A Stockholm landmark since 1863, Berns Salonger remains a favourite haunt for both locals as well as visitors and there's little wonder why. With a boutique hotel, conference and banquet facilities, a vibrant Asian restaurant and summer terrace, popular bars, nightclub, gallery and a theatre that showcases all major theatrical and musical performances, concerts and international stand-up comedians, the place is without a doubt Stockholm?s unequalled entertainment hub and ideal meeting place for business and pleasure.

Nestled in the city's main attraction is Berns Asiatiska - a gem of a find both for its novelty as the city's first Chinese restaurant in 1944, as well as for its culinary excellence that sustains its popularity even today. Beginning with China, the restaurant has managed to work its way through Asia and now offers the very best of Asian cuisine, the recipes of which have been sourced from every nook and corner of this vast and fascinating continent. There are skilled sushi chefs working 'live' at the restaurant, adding reassurance that everything which comes out of this kitchen is truly Asian.

Berns Asiatiska has at its roots a vision to create a 'relaxed, international atmosphere where all kinds of guests would thrive'.  On entering, you observe how true this is. There are people from various ethnic backgrounds dining under the gilded ceilings and magnificent chandeliers that have set the place apart since its beginnings. The dining area is spacious, so you can enjoy the vibrant notes in the ambience without having to overhear your neighbour's conversation. There are several touches in the décor that indicate its rich history and the service works well with the relaxing ambience created by the restaurant. Though justifiably crowded on most days, guests are never hurried to leave the table after a meal.

There are breakfast, lunch, brunch, à la carte and sushi menus, including an enormous brunch buffet during weekends. Pop in for yum cha - Chinese tea in the afternoons, which includes dumplings and a fabulous desserts buffet.

Begin lunch with oysters from Charentes with trout roe and cumquat butter, fried pork and peanut dumpling with chilli and ginger sauce, followed by Thai meatballs in red curry or the fried duck breast. Vegetarians may go for the garlic-fried French beans and dumpling with asparagus and spring onion. Sushi lovers have a long list of chef's specials apart from the regulars including sashimi, ika and unagi, prepared right before their eyes by sushi wizards, carefully hand-picked from Asia.

Come here for authentic food, historic musings, top notch service and an international dining experience. Be it a stop-over before catching a concert at China Theatre or a casual meal with a friend, there's no better way to soak in the flavour of Stockholm than over dim-sum in Berns Asiatiska.

Parisians in Stockholm may be overwhelmed with a sense of déjà vu when they step in to Riche, which literally breathes character akin to Café Riche on Boulevard des Italiens in Paris. Although it began life way back in 1896, it was only until the 1930s that it took on a more practical design and the grill was opened to the right of the building's entrance.

Designed on the lines of its French counterpart, the elegant gold framed mirrors and crystal chandeliers speak opulence and the atmosphere is one that makes both bourgeoisie and the officer class feel at home. Large windows and high ceilings bring in a spacious feel and the furniture is functional and minimalist in style.

The cooking remains open to foreign influences, and sways the French brasserie way at times, yet it is heartening to find many old school Swedish dishes, take the pata negra de Salamanca for instance; this Iberian cured ham from Spain, is touchingly referred to as finger food, and there is also chorizo bruschetta with tomato marmalade.

Lovers of seafood may find it hard to tame their cravings as they mull over the starters section - half dozen snails Provençal, assorted marinated herrings, garlic seared baby squid, vendace roe and smoked eel with scrambled eggs - all waiting to be enjoyed. For others it could be Danish open sandwiches or lukewarm beetroots and vegetables with chévre terrine.

The main dishes could get you humming with excitement as the sight of sautéed cubed fillet of beef, olive and pistachio stuffed spring chicken with asparagus, and fried soured pork with parsley creamed potatoes all beckon. Again those with a penchant for anything related to the sea would probably love the grilled halibut with lobster wrapped clams, white sand asparagus and chive aioli, and pike-perch in paper with lemon verbena and nettle risotto.

The not-so-chocolatey dessert menu features a boozy lemon crème brûlée with licorice stirred raspberries and chocolate cheesecake with marinated nectarines. The well traversed wine list includes bins from Austria, Hungary, Canada and US while Old World wines are not entirely forgotten.

Riche is very often described as a place to see and be seen in Stockholm and combined with watching the chefs wowing the crowds with their cooking and the buzzing atmosphere every evening and on weekends this surely has to warrant a visit to such a lively place.

