"In Winterhude there's a place entirely in white. We must visit!" is what draws guests to this location initially. Once inside, they are exposed to something completely new - a meeting of creative design with urban industry culture. The interior is swathed in white and dotted with elements of maroon. The fare is presented with élan while the service is friendly and unobtrusive giving it an aura of sophistication.

Situated in the border area of Barmbe and Uhlenhorst is the White Lounge, a lounge, bar and restaurant serving sushi. Idyllically located on the banks of Osterbekkanal where every now and then a light breeze kisses the surface of the blue water, it has captured the fantasy of the residents of Hamburg, making it a hotspot. The sublime white during day takes on various hues after sunset as lighting effects co-ordinate with sound. Guests who make reservations are made to feel special when the system highlights their table as they enter. A conveyor system brings the short-eats to the table as they settle down to browse through the short but unique bill of fare.

The four hundred square metre area is divided into five zones: the berthing area, treadmill area, event area and twos and fours group places. Visitors are filmed by cameras and the images projected on flat screens adding another element to the uniqueness.

The 'sushi for friends' product line has been extended to include tapas and Thai cuisine,  all under the same 'small plates' concept, providing more exciting options. Technology has been well implemented by providing call buttons for service, managers and to acknowledge a good meal.

Start with finger food variations to accompany your drink. Skewered mini tomatoes or mozzarella and a feta-olive paprika could set the pace. If you are in a mood for more, try the melon-parma-chips, cocktail tomatoes, and mini-wraps.

Sushi could follow with a selection of nigiris and inside out rolls and rolls rocket. Tapas fans have plenty to choose from. There is chorizo, sweet dates in bacon, mushrooms, pickled zucchini, and ham rolls filled with cream cheese. The Thai kitchen brings to the fore specialities such as noodles and Thai red curry.

When you think about it, Gamvik is rather an unusual name and despite the refreshing Catalan cuisine they offer in their Carrer Balmes restaurant in Barcelona, it does not have Spanish or Mediterranean origins. On enquiring of the polite staff, we discovered that it is the namesake of an exotic little fishing village in Norway where owner Robert Serna spent many of his childhood holidays. However, there is nothing Norwegian about the menu, as you will discover, at this charming establishment whose ever increasing popularity has propelled it into the realms of the must visit restaurants in the city.

The colour scheme, a simple combination of greys and reds, creates a soothing and calm ambience and a general feeling of comfort and the plush dining area is a welcome respite from the crowded streets. They also have two separate rooms that are more suitable for private parties and other intimate occasions.

Sample the duck liver with mandarins for an unusual experience where the tart citrusy sweetness evens out the gamey flavour while the carpaccio of cod with tomato coulis, or artichoke hearts with foie and ceps, are some of the other delicious fare that will surely entice you. Pig's trotters with wild mushrooms, or the prawns from Costa Brava are regional Catalan fare with a light Mediterranean touch.

Do save room for the desserts, and try light, airy soufflés and coulants, a kind of fudge cake, with hot molten chocolate oozing out of them. The house specialty, Gamvik eggs with chocolate and rum infused foam are spectacular treats and warrant a repeat visit for those with a sweet tooth.

The extensive wine list is inclined towards Spain although there are quite a few classical and good quality wines from other countries, as well as a wide range of cava and champagne to choose from. Gamvik's proximity to shopping areas adds to its allure and helps round off a most satisfying culinary experience.

Ma is a Chinese word for horse and with a century old clay horse standing majestically in the middle of the room, made during the Han dynasty in China, you don't have to look too far to see how the restaurant got its name. Located at the rear of Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Tim Raue's new venture at this upmarket spot demonstrates that he has come a long way since his days at Restaurant 44 in Swissôtel Berlin, where he honed his culinary skills.

The Asian inspired interior of slate, bronze, jade and cashmere fabrics add character to the place; while the cosy brown and yellow sofas may help you linger a little longer. Look outside and you might notice an abundance of creepers descending down the glass windows, lending an earthy and bright feel.

Raue's passion for freshness and harmony of flavours is reflected in his food. He manages to achieve that delicate balance by combining the natural sweetness of fruit with a bitter note of fresh herbs and plants in meat, fish and vegetables dishes. To help guests understand how the tender Kobe-style beef comes only with a fork and spoon watch the chefs in the open plan kitchen slice the well-marbled meat, which is then slightly blanched and immersed in soy broth poured from a teapot.

There's foie gras with shiso herbs, red grapes and Sichuan pepper and soft shell crab with leeks and ginger amongst starters. Watch taste and textures combine in main courses of fish maw and scallops with green paprika and coriander; lobster with cinnamon blossom pink lady and apple jelly, and ox tongue with mustard, pear, kohlrabi and cumin. Pigeon is cooked Cantonese style with jus from dried mushrooms and green beans.

