London
My number-one spot for sweet treats is Violet, a bakery in east London. I go for the banana bread, the sheet cakes as well as their seasonal homemade sodas. The outdoor seating is the perfect place for people-watching.
Postcard Teas in Mayfair is the place to buy trusted, well-sourced tea from individual farmers. It’s also where I get my matcha powder. The stories behind the tea are amazing too, and the packaging is beautiful.
For fancy, well-crafted seasonal sharing plates—and the most passionate owners—it has to be Rogues in Hackney. The best place for a birthday.
Kaffa Coffee in Dalston is where I go for the most delicious Ethiopian food made by the kindest owner.
Paris
When I’m in Paris, I always make time to go to Aube in the 11th arrondissement for all-day brunch. Everything is amazing.
Go to Taozi in the 8th, for big, creamy fruit mochi. Or the always-excellent Tapisserie for expertly made French pastries. I get the maple tart.
Milan
If you want to taste the best bolognese of your life, then Trattoria Bolognese Da Mauro is a must. You will not regret it.
Having tried all the traditional tea and cake houses in the city, my favorite has to be Marchesi. My order? Shakerato and the pink strawberry cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
New York
Whenever I’m in New York, I meet friends for brunch at La Cantine in Bushwick. They change their menu every day and do amazing sandwiches (my go-to is the chicken cutlet), salads, and cakes.
For an afternoon treat, Funny Face bakery in Manhattan does, hands down, the best chocolate chip cookie I’ve ever had.
Tokyo
A cup of warm matcha and a bowl of red bean soup with grilled mochi from Lim Café is one of my favorite meals of all time.
I never leave Tokyo without having visited the beautiful restaurant Nezu Kamachiku. It’s where you’ll find the best cold udon with crispy tempura bits, the most delicious tomato salad you’ve ever tried as well as the ultimate tamago. Take me back.