Beachside Kitchen

honeymoon

The Best Ever Healthy Paris Restaurant Guide

By

I’ve compiled my The Best Ever Healthy Paris Restaurant Guide after our week spent tasting dozens of delicious meals, baked goodies, coffees, and more. Our recent trip to Paris was truly just five incredible days of eating, exploring, and eating some more. The restaurants and cafes listed below are the best of the best we tried during our trip.

Are all of these Paris restaurants really “healthy”?

Though almost none of these spots was traditional “health food” I was able to find divine cuisine that made my body feel great. I don’t know if it’s the ingredients, the energy, or just being on vacation, but I felt amazing after every meal. There were veggies to be found nearly everywhere! And yes, I truly believe that dessert and coffee and indulgent eats are certainly part of a healthy restaurant agenda. It is all about balance, baby.

Every single spot I will mention is affordable, delectable, and had some seriously memorable dishes. Not one of our meals was over $100 (for two people!) and we were able to avoid most of the tourist traps in favor of more locally loved spots. 

What else is on the The Best Healthy Paris Restaurant Guide?

I also share our hotels and one or two favorite activities, but mostly this blog will feature the food that made our stay in Paris so divine. There are dozens of blogs featuring the best sightseeing, museums, and countless things to do, so I’ll let those be your guide. 

OUR FAVORITE COFFEE SHOPS

No Healthy Paris Restaurant Guide would be complete without some divine coffee shops. Surely there’s nothing more French than starting your day with a coffee and pastry (I’ll skip the cigarette). And while you can generally do no wrong when it comes to coffee in Paris, these coffee shops were unquestionably the best.

Motors Coffee

Motors Coffee was Evan’s favorite coffee shop during the trip. Their menu is super simple: straightforward coffee drinks and insanely indulgent banana bread. With flavors like Nutella, almond butter, chocolate chip and more, this signature banana bread was an especially unique way to enjoy your morning brew. There is ample outdoor seating to sip your drinks.

Partisan Cafe Artisanal

When you’re looking for the creme de la creme of roasting, look no further than Partisan Cafe. Known as an artisanal roasting workshop and cafe in the heart of Paris, this place was divine. The cafe is spacious with ample seating and some tasty looking pastry options.

BEST BAKERIES IN PARIS

As soon as we arrived in Paris, Evan was on the hunt for the best bakeries in town. We looked for artisanal, handmade, locally sourced ingredients and a strong local following. And boy, did we deliver. We revisited all of these bakeries multiple times, so you could say Evan was undeniably a fan.

I’ve also included a tasty gluten free bakery, with delicious but comparatively less outstanding treats as these traditional gluten-filled spots.

Ten Belles

Ten Belles really deserves to be on the coffee, bakery, and lunch lists. It was possibly my favorite of all the spots on my healthy Paris restaurant guide. This is a sustainable, socially responsible coffee roaster and bakery. Aromas of freshly baked bread and pastries deliver an overall sentiment of “holy shit I want to live here”. Visiting here is basically a religious experience.

I actually jumped for joy at the glorious salad options available between 11am-2pm. You’ll learn that salad can be hard to come by in Paris! Ten Belles menu features quiches, sandwiches, salads, and freshly baked pastries. The coffee is also particularly delicious.

With multiple locations in Paris, Ten Belles is not to be missed.

Mamiche

Mamiche is a neighborhood joint that’s female owned and operated. Serving up divine sourdough, light-as-air croissants, signature babka, beignets, and more, Mamiche is a gluten-eaters dream. There was a line out the door at nearly every hour of the day. The sandwiches are a local favorite for lunch.

Copains

Despite Paris being known for it’s gluten-filled deliciousness, there are a number of gluten free and celiac friendly restaurants and bakeries on the rise. During our previous trip to Paris in 2018 I struggled to find tasty gluten free breads and baked goods, but Copains was a welcome find during this visit.

While Evan can confirm these did not hold a candle to his traditional baked good favorites in Paris, Copains 100% gluten free bakery was nevertheless a fun treat for me. Copains offers both sweet and savory options.

La Pattisserie Cyril Lignac 

Last on our list is La Patisserie Cyril Lignanc for quintessential french fine baking. Cyril Lignac is a storied chef and restauranteur in Paris, with numerous locations of restaurant concepts and bakery locations. If you’re looking for high end and expertly crafted patisserie, look no further.

BREAKFAST IN PARIS

Traditional French cuisine feels markedly lacking in the breakfast department. Given Evan’s especially strong love of a hearty, savory breakfast, I love finding these non-traditional options. Most of the best breakfast spots you’ll discover are American or Australian restaurant concepts.

Immersion Paris

We discovered Immersion after a tough workout at R2 Training (which I share more about below!). This was the perfect healthy, hearty, breakfast spot following a killer workout. Immersion has a classic, chic brunch vibe and an array of delicious breakfast options. It’s definitely got an Aussie/California slant which you know I am living for. With three locations in Paris, you can’t go wrong!

Wild & The Moon

We discovered Wild & The Moon during our first trip to Paris in 2018 and loved it. All vegan, mostly gluten free, insanely healthy and decidedly delirious, this is the perfect antidote to all the rich, decadent classical Parisian food. Grab a superfood oatmeal, fresh pressed juice or smoothie, or pop in for a lunch bowl with veggies galore. I adore their desserts as well!

LouLou Paris

Another favorite Aussie inspired breakfast spot is LouLou. With many a gluten free option to be had, along with veggie forward breakfasts and some delicious looking treats, this is a lovely spot to start your day. Hot tip: there’s a few LouLou restaurants in town so make sure you’re checking that it’s the brunch spot.

LUNCH

Parisian lunches vary from quick takeaway to incredible three course meals. I’ve included some of our favorite lunch finds below to round out our Healthy Paris Restaurant Guide. I also recommend Ten Belles for salads and sandwiches (from the bakery section above!).

Miznon

Miznon is the Israeli street food of my dreams! With so many veggie options (the cauliflower! the ratatouille!) and heavenly pita sandwiches, you really can’t go wrong here. Just next door is the very famous, and very hyped, L’As Du Falafel, but I think Miznon is far superior in quality, taste, and price.

Recoin

We enjoyed a divine three course lunch at Recoin. Served in a quaint dining room with a neighborhood feel, the food is elevated French without being overly rich. The lunch menu rotates daily, but they are known for their blini dishes. I hear the dinner is delicious as well.

Paloma

Paloma is known for its inventive French take on Spanish Tapas and a killer lunch deal. Female owned and run, this spot may be a little off the beaten path but absolutely worth the extra few minutes on the metro. Open for both lunch and dinner.

Mokonuts

Mokonuts is an insanely popular lunch spot known for decadent pastries and light bites. While they were fully booked while we were there, I am absolutely putting this on our bucket list for our next Paris adventure. Pop by for a pastry even if they are booked up for lunch!

DINNER

Last on the list of epic restaurants is the penultimate meal of the day: dinner! First and foremost, I’m looking for delicious food. Next on the criteria list has to be top notch atmosphere. Whether it’s a cozy dining room, a bustling bar, or a perfect street side sunset spot, I want a beautfiul place to enjoy a divine meal.

Kubri

Kubri was so delicious we ended up eating here twice during our stay. Serving up inventive, perfectly seasoned Lebanese food with a French twist, Kubri is a revelation. Every item we ordered was incredible. We enjoyed sitting at the bar watching the kitchen prepare the gorgeous dishes as they went out. Our favorite dishes included the octopus hummus, beef kafta, burrata, chicken entree, and roasted cabbage.

CUISINE 

Cuisine came highly recommended by our French family (who happen to be in the restaurant industry) so I had high hopes. And our expectations were blown out of the water! The ingredients are locally sourced, from organic and sustainable farms, with every wine either biodynamic or organic.

Every course was truly so unique, perfectly seasoned, locally sourced and absolutely perfect. We sat outside watching the sunset and it was a magical, romantic evening. The menu is seasonal and rotating.

Chez Janou

Chez Janou is a quintessential French restaurant. The dining room is absolutely packed to the brim, with just inches between tables that just adds the charm of this restaurant. I highly recommend sitting in the bar area or outside just for some elbow room. We really enjoyed the tuna entree and of course the epic chocolate mousse that is served out of an enormous vat of chocolate goodness.

Le Coeur du Liban

If you’re in the market for a casual dinner, check out the unassuming Coeur de Liban. We loved classic take on Lebanese food at a killer price. You can dine in with an expanded menu, seated in the cozy upstairs dining area. Or grab your meal to go and sit along the Canal just around the corner and watch the sparkling lights on the river.

Cafe les deux gares 

This last restaurant was highly recommended to us as classic French spot with lovely ambiance. Serving up simple French fare that’s done very well.

DESSERT

Undoubtedly my favorite part of the day is finding my perfect treat. So, of course there is a dessert section of my Healthy Paris Restaurant Guide. There is no shortage of delicious sugary goodness to be found in Paris. All of the bakeries listed above have amazing dessert options, but if you’re looking for incredible gelato check out the two options below.

