Honeymoons for Foodies

You’re finally on your honeymoon after months of stressful wedding preparations and sleepless nights.  You want to relax, and if you’re a foodie, one of the best ways to do that is to find a quiet restaurant where you can take your time deciding on a meal and then savoring every morsel!  Or maybe you prefer the hustle and bustle of street food venues that are popular everywhere in the world nowadays.  Destination honeymoons for foodies is a niche industry that is becoming more and more popular.  So what are some of the options?

Tokyo, Japan

There are more Michelin star restaurants here than in any other city around the globe.  Have a breakfast sushi experience at the Tsukiji Fish Market.  Visit the Tokyo Gourmet Zone in Tokyo Station Basement for a casual lunch from a staggering number of options including Goyoran (egg cream bread), pork Chashu ramen, and sweets at Okashiland ranging from almond pastries to gingerbread and sweet drinks.  Thirsty?  Try the Beer House Moriu during happy hour, and order their sampler set.  Take a cooking class and learn to prepare perfect sushi rolls or make your own ramen.  For dinner splurge on a Michelin star restaurant like Ubuka, a tiny place with few tables, that specializes in amazing seafood dishes.

Bologna, Italy

Bologna is recognized for its hearty pastas and rich cuisine.  Lasagna, tortellini and Bolognese sauce all originated here, and its storied culinary history goes back to medieval times.  Here you can visit a traditional trattoria to learn the secrets of pasta making, or visit a local producer of Bologna’s signature balsamic vinegar.  

Some of Bologna’s most popular dishes include Tortellini in Brodo (served in a tasty beef broth and heaped with Parmigiano Reggiano rather than smothered in sauce), Pasatelli (also served in broth, but the “noodles” are made from bread crumbs), truffle pasta (perfect for vegetarians), crescentina (a crispy golden-fried side dish), erbazzone (a local specialty similar to the Greek  spanakopita), and zucchine ripiene (stuffed zucchini with a bold tomato sauce).

What could be more romantic than a picnic in the Giardini Margherita garden with a cool bottle of Pignoletto and some mortadella (the original bologna and nothing like the Oscar Meyer version), aged cheese and a crusty loaf of Coppia Ferrarese?

Paris, France

And speaking of romance, how could you go wrong with a honeymoon in Paris, the “City of Love?”  Paris is also famous for its countless fine dining venues, but almost every eatery can be counted on for great wine and cheese selections, fresh baked breads, and decadent desserts.

Many restaurants, bistros and popular nightlife spots are located in the 11th arrondissement, on the right bank of the Seine.  A little out of the way but worth the effort is au Passage, a trendy wine bar that specializes in small plates and huge, interesting salads.  The Chanceux cafe has a menu that changes daily but features fresh terrines and homemade brioches topped with assorted meats and cheese.  Chez Paul is a favorite with locals as it serves traditional French food perfectly prepared.  The Grand Brasserie is a French classic.  You’ll want to try the pate en croute or the roasted lamb shoulder, and save room for dessert – profiteroles (cream puffs stuffed with ice cream and  drowned in rich chocolate sauce).  Septime (a Michelin Star restaurant) serves 5 course meals at a prix fixe – the menu changes daily.

If you have plans to tour the city, add a wine and cheese tour to your itinerary.  You’ll visit a traditional wine cellar where a local sommelier will give you tips on how to pair wine with different varieties of cheese.

Other destinations that would make perfect honeymoon locations for food and wine buffs include:

• San Sebastian, Spain – the Basque regional culture is obvious in their food –  satisfying vegetable laden stews and soups.
• Athens, Greece – the ultimate in fresh seafood, and hearty dishes like moussaka. 
• Bangkok, Thailand – spice is king here, flavoring grilled meats, pad Thai and rice.

Can’t decide?  Contact your travel professional at Travel Leaders for help planning your culinary honeymoon abroad.