10 favorite places to eat around the world

Though hiking is at the core of everything we do, we also love food and wine and believe it’s incredibly important to experience the cuisine and culture of a place you’re visiting. See below for a list of 10 of our favorite places to eat around the world - we challenge you to get through the whole list without your mouth watering!

1. home-hosted lunch
by devis | dolomites

Easily one of our favorite parts of our Dolomites trip is the home-hosted lunch by our friend, Devis Cobelli. Here, our travelers enjoy a private tour of the beautiful property that has been owned and run by Devis and his family for four generations. Following a walk through the vineyards, comes a hearty, local lunch prepared by Devis and his mother. The wine and food flow endlessly and it’s important to bring your appetite! A highlight for everyone, this is a truly special (and delicious!) experience for all.

2. chefs warehouse |
franschhoek, south africa

South Africa is well known for its wildlife and wilderness, but it also has a thriving food and wine scene. One of the best meals we’ve ever had was at Chefs Warehouse in Franschhoek - for the scenery, the ambiance, the wine and the absolutely sumptuous dinner. Each evening, the talented chefs serve up a unique blend of global tapas inspired foods in a picturesque, farmhouse setting. The staff does a remarkable job at pairing unexpected flavors to create exciting, approachable dishes.

3. aguas arriba lodge |
argentina

The unique, remote, luxury mountain lodge, Aguas Arriba, is perfectly placed on the shores of Lago del Desierto. During your stay at Aguas Arriba, all your meals are served in the lodge. Dinners are hearty and delicious and lovingly home cooked by the hardworking and friendly staff that lives on-site. All meals are paired with Argentine wine and prepared with fresh, natural and local ingredients and lots of love and care. As you sit in the dining room - or out on the deck - you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the Vespignani Glacier, Fitz Roy and glistening Lago del Desierto.

4. COOKING CLASS | istria, CROATIA

While in Croatia, you’ll get off the beaten path and enjoy Istria’s untouched hilltop towns and dramatic rocky coastline. One of the highlights of this trip is when our local friend, Goran, hosts an engaging and authentic cooking class at his family’s home near Pula, Croatia. You’ll start the day at Pula’s green market, shopping together for all your fresh ingredients. Afterwards, you’ll head to Goran’s special cooking studio (based in an olive grove at his family’s farmhouse) where you’ll learn how to make Labinski Krafi - fine Istrian pasta dating back to medieval times. After enjoying a three-course lunch paired with local wine, you’ll leave with new skills and a great appreciation for the incredible Istrian cuisine.

5. CANTO DA DOCA | FAIAL, azores

While in the Azores and while exploring Faial Island, a dinner at Canto da Doca is a must. A unique restaurant, here you’ll grill your own food on hot lava stones right at your table. You’ll choose from a variety of fresh-caught local fish and shellfish, including tuna, swordfish, squid, shrimp and Portugese oysters - a true Azorean experience!

6. TONKA’S HUT | julian alps, slovenia

The perfect post-hike lunch spot. One of our favorite days in the Julian Alps is to hike Slemenova Spica at the top of Vrsic Pass. After the climb and soaking up the 360-degree views of the high peaks and valleys below, you’ll make your way to your reward: Tonka’s Hut. Here, you’ll find the hut nestled just below Vrsic Pass - big picnic tables are set up outside among cheery geraniums, friendly service and hearty lunch portions. We always recommend the soup of the day paired with the local charcuterie board and cold beer.

7. FJÆrland hotel | norway

Enjoying a locally made dinner in the quaint, cozy and charming dining room at Fjærland Hotel is always a highlight for our travelers in Norway. The views from your table are of the turquoise fjord, the surrounding mountains and the glaciers in the distance. The food here is prepared with fresh, natural ingredients and served with love and care by the friendly, hardworking staff on site. After dinner, enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine on the deck before moseying upstairs to bed.

8. VIGÒ ICE CREAM | LJUBLJANA, slovenIA

In our opinion, this is the best ice cream in Slovenia. After strolling the beautiful streets of Ljubljana and exploring one of our favorite cities in Europe, a stop at Vigò is a must-do. There are many flavors to choose from (our favorites are pistachio, marscapone & dark chocolate) and the chocolate sauce here even comes out of a tap!

9. La chocolateria | argentina

A historical place in El Chaltén, La Chocolateria is a must-visit for a post hike in Patagonia. Built with beautiful local wood, you’re invited to savor a decadent hot chocolate and alfajor cookies while you gaze at the high peaks of the Fitz Roy massif from the large windows. As you enjoy your treats in this cozy environment, you’re surrounded by photos of smiling faces and news clippings sprinkled throughout the wooden walls, detailing the interesting history of local climbing legends.

10. DINNER IN THE DOLOMITES |
MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO, ITALY

As a special final night celebration for our Northern Italy trips, we love to organize a private dinner at a local hut. We work with our partners at our favorite hotel - Chalet del Sogno - and their incredible team of chefs from their restaurant - Due Pini - to pull together a unique, intimate three-course meal in a charming, dramatic setting for a final “ciao” to these beautiful mountains.

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