Sweet treats include raspberry tapioca with milk ice and tarragon foam and Mallorquin peach with passion fruit, basil and raspberry ice cream. The cordial service by Anne-Marie Raue and her team sustain the warmth and friendliness of this place, which could appeal to just about anyone - whether it is a guest at Hotel Adlon Kempinski, a tourist or just about any Berliner.

Oranium is a café that mixes traditional and contemporary elements to provide a pleasant venue to enjoy, amongst other things, long idyllic brunches in the heart of Berlin. Set in the corner of the street in a stone building, the façade features large windows that allow guests to get a good view of the activities outside and allow ample sunlight. The interior houses plush leather settees and makes room for seating on two levels. Soft, warm lighting takes over in the evening providing a warm, relaxed ambience. The cuisine is international, the service friendly and unobtrusive.

If you visit there for breakfast the options include raw minced pork with onions and marjoram, pickles, fresh rolls and butter, fresh croissant with cream cheese, honey or jam, a boiled egg, garnished with fruit and butter, and small Spanish omelette with potatoes, fresh peppers and red onions served with Serrano ham.

More variations spring up in the form of Waldorf salad with smoked turkey, scrambled eggs with mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, Italian country ham, and cream cheese with fresh herbs, garnished with fresh fruits, jam, rolls and butter, and a wholesome Oranium brunch of grilled pork with tomato hollandaise. Smoked salmon with cream horseradish, Camembert baked in a sesame dough with cranberries, chicken peach salad with shrimp, a cream cheese ball topped with stewed apples, sugar and cinnamon, or scrambled eggs with bacon and sausages, served with jam, croissant and butter add to the fine range of options.

Among starters you can try an aperitif trio, black and green olives filled with cream and Corsican goats' cheese, served with fresh baguette and Norwegian smoked salmon served with creamed horseradish, butter and toast. A classic goulash soup with beef, onion and peppers could be a good accompaniment.

Salads are represented by Oranium salad, a crisp and fresh salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, boiled egg, corn, radishes, sprouts and a dressing choice which includes ginger-curry, honey-mustard-dill, yoghurt-basil-lime, vinegar and Caesar dressing, and a curry chicken salad of grilled chicken garnished with exotic fruits and mango chutney.

If you are in the mood for a quick snack order the tuna submarine sandwich with aioli, red onions, peppers, pickles and tomatoes and a fruity chicken wrap of chicken breast strips mixed with pineapple, orange, peppers and a hot, fruity curry sauce.

People who prefer pizzas can opt for crispy crust with flavoursome sour cream, au gratin with cheese topped with Parma ham and arugula, and shrimp and fresh mango. A range of tapas and finger food are also available.

Mains could consist of rump steak with glazed onions, capers and crispy fried potatoes and pork medallions in a spicy tomato and olive stew with a hint of Garlic, served with baked potato and sour cream. Fresh strawberries with mascarpone sweetened with brown sugar and amaretto and a homemade tiramisu serve to round off your meal with a touch of elegance.

The Berlin Plaza's recent face lift has transformed it into a posh and swanky hotel, and needless to say, the Restaurant Knese that is right next door, belonging to the same owners, has also changed in tandem. Located in the well known Kurfürstendamm, a haven of fashion and glamour, this restaurant serves a fascinating selection of renowned German specialities along with some local dishes which give their menu its much talked of twist.

The refurbishment performed on Restaurant Knese has created a marvellous and luxurious space where you could sit down and enjoy some great food. The décor is somewhat reminiscent of whisky enrobed chocolate, all dark woods and mellow lights while the service is as you would expect, friendly and helpful.

Typically expect to find dishes such as beef consommé with semolina dumplings; potato soup with sausages and baked black pudding ravioli on a ruccola salad amongst the starters. Other favourites in this section include loin of pork with wholemeal toast, buttered mushrooms with herbs, and pickled Scottish salmon with whisked horseradish and fried mashed potatoes.

If you're looking for a dish that is distinctive to Berlin, then you might wish to try the Koenigsberg meatballs with buttered potatoes and seasonal salad; knuckle of pork with sauerkraut or lamb stew with onions and green beans. An eclectic international section includes delicacies such as fried breast stripes of duck with sweet and sour root vegetables and ribbon vermicelli; pork and rump steak with roasted rosemary potatoes and mushrooms or veal schnitzel with warm chive and potato salad.

A meal at Restaurant Knese would be incomplete if you did not try some of their desserts such as baked camembert with cranberry-pepper pear and buttered toast, apple strudel, or summer pudding, both with fresh fruits, ice cream and whipped cream. A stein of cold beer to go along with any of the dishes seems the perfect accompaniment and you could choose from some of those on tap or a draught  beer, while a selection of fine wines, fruit juices and other beverages are also present if you so prefer.

