Archive: Favorite Cafeterias
Cafeterias, while not always cheap, are usually tasty, quick, and conveniently located for travelers on the go. Which European cafeterias are your favorites and why? Here's what you thought:
Munich- Spaten Brewery Employee Cafeteria
Beer is about 30 cents for a half liter. Food is excellent and costs about 2-3 euros for a full meal including salad and desert. There are two dishes on offer and they change daily.
I have never had a problem eating there as they have agreements with other businesses in the area and they do not ask for an employee ID. Most of the people in there are either brewery workers or local professional types.
scott
USA 02/08/04
Inexpensive eats in Ireland & Paris
The cafeteria at the Powerscourt Gardens in Ireland has good food for reasonable
prices. Best snack/lunch in Paris is a Croque Monsieur sandwich. A brasserie
right across from Pere Lachaise Cemetary has the best.
Susan
Roswell, Ga USA 01/26/04
Venice
Some of the best risotto I had in Italy was in a self service off of St.
Marks Square in Venice.
Amber
GA USA 10/26/03
Cafeterias
We found good cafeterias in many countries, but especially in Italy on the
autostradas and also in Portugal on the highways. But, being seniors, we
didn't like Bewley's on Grafton St. in Dublin. The food was just fair, but
having to carry the heavy dishes down the stairs was a real challenge. We
would eat downstairs in the regular restaurant next time.
Barbara Ormonde
Ontario, CA USA 09/26/03
Trento, Italy
We were in Trento, Italy, and happened into a self-service, almost gourmet
restaurant called "Due Giganti". Just ask a local for directions w/in the
center city area. Also the gelateri (several) on Via Mazzini are on a par
with any in Italy.
William Schalders
Cleveland, OH USA 08/26/03
German Department Store Cafeterias
In department stores in Germany, you'll find the Dinea restaurants. One
secret is that if you have coffee and you keep your receipt, you get the
second cup for 25 cents. I've been to several of them now and the one in
Nuremberg even offers a small terrace eating area while the one in the Munich
offers a great panoramic view of the city. There's also usually a cyber
cafe located somewhere in the store and don't forget to check for their
souvenir section. In Nuremberg I saved a bundle by shopping there instead
of at the souvenir stands!
MEW
USA 08/05/03
Dutch Department Store Cafeterias
For all those Movenpick fans (they're called 'Marché' in Boston, Toronto,
etc.), check out 'La Place' in the Netherlands. It is either run by the
same company or is a well-executed imitation. The cafeteria on top of Vroom-Deesman
in Haarlem (mentioned in a posting below and Rick's book) is one of them.
There is one in Amsterdam on Kalverstraat (closer to the University). That
one is adjacent to a great bakery, also called 'Marché'. Not dirt-cheap,
but good prices and decent food.
USA 07/13/03
Good Prague Food
In Prague, try the recommended Country Life restaurant. Excellent vegetarian
food served cafeteria style. My wife and I had full trays and spent less
than ten dollars. Check the hours closely as they do close around 6 or 7PM.
About a two minute walk from the clock in Old Town Square.
Mark
columbus, oh USA 07/11/03
Moderately priced food in Vienna...what a shock.
As Vienna is expensive, we found a moderately priced self-service buffet
restaurant near the Opera House and the Sacher Hotel. Called Rosenberger
Markt (apparently part of a chain), and located in the basement level of
a building, it has a wide variety of foods: meats, sausages, potatoes, salads,
soups, desserts and drinks. Great breads and even sushi, too. The food was
fresh and filling. Lots of tourists, not many locals. As it's only steps
away from the Sacher Hotel, I'd save room for dessert and splurge on a piece
of Sachertorte mit schlag (with whipped cream). Divinely decadent!
Judy
mahwah, nj USA 06/02/03
Good food-reasonably priced in Paris
We were always in an expensive area at mealtime and could never find good
food at reasonable prices (under 10 euros). One such place, however, was
the restaurant at the Bateaux Parisien Boat launch on the Seine below the
Eiffel Tower. They have a good, filling meal for 6-8 Euros. Our BIG helping
of lasagne was almost more than we could eat!