This uber chic supper club in Berlin is sleek, sexy and very modern with all the elements of a trendy hotspot prominently visible, making it a very happening place to head out to, once darkness sets in. But the magnificent views of the Spree River are best during sunny days, and so it's also the ideal spot for a leisurely lunch with friends and others of your circle.

The decor is minimalist and the attitude spunky, a combination that works remarkably well; no wonder you see all the fashionistas and trendy people there, sipping cocktails and nibbling on the delectable Asian inspired fare. In summer months, Spindler & Klatt is constantly busy on weekends with promoted events and celebrity parties that keep the buzz flowing.

The beach style loungers and bench type tables on the outdoor terrace are inviting while inside, there's a sense of vastness about the space, and the predominant white colour creates a soothing background. Apart from the central dining area, there's also a lounge and a freeform dance floor where nightly events take centre stage after 11 pm.

The gentle mix of Japanese and Thai cuisines lends their unmistakable nuancesto starters of chicken satay, skewered pieces marinated in coconut milk and peanut sauce. On a slightly different note is the gratinated goat cheese with chilli sweet potato, macadamia nuts, herb salad and watercress vinaigrette. But when it comes to the unusual, fillet of ostrich with lettuce, passion fruit dressing and pomegranates wins hands down.

The Japanese open kitchen brings a variety of exciting sashimi and tempuras; don't miss the tartar of salmon with Thai basil and ginger, or the marinated octopus with wild herbs and cilantro chilli salsa.

For the main event, the chefs delve into their repertoire and come up with the linguine with green asparagus, mascarpone cream and black truffle, whilst another choice could bring you grilled black guinea fowl with garlic gnocchi, root vegetables and ginger jus. Adding further to your dilemma is the Korean veal with wasabi mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach beef and ginger jus while the grill also beckons with the salmon or the rump steak atop wok vegetables with Thai basil and ginger. Rounding off this excellent meal are the fruity desserts, mango with vanilla brittle cream and yoghurt ice cream or the strawberry rhubarb cake with bourbon tinged mascarpone.

Cocktail choices run into the popular daiquiri, margarita, mojito and mai tais while those with a discerning eye will find the wine list to be an excellent compilation of European wines, whiskies and spirits. Beers, soft drinks, teas and coffees are some of the other drinks on offer and the extensive list seems to have something for everyone.

Berlin's night scene would be incomplete without a jaunt to Spindler & Klatt.

Featuring an exquisite interior filled with rich woods, a glass waterfall and mosaic-tiled floor, Borsalino Restaurant serves elegant Italian cuisine. Relax and unwind to soulful jazz whilst admiring stunning views of the historic St. Isaac's Cathedral.

Seasonally changing, the Borsalino menu sparkles with authentic regional specialties, made using fresh fish and seafood, fine herbs, and decadent white truffles. Enjoy dishes like ricotta cheese soufflé on asparagus cream, tagliatelle with rabbit, and sea bass on sautéed leeks with thyme and orange. Breakfast and business lunch menus are also served at Borsalino St Petersburg.

Tempting desserts of tiramisu, smooth pannacotta or chocolate soufflé bring the meal to an indulgent close. The wine list at Borsalino features carefully selected Italian bottles, as well as bins from some of the world's finest wine regions.

Enjoy your favourite cocktail at the Borsalino bar, with regular happy hours staged. Set in exclusive surroundings, Borsalino at the Angleterre Hotel offers Wi-Fi, 2 private dining rooms and is just a short drive from popular Nevsky Avenue.

To gain further information, just visit their extremely comprehensive Website.

A copy of the charter by the king in the entrance hall gives a fascinating insight to Edsbacka Krog's life way back in 1626 when it all started. Inn-keeper Henrik Olofson was authorised to 'establish an inn at Edsbacka, in the rural district of Sollentuna, where he could tap and serve miscellaneous foreign and Swedish beers as well as wine and spirits and other fiery drinks and also offer food'. Things haven't changed much except for the fact that this old inn has now evolved into a fine restaurant, incorporating the values of traditional pub hospitality.

Inside there is a whole gamut of dining options, from the Vinkällaren, the oldest part of the restaurant, which once housed the wine cellar, to the large and airy Paviljongen where you could get a little closer to nature. Salongen on the upper floor takes in fabulous views of the park of Edsberg Manor while the Kammaren, which can accommodate up to four guests, is for those who seek privacy.

After serving Edsbacka Krog for 26 years, Christer Lingström finally decided to hand up his ladle and former chief cook-now-turned-restaurateur Fredrik Pettersson carries on his vision to create an excellent restaurant experience. True to form the timeless tradition of homeliness, simplicity and honesty is passed on, and diners certainly have much to look forward to.

