Looking for a few cool “zen-esque” restaurants during your travels to Europe? Be sure to visit these on your trip.
Switzerland
A street behind the Promenade des Bastions you will find the quintessentially tasty diner of Café Papon.
The arched venue was first opened as a banqueting hall in 1808 but fast-forward over 200 years and the décor and atmosphere is just as charming as, I can only imagine, it once was.
Full banquets, fine dining, breakfast, drinks, aperitifs and tasty cafe snacks are on offer in the array of cavernous spaces and terraces; perfect for snuggling up in the winter and enjoying the sunshine in the summer.
The contemporary food, beautiful presentation and stunning surroundings all equate to a thoroughly relaxing ambience. However, this ornate venue may not take card so make sure you get some currency changed before you go. (i.e. UK travellers visit Travelex, US travellers visit FX-Rate).
England
If you’re idea of relaxing is at home with a cup of tea surrounded by your pets; London’s latest cafe may interest you.
Later in 2013, the UK’s first cat-friendly café is opening in England’s bonny capital. Owner Lauren Pears has started renovating the Old Street venue and hopes to have it open to cat lovers and rescue centre felines in May.
After being without a home for many months, Lauren chose 10-15 cats from the Mayhew Animal Home in north-west London to invite to parole the place and make it their own. The café plans to sell lunchtime snacks, tasty treats, fresh coffees and, of course, the Brits favourite tea.
This idea is popular with Japanese locals and is perfect for London cat fans that do not have the funds, accommodation or time to look after a cat full-time. Neko no Mise opened in Japan in 2005 and was the first cat café in the world.
France
Its artsy, its French, it serves yummy nibbles and is one of the hippest, sought-after bars in town.
Rosa Bonheur in the centre of Paris is named after the free-spirited Parisian artist and the atmosphere is just that. Since first opening in 2008, the venue has grown in popularity and regularly attracts a crowd of up-coming painters, cool kids, trendy families and fashionable youths seeking fresh sangria in a bistro environment.
The décor is modest but comfy, and prices are relatively cheap compared to the standard French bistro scene. Behind the street-fronted tables and wooden-framed venue you will find a cute lawn allowing for a picnic date experience. Did I mention there’s even a dance floor too? It may be small but it certainly caters to everyone’s idea of a good time.
Germany
For the ultimate seamless, smooth and hassle-free dining experience head to Baggers in the German city of Nuremberg where you will find a futuristic eatery like no other.
Who needs waiters and table service when the rollercoaster-style ‘food rails’ carry your meals to your table?
When you are ready to order, send your requests to the chefs via an integrated touch-screen computer at every table. Then, wait for your locally-sourced, fresh and healthy food to appear on the twisting and winding track from the kitchen (based on the 1st floor).