Gail
Almere, NL 05/28/03
Cafeterias on the autostrada
The rest stops on the Italian autostradas - Autogrill and FINI are great-
and a real meal is a very good mental health break from the autostrada (we
like driving in Italy, but it does demand attention!) The food is good,
the facilities clean, the prices reasonable.. wish we had something like
this at home!
Kate
Boston, MA USA 05/16/03
Munich's City Hall
Munich has more than just gusto beer halls so even those who do not like
the "hofbrauhaus" type atmosphere can find a delectable meal with the best
atmosphere at the Ratskeller Restaurant in the basement under the Rathaus
(City Hall, where the glockenspeil is). The meals are quite reasonable and
good. The restaurant must take up the entire basement under the city hall
and has all kinds of nooks and crannies! It was perfect for that special
meal to represent our stay in Munich.
Gail
just outside Amsterdam!, NL 05/02/03
National Gallery, London
Forget St. Martin's Cafe in the Crypt (in London). What a disappointment!
Try the nearby National Gallery cafeteria instead. Good prices and a much
better selection.
M Greene
Benicia, Ca USA 05/02/03
French cafeterias
In France, anyone can eat at the student cafeterias (Resto-U). Ask the local
CROUS office for details. In Strasbourg, for 3.90e, you get a choice of
cheese, salad and dessert (choose 2), the main dish (usually meat and vegetables
or pasta) and unlimited bread. They usually try to incorporate local cuisine,
are balanced nutritionally and are much healthier than cafeterias back home.
Also, many of the bigger cities in France have 'Flunch'. You order your
meat and have all you can eat vegetables. The prices ranged from 4.90e for
fish and hamburgers to 9.90e for veal and tartiflette. They regularly honour
different cuisines and are an excellent deal for your money.
Karla
Strasbourg, France 04/10/03
Follow up to Rome Train Station
My husband and I agree wholeheartedly with comments below about the cafeteria
in the Termini. A hint for first-timers like us. The only complaint we had
was that our soup was cold; then the microwaves that are located throughout
the dining area were pointed out to us. Also, the oil and vinegar for salads
are located there.
Doree
Camarillo, CA USA 02/28/03
Rome Train Station
I spent a few weeks in Rome after I graduated from college. The cafeteria
in the Rome train station (Termini) became an oasis for me. Though food
on a whole is cheap in Rome, nothing beats the station's prices. I'd wander
in at all times of the day, but mostly enjoyed listening to the piano player
during the dinner hour, while peering out over the Roman wall that once
encompassed the city during ancient times.
Cara
Issaquah, WA USA 02/27/03
Wells Cathedral, Britain
One of the best meals during a month's stay in England was at the Wells
Cathedral. The food was wonderful and the prices were great. The kids even
loved it.
Mo Y.
Sparta, NC USA 12/26/02
Focaceria Pugi in Florence
I'm not sure if it counts as a cafeteria, but if you are in Florence, I
found Focaceria Pugi on Piaza San Marco (close to the Accademia) as the
best fast food pizza I found in my recent travel to Europe. I even bought
several slices for the train trip to Rome!(http://members.telocity.com/joelmarbella/)
Joel
San Francisco, CA USA 10/31/02
Ciao cafeterias in Italy
Just back from Italy and while I love pasta and italian specialties I also
like to have some more basic dishes during a trip. I found the Ciao cafeterias
in Siena and Milan a welcome change. Very reasonable prices and menu more
like the US, grilled chicken, salad with vegetables and similiar.
J Straw
Walnut Creek , Ca USA 09/25/02
Dublin Cafeteria
There is a great cafeteria in the Dublin Fruit and Vegetable Market called
Paddy's Place with wonderful cheap food. It must be good as the local vendors
eat there, too!