The kitchen is not afraid to experiment and clever little combinations are manifest among starters, duck liver with white chocolate and figs and oven baked salmon with scallop and oyster foam. Main dishes too follow suit, think grilled tenderised beef imbuing the flavours of smoked chilli and variation of red deer teamed with a warm salad of yellow beetroot and parsnip. Sweet treats are petite creations in themselves, a cylinder of white chocolate and cloudberries with black currant sorbet, and a warm soufflé of white peach.

Seasonal specialities include variation of Swedish lamb flavoured with truffle and rosemary. For the big event there's always a comforting Edsbacka Krog's classical bagarby soup followed by seared char with mussel sauce and a salad of fennel, saffron and potato, and mousse of raspberries with raspberry sorbet and a crispy cake.

First there is a wine list and then a wanted wine list, the latter being the name of a new series of wines featuring champagne from the house of Alfred, an Alsace white, a Lirac red and a sweet Château Puy Servain Terrement.

Edsbacka Krog is keen to help you make your wedding day more special with customized menus and even offering a Volvo S80 limousine for that added touch of class.

When was the last time you stepped into a mall and after a hectic day of shopping, rushed into a food court, wearily hauled those bags aside, hoping to grab a bite and seeking respite from the crowd frenzy? At Kungsholmen they do things differently, for one thing there is no shopping happening here, but the food court concept reigns supreme, albeit in a more sophisticated, diner style way. Its location along the Mälaren River is an added bonus, guaranteeing views that could hardly be bettered.

The décor is a blend between a traditional dining room and lounge with seven different food stations, so there’s raw, Nordic, organic, fast food classic, spice and a fruit bar. The cocktail bar features a collection of old classics and new creations. The interior is trendy and design schemes are realistic, catering to hungry hordes that descend here everyday. Pontonen, situated right next door, is more of a summer retreat, surrounded by Kungsholmen’s guest dock,and is accessible by boat.

Bocuse d’Or or the biennial world chef championship is often considered to be the culinary world’s answer to the Olympic Games; landing a silver medal at this prestigious contest is no mean feat, and that’s exactly what the Kungsholmen’s cooking duo of Melker Andersson and Danyel Couet have managed to achieve. Their cooking thrives on innovation and presents a blend of international cuisines and taste combinations that are highly appealing

At the raw bar expect to find bento boxes, nigiri or maki, sashimi, Vietnamese beef salad or fine du Claire oysters, and also delights from the Nordic region such as salmon tartar with trout roe, Swedish bouillabaisse and smoked strip loin with bacon. If organic is the way to go then choose a tomato salad caprese, bleak roe blini with lemon crème and coq au vin blanc, or if you don’t have too much time to spare then munch on a tuna burger with lime and coriander or fish and chips with lobster aioli.

Bar classics such as seafood cocktail and moules mariniére are not entirely forgotten and those who’d like to spruce up their meal with a bit of spice could choose pepper grilled beef with Béarnaise or the Caribbean barbecue piggham sandwich. Finally head to the fruit bar for a rhubarb compote with yogurt sorbet or a coupe peach Melba.

The F12 Group has many classy restaurants in its kitty and Kungsholmen certainly stands out on its own, maintaining the high standards set by this thriving group.

What happens when you put together an impeccably prepared meal along with a hugely entertaining theatrical opera? It's not an unlikely concept because at El Cafe de la Opera, they have been making a success out of it from the past decade and more. Located opposite the Teatro Real, the magnificent setting is not out of place and guests can enjoy the flavoursome food at this iconic restaurant as they settle down to a night of fun and musical enjoyment.

The atmosphere strikes a delicate balance between trendy chic and old world elegance but nevertheless, gets it right with the linen covered tables, wooden floors, exquisite place settings and a gleaming grand piano. The waiting staff are excellent not just in their service, but also in providing burst of song to diners when the spirit takes them.

Dining at the El Cafe de la Opera is an exciting experience because it is a treat not just for the taste buds but a dramatic overload for all the senses. The ambience is perfectly in tune with what customers love, and at dinner time, there?s a wonderful selection of arias, duets, quartets and romances with well known pieces that resonate in the air, long after the performance has culminated.

The international menu brings a variety of tasty dishes under one roof and there are different fixed menus based upon what will be performed musically that night. From the à la carte menu however, the ceviche of salmon with emulsion of corn and tomato chutney is a great choice for starter, but there are other delicious options too, such as the Iberian ham croquettes, foie gras terrine with fig salad and honey vinaigrette and steak tartare with toasted bread.

