Dosa with Mushroom Sukka, and Palak Medu Wada, this place blends traditional recipes with a posh setting. Bonus points for the filter coffee!
Where: Banana Leaf, Versova, Andheri
Cost: Rs 1,200 for two
Shiv Sagar
An evergreen name in Mumbai’s vegetarian food scene, Shiv Sagar’s menu is a global vegetarian wonderland, featuring everything from pav bhaji and Chinese to street food and sizzlers. It’s a comfort spot you can always go to.
Where: Shiv Sagar, Juhu
Cost: Rs 900 for two
B Bhagat Tarachand
Classic North Indian done right! This budget-friendly joint is known for its Dal Baati, Papad Churi, and the ever-famous Kutchi Beer (creamy buttermilk). It’s comfort food with a Rajasthani soul and major local fanfare.
Where: B Bhagat Tarachand, Andheri West
Cost: Rs 350 for two
Radha Krishna
Zomato image
This family favourite in Andheri ticks all the right boxes with prompt service, a diverse vegetarian menu, and dishes you’ll keep coming back for. You can savour their Chole Tikki Platter, array of idli delicacies, pav bhaji and more.
Where: Radha Krishna Veg Restaurant, Andheri
Cost: Rs 1,000 for two
Govinda’s Restaurant
Govinda’s Restaurant website
This iconic restaurant inside ISKCON serves food first offered to Lord Krishna, making every bite spiritually and physically wholesome. From rich Indian mains to comforting desserts, Govinda’s global vegetarian menu (including Thai and Mexican!) will leave you blissfully full.
Where: Govinda’s Restaurant, ISKCON, Juhu
Cost: Rs 750 for two
-
The Travel Revolution of Our Era3 weeks ago‘AI is undeniably reshaping the core structure of the hospitality ecosystem’: Venu G Somineni
-
Brand Stories7 days ago
The Smart Way to Stay: How CheQin.AI Is Flipping Hotel Booking in Your Favor
-
Brand Stories2 weeks ago
Voice AI Startup ElevenLabs Plans to Add Hubs Around the World
-
Mergers & Acquisitions1 week ago
Amazon weighs further investment in Anthropic to deepen AI alliance
-
Mergers & Acquisitions7 days ago
How Elon Musk’s rogue Grok chatbot became a cautionary AI tale
-
Asia Travel Pulse2 weeks ago
Looking For Adventure In Asia? Here Are 7 Epic Destinations You Need To Experience At Least Once – Zee News
-
Mergers & Acquisitions1 week ago
UK crime agency arrests 4 people over cyber attacks on retailers
-
AI in Travel2 weeks ago
‘Will AI take my job?’ A trip to a Beijing fortune-telling bar to see what lies ahead | China
-
Mergers & Acquisitions2 weeks ago
ChatGPT — the last of the great romantics
-
Mergers & Acquisitions1 week ago
EU pushes ahead with AI code of practice