Ann Connolly
Dublin, Ireland 08/16/02
El Corte Inglés cafeteria
In Sevilla, a good place to have a light snack is the top of El Corte Inglés,
which is like a JCPenney or Macy's over here. One of their specialties was
the lemon slush drink which was very good. They had some sandwiches and
fries but we passed that up.
Josh Hanz
Foster City, CA USA 06/09/02
Geant store, Besancon, France
The Geant store in Besancon, France has a great cafeteria. Good food,
pleasant atmosphere, coffee to die for. And from Besancon one can hike or
ski in the Jura or easily hop across the frontier to visit Switzerland.
It is also convenient to both Paris and Burgundy.
Carol
CA USA 05/15/02
Florence:Fast and Good!
Just returned from a rushed trip in Florence. We had no time for the long
leisurely lunches and dinners this trip and discovered cafeteria food, Firenze
style. All around the Duomo are open restaurants with huge glass cases of
prepared dishes. Beautiful salads, pastas, seafood antipasti, hot dishes
and cold. You point and order a bit of this and that, go to the cash register
and get your wine or soda (lots of ice!) and then sit and enjoy. No waiting
for waiters to order another drink or a terrific dessert, just go back and
get it yourself. The wait staff constantly clean the tables and are helpful.
Big cases of gelati for your stroll back to the pensione. Our favorite,
though all were comparable, was on Via Calzioli just 1 block from the front
of the Duomo with gorgeous chandeliers and comfortable large tables. It
was very clean and so were the bathrooms. As for the price, a big dinner
for 2 with dessert and wine: E 26 and I left around E3 or 4 for tip. So,
about $25 tops. Needless to say, we ate there often.
codybrandy
Boston, Ma USA 05/03/02
Eating in Turkey
We were traveling in Turkey and found the Deniz Kizi, mentioned in the Lonely
Planet guide, to be one of our best stops. Ustun and his family serve wonderful
local seafood along with the wine made by Mama. They just brought us what
they wanted us to try — it was quite an experience.
Dewayne Lugafet
USA 04/12/02
Prague - Czech Kitchen
I tried the Czech Kitchen listed in Rick's book and found it the best bang
for your buck. The food is Czech homecooking and in big portions. Wear loose
clothing - you'll be happy you did when you finish the meal! It only cost
227 koruna(about US$6.40) for three people to stuff themselves silly. My
husband speaks Czech and talked with the owner and was told grown men cry
because they can't eat everything on their plate! I must stress to be sure
each person gets a tally sheet if traveling in a group. Even at these low
prices there have been some cheaters and now the restaurant will charge
500 koruna to anyone who tries to leave without having a talley sheet. Also,
get there for lunch before 11:30(a.m.). This is a very popular place for
Czech workers who know the best value. Even though there's a lot of seating,
it can be standing room only between 11:45 - 13:30.
D. Floyd
Sunnyvale, CA USA 03/13/02
Casino cafeterias, France
I just returned from the South of France, French Riviera. From Toulon to
near Monaco, we ate at a chain of cafeterias called "Casino." They were
all located near large shopping centers called "Giant." The food was great
and plentiful at all locations. The price was very reasonable and I recommend
them to anyone. One can find plenty of vegetables and, of course, many French
sweets.
Micheline
Washington, DC USA 01/24/02
Cafeteria Food in Stockholm
The vegetarian cafe Ortagarden has great food in a French green second story
location above the Food Hall in Stockholm. Lunch is about $7 and dinner
is about $14 with beer or wine. The soups, salads and desserts are all gourmet
and require you to come back another time to sample everything.
Anderson
Portland, or USA 01/01/02
Louvre cafeteria
A real surprise treat was the cafeteria in the Louvre - the prices were
reasonable (considering it's Paris), there was a huge selection and the
food was super!