Folderol

Folderol is a neighborhood institution dishing up homemade artisanal ice cream and an extensive selection of natural wines. There is no shortage of amazing wine to be had, with friendly and knowledgable bartenders to guide you on your wine journey. And of course you can’t skip the amazing ice cream that’s beloved by the likes of Dua Lipa.

Glace Bachir

Last on our list is Glace Bachir. This is the perfect sweet treat after a dinner at CUISINE, serving up Lebanese ice cream. They are famous for pistachio crusted gelato that is creamy, sweet, salty, crunchy, perfection.

WHERE WE STAYED

While my Healthy Paris Restaurant Guide is of course focused on restaurants, I wanted to share our hotels because we loved both! We embraced credit card points so we could stay at no cost, hence the two hotels for a five night stay. But both were awesome options in great locations, so I’m not mad.

Maison Albar Hotels Pont Neuf

Our first hotel during our stay was Maison Albar Hotels Pont Neuf. Situated a 3-4 minute walk to both the Les Halles and Chatelet metro lines which made it super convenient for exploring the entire city as well. And it was even walkable to Notre Dame, Les Halles, and the Lourve, this was seriously a killer location.

The rooms were spacious and well appointed, which can be very hard to come by in France. Even just finding a king size bed can be a serious challenge. And very importantly, it had air conditioning during the heat wave of all heat waves!

By far my favorite amenity of this hotel was the indoor pool and spa. During our stay, we had scorching hot weather. Mid 90’s ever day and I was ROASTING. So we escaped the heat midday with 2-3 hours of lounge time by the pool with our books. It was truly divine!

I would absolutely stay here again.

Charles V

For the last two days of our stay, we checked into Charles V in the Marais. This was more of a boutique hotel feel, with smaller rooms, simpler amenities, but an amazing location. I would say this hotel was a bit more classic French, with tight quarters in the rooms (albeit very comfortable bed and linens). There was a petite gym with a treadmill and bike if you were dying to get your sweat on. But the real highlight was the hammam spa.

Charles V was right in the heart of the Marais, but still quiet and cozy at night as it’s situated on a side street. The staff was very friendly and accommodating as well.

If I had to choose between the two hotels, I’d definitely suggest staying at Maison Albar as it was a bit more modern, spacious, and the spa and pool were a divine perk.

Favorite Activities (aside from eating)

There are countless opportunities for sightseeing, museums to visit, tours, and activities. Instead of listing our favorite sights, I wanted to share two fun and unusual activities we really enjoyed.

R2 Training

Evan and I are those people on vacation who undoubtedly need to find a workout. It makes me feel so much butter to get some stretching, strength training, and cardio a few times a week. I swear it makes me more patient, laid back, and I can really enjoy a day of wandering the streets of a new city.

Even more so, a good workout enables me to better digest all the delicious, indulgent, food that our adventures have to offer.

We discovered R2 Training, a Crossfit gym that hosts nearly a dozen classes a day featuring Crossfit, HIIT workouts, yoga, and more. We did a drop in for a class, with Evan taking a Crossfit class and I took athe HIIT option. It absolutely kicked my ass in the best way!

Later in the trip we popped in for open gym hours, where you’re able to utilize the spacious gym for whatever workout your heart may desire.

While it’s certainly not cheap, for 30 euros each we had a dream gym for almost two hours of a nice slow warmup, getting our sweat on, and a leisurely stretch.

With two locations, you can find what works best for you. I personally preferred the R2 Bastille location, but the R2 Vendome is even bigger and hosts more equipment options.

Seine River Tour at Night 

Given the heat, we did a lot of our sightseeing early in the morning or in the evening. After a long day in the 90+ degree weather, hopping on a 9:30pm boat ride and cruising along the river was divine. We were able to get some good snippets of history and information along the tour. The boat projects a guided tour in four languages along the route. Though, I do wish we could have gotten some more in-depth information with an all English tour.

There are many a night boat tour option along the river. Some have full seated dinners, others are more of a club vibe, while some are smaller and more laid back. We went with Bateau Parisiens for around 30 euros each and really enjoyed it!

And that’s a wrap on my Healthy Paris Restaurant Guide!

I hope you enjoy all these delicious eats and have an amazing time on your next Paris adventure.

Check out some of my other favorite restaurant and travel guides:

Best Ever Santa Barbara Restaurant Guide

By

Evan and I love traveling to Santa Barbara. After a few trips, I’ve compiled an epic list of all the best coffee shops, restaurants, dessert spots, and more! So as my gift to you, I present The Best Santa Barbara Restaurant Guide!

COFFEE

First up to start any Santa Barbara Restaurant Guide (and day) is COFFEE. Evan is an avid coffee drinker and I am an avid lover of good coffee shop ambiance, so we make a good team.

Dart Coffee

This is Evan’s favorite coffee shop in my Best Ever Santa Barbara Guide. We love the artisanal roastery, with adorable indoor ambiance and a lovely outdoor courtyard seating. The vibes are right. Located in the Funk Zone, this is perfect for a cup of joe before Helena Ave Bakery (in the breakfast section). Or you can peruse Mollusk Surf Shop afterwards, which is our favorite shopping in town and right next door.

Dune Coffee Roasters

Dune Coffee boasts four locations in Santa Barbara and some glorious home roasted beans. This hip coffee shop certainly smells amazing and has some serious baked goods. While I couldn’t partake, the croissants looked insanely flakey and decadent. Their gluten free chocolate chip cookies are supposedly pretty dope too.

Caje

Last up on the coffee tour is Caje coffee Roasters. With bright and colorful, plant-filled interiors, this is above all a perfectly instagrammable spot (a necessity for any Best Ever Santa Barbara Restaurant Guide). We dug the vibes and decadently good coffee as well. The homemade almond milk is stuff of legends!

BREAKFAST AND BAKERTIES

Vacation Evan LIVES for breakfast out on the town. It’s truly a delight to watch this man’s joy finding the most delicious food in the perfect ambiance. So, you can all thank Evan for this glorious chapter of The Best Ever Santa Barbara Restaurant Guide.

Helena Ave Bakery

This has become our go to breakfast spot whenever we’re in town. The garden courtyard feel gives this place the perfect Santa Barbara ambiance. It’s also attached to the Santa Barbara Wine Collective. So you can swing by in the early afternoon for lunch and maybe a little wine tasting if you’re feeling wild. 

If you need some ideas of what to order, we love the Santa Barbara Farmers’ Market Bowl, Breakfast Sandwich, gluten free brownie, and Evan loves the scones. To sum it up, everything is incredible.

Jeannine’s

Another Santa Barbara staple, Jeannine’s has really taken over town with four locations and some seriously good eats. I love the ambiance of the Uptown location, but I’m sure you can’t go wrong with any of them. Jeannine’s is known for their griddle eats, equally decadent pancakes and french toast galore, as well as the benedicts, but I’m partial to the omelets. 

Lark

Last on the breakfast list is Lark, a farm to table restaurant. Lark serves up locally sourced brunch on the weekends and incredible dinner too. If you’re looking for a late brunch with the gang with seriously flavorful cuisine, check out Lark for Saturday & Sunday brunch. After you fall in love with brunch, come back for dinner and enjoy.

Lilac Patisserie

Lilac Patisserie is an all gluten free shop specializing in artisanal cakes and french cafe feels. Whether you’re swinging in for a cappuccino and sweet treat, or enjoying an artisanal breakfast or lunch, this place is chic as can be. A word to the wise: it is a bit pricey for simple breakfast, so don’t be shocked at a $17 egg plate. 

Oat Bakery

I stopped in at Oat Bakery to pick up some bread for a home cooked brunch. Imagine my surprise when they also had gluten free loaves! We picked up a regular jalapeno corn loaf for the gluten eaters, and a gluten free sage garlic for me. The bread was delicious toasted, though it only lasted about a day and a half, so eat it fast babes.

LUNCH

Following a glorious breakfast and maybe a walk on the beach, what else is there to do but tuck in to a delicious casual lunch?

Panino

Serving up some seriously delicious sandwiches on bread that had Evan raving, Panino is my favorite lunch spot. I am obsessed with their California Cobb salad and went three times in one week to get it. So, don’t sleep on this spot. Panino has six locations across southern California.

South Coast Deli

Before you dismiss the lack of ambiance at most South Coast Deli locations, give this spot a chance. We love picking up salads here and heading down to Butterfly Beach for a dog friendly picnic. The sandwiches and salads here are HUGE. You can enjoy a massive salad for a great price, or split it between two people.

Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach

After a stroll along this dog friendly beach, pop into Boathouse at Hendry’s for lunch with a view. Boathouse specializes in coastal California vibes, with great salads and seemingly unlimited fresh seafood options. They’re also open for breakfast, dinner, and happy hour, so your options are endless.