Meetings, business events or celebrations can be held in the restaurant and it seems to be an ideal spot, whatever the occasion.

A trip to Barcelona might be considered incomplete if you didn't visit Via Veneto, the city's most respected, and one of the oldest, restaurants there. This uptown place is renowned for its sumptuous Catalan cuisine and its elegant and plush décor, while its clientele, like influential businessman and politicians, help to give it a powerful ambience.

José Monje established Via Veneto in 1967 and his culinary expertise undoubtedly counts for the numerous accolades that have come its way. His son Pedro Monje is also now involved in making sure everything runs smoothly and together the duo have forged a strong contender for one of the best restaurants in the city.

In Via Veneto's luxurious surroundings, anything less than an elaborate meal might almost be considered not being fair to your taste buds, so start with the sautéed king prawns with vegetable coca bread in a pine nut vinaigrette or the salad of oven-roasted sea scallops with ham and crispy parmesan cheese.

For mains, their range of fish, meat and game dishes is extensive and equally tempting. Try the charcoal-broiled turbot with aubergine caviar and oven-baked vegetables and cockscombs or the red mullets fillets with saffron rice and orange blossoms if seafood is your passion.

Meat lovers will embrace the idea of roasted rack of baby lamb with a crust of fine herbs and millefeuille of Perol pork sausage with enthusiasm but the pièce de résistance is their roasted duck a la presse. A whole baby duck is slow roasted until golden and brought to the table. Efficient staff will debone it and then run the bones through an antique silver press to extract the rich juices. The combination of the two results in an explosion of flavours and creates a gastronomic experience that is absolutely exquisite.

As befits the entire gamut of tastes there, the desserts are equally decadent and delectable. Whether it is the millefeuilles of chocolate and orange cream with mint ice cream or the savarin with dried fruit consommé and lemon verbena sherbet, these delightful concoctions are a fine way to end the meal unless of course you prefer something simple like the cheese board.

The wine list has an amazing range of ten thousand or so bottles and choosing the right one might seem a daunting task, so it's advisable to ask the sommelier to recommend one that will suit your taste and complement the meal appropriately.

Indo-French cuisine is at its best at La Portes Des Indes, a restaurant owned by the Blue Elephant group. Once inside, guests will be transported to a world rich in its colonial feel. Set in the beautifully converted Ixelles mansion on Avenue Louise, the restaurant is decorated in rich wood carvings, warm red-toned colour scheme, masses of flowers and lush plantings, and Indian furniture. The traditionally attired staff complete the splendid atmosphere.

The a la carte menu is extensive but if you are a first time visitor then they offer a fantastic sharing menu which allows you to sample four starters and four main courses. This is a great option for a group but works equally well for couples. A separate vegetarian menu is also presented. There is a good selection of wine from house to premier to suit all budgets.

For a delightful start to a meal, a chicken lasoni tikka, a delightfully garlicky preparation, served with mint sauce is a good option. Competing neck to neck are the jhinga kholiwada, prawns marinated in spices and grilled in the tandoori ? a clay oven - accompanied with mint sauce, and Lucknowi seekh kebab, minced lamb kebabs with soft cheese and herbs.

The mains come forward with dishes like Patiala dhaba murg, a country style recipe of boneless chicken, onions, tomatoes, green chillies and garam masala - a mixture of spices - and poulet rouge, shredded chicken stepped in yogurt and red spices, then grilled and served in a buttery cream sauce. Lamb and seafood get their due with dishes such as palak ghosh, leaf spinach, green chillies, ginger and lamb cooked slowly together and Niligiri machi, fish simmered in a creamy, mountain herb curry of coconut, chillies, fresh coriander and roasted aromatic spices.

Other traditional fare include biryani, a balanced composition of basmati rice and chicken, lamb, prawns or vegetables cooked together served with raita - a salad of cucumber, onion and tomatoes in yogurt dressing - and curry sauce, and tandoori, marinated seafood or meat grilled in clay ovens.

Desserts include the voluptuous mango rasmalai, dumplings made from cottage or ricotta cheese soaked in sweetened, thickened milk delicately flavoured with cardamom, garnished with slivers of dried fruit and served chilled.

The sleek, surreal and bordering on provocative Supperclub has been one of Amsterdam's hottest nightspots with a wild and exciting menu, and owner Bert van der Leden's latest brainchild, Envy, promises to be an equally enticing venue, particularly with regards to gourmet food.