Debra
Orem, UT USA 12/26/01
Lunch in Bologna - Tamburini
The best lunch, with the best selection of food from Emelia-Romagna is Tamburini
in Bologna. You must keep in mind that Bologna is considered to be the culinary
capital of Italy by many, and Tamburini is a shop where many Artisan products
are sold. And to top it off, there is a lunch line with regional Italian
specialities. I have been several times, and each trip to Bologna requires
a stop at Tamburini for lunch. The only problem is there are too many choices.
Try it, and I don't think you will be disappointed. Tamburini is in the
center of the city and quite accessable.
S. King
Jacksonville, FL USA 12/24/01
Movenpick and Brek cafeterias
The Movenpick cafeteria chain has spread into, among other places, Germany
(I ate at one in Leipzig) and their food is excellent. There is also an
excellent Italian chain called Brek. The one I ate at was in Padua; they
also have restaurants in Venice, Vicenza, Verona, Milan, Florence and Rome.
Both had a great variety of excellent food at quite reasonable prices.
Mary from Oregon
USA 12/04/01
Haarlem cafeteria
A great place to eat in Haarlem, Netherlands is the cafeteria on the top
floor of the Vroom-Dreesman department store. The food is varied, tasty,
and healthy. You also get a terrific view of Haarlem!
Craig Wilson
Salt Lake, Ut. USA 11/14/01
Great Restaurant in Brasov, Romania
If you are in Brasov, Romania and are looking for a very nice restaurant,
try Bistro Millennium. The atmosphere was great and the food fantastic!
Bistro Millennium is located on Str. Negoiu Nr. 14. Telephone (068) 412
363.
Tom Thurber
Seattle, WA USA 10/14/01
Great food in Prague, good prices!
Our best meal in Europe was at Restaurace U Certa, Volejnik & Fort, Nerudova
4, Prague, Czech Republic. This was on the right side of the street leading
up to the Prague Castle. Roast duck lunch with all the trimmings, excellent
beer, wine came to around $5 US per person. If you haven't been to Prague,
put it on your to do list.
Joel Carlson
Fox Island, WA USA 10/12/01
Athens cafeteria
My husband and I found Neon Self-Service (may be a chain) in Athens, just
off Syntagma Square, to be a great place for fast, inexpensive, and very
good food. Pastas and salads were particularly good breaks from the greasy
traditional Greek dishes.
Bonnie Knauss
Liberty, MO USA 08/14/01
Autogrill favorite
In Italy, we stopped and ate at the many auto grills along the highways.
Well, there was a sandwich called rustichella(?). It was awesome. It has
ham and some kind of white cheese (swiss or something else). Then they heat
it up so it's pretty warm. Man it's great.
Lance
Dallas, TX USA 06/25/01
Nord See chain, Germany
I just returned from two weeks touring Germany and found a great chain
of cafeteria-style restaurants. They're called NORD SEE (English translation:
North Sea). They specialize in seafood but they also have pizza, pasta
and great salads. We ate at the ones in Hamlin, Leipzig and Lindau. I
heartily recommend them. They are also very reasonable — two can eat well
for under DM20,00!
Chuck Stucke
Wildwood, MO USA 06/06/01
Italy
I have never had a bad meal at an "Auto Grill" in Italy. They were always
a great place to eat while traveling on the autostrada!
Jennifer McHugh
Worcester, MA USA 06/03/01
Berlin & Milan cafeterias
The Ka De We department store in Berlin has a cafeteria to die for.
It's not cheap but it's worth the splurge. Check out the dessert section,
it's awesome.
In Milan look for a chain of cafeterias called Ciao. They are inexpensive
and the food is surprisingly good.
Nick
Edmonton, Ab Canada 04/28/01
Cafeteria suggestions
Cafeterias are a great way to get the food you want when you don't speak
the language — you can just point at what you want. It's also easy to eat
beef-free if that's a concern.
Some great cafeterias my husband and I have been to:
- Bass'Otto in Bologna, a basement cafe with good salads and a statue
of a dog-angel at the top of the stairs;
- a couple of Breks in Turin, and I think this board has already established
that Brek is pretty great;
- Bewleys in Dublin, with amazing soups and stained-glass windows and
a lively crowd on Saturday afternoon.