Vegetarians will undoubtedly rejoice in the risotto pumpkin with green asparagus or penne pasta with wild mushrooms, Parmesan cheese and truffle oil. If healthy food is a top priority, then the salads will appeal, particularly the seasonal vegetables in their own juice. If you prefer fish, then the corvine crispy spinach with purple potatoes and clam emulsion could become a firm favourite.

But meat prevails as with anywhere else with the rack of lamb with ratatouille, rösti potatoes, juice and liquorice mint or the Magret duck roast with creamy smoked bacon. There's also the fillet of beef with whiskey sauce and roasted peppers for those with hearty appetites whilst the desserts on offer can easily steal the show with their rich flavours and textures. Note for instance the chocolate fondant with passion fruit or the cheese and pear tart with coffee ice cream and calvados. There's an extensive wine list, a selection that does great justice to your meal by complementing it perfectly and there's a range of ports and other spirits too.

With the 1992 Barcelona Olympics in full sway, El Cangrejo Loco was established as a restaurant to serve distinguished guests and eminent personages who visited the port and city for the games. Today, many years after that, El Cangrejo Loco, or The Crazy Crab, has emerged as a favoured dining destination for those people who want to enjoy delicious seafood with breathtaking views of the marina and the sea.

Exceptional quality and exquisite service are the keywords that describe this restaurant aptly and popular seating options include the terraces that offer wide glimpses of the azure sea. With the perennial good weather around, customers can enjoy a sunny lunch in winter or sit down to a moonlit night in more sultry months.

The freshness of the food is instrumental in making the restaurant a phenomenal success, and everything is prepared with great care. Hand crafted dishes show the passion and commitment of the chefs in creating an experience that is simply sublime.

Starters are divided into hot and cold and amongst the latter, there is salt codfish carpaccio, a salad with dried salted meat and pears or Iberico cured ham. But if you relish something warm, then the seafood croquettes will be the ideal choice, alongside butter dipped squid rings and mussels with fisherman sauce.

For the main event, there's a famous dish from Aranda del Duero, roast baby lamb, although the veal entrecote in green pepper sauce is just as delicious. If nothing but fish will satisfy you, then do try the grilled salmon or the monkfish with mushrooms and clams. Lobster with garlic and chilli or the crayfish prepared Ferrol style are excellent options but if you wanted to stay traditional try the paella parellada.

To finish, there's the Catalan caramelized custard cream or a homemade apple puff pastry. If you prefer fruity ways to end your meal, then you could opt for seasonal fruits drizzled with Macedonian orange juice.

If you enjoy drinking avidly or even if you're just interested in the wines that a restaurant has to offer, you will be impressed with the large temperature controlled cellar that brings more than 500 Spanish choices, champagnes and spirits.

It doesn't take too much effort to guess what the mainstay of The Lobster House would be, so if you're passionate about seafood, lobsters in particular, this Barcelona restaurant gives you your money's worth. Located close to the Diagonal metro, and situated in the heart of the Eixample district, this airy restaurant follows a Mediterranean theme in the food as well as décor.

Diners are pleasantly surprised with the ambience which is cool and elegant with white napery, large windows, dark furniture and potted plants, while the warmth exuded by the service enhances the dining experience. The bar is also a cosy spot for pre-dinner drinks and The Lobster House is a perfect place if you want to host an ebullient party for friends, with the private room offering space and atmosphere.

Five different fixed price menus ease the dilemma regarding choices, and these include an aperitif with first and second courses, wine and dessert. While this could prove to be of great value, there's also the à la carte if you prefer to do the choosing on your own.

Fresh salads topped with tuna fish and olives or tomato and mozzarella with avocado are just right for a light and tasty beginning. Other starters that rouse the appetite could include the Andalusian style cuttlefish, king prawns with Maldon salt or fisherman's paella.

While lobster is a huge favourite, grilled or steamed, there are other dishes for fish lovers too, such as the sliced grilled hake, baked loin of cod with cream of escalivada or fillets of sea bass cooked in the Santurce fashion. More hearty dishes follow, with meats cooked over holm oak charcoal, and you could try the imperial lamb ribs or the stewed shoulder of lamb with the steaks and burgers as excellent alternatives.

The best way to end such a leisurely meal would be with something sweet, so do save some space for the Catalan custard with burnt brown sugar or the warm chocolate coulant. Fruity desserts such as the frozen mandarin mousse with citric coulis should do the trick if you're not overly fond of rich sweets.

The wine selection is as befits a restaurant of their scale, extensive and indulgent and yet reasonably priced.