DINNER

Please don’t forget to save room for dinner! There are some absolutely glorious dinner spots in Santa Barbara. From casual BBQ to garden Mediterranean, I have some delicious options for you to round out The Best Santa Barbara Restaurant Guide.

Bettina

After seeing What’s Gaby Cooking stop in here during her Santa Barbara trip, you could say I was officially influenced. The vibe: light and bright, styled in chic pinks and earthy greens, artisanal California Italian fusion with bomb cocktails and an impressive wine list. The gluten free pizza was so insanely good, I’m actually drooling just thinking about it now. 

Shalhoob’s Meat Market

Next on our list is a casual spot that’s perfect for a hungry crowd looking for serious eats without the frills. Shalhoob’s has been a neighborhood meat market and supplier in the area for over 40 years, and serves up epic BBQ. I was pleasantly surprised by the tasty salad and veggie sides as well. The cocktail, wine, and beer list were also very impressive.

Bibi Ji

While Bibi Ji may not look particularly eye-catching from the streetfront facade on State Street, don’t let looks deceive you. Once you step inside, you’re met with dark woods, an impressive wall of wine, and gloriously good Indian food. It is a bit pricey, but the quality is fantastic. I would love to go again with a group so I could order an ever wider array of the menu.

Zaytoon

If you’re looking for a gorgeous outdoor dining experience with hearty Labenese eats and fresh ingredients, look no further than Zaytoon. Ivy and bougainvillea coat the walls of this fountain-filled courtyard, with lots of cozy sections that make this spacious restaurant feel cozy and intimate.

Zaytoon is another spot that would be great for a group so you can sample more of the divine options. Bonus: the wine pours are generous.

Jane

Jane came highly recommended, dishing out artisanal fare in a laid back, chic atmosphere. Family owned and operated, this is a cute spot for a date night with real California vibes. 

Loquita

The last dinner spot on our Best Santa Barbara Restaurant Guide is Loquita. I haven’t actually eaten here but I received probably 100 messages saying people loved this spot. It definitely has a gorgeous atmosphere and is crowded every single time we walk by, so they must be doing something right.

Well my friends, that is a wrap on The Best Santa Barbara Restaurant Guide!

Before you go, make sure to check out my other travel guides featuring delicious eats around the globe:

Oahu Travel Guide

By

Evan and I love traveling together, and Oahu has to be one of our most visited locales. Oahu is Hawaii’s most populous island, and indeed, is a pretty perfect representation of paradise. Oahu is home to the state capital of Honolulu, the famous Waikiki beach, and Pearl Harbor.

With insanely beautiful beaches, incredible hiking, out of this world food, and some gorgeous hotels and AirBnB’s, you certainly can’t go wrong on this gorgeous island. I finally made this Oahu Travel Guide to share my favorite restaurants, hotels, hikes, beaches, and tips for an incredible stay on Oahu, Hawaii.

Where to stay in Oahu

I love to stay off the beaten path and avoid downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. During my tropical vacations, I prefer to steer clear of anything too crowded, bustling, or noisy. I especially enjoy long hikes, keep my feet in the sand, and discover beaches in the middle of nowhere. That means I definitely don’t want the hustle and bustle of downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. But if it’s your thing, you do you, boo boo!

We’ve stayed in a few different areas of this beautiful island. Here’s a breakdown of each:

The North Shore

The North Shore of Oahu is known for legendary surf (Bonzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach have long been home to big wave surfing), incredible hiking, and down to earth vibes. First and foremost, I love the food on this side of the island. With an abundance of health-food spots, farm to table eats, and some epic food truck options, you really can’t go wrong on the culinary front. The main “downtown” area is known as Haleiwa and has a lovely country-style feel.

Where to Stay on the North Shore

Turtle Bay Resort is an absolutely gorgeous resort, the only one of its kind on the North Shore. Certainly off the beaten path, this luxury spot avoids the madness of the crowds in Waikiki. Newly remodeled, this resort is truly amazing, adding modern luxury, incredible views, and more pool space for the perfect relaxing vacation.

Although certainly a bit of a splurge, this resort does feel worth every penny. The food, service, amenities, and experience all live up to the hype. Plus, it is close to Kahuku which is a great local area for delicious organic food grown right on the island. Basically, this is my dream hotel and I could stay here forever.

Ko Olina

Ko Olina encompasses 642 acres with sweeping ocean and mountain views and a string of jewel-like lagoons connected by more than a mile and a half of seaside pathways. It’s on the west side of the island about 45 minutes north of Waikiki. The resort area borders the north with the pristine nature preserve of Lanikuhonua and to the south by four lovely beach coves. This space is certainly geared towards resort-life. Yet the developers did a nice job of keeping the hotels spacious and the lagoons expansive so you generally don’t feel too crowded.

Where to Stay in Ko Olina

Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina is the ultimate luxury experience. The adult pool is accordingly the epitome of upscale resort relaxation. Equally incredible, the food options are plentiful. Despite a big price tag, we have enjoyed every meal we’ve indulged in at the Four Seasons. Additionally, our friends that have stayed here raved about the experience.

Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club is a great balance of relaxed luxury and family friendly, especially if you’re traveling with family or kids. We love doing lagoon walks every day, and enjoy how many great restaurants are within 1 mile of walking. After staying in a few different spots, I’d conclude that this has more of a family resort feel. We have the joy of staying here with my husband’s family who are members.

Where to Eat in Oahu

You can bet your cute behinds that we are always eating good wherever we go! Finally, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of my favorite restaurants on the island.

The best food in Haleiwa

Sunrise Shack

Before you scoff at the idea of a shack in the middle on a field having the best coffee in town, check this out. A quintessential north shore coffee and smoothie spot, Sunrise Shack features ingredients grown on the farm attached to their original location.

The atmosphere is perfection – in the middle of a plumeria field, across the street from one of the most famous surf breaks in the world, really feels like a shack but make the best coffee and smoothies They have multiple locations throughout Oahu.

Beet Box Cafe

Beet Box Cafe is another healthy option for breakfast and lunch. Indeed, this vegetarian cafe is one of our go-to spots for getting our veggies on. Save room for their vegan and gluten free daily baked goods!

Favorite orders: healthy plate of food, any of the burritos, green smoothie bowl, breakfast sandwich 

Farm to Barn

Nestled in an open farm, Farm to Barn is a farm to table restaurant that serves up hearty fare that’s heavy on the locally sourced ingredients. I love the big portions and ample options for every dietary preference. After this meal, everyone leaves with a happy belly.

What to order: breakfast burrito, harvest bowl, nourish bowl

Waialua Bakery & Juice Bar

This may arguably be my favorite lunch spot in all of Hawaii. It is a family owned, cash only bakery that serves up some fo the most incredible sandwiches and salads you’ll have. Surprisingly, it is also very affordable!

Our favorite orders: Pesto chicken sandwich, roasted veggie salad, veggie burger salad, gluten free monster cookie

Kaimana Shave Ice

Whenever we are in Hawaii, we have to indulge in some classic island shave ice. However, organic shave ice is decidedly hard to come by. Most are chock full of high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors. This spot is organic, homemade, and insanely tasty.

My favorite flavors are mango, guava, and pineapple. Evan loves to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on his shave ice.

My favorite eats in Kahuku

Kahuku is is a small island town found on Oahu’s northeastern coast (right along the northern tip). Nestled between Laie and Turtle Bay, there are gorgeous beaches, spots for hiking and fishing, art galleries, and shrimp trucks.

Raised by the waves

During our stay at Turtle Bay, we hit up Raised By The Waves nearly every day. This woman-owned, vegan spot has incredible smoothies, salads, bowls, and sandwiches. Every item will have you feeling even more like an island goddess than you already do!

My favorite items: Ragamuffin smoothie, Aloha Bowl, Avocado Toast

Seven Brothers

Seven Brothers is a family owned and run burger joint that serves up some seriously delicious grub. Before you write off this place for being too simple, they also serve vegan burgers, ahi, shrimp, and salads. There is truly something for everyone. With Multiple locations throughout Oahu, you must try this delicious spot!

Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp

Shrimp trucks are a North Shore specialty, and definitely worth a visit during your visit. There are dozens of great options all over the North Shore. A little secret: you really can’t go wrong with any of them.

Featuring simple plate lunch style fare, you’ll get a healthy serving of shrimp, a scoop of white rice, and a slice of pineapple. After a long hike, it really can’t be beat as your meal of choice. Although there is zero ambiance, the food is hearty and delicious.

Tasty options include spicy garlic shrimp, lemon pepper shrimp

The Country Eatery & Juicery

Another delicious option is The Country Eatery. Enjoy a variety of house made and delicious options from this Kahuku Mill staple. Sample organic cold pressed juices, blended beverages, parfaits, and treats. Or, order up a wrap, salads, simple breakfast sandwiches and burrito options. Their coffee is delicious too!