- We tried the Flunch at Les Halles in Paris but it was imbued with that
Les Halles creepiness — you felt underneath you the tides of grumpy teenagers
swirling around floor after floor of the mall.
- There's a good, plain cafeteria off O'Connell Street in Dublin with
a statue of James Joyce outside and big windows that are tops for people-watching.
Al V
USA 03/31/01
Vatican cafeteria
The cafeteria at the Vatican Museum. It's excellent and cheap.
Lisa
San Francisco, , CA USA 03/26/01
Venice cafeteria
It's been a while since I ate there, but my most memorable cafeteria was
the Railway Workers Cafeteria in Venice, open only for lunch, about 100-200
meters to the right as you leave the Venice train station. Great food,
and the best price I found in Venice.
Kevin Jacques
Mountlake Terrace, WA USA 01/05/01
Toledo, Spain
Recently I had the chance to return to Toledo, my favorite city in Spain.
I got there late Sunday afternoon. After finding a place to stay, I walked
through the city reacquainting myself with its beauty.
When I thought about food most of the bars were out of tapas and the
restaurants were closed. I finally found a restaurant that was about to
close but the owner agreed to feed me and my traveling companions. We
initially asked for tapas but he saw how hungry we were and served us
a wonderful meal of garlic chicken, fried potatoes, bread, salad, and
of course some wine. The name of the place is Meson El Pasadizo. The wonderful
food and the outstanding service reaffirmed my love for Toledo.
Diane
Minneapolis, MN USA 01/04/01
Firenze cafeteria
There is a wonderful rotisseria in Florence, Italy right by the Duomo.
Make sure to stop there. The chicken is wonderful...
Katie
Phoenix, az USA 12/25/00
A "Prime" Spot for Lunch!
The tourist center near the dock in Greenwich, England, had a good cafe
which I didn't notice until I went in to use the bathroom. They also had
displays and a gift shop. I guess no one else realized how good the food
at the cafe was....no one was in there! This was on a Rick Steves' Best
of London tour in Nov. 2000 and Greenwich itself was mostly empty of tourists.
It was fun being the only ones on the Cutty Sark.
Beth C.
Lusby, MD USA 12/22/00
Louvre cafeteria
We loved the cafeteria at the Louvre, Carrousel du Louvre. It was easy
to find, right off the Rue de Rivoli, and had a variety of foods to choose
from. My husband had Morrocan, I had French, and our daughter had Italian.
It was all delicious and reasonably priced. After lunch we were able to
walk right into the Louvre with no lines.
Terry
Lomita, CA USA 11/03/00
Italy
The best pizza in Lugano (in my opinion) comes from the Manora restaurant
(Piazza Dante) next to the Manor restaurant. I got to choose my own ingredients
and watched the pizza being cooked ("pizza a scelte" in Italian). That
and a soft drink were just under 17 Swiss Francs ($10).
I had a delicious Risotto Milanese at the Ciao Ristorante in the Galeria
Vittorio Emanuele. There is also Spizzaco (fast-food pizza like Pizza
Hut) as well as McDonald's.
Josh Hanz
Foster City, CA USA 09/24/00
Stockholm cafeteria
The cafeteria in the Stockholm city hall is a very good eating experience — eat
as much as you want for only 60SEK per person. We ate there two days and
found a different menu each day. The entrance is to the left as you enter
the inside courtyard. It only operates M-F 11am-2pm.
Doug
Molalla, OR USA 09/18/00
London cafeteria
I recommend the cafeteria in the crypt at St. Martin in the Fields church
in London, near the Tate art gallery (Leicester Square tube), which also
has a nice cafe. The food is good and the prices are fair.
Vernon Drinkwater
VA Beach, VA USA 09/13/00
Try a Mensa (not just for smart people!)
