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.

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.

Sturehof is the kind of place that you would like to go anytime of the day or night; initially the sheer size of the place overwhelms you, and then you observe people from all walks of life streaming in, adding to the general bonhomie. It’s almost always bustling and busy and, if the prospect of an al fresco meal seems tempting, just step outside where the outdoor air and could perhaps build an appetite. Some may agree that pausing between mouthfuls to people-watch is welcome to the digestion.

Sturehof has come a long way from when it first started as a beer hall more than 100 years ago. Things have changed greatly for the better and the impressive glass wall that separates the downstairs bar from the main eating space is the only thing that remains from the now-extinct 1930s interior. The dining area is a more formal affair with crisp white table cloths, wooden panels and distinctive light fixtures.

Seafood is certainly the main draw here and starters of cured salmon with a sweet dill and mustard sauce, shellfish cocktail with tomato vinaigrette and vendace roe from Vänern with butter-fried toast, red onion and Smetana – soured heavy cream - grace the daily changing menu. Meaty main courses are a subtle explosion of flavours with boiled fresh brisket of beef drowned in a horseradish sauce, grilled entrecôte with béarnaise and tenderized beef with bean salad, bacon and red wine butter, all smacking of bovine goodness.

Extending the maritime emphasis fish is one dish that cannot be sidelined at Sturehof, especially when it includes such delights as poached lightly salted cod with prawns, fried Baltic herring, broiled cured pollack and lemon sole on the bone with mushrooms, charlotte onion and browned butter. Shellfish also takes its place under the sun and consider choices like the oyster platter or the shellfish platter of ½ Maine lobster, prawns, Dublin Bay prawns, crab and Fine de Claire.

For a meal such as this desserts should be nothing but remarkable, and the taste of almond parfait with berries and sour cream pannacotta with rhubarb soup could linger long after this highly satisfying and beautifully prepared meal. With over 600 wines, the drinks list certainly commands respect and is sure to hold something to delight every palate.

After dinner party-hoppers will definitely be attracted to the pulsating vibe at the O-bar upstairs keeping in tune with Stockholm’s vibrant nightlife. They also feature a couple of live performances every week from some famous and not-yet-famous artists.

Situated close to Notre Dame, Boulevard Saint-Germain and plenty of other postcard pretty attractions, La Marée Verte is a delightful little, family-run restaurant attracting a discerning clientele, which includes tourists and locals alike. The dining area's maritime theme is inescapable with a collection of ancient liners framed on the walls and strategically placed deco lighting creating a cosy feel. The restaurant's neutral shaded hues interspersed with warm wood furniture make this a delightful refuge for those looking for some serious French cooking.

If the nautical themed décor is any indication, one might guess that seafood surely deserves a special mention; yes it does, and on further thought it seems natural with the River Seine flowing nearby. But the menu is also well tailored to include a choice of eleven starters, entrées and desserts each, and the avid meat eaters will seldom be disappointed.

Once the menu scouting exercise is complete, settle down with a whiff of the sea by choosing a bowl of steamed mussels in cream of curry sauce, or goats' cheese in a crisp pastry shell with fresh vegetables and tarragon. Here's something for those with an adventurous streak; how about oven baked tomatoes stuffed with snails and basil or fired gambas flambéed with celeriac chips?

To follow there's peppered fillet of beef with potatoes au gratin, thinly sliced veal escalope in a cream of morel sauce, and duck fillet in cherry sauce with apples and potatoes. The tender rabbit for a main course may seem like an enticing choice and it gets better as it comes bathed in rosemary honey with sautéed mushrooms; or perhaps the dorade royale, which is big on taste as it arrives cooked in a tin foil, with all the juices intact, and accompanied by fresh vegetables and thyme. At dessert time embark on a journey, with floating island heading the list, closely challenged by prunes in Armagnac, coffee parfait and caramelised custard.