My favorite food in Ko Olina and Kapolei

Island Vintage Coffee

This coffee spot has surprisingly good food and very solid coffee. They have multiple locations all over Oahu, you have more than enough opportunity to try this spot during your stay.

Delicious options include the breakfast plate, iced latte, and poke bowl

Longhi’s

While many resort restaurants aren’t worth the price tag, I’d argue that Longhi’s is worth a visit. Definitely a splurge option, but I’ve never been disappointed with the meals here.

Great orders: egg white omelette, any fish special, seared ahi, Mac nut island style fish 

Roy’s

Roy’s is arguably one of the most famous Hawaiian restaurant chains. Started by Roy Yamaguchi, this island fresh concept has delicious food with correspondingly divine ambiance. There are multiple locations across the Hawaiian islands and even in the continental United States. I have been consistently impressed with the quality of the servers and staff as well. We really can never go wrong here.

 House favorites: Butter fish, seared ahi, ribs

Sakura Sushi

Before you write this place off for the odd location in a shopping center, give Sakura Sushi a shot. Enjoy divine sashimi and creative rolls at a reasonable price. This is surprisingly great option if you’re tired of dropping serious dime at resort restaurants.

Typical orders: Bluefin and salmon sashimi, sakura 3 in 1 roll, ninja roll

Workout ideas while on Oahu

I am definitely someone who loves to stay active on vacation. And there is surely no easier place to enjoy some gorgeous views than Oahu.

Hiking in Oahu

  • Pink pillbox hike
  • Waimano falls trail
  • Manana ridge trail
  • Pupukea-Paumalu trail
  • Kammieland trail
  • Kokohead

Other exercise options

Walking or running trails – Ko Olina lagoon trail, north shore bike trail

Swim in the ocean while you’re in Hawaii. Though, you should be warned that when the swell is pumping, or the riptides are strong you should be careful if you’re not comfortable in the water.

CorePower Yoga serves up consistently great classes in a hot atmosphere that always puts me in a good headspace. Classes are pricey at around $30 per visit, so I’d suggest using ClassPass. Using ClassPass allows you to flow for about half the price.  There are multiple locations across Oahu. 

Last tips for this Oahu Travel Guide

  • Respect the land, the people, and be kind.
  • Tip well, shop local, support small local restaurants
  • Be patient – we’re on Island time here so nothing is a rush 
  • Always pick up your trash
  • Use reef safe sunscreen
  • Only park where it’s legally allowed
  • Remember you are visiting a beautiful native land to millions, not your personal waterpark 
  • Don’t instagram pictures at locations where there are signs asking you not to. We’ve been to multiple beaches and hikes that ask visitors to kindly keep the locations off social media, so respect the local wishes 

If you want to check out more of my travel guides, click the links below!

14 Day Italy Honeymoon Itinerary

Our California Roadtrip Honeymoon

Edna Valley Getaway Guide

Sedona Bachelorette Itinerary

Absolutely Epic 14 Day Italy Honeymoon Itinerary

By

In this list you’ll find my favorite cities, hotels, restaurants, and activities to make your trip to Italy absolutely divine. From Lake Como to Lake Lugano and finally Positano, I have an Absolutely Epic 14 Day Italy honeymoon itinerary for you all. 

If any of you followed along on my Instagram stories, you know we had the time of our lives on our honeymoon. After waiting an extra year to celebrate our wedding like we always dreamed (thanks covid), we finally had our dream wedding and dream honeymoon. 

Since I love you all so much, I’m detailing every stop, our favorite locations, incredible restaurants, and more. Best of all, I’ll share some hot tips to avoid some of the travel headaches that none of us want. So follow along on my absolutely Epic 14 Day Italy Honeymoon Itinerary and enjoy!

How to read my Italy Honeymoon Itinerary

First, I’ll share our itinerary and how we traveled from place to place. Evan and I are not big resort people, and wanted to explore every nook and cranny of our cities, so there are lots of great stops for you in every location. 

Second, I will break down each stop: Lake Como, Lake Lugano, and Positano. From the gorgeous hotels we stayed in (plus some other great ones in similar locations), to our favorite restaurants, fun activities, and the best ways to get around towns, I got you covered babes. 

Next, I share our experience traveling during covid. Now, I’m writing this in October of 2021, and travel restrictions vary by country constantly. So please, do your research! Every country has different regulations and restrictions and you had best know them like the back of your hand before traveling. 

Last but not least, I’ll sum it all up with the hot tips for making your Italy trip the best vacation you could possibly imagine. 

A little note

We booked this Italy vacation to truly indulge in epic hotels, fantastic food, and ease-filled traveling. You can definitely find more affordable hotels, simpler restaurants, and cheaper modes of getting between towns – all of which I will share! 

Our Italy Honeymoon Itinerary 

  • Day 1: Fly to Italy, arrive on Day 2
  • Day 2 – 6: Lake Como 
  • Travel day 6: take taxi to Lake Lugano 
  • Day 6 – 9: Lake Lugano (staying on the Italian side of the lake)
  • Travel day 9: take bus to Lugano, then train to Milan 
  • Day 9: Milan 
  • Travel day 10: plane from Milan to Rome, train from Rome to Naples, private car from Naples to Positano
  • Day 10 – 14: Positano 
  • Travel day 14: private car from Positano to Naples, train from Naples to Rome 
  • Day 14: Rome 
  • Day 15: fly home 

Some travel tips getting around in each town 

We had quite a few travel days between locations, some quicker than others. One thing I wish we had done was more research on public transport between locations. After we arrived at the hotel, we learned there was a bus directly to our second hotel, and could have saved $100 on a taxi. The bus system in Italy and Switzerland is pretty incredible, and easily searchable on the google maps app on your phone. 

Lake Como:

The boat and ferry systems are definitely the fastest way to get around town, especially while crossing the lake. Tickets vary from about $6 to $26 each way, depending on how far along the lake you are traveling. There is also a bus system, which takes just slightly longer than most of the boats but is quite affordable. 

Luxury Holiday Guide to Lake Como 2021/2022 , Italy | Black Tomato

Lake Lugano:

We stayed on the Italian side of the lake in a small town called Cima. There was not a lot happening around our location outside of our gorgeous resort, but there was a bus that can take you along the lake all the way into Switzerland in just about 25 minutes, for about $3 each. If you do make it into Switzerland, there is a fantastic bus and train system throughout the region that is dramatically cheaper than taxis. 

Positano:

As Positano is a very small town, we walked everywhere. Prepare yourself to do some serious climbing if you’ll be walking around, though. We averaged 100 flights of stairs a day in vertical gains. Get between towns on the Amalfi coast, there are both ferries and a bus system connecting the towns. I highly suggest taking the public transport rather than renting a car. The roads are insanely narrow and windy and would have given me a heart attack to drive along. Additionally, there is virtually no parking available in Positano. 

Heygo - Amalfi Coast - Morning relaxing walk in Positano
Scenic Positano

Traveling from North to South Italy: 

We had quite a hellish day with a flight cancellation from Milan to Rome. Looking back, I wish we had instead taken the train from Milan (or Lugano) to Naples. It is a bit pricey and does take longer than a flight. But, you will not have the uncertainty of flight delays and cancellations, along with a scenic ride along the way and an easier mode of travel. 

Another thought, traveling across Italy does take time. If you instead focus your itinerary on closer towns, you won’t lose a day traveling like we did. All told, I’m so glad we did do both Northern and Southern Italy though. 

Final thought on our Itinerary

Last thought for you: I did not love Milan as a city. If I were to do it again, I’d skip it all together and instead go straight from Lake Lugano to Positano, and give myself two whole days in Rome on the back end of the trip.

Next up, I’ll break down each town, hotels, restaurants, and activity ideas. 

10 Best Things To See and Do In Milan (Italy)

Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como is a gorgeous lake in the mountains of northern Italy, just about an hour north of Milan (depending on where on the lake you are staying). 

How to get to Lake Como from Milan

We took a black car booked though Blacklane to get to our hotel in Menaggio. If you are staying in the town of Como or somewhere south on the lake, the train from the Milan airport will definitely be your most affordable option. From Como, you can take the ferry to any of the towns along the lake. 

Our hotel in Lake Como 

We stayed at the Grand Hotel Victoria in the town of Menaggio. This was hands down my favorite hotel of our whole trip. Built right on the lake, the Grand Hotel Victoria has both old world detail and modern building with every creature comfort you could imagine. Our room was modern and spacious while still being cozy, with a gorgeous view of both the lake and city. 

The Grand Hotel Victoria boasted the most incredible spa with two saunas, two steam rooms, and jacuzzi, enormous heated pool, multiple aromatherapy showers, and multiple lounge areas. We spent at least two hours here each day (partly because of the rainy weather we got!) and it felt so luxurious. I also loved that you did not need a spa treatment to get access to the spa area. 