In Italy, a mensa (cafeteria) is a municipal-run cafeteria, in principle
for local workers, though anybody may go, and since it is in Italy, the
general quality of the food is quite good.
As for university cafeterias, they vary considerably. I remember quite
dreadful, greasy food at La Sapienza in Rome.
Maria in Montréal
Montréal, Québec-Canada 04/12/00
Share with Roman cats
The train station in Rome had great cheap cafeteria food. Eat outside
and feed the kitties!
Liz Spevak
San Diego, CA USA 03/30/00
Cafeterias
As mentioned elsewhere, Wienerwald's (in Vienna) are great. Even good
pasta if you are tired of chicken. Flunch (anywhere in France) has the
largest choice of food I've found. Main train stations in large cities
in Europe have at least one good cafateria. Leah Southwell-Wright (see
below) should note: when I lived in Britain, we said you eat in France
and use the loo's in Britain.
Jack Coogan
Beverly, Ma USA 03/28/00
Vienna cafeteria
In Vienna, the Naschmarket cafeteria was a good place for a fast, filling,
and decent-tasting lunch. There were set menus (3 courses) that changed
daily. Plus, a selection of salads, soups, and typical local dishes. Don't
confuse this cafeteria with the outdoor market. In either case, you'll
find lots of locals there.
A. Aubert
Lafayette, LA USA 03/17/00
Brek cafeterias
There are various Brek restaurants scattered throughout northern Italian
cities and I believe also in Florence and Rome). The food is fresh and
very good; the restaurants are clean. Just a nice, relaxed atmosphere.
Anne Mackenzie
Chicago, IL USA 03/10/00
Wienerwald
Wienerwald is a decent, inexpensive semi-fast-food place in Germany and
Austria. We ate at one in Munich and one in Vienna. It's quick, cheap,
fairly tasty, often has nonsmoking sections, and is handy to your sightseeing.
Bill
Bakersfield, CA, USA 02/08/00
Flunch: Love It or Hate It
Flunch: Now there's a hot topic. Some people detest this French restaurant
chain and some people actually love it (I've met people who planned their itinerary
in France so there would be a stop in a Flunch restaurant every day).
I've dined in one in Toulouse, and, while not totally impressed, I didn't
think it was that bad. It's quick, relatively cheap, and near-gourmet
when compared to some of the downright awful chains found elsewhere. Sort
of a French Denny's, with a hint of Le Cirque. And with a description
like that, you're bound to attract criticism. If it's convenient, and you're in
the mood, give it a try when in France...but be sure to include a fair
degree of genuine French cooking when in that gastronomically advanced
country.
Andrew
WI USA 01/30/00
British Museum, London
The cafeteria at the British Museum in London has wonderful salads. The
four of us had different salads and they were all delicious. The other
items also looked quite appetizing. We'd definitely stop there again.
Donna Peck-Gaines
Seattle, WA USA 01/06/00
Munich cafeteria
While in Munich, Germany, our tour guide recommended a cafeteria on
5th floor of a Kaufhof Dept. Store. There are several such dept. stores
in the Munich downtown area. I found this cafeteria in the Kaufhof near
Glockenspiel in the Marienplatz. Lovely setting, under skylights, lots
of plants all around. Food selection was very good — prices were decent.
Ate there twice. Salad, roll, iced tea cost under $6.
Dorothy Fant
Loves Park,, IL USA 01/02/00
Ghent train station
The train station in Ghent (Belgium) is absolutely awe-inspiring! It
has the most beautiful architecture, and incredible art-deco lamps thoughout.
At midday with the sun streaming in it was hard to believe this was a
cafateria in a train station! It is a must to go in and enjoy a Belgium
beer and some delicious french fries! A truly memorable experience!
noelle fanizzi
brooklyn, ny USA 09/21/99
Andechs, near Munich
Only one cafeteria in Germany is a destination: Andechs Monastery, south
of Munich. Beer. Meat. Pretzels. Really cheap. Lively but respectful merrymaking
on a huge outdoor patio, with a view of the Alps on a sunny day. You can
drive there, but the moderately strenuous hike from Herrsching on the
Ammersee Lake makes this meal even more delicious. It's all in Rick's
book. Good pick, Rick.