The wine list is unabashedly French and covers all regions from Bordeaux and Beaujolais to Bourgogne and Côtes du Rhone, supplemented by an extensive list of aperitifs and champagnes. Winding through the little streets of this lovely city could help work up an appetite, and tourists may vouch for the fact that a meal at La Marée Verte could prove to be a fitting end to the Paris sojourn; for others it could be a quick mental note on when to return.

The French inspired Brasserie Am Gendarmenmarkt is one of those places where style meets substance effortlessly in a setting that is sophisticated yet casual. The location of this restaurant in the heart of historic Berlin is another factor that contributes to its chic elegance, particularly as it is right in the centre of the fascinating cultural life and grandiose architecture that is so prevalent in the Pigeon Strasse.

Comfortably casual, the restaurant fits the mould of an upmarket Parisian Brasserie with ease and the pleasant and relaxing atmosphere is perfect if you want to linger over lunch or a dinner with someone special. The stylish lounge with its opulent Art Deco prints is just the place to add that hint of glamour to your events and meetings, and it's equipped with the latest technology to ensure that your presentations are carried out seamlessly. The terraces and patio, on days when the weather is clement, are a delightful setting for a lazy afternoon over a delicious bouillabaisse.

Fresh, seasonal produce, which hasn't travelled too far to reach your plate, forms the basis of the dishes that emerge from the kitchen. The cuisine is French although the German hints are inevitable and add to the overall enjoyment of the food. Consider for example the potato and watercress cream with grilled shrimp or the consommé of parsley root with Parmesan ravioli; the delicate blend of flavours and textures spur you on to anticipate the next course with mounting pleasure.

For starters, you might have the duck liver with potato salad and winter truffles or the beef with capers, spicy cucumber, anchovy fillets, shallots and boiled quail on toasted bread. Main courses bring to light the German connection with the wiener schnitzel from the veal topside while the calf's liver in port wine sauce with balsamic shallots lends to a lighter and flavourful taste. If lamb is more to your liking, then the saddle of lamb with herb crust on rotweinjus beans and bacon could be more favourable.

Surprisingly, there's also a slight Italian twist, with homemade ravioli and tagliatelle, while the steaks offer a hearty alternative with the Black Angus breed heading the list, and dishes might feature such appetizing meals as the châteaubriand with vegetables and herb béarnaise or the 8 oz sirloin with broad beans and dried tomatoes.

The French are on top form when it comes to dessert and in this aspect too, the Brasserie does not lag behind with delectable choices such as mousse of white Valrhona chocolate and apple strudel with raspberry sorbet or crème brûlée ruling the list. There's also an exquisite selection of cheeses for the connoisseurs.

The wine list offers an eclectic selection which spans the wine producing countries in the New and Old World ending with an entry from South Africa, Fusion V 2004, which is a neo-classical variant that has found numerous enthusiastic takers. Their comprehensive Website outlines further details regarding menus and offers.

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.

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.

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 luxurious setting offering breathtaking views of St. Isaac's Cathedral, Caviar Bar at the Angleterre Hotel offers an exquisite selection of seafood. Guests can indulge in a delectable range of caviar and shellfish, along with a fine selection of champagne, wines and Russian vodkas.
 
The Caviar Bar menu includes a varied selection of luxurious caviars, including the renowned Beluga variety. Using stunning craftsmanship, elegant accompaniments include traditional blinis, a variety of smoked fish, and handmade sushi. Guests can follow these dainty delicacies with a meal at the Angleterre Hotel's Italian restaurant, Borsalino Restaurant. Delicious dishes include aubergine gnocchi with lamb ragoût, Amalfi-style seafood risotto, and succulent beef medallions.

Set on Malaya Morskaya Ulitsa in the historic city centre, Caviar Bar St. Petersburg is a short drive from many popular attractions, including Palace Square, the Hermitage Museum, Marinsky Theatre and the Peter and Paul Fortress. The landmark Nevsky Avenue is just a few minutes' walk away.

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