Favorite Amenities of our hotel

I’m definitely someone who likes working out on vacation (gasp! I know). The gym at Grand Hotel Victoria really saved the day helping me get over jet lag with a good sweat sesh each morning. With our rainy weather, it was also nice since hiking in the mountains was not a safe option. If you also like a good vacation workout, this was a hard to find amenity that we adored. 

Another favorite part of this hotel: the breakfast buffet. All of our hotels provided complimentary breakfast, but the breakfast at Grand Hotel Victoria was unbeatable. In a glassed in dining room overlooking the water, you could have everything from eggs cooked any way you want, fresh pressed juices, gluten free goodies galore, seasonal fruit, and a display of baked goods that put the biggest smile on Evan’s face.

Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa - Lago di Como - Luxury Hotel in Lake Como, Italy | Small Luxury Hotels of the World
The view from breakfast! How insanely gorgeous is this

Last thoughts on Grand Hotel Victoria

I would stay at this hotel again in an absolute heartbeat. It was truly the best service, perfect amenities, and delicious restaurant for breakfast, cocktails, or dinner. The only downside was that Menaggio did not have a great deal of nightlife and ferries stopped running at 8pm during the October schedule, so having dinner in other towns was not an option.

The Grand Hotel Victoria Opens in Menaggio Following a Complete Renovation
And one last shot of this beautiful hotel lobby at Grand Hotel Victoria

Other hotels in Lake Como to check out 

Hotel Belvedere Bellagio

Grand Hotel Tremezzo 

What town to stay in while on Lake Como 

We chose Menaggio because it was relatively central on the lake, had a great ferry stop, and had some highly rated restaurants. Menaggio is a smaller town, with not much of a nightlife outside of the hotels. So, if you want a bustling nightlife, I would suggest looking at Bellagio or Como as your home base. 

Also, many of the restuarants and hotels in smaller towns close for the winter, so depending on when you’re planning your trip, you may want to stay in Como which is the biggest town on the lake.

Where to eat in Lake Como 

Breakfast at Grand Hotel Victoria

Enoteca Cava Turacciolo 

Wine and cheese and chartceuterie: say no more. Hidden in a little side street in Bellagio, this wine bar really does feel like a wine cave with stone walls and a wine cellar surrounding the dining area. We popped in for a cheese and charcuterie plate and a glass of wine, and it was absolutely perfect. 

Enoteca Cava Turacciolo - 1st course wine pairing - Picture of Enoteca CavaTuracciolo, Bellagio - Tripadvisor
The stone ceilings give Enoteca Cava Tuacciolo a cozy cellar feel

Lago Restaurant at Grand Hotel Victoria 

If you want a deluxe dining experience, I’d definitely check out this restaurant. Serving interesting and high end eats, it’s a splurge in a gorgeous location. We loved the prosciutto, mozzarella and melon appetizer, along with a surprisingly delicious side salad for me. 

Discover the Lago Restaurant of Grand Hotel Victoria in Menaggio
The dining room at Lago is divine!

Il Ristorante do Paolo 

Romantic vibes, fantastic service, insane wine list, and really good food, this place was a favorite. Dishes we loved: whipped burrata amuse bouche, seared scallop appetizer, roasted pike perch wrapped in prosciutto and basil 

Ristorante inTeatro 

Gluten free pizza! I can’t even tell you how excited I was to find this gluten free pizza. I dragged Evan to three different restaurants around Como that yelp said might have gluten free pizza until we found this spot. Thin and crispy gluten free crust, I could have eaten lunch here every single day. The regular gluten-filled pizzas also looked incredible. 

RISTORANTE CAFFE' TEATRO, Como - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor
Ristorante in Teatro is a must-visit for pizza in Como

The Brothers Cafe 

A coffee shop meets cocktail bar, this spot was super cool. We popped in for an early afternoon coffee, but wish we could have stayed all day and enjoyed some of their interesting and unique cocktails. The decor and vibe inside is all kinds of cool. 

The cocktail bar at Brothers Cafe pumped out some seriously gorgeous drinks

Martinez Cocktail and Food

Stopped in here for appertivo on a rainy afternoon and it was perfect! Appertivo is essentially a pre-meal drink (aka cocktail hour for us Americans), and in Italy that often means you get free snacks with your drink. We didn’t have any food here, but the ambiance was romantic and the drinks were delicious and cheap! 

Gelato at La Fabrica del Gelato 

My favorite gelato on our whole Italy Honeymoon Itinerary. The flavors were so rich and creamy, that perfect balance of sweet but not overpowering, and so many options! Pistachio, vanilla, and chocolate were our favorites.  

My favorite gelato in all of our 14 day Italy Honeymoon Itinerary!

Gelateria del Borgo 

Truthfully, there will be a lot of gelato on this list. But this spot was so good! Located in Bellagio, they had so many cool flavors along with the classics. The chocolate was that incredibly rich and decadent dark chocolate I’m always searching for. 

Gelateria al Borgo is another epic gelato option in Lake Como

Activities in Lake Como 

Our favorite thing to do while on Lake Como was exploring the towns along the water! We loved walking around the gardens of Varenna, strolling the streets of Bellagio, marveling at the town of Como and the hundreds of restaurant options. 

Explore Bellagio’s picturesque streets

Some other towns/sights to see include:

  • Explore the gardens at Villa d’Este (I so wish we had done this!!)
  • Enjoy a spa day at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo (we tried to do this but they were too full booked to allow outside spa bookings)
  • Hiking – check out these trails. Unfortunately, we had too much rain during our stay, causing most trails to either too dangerous in the mud or deemed unenjoyable without heavy gear.
  • Last but certainly not least would be a boat tour. My one regret of Lake Como was the weather wasn’t clear for the iconic boat tours.
Lake Como boat tours
Above all else, the boat tour is the epitome of Lake Como leisure
Hotel, spa and wellness center with pool at Lake Como in Bellagio - Grand Hotel Tremezzo
The spa at Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Lake Lugano 

The stunning Lake Lugano is a lake just to the north and east of Lake Como. Lake Lugano sits in both Italy and Switzerland, with the large Swiss town of Lugano sitting right at the middle of the lake. We stayed on the Italian side of the lake in a small town called Cima. While I loved our hotel, finding a hotel on Lugano in the town of Lugano or in one of the larger Swiss towns would have enabled some more daily explorations on foot. 

Lake Lugano - Life in Italy
Lake Lugano is truly breathtaking!

Our hotel on Lake Lugano 

We stayed at the brand new ARIA Wellbeing Resort and Spa, in the small town of Cima. When I say brand new, I mean this hotel just had their soft the month before our arrival! This is a luxury boutique hotel with just 15 suites with sweeping views of the lake. With ultra modern rooms, palatial decks, and huge bedroom suites, it was quite the experience to stay here. 

32-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, TV
The rooms were incredibly modern and spacious

What we loved: the spa! Because of the rainy weather, we became quite the spa people after this trip. Hosting two saunas, a steam room, ice room, indoor pool, vanishing edge outdoor jacuzzi, and lounges overlooking the lake, this was another incredible spa experience.

Featured Image
The pool and spa at ARIA Wellbeing Resort & Spa

Another favorite feature was the cocktail bar! The bartender Lucca became our best friend and crafted unique new cocktails for us throughout our stay.

The ARIA also has access to its sister hotel just down the slope, Parco San Marco, which hosts five deluxe restaurants, another two pools, tennis courts, and a beach club with water sports center. Having access to these restaurants made it feel like we had a lot more options than a boutique hotel typically would. 

ARIA WELLBEING RETREAT & SPA - Hotel Reviews (Porlezza, Italy) - Tripadvisor

Other hotels to check out 

Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola 

THE VIEW Lugano

What to do in Cima

The main downsides of this resort was that it felt a bit isolated. If we had better days, it would not have mattered as much since there was paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming in the lake, plus the beach club to spend the day reading in the sun. Because we got a bit of rain and cold weather, it did feel like there were fewer activities around our hotel without some traveling. 

I had hoped to do a long bike ride along the lake, but most of the ride is on a very narrow winding road shared by two way traffic, which would not have been ideal. All that being noted, I still loved this hotel as a beautiful place to relax and recharge and enjoy some luxurious accommodations. 

Lugano Stand UP Paddle (Agno) - 2021 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

Restaurants we loved on Lake Lugano 

The lake itself is a huge and has dozens of cool towns along it, so this is by no means an extensive list of the best restaurants along the water!

La Masseria

First stop on our Lugano food tour, this restaurant set the bar high. It’s a cozy little spot with gorgeous lake views, celiac certified meaning almost the entire menu was gluten-free friendly, plus incredible service. We loved the pesto pasta, filet mignon, and bittersweet chocolate mousse (I dream of this). 

La Veranda

Also located on the Parco San Marco resort, this spot was lively with a great dinner selection and wine list. We loved the roast chicken from the grill menu and the fluffy gluten free bread as a starter.