Russ
Galt, CA USA 09/03/99
Venice cafeteria
In Venice near San Marco Square, Frazzeria, I found the "Chat qui'rit" very reasonable and you have many choices of food to eat and a nice, friendly
waiter who takes your tray and buses the tables cheerfully. Other restaurants
we found not so good and very overpriced.
Beth Andreozzi
Olema , CA USA 09/01/99
Ciao chain
Enjoyed Ciao Cafeteria twice in Siena (right on the Campo) and in Milan.
Good food made while you watch and reasonable prices. Great desserts too.
We wanted to taste several and got strange looks when we took four to
share.
Gary
Hanford, CA USA 08/26/99
Ireland, Paris, Madrid, Denmark
The Great Barn on the grounds of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in Ireland
had good and reasonable food. The Irish stew was great! In Paris, the
Traiteur Asie across from Hotel Leveque on Rue Cler has excellent Chinese
take-out (but you can eat at their tables outside if you wish). The Prado
Museum in Madrid has a very good cafeteria downstairs. In Copenhagen,
Manhattan Pizza on Stroget, while not a cafeteria, has a 49kr all-you-can-eat
buffet which was surprisingly good, even with some of the unusual toppings — like
corn. Great crust. The salad bar was basic and fresh.
Lynne
Union, WA USA 08/09/99
Venice cafeteria
The cafeteria in the train station in Venice is great place to have
an inexpensive and tasty lunch or dinner. My wife & I ate dinner there
twice when we were in Venice two years ago, and weren't disappointed either
time. Several different entrees and pasta to choose from, as well as salad
and soup, wine, etc. They have a nice sitting area with some outdoor tables,
too.
Steve Blader
Richfield, MN USA 08/09/99
Train stations & department stores
The cafeterias in the Amsterdam and Copenhagen train stations are good.
For a great selection of food and lovely surroundings - bright and airy
with lots of plants and a waterfall - try the cafeteria on the top floor
of the KaDeWe department store on the Kufurstendamm in Berlin. The department
store itself is worth a visit, especially the 5th(?) floor which is devoted
to food items.
DM
Reseda, CA USA 06/29/99
Brek chain in Italy
There's a chain called Ristoranti Brek with restaurants in ten or twelve
major cities in Italy. It's reliable, cheap and actually the ambience
isn't awful for this kind of place. Food is plentiful, though certainly
not Michelin three-star quality!
V.J.
ks USA 06/28/99
Dublin cafeteria
A few years ago in Dublin I ate at the famous Bewleys Coffee House. They
have more than just pastries and coffee, and everything looked fresh.
It is run cafeteria- style; this probably helps keep prices down. It was
(relatively) inexpensive. Added bonus of being located in a great shopping
district near Trinity College, Blarney Woolen Mills Store, and numerous
other attractions. Tables were plentiful and it was very clean.
John Bryer
Cincinnati, OHOHOh USA 06/01/99
Paris department store cafeteria
We just returned from our second trip to Paris and discovered the cafeteria
in the Galeries Lafayette department store, behind the Opera. In addition
to good food at decent prices, there was a tremendous view from the dining
area — Tour Eiffel, etc. We enjoyed the rooftop view from this store better
than that of the Samaritaine store because there was simply more "elbow
room." The shopping was outstanding as well.
Anna Swaim
Little Rock, AR USA 04/12/99
Prague cafeteria
Restaurace Jezera (at 48 Vaclavske namesti) is not exactly a cafeteria,
but it is the best native buffet in downtown Prague. It is patronized
by working-class locals — I only saw one obvious tourist family eating
there — and even the server did not speak English. Two persons can eat
a tasty meal for under US$6. You look at the menu on the wall and the
food displayed in a case. The soups and Czech Goulasch are delicious.