The sparkling stainless steel open kitchen is striking and grabs your attention right away, where you could watch the chefs as they prepare your meal. In a play of contrasts, the dining area is all wood, with low lit lamps and has a warm and cosy atmosphere while long tables with elevated bar stools provide an intimate and friendly ambience. And how can anyone miss the sight of twenty six refrigerators lining the walls behind the counter where chrome handles and oak panelling elevate the ordinary ice box into a stunning showcase for the wonderful desserts, oysters, cheeses and wines on their menu?

Designed to look like an Italian delicatessen, the focus is on fresh and unassuming flavours, and with a Michelin Bib Gourmand to back it up, Envy comes up with some magnificent creations to seduce the senses. Sample the tomato sorbet with lobster and foam of mozzarella for a vivid and decidedly different experience.

The absence of a traditional menu makes way for experimentation and you could start with the smoky salami tinged with truffle or an Italian soft sausage with a hint of pistachio. Other noteworthy dishes include the crispy pata negra with farm egg and hollandaise; open ravioli with a celeriac ragout; slowly baked quail egg with a sauce of red port and skin baked codfish with aubergine, arganol, clams and foam of lemon and kefir. The portions are a tad small, but nevertheless satisfying on a sensual level.

Luscious crème brûlée, sinfully smooth ice creams and sorbets with an assortment of sauces comprise the desserts, while cheeses flown in from France, Switzerland and Italy complete the list. An excellent selection of wines complements the meal, while the helpful and knowledgeable staff put you at ease with anecdotes and interesting trivia about the food on your table.

The chef's menu offers value for money and most diners can be seen tucking into a variety of deli meats, warm and cold dishes and a number of miniature desserts, triggering a reaction of 'I want whatever they're having' from you. Envying thy neighbour is no longer just one of those seven deadly sins, and is probably a commonplace occurrence there, if the buzz in this chic and trendy place is anything to go by.

A charming rural house near the River Elbe, beautiful flower arrangements, bright colours, a pleasant atmosphere and fine cooking - you probably don't need any other reasons to visit Landhus Dill. Located on a street lined with lavish 19th century villas and beautiful parks, an afternoon drive or short walk on one of the smaller roads, which run along the river bank and hillside could culminate in a pleasant meal at Landhaus Dill.

The décor is all country-house style with floral printed drapes, mellow colour schemes, ornate candle stands and plenty of flowers reminiscent of a garden. While enjoying a delicious lunch watch the river steadily flowing past and on a warm Hamburg night, head to the charming terrace area, hidden from the nearby street by a high hedge, for a romantic al fresco meal.

Although the cuisine is characteristically German, the French and Austrian theme is hard to avoid. The kitchen's loyalty to the seasons is displayed in dishes such as spring salad with crayfish tails and Barbary duck breast with oranges, pepper sauce and potato crowns. From the gourmet menu you could choose ravioli filled with lobster foam, sugar peas and chilli sauce or the carpaccio of monkfish and salmon with olive oil, lemon and pak choi salad. Finish with marzipan stuffed with fresh dates with caramel sauce and cinnamon ice-cream, and mango sorbet filled with Prosecco or ripened cheese.

Lunch on some spaghettini with braised tomatoes, basil and scoured Parmesan and veal rump roast in the oven with its own sauce and served with young vegetables and fried potatoes. For desserts there is Tahitian vanilla-walnut parfait with strawberry-orange salad and caramel sauce. Little ones have their own menu where they can choose a Viennese style prime boiled cutlet with chips or creamed turkey with chopped carrots and fried potatoes.

There are 200 different wines to choose from, alongside some fine bins from Austria and Italy, another reason why every diner at Landhus Dill is truly spoilt for choice.

Who says you need to go to New York to view the Manhattan skyline? See a scaled-down replica, towering over River Main with a design reminiscent of the 1930s style New York skyscrapers, right here in Frankfurt at the The Lindner Hotel and Residence Main Plaza. Living in one of their 118 gracefully decorated bedrooms, suites, maisonette-apartments or even the penthouse, most of them with a kitchenette, may prove to be a memorable experience.

Lovers of light Californian cuisine may find solace in the New Brick Californian Restaurant where you could watch Head Chef Heiko Mattschall, through their open plan kitchen, dutifully crafting a rich breakfast buffet, a delicious lunch or an evening meal. The colour scheme is an elegant red, grey and wooden tone, which beautifully contrasts the soft ceiling lighting and the dark wood panelled, glass fronted kitchen area. In summer step in to the cobbled square for some refreshing cocktails, while watching a boat slip by along the river a few meters away.

The five conference rooms are equipped with all mod cons and fitted with high quality furniture and light, tasteful fabrics bringing in a slight breather to the most heated of business meetings. Once you?ve clinched that all-important deal there?s a swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, a modern gym as well as massage area all waiting to be experienced.

Right here at the Sachenhausen Main embankment, the majestic looking Lindner is an oasis of calm where the busy guest may find just about everything except the commonplace.