Dessert is always a good idea

Activities in Lugano 

Most of our activities were at the resort, but we did do a day trip to Lugano that we loved which you can read about below!

Parco San Marco 

ARIA Wellbeing Retreat & Spa shares facilities with their sister resort, Parco San Marco. Parco San Marco is a much bigger resort (115 rooms vs. 15), so having multiple restaurants, pools, a second spa, and a huge beach club felt like a great addition. 

We loved spending time down at the Parco San Marco Beach Club that overlooks the lake. There are beach chairs, a full service cocktail bar with gelato, and a boathouse with rentals for everything you’d need to explore the lake.

Private beach, beach bar
Before winding down for the night, make sure you soak up some sun at the beach club

Stand up paddle board on Lake Lugano 

We rented stand up paddle boards at Parco San Marco beach club (about $22/hour each) and paddled along the glassy lake. It was something I will never forget and highly recommend!

Day trip to Lugano, Switzerland 

I think I need to plan a vacation just to Switzerland after this glorious day! We took the bus from our hotel (there’s a stop literally at the bottom of the hotel!) to Lugano. It was only about $3 each and takes just 20 minutes. 

Activities in Lugano 

Lakeshore trail 

There is a fantastic lakeside walking path that stretches for almost 2 miles along the lake in Lugano. If you want a scenic stroll to see mountains, city, and lake, it’s definitely the place to do it. 

Lugano Walk Trail - Ticino, Switzerland | Pacer

Monte San Salvadore

This Mountain rises about 2,700ft above Lugano, right from the edge of town. Either hike up the mountain or opt to take the Funcolare (like a vertical trolley) to the top – it’s about $30 each way per person. The views from the top are insane! Soak in 360 degree views over the lake, town, and mountains. 

A 360° panorama from the Top of Monte San Salvatore
Arrive at the peak of this mountain for incredible 360 degree views

Hiking around Monte San Salvadore

There are a half dozen hikes along the ridge of Monte San Salvadore. Evan and I did the ridge hike from San Salvadore to Carona. It took a little less than an hour each way through forest and overlooking farmland and lakes. You’ll climb down on the way there, and get a nice climb on the way up. 

Well earned views after our hike

Parco Ciani

Parco Ciani is a huge city park in the middle of town, filled with museums, ice cream stands, and lakeside greenery to fill a whole day. We strolled through the park in the late afternoon (to work off all the ice cream), and fell in love with the ease filled energy and scenic views. 

Ciani Park | Switzerland Tourism

Where we ate in Lugano, Switzerland

Gabbani 

After this meal, pasta will never be the same. The vibe of this restaurant was equal parts old world charm, cozy bistro, and chic bakery slash pasta shop of my dreams. The Swiss have a cool concept called the “working lunch” which typically is a salad, entree, and coffee for just a few euros extra than a typical entrée. I ordered a gluten free pasta with bacon, salted brown butter, cheese, and fresh pepper that was amazing, and Evan had the most decadent white truffle pasta ever. 10/10 would recommend!

Evan’s $50 truffle pasta that was worth every penny

Grand Cafe Al Porto 

Another spot that came highly recommended was this hotel restaurant! We peeked in and it looked perfect for a mid-morning pastry and coffee or long lunch. Definitely check it out if you’re in town!

Historic Grand Café Al Porto | Lugano, Switzerland | Life Out of Bounds

–9 Gelato 

After lunch we just *had* to get a gelato and this place did not disappoint! Super creamy, rich texture, plus tons of flavor options, I would for sure come back here. Make sure to save some room for a scoop or two.

Milan 

We spent a quick day in Milan – we had some great finds for food and exploration, and also struck out on some. Didn’t love our hotel, so instead I’ll share the highlights below. 

First stop: Sbunda Panini

This place came highly recommended as some of the best paninis in town. Now, in Italy “panini” really just means sandwich, unlike our American version where it’s always a hotel grilled sando. There are dozens of combinations here with meat, cheese, spreads, and veggies. Evan got the Number One with prosciutto, asiago, spicy sauteed greens and chili oil. Unfortunately, there were no gluten free options.

Next stop: Da Zero 

Italy had lots of gluten free pasta options, but it was much harder to find gluten free pizza options. Da Zero was my second pizza jackpot of the trip. With a thin crispy crust and seriously seasonal and local toppings, I was stoked on this place. If you’re traveling with gluten eaters, they will be equally in heaven as the legit pizzas looked incredible. 

Milano. Menu e prezzi di Da Zero che apre una nuova pizzeria in Brera

Positano 

Second to last on our 14 Day Italy Honeymoon Itinerary was Positano. A small town tucked into the cliff along the Amalfi coast. There are a number of gorgeous towns along the Amalfi coast to visit, so you could definitely spend at least a week here adventuring to each of them.

Where to Stay in Positano 

After a long travel day, arriving at our hotel felt like a little oasis. We stayed at Hotel Buca di Bacco, which is right in the heart of town down near the beach. Most of the hotels in Positano are quite pricey, and even the 4 and 5 star hotels have an old world charm to them. We loved the incredibly expansive deck that overlooks 180 degree ocean views, complete with a full table and two lounge chairs. 

The rooms have a lot of character – colorful tile floors, intricately patterned headboards, rainbow chandeliers and bright fuscia couches adorned our room. Sleek and modern were not exactly the buzz words I’d use to describe this place, but it felt just right in the energy of Positano. 

Buca di Bacco offers a free breakfast buffet overlooking the water, which was good! But to be honest, after the incredible food options at Grand Hotel Victoria in Lake Como, it did pale a bit in comparison. 

Best attributes of this hotel: walkability, unbelievable views, expansive deck, convenient location, very nice staff. 

Other spots to stay in Positano 

Le Sirenuse – fancy as can be but looked unbelievable 

Covo de Saraceni – if we had come here in the summer we would have stayed here for the pool

Hotel Villa Franca – at the very top of Positano, this seems like one of the newest hotels in town, and most modern feel from the photos 

Favorite restaurants in Positano 

We found some serious eats here in Positano, and the food here was by far the best on the trip. That being said, it was also the most expensive! We splurged for some fine dining and I am so glad we did, but be prepared for some pricier restaurants in this part of Italy. 

Ristorante Max 

This first restaurant in Positano really set the bar high. Evan swooned over the homemade pasta (they make almost ten different types each day!). I had a gluten free pasta that was delicious – though I did have to ask for it cooked longer. Personally, I find the Italian take on “al dente” with gluten free pasta can end up a bit too crunchy, so I always ask for the pasta well done. 

The highlight of this meal was undoubtedly the seafood soup. It was HUGE and easily could have split just that between us two. The sauce was flavorful, the seafood was perfectly cooked, my mouth is drooling just thinking about it. 

Il Ritrovo Positano 

After a lovely hike up thousands of stairs through the city to Montepertuso, we happened upon this restaurant that may have been manifested in my dreams. Bright white walls, dramatic ocean views, and a bakery section to blow your mind, this place was divine. The food was incredible! Try the seafood or locally made pastas here. Lastly, don’t forget to leave room for Torta Caprese, a flourless almond chocolate cake that is famous in this part of Italy. 

Il Ritrovo Restaurant | Il Ritrovo Restaurant

Ohima Restaurant 

We loved this spot so much we came back for lunch AND dinner. The indoor seating is the coolest vibe, with wine fridges lining two walls, mood lighting up the yin yang, plus impeccable service. The servers here were equal parts attentive, intuitive, and freaking hilarious. And the food! THE FOOD! We loved the grilled octopus, pumpkin soup, and BBQ pork ribs. 

Ohima Brasserie in Positano is rated so highly and the food looks amazing- can't wait to have a primo, secondo, and more at this hot spot th… | Food, Positano, Menu

Casa E Bottega Positano 

Following a few days of eating all the rich decadent meals, discovering this little healthy hideaway was a godsend. Casa E Bottega is a restaurant and cafe, along with a shop that sells ceramics, linens, art, and fresh produce. We popped in for breakfast and both got the poached eggs in stewed tomatoes. This spot is definitely worth a visit!

Le Tre Sorelle Wine Bar 

Wine is always a good idea, especially in Italy. On our last night, we discovered this little wine bar for some wine tasting before our dinner reservations. They have quite the selection of local wines, along with wines from all over Italy. The coolest feature was the automated pouring stations along the wall in 50ml, 100ml, and 150ml pours. 

Wine Bar & Shop in the heart of Positano - Le Tre Sorelle Wine Room

Casa Mele

Last on our Positano gastronomical tour was Cassa Mele, and it was truly the grand finale. Perched at the top of the town, we loved the intimate atmosphere and open view right into the kitchen. This felt like the most intricate of all of our meals, and definitely would consider it fine dining. We loved: grilled octopus, sous vide egg with white truffle, gluten free ragu with ricotta, and the lamb. 