They also serve a brand of Czech beer which is excellent.
It's open at least six day a week from 9AM-8PM M-F, and Saturday from
9AM to 7PM.
Bill & Kate Freeman
San Diego, Ca USA 04/09/99
London cafeteria in the park
In the northwestern area of London, Regents Park has a really yummy
cafeteria-style restaurant, The Park Cafe. Besides the few French patisseries
we found, this was the best food in London.
Donna Starr
Westminster, CO USA 02/28/99
Swiss chains
In most of the larger cities in Switzerland you'll find either a Manor
or Migros. Both are department stores with reasonably priced and tasty
meals. Many locals go there just for that reason. A hearty lunch can cost
$5-10 and dinner a little more than that.
Conyers, GA USA 02/13/99
French cafeterias
In France, cafeterias are great places to eat at lunchtime. In Paris
we love the cafeteria in Printemps department store. If you are travelling
by car and are anywhere near a CORA store at lunchtime, you must try it!
The food is quite good and the prices are incredible! Besides, the store
is so huge that we once spent 4 hours between eating our lunch and shopping!
Bon appetit!
Lois Bach
San Diego, CA USA 01/23/99
French treat
The cafeteria
in the train station in the city of Bordeaux is also very cool. My husband
had a very tasty Chateaubriand and I had duck, both with fries of course,
and it was cheap! After weeks of ham and cheese sandwiches and hamburgers
it was a wonderful treat.
Valerie
Healdsburg, CA USA 01/12/99
Paris
For a truly gourmet experience try Le Grand Epicerie in Le Bon Marche
in the Severes Babylone area of Paris. The food is excellent and you can
pick up gourmet treats like truffle flavoured oil and oeufs de saumon
for a grat price.
Deepak Thakkar
Houston, TX USA 11/30/98
Paris
The cafetaria in the Cour Napolen area of the Louvre is excellent. Pass
up the International Food Court in the Carrousel area. The Samaritaine
has the view but the Louvre has the food! Note: You do not have to purchase
a museum ticket to access the cafeteria.
Richard Mace
Eugene, OR USA 11/15/98
Two in the UK
The hot items at the cafeteria in Blenheim Palace are mediocre, but
the sandwiches and such are fine. Look for the yogurt in boxes at cafeterias:
they're milk-like yogurt drinks, very tasty and nutritious! The cafeteria
at Edinburgh Castle is also good but is often crowded with the massive
herds of tourists that arrive in the tour buses at the gate.
Andrew
Plover, WI USA 11/15/98
Swiss can't-miss
Just returned from 2 weeks in Switzerland. We really liked the Manora
buffets. The food was fresh and cooked right in front of you. They also
had a great looking salad bar. We were able to have dinner, beverages,
and drinks for 2 for less than $35. A typical dinner in a restaurant was
usually at least twice that.
Anna Kersten
Kenosha, WI USA 11/04/98
Munchin' in Munich
The Movenpick cafeteria in Munchen is terrific for breakfasts. We never
had dinner there, but those are probably good too!!!
Helen Wiant
Cupertino, CA USA 11/04/98
Venice cafeteria
Bartolomeo's in Venice was wonderful! Fast and easy, we selected several
items and had a picnic at a nearby canal bridge. Food was excellent and
reasonably priced.
Monica
Frederick, MD USA 11/04/98
Florence cafeteria
One of the best meals we had during 2 weeks in Italy this year, believe
it or not, was in the cafeteria in the Florence train station. Rigatone
bolognese, little mozzarella-stuffed potato dumplings, fresh salad, fruit.
Delizioso! Don't pass it up if you have an hour to kill at the train station.
Robert Drinan
Chicago, IL USA 11/02/98
Madrid cafeteria
The best gazpacho we had in Spain was at the downstairs cafeteria at
the Prado Museum in Madrid!
Tom Lawton
Boston, MA USA 11/02/98