Ristorante Casa Mele in Positano, Centro | Book Online

Activities in Positano 

Positano Home Cooking 

Two of our best friends did this cooking class in 2019 and rave about it to this day. After we got to experience it, I absolutely feel the same way! Hosted by Peter, a chef who has worked in Michelin star restaurants across 14 countries, this was a night I will NEVER forget. 

Peter sources all of his ingredients locally, using only biodynamic farmed produce, the most sustainable meats, line caught fresh seafood, and impeccably sourced olive oils, truffles, and spices. This cooking class was equal parts wine tasting (thanks to his 10,000 bottle wine cellar), ingredient education class, and cooking techniques. 

How much do you actually cook?

After expecting a lot of manual labor, I loved that we didn’t actually have to do all that much cooking! Of the six courses we ate, we only actively prepared maybe two of them, and Peter and his staff did much of the rest.

Of course, you could get more involved and help prepare more dishes, or ask any and all questions that come to mind. I actually loved just getting to hear about the preparation, ingredients, and techniques rather than slaving over a stove all night. 

It is not a cheap evening, coming in at two hundred euros each. But, we did had a six course meal, tried thirteen different wines (the wine is unlimited!), and had a four hour evening that I will truly remember forever. 

If you do one thing from this Italy Honeymoon Itinerary, I would take Peter’s Positano Home Cooking Class. 

Amalfi Coast Boat Tour

We booked an Amalfi Coast boat tour with Blue Star tours and it was so much fun. Start the day with a pickup at the docks on Positano. Next, you’ll tour along the coast towards the town of Amalfi, stopping along the way to swim in aquamarine waters and see jaw dropping hotels built right into vertical cliffs. 

Another option along the way is to do a tour of the Emerald Lagoon. It was cool to see, but honestly, a little bit underwhelming and quite small. If your boatmates aren’t dead set on it, it’s very okay to skip. 

Ravello

Around lunch time, we stopped in Amalfi for 3 hours to explore. Evan and I booked it to the bus station and journeyed up the mountain into Ravello. Ravello sits at the top of the ridge overlooking the Mediterranean. A small town in comparison to Positano or Amalfi, but filled with ceramic stores, art galleries, and quaint shops, it’s pretty incredible to see. 

With only about an hour to explore, we chose to tour the gardens at Villa Cimbrone. Let me tell you, if Evan and I ever plan a third wedding, I think it would be at this garden. It’s filled with statues, sprawling lawns, rose gardens, and insane views from the top of the ridge down to the ocean. Definitely worth a visit if you geek out on beautiful properties. 

Hotel Villa Cimbrone - Ravello - Amalfi Coast - Italy

Amalfi 

We didn’t have long in Amalfi, but did a quick tour through the main street and popped into La Perla Restaurant for a fresh seafood lunch. Set back from the main street of town, La Perla had delicious food with a quiet ambiance away from the crowds. 

Rome

We only had about a half day in Rome, and we spent just about the whole time eating! Which was of course, the ultimate goal. 

Time Out Rome | Things to do, Best Restaurants and More

Where we Stayed in Rome

Centrally located in front of the Piazza della Bocca della Verita, 47 Boutique Hotel Roma was the perfect spot to adventure from. We loved the modern rooms, high ceilings, and the spacious flower-lined balcony that overlooks the city. If you can stay on the 5th floor, it’s definitely worth it to get the deck! 

This image may contain Furniture, Chair, Terrace, Human, Person, and Flagstone

Restaurants in Rome

Mizios Street Food

First up on our Roman eating tour was Mizio’s street food. Located on a quiet side street, this place is truly a hole in the wall. But don’t let appearances fool you, the paninis here were absolutely delicious. Choose from over a dozen meat and cheese combinations. Without gluten free bread options available, but I just ate the meat and cheese inside! 

Tonnarello

For dinner, we made reservations at Tonnarello thanks to an Erin Lives Whole recommendation. This spot was amazing! Request to sit inside if you can – it’s very cozy, almost cramped, but the ambiance is lovely and romantic. What we loved: gluten free pesto pasta, Nonna Nadia pasta, and the roast chicken (our fave!). My favorite part was our meal plus three glasses of wine only cost about $50. 

Frigidarium Gelato 

Last on our food tour was of course some Gelato. This spot came highly recommended, and for good reason! The flavors were decadent and interesting, and they even offered a chocolate shell in dark or white chocolate. 

Traveling during Covid 

As I mentioned first off, do your own research!! Requirements change constantly and are different for every country. 

We took out trip the first two weeks of October 2021. At our time of travel, Italy required all travelers to have a negative covid test 72 hours before arrival. Additionally, all visitors had to show proof of vaccination, or would be subject to a five day quarantine with additional testing. We are happily vaccinated so we could skip that step. 

Pre-travel requirements

Prior to travel, our airline (American Airlines) sent a list of the requirements. I highly recommend downloading the Verifly App to upload all required documentation and expedite the check in process. Even as we completed all requested items, we could not check in online for either our departing or returning flights, so budget some extra time at your airports for check in. 

Another item to note: any country that your flight connects through will likely also have covid travel requirements. We connected through London and had to fill out additional UK Passenger Locator forms

These are the requirements we had to provide and forms to complete:

  1. EU Passenger Locator form for each flight 
  2. UK Passenger locator form for our layover through London 
  3. Negative Covid test – at the time of our travel an antigen, PCR, or were all accepted
  4. Proof of vaccination
  5. All information on every hotel location along our trip 

If you are still with me, we made it to the end! Below I’ve listed some of my top travel tips to make your Italy vacation as seamless as possible.

Travel tips

  1. Do your research. Covid restrictions, vaccination requirements, and travel planning are all very necessary if you’re visiting new countries as of 2021 (when I’m writing this!). Spend some time making sure you understand exactly what the current requirements are before booking or embarking on your trip. 
  2. Make restaurant reservations wherever you can. Plan ahead and book dinners so you don’t have to waste time wandering trying to find an open table 
  3. Carry your vaccine card with you at all times, or have a digital version accessible on your phone. Most restaurants required proof of vaccination to dine inside, as well as many of the hotels and activities 
  4. Wear comfortable shoes! I know this sounds silly, and you may want to be looking fashionable, but make sure you have good walking shoes. We clocked almost 20,000 steps a day during this Italy Honeymoon Itinerary. I bought these On Running shoes for our trip and they saved my feet while still looking chic.

Want more travel guides? Check out some of my other favorite locations to visit:

San Diego Restaurant Guide

Edna Valley Guide

Sedona Bachelorette Itinerary

California Road Trip Honeymoon

Our California Road Trip Honeymoon

By

How we made a mini-moon happen in Covid times

I’m a married woman, y’all! Evan and I had planned a big 230 person wedding for this October, but that’s obviously not happening. So, we postponed our big celebration to next year.

Although honestly, I have no idea what life will look like next Fall, so I’m trying to not get my hopes up.

In the meantime, we got hitched! 

Trading our epic bash for a backyard wedding with just our parents and siblings in attendance, it was a truly magical day. I’ll give a full wedding blog once I get some more pictures back, don’t you worry! 

Following our wedding, we wanted to celebrate with some type of honeymoon. While our epic vacation we’d hoped for (Tahiti, Italian Alps, or Bali), we managed to make some magic happen along the way. 

So, I wanted to give a rundown of our California Road Trip Honeymoon. I share our favorite restaurants, activities, and where we stayed. Last, I list some of my top tips when traveling these days.

Here’s the route we did:

First stop: Carmel-by-the-Sea

We left San Diego early in the morning and made our way up to Carmel-by-the-Sea. A small town on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel is full of art galleries, libraries, incredible cafes and restaurants, and some DOPE houses. It’s got a neighborhood feel that’s cozy, luxurious, yet accessible to everyone! 

Carmel felt SO safe. Masks are mandatory ($100 fine for not wearing them) and all restaurants are doing outdoor only seating. People generally were very respectful, spacious, and conscientious of others. I loved the vibe and I felt so comfortable being there given how many precautions the entire city took. 

Where to Eat 

Carmel Belle 

Okay, this spot was BOMB! I fell in love with the neighborhood vibe, farm fresh ingredients, and affordable price point. The lunches also look so tasty that I honestly could have eaten here every meal. 

  • What to order
    • Poached eggs on toast, side of the roasted veggies + truffled mushrooms
    • Polenta with poached eggs and roasted tomatoes 
    • Avocado Toast

La Bicyclette

La Bicyclette has all the dreamy vibes of an Italian/French/German fusion cafe with a splash of California farm to table. Wine list was fantastic and not too pricey, and their outdoor seating lined with flower boxes was beyond romantic ambiance. They don’t take reservations and do book out FAST. I suggest getting there early (think just before 5pm at the latest) to put your names in to grab a table before it gets too late. 

What to order 

  • Pizzas – the gluten free crust is BOMB – crisp and chewy! We got the mushroom pizza and the Salumi and loved them both
  • For the gluten-eaters, the Cinghiale Toscana looked like actual food porn incarnate 
I can’t even

Anton & Michel 

After our 20+ mile bike ride, we popped into Anton & Michel for lunch. The restaurant itself looks a little more old-school steak house vibe, the outdoor dining was divine. An outdoor patio lines a beautiful fountain, with umbrellas, bountiful plants, and garden seating that is to die for. Service was lovely and it was a perfect mellow vibe without a long wait. 

What to order

  • Evan got the Ahi Sandwich and said it was incredible
  • Salmon Caesar or Shrimp Salads were must-order items 
Look at this scenic little garden patio

Stationaery

Stationaery has all the artisanal vibes your heart could desire. The restaurant itself looked SO cute, but all seating was outdoor so you’re spread out among the sidewalk and walkways. It’s not perfect, but it’s what Covid life gives you. I will say, the menu isn’t extremely extensive and pretty limited gluten free items, but they make up for it with unique offerings. My eggs did come out cold, but they quickly whipped me up a fresh batch that were great. 

What to order

  • Potato Pancake (wish we had ordered this!!)
  • The breakfast plate
  • Breakfast sammie if you’re feeling indulgent AF. 

What to do in Carmel

Walks on the beach

Walks on the beach are never a bad idea. Carmel City Beach is a long, wide, white sand beach that is hard to beat anywhere on the California Central Coast. It’s right off the main road of downtown Carmel with plenty of parking. Take a stroll with a cup of coffee in the morning or cozy up and watch sunset. 

Rent bikes and ride 17 Mile Drive 

17 Mile Drive is a stretch of dramatic coastal cliffs, snow-white beaches, mystical forests and iconic golf courses. You can either drive the route (and pay $10.50), or you can cruise it for free on bikes!

This is one of the most scenic rides I’ve ever taken. You’ll see breathtaking coastal views like the Lone Cypress and giant trees at Crocker Grove. Take a stroll at the boardwalk above the beach at Spanish Bay or pop in for lunch at Pebble Beach Golf Course. 

We rented electric bikes at Mad Dogs & the Englishman from 10am-5pm for $75/each. You can definitely take a road bike if you want a little more exercise. The ride does have some small hills so a cruiser bike may be a bit more of a workout than you anticipate.

Evan recently had ankle surgery and we could easily cruise for 2-3 hours without breaking a sweat on our electric bikes. 

There are plenty of beaches and at least 2-3 dining options along the route where you can pop in for a quick bite or glass of wine (hey, it’s vacation!). 

Where to Stay

We stayed at The Getaway. It’s a recently renovated quaint little spot that feels like an upscale beach motel. 

The pros: This spot was super affordable and walking distance to everything you need in downtown Carmel. With all outdoor walkways, you avoid any communal hallways and feel very Covid safe. The rooms were recently remodeled and had everything you need, including a fireplace! Book a room on the second floor for extra privacy and better views.

Perks:

  • Free wine tasting from 5-6
  • A simple breakfast gets delivered to your door every morning
  • Free cruiser bike rentals
  • Affordable

The cons: it’s definitely not a resort, so no pool, jacuzzi, spa or anything like that. The walls are quite thin so if you have rowdy neighbors it will feel noisy. Lastly, the outdoor walkways make it feel like you need your blinds closed all day. Overall, it was a good spot if you don’t plan on spending much time in your room, and instead want to be out exploring. 

Other spots to stay: L’Auberge Carmel, La Playa Carmel, and The Hideaway all looked like great hotel options too!

Second Stop: Pismo Beach 

Pismo Beach is a sleepy little beach town just 20 minutes south of San Luis Obispo. The downtown itself is equal parts funky, hip, touristy, and a touch grungy. Don’t go expecting anything bougie, and love it for what it is. There are some incredible stretches of beach to walk along, not to mention the famous sand dunes. 

What to do in Pismo

Get out for some fun activities in Pismo Beach! In addition to those below, we loved walking along the beach and watching surfers from the pier.

Wine Tasting in Edna Valley

Edna Valley is shockingly close to downtown Pismo (we went from our hotel on the beach to wine country in 10 minutes!) and there are incredible little spots for wine tasting. 

Biddle Ranch

We loved the mellow, laidback vibe of this place! Recently built with gorgeous modern white farmhouse buildings, this tasting room sits right on the vineyard where they grow their Chardonnay grapes. Olive trees dot the courtyard that has plenty of shade and a perfect view.

The Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, and Eviva varietals were some of our favorites. Biddle Ranch serves limited food, but the harvest box was sold out by our appointment at 2:30pm, so be warned to not come hungry just in case!

Center of Effort

With incredible views, sweeping vineyards, and spacious estate, impressive is an understatement when it comes to describing this vineyard and tasting room. We were the only guests there during our time slot (heyyy 4pm Wednesday wine tasting), and got essentially a private tour and guided tasting from the hospitality manager.

Definitely call ahead and order the cheese plate to go with your wines because it’s a game changer. Wines are pricier and the tasting fee is a little steep at $30, but a fun splurge!

Edna Valley Vineyard

While we didn’t get a chance to visit here, the photos of the estate look gorgeous and I’ve heard lovely things about the experience! 

Sand Dunes

Unfortunately when we were there the dunes were closed. I suggest checking if the dunes are open when you’re traveling. It’s undoubtedly worth checking out for a drive along the beach. You can take your own car (though check if it’s advisable based on your model) or go wild and rent dune buggies for a drive. 

Where to Eat

Ember

If I lived in Pismo Beach, Ember would be my go-to date night spot. It’s got a lovely garden patio which you should definitely request when booking, since the front parking lot didn’t have much ambiance. Everything we ordered was delicious, and the staff was incredibly responsive, helpful, and passionate about their work. 

What to order

  • Green goddess salad
  • Roasted chicken
  • Halibut
  • The pizzas if you’re not gluten free like me!

Honeymoon Cafe

Be still my beach-bum heart! I loved this little shack filled with good vibes and better food. Painted bright turquoise and paired with a Bob Marley soundtrack, the Honeymoon Cafe is where you get quality food cooked with love. 

What to order

  • Roasted veggie omelette
  • Sunrise tacos
  • Oatmeal with fresh berries
  • Al-Paca bowl

Where to Stay

Dolphin Bay Resort

Dolphin Bay is a beautiful resort right on the cliffs above the water at the north end of Pismo. We had a gorgeous ocean view room that is honestly bigger than my apartment. The hotel rooms also hosted full kitchens and had laundry, so would be great if you want to cook some meals at home or freshen up mid-trip. 

Downsides: many of the amenities were closed (spa, gym, jacuzzi), so you don’t get the full experience that comes with the price tag. Many of the guests did not wear masks around the property, and there were not many extra safety protocols. We also got unlucky with rowdy kids and parents getting wild at the pool all hours of the day. Otherwise, it was a gorgeous view and beautiful place to stay. 

Other places to stay: The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, Vespera on Ocean, or Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach 

Last stop: Laguna Beach 

Laguna Beach is one of my favorite little beach towns in Southern California. The downtown is right on the water and filled with cute cafes, surf shops, and art galleries galore. Laguna is also very close to Corona Del Mar, Dana Point, and Newport, so you can zip around to nearby beaches and restaurants without wasting your day. 

Where to Eat 

Buddha’s Favorite

Shoutout to my girls @sweatandtell and @alectreffs for recommending this incredible little sushi spot. Right on the bay on Lido Isle, this sushi spot had a laid back and fun atmosphere that didn’t take itself too seriously. The sushi is incredible quality at a fantastic price point. 

What to order

  • Seaweed salad
  • Hamachi sashimi
  • Jamie’s Cryin’ roll

Urth Caffe

Located right in the heart of downtown Laguna, this outdoor seating oasis overlooking the beach has a massive menu full of healthy options. After a week of indulgent eats, stopping here for breakfast was so refreshing! Expect a line on the weekends and be ready to wait a bit, but it’ll be worth it I promise. 

What to order

  • Poached eggs and toast
  • Eggs Salmone
  • Huevos Rancheros

Bear Flag Fish Co

Bear Flag is one of my all time favorite restaurants that I have to hit every time we are in the Laguna/Newport area. With got fresh fish up the yin yang here, they have plenty of options for everyone in your crew. The Crystal Cove location is a favorite of mine – pick up food and then park over by the beach for a picnic vibe! 

What to order

  • Bear Flag Roll
  • La Bamba Roll
  • Tuna Poke starter or Poke Bowl
  • Chips and Guacamole

Zinc Cafe

I’ve loved Zinc since way back in the days when they had a location in Solana Beach when I was growing up. Unfortunately for me, they’re only located in Orange County and LA these days, so I make an effort to swing in anytime I’m in town. Tons of gluten free options, everything feels fresh and high quality here. 

What to order

  • Avocado Toast
  • Healthy Bowl
  • Zinc Salad
  • And definitely scope the fresh baked goods section 

What to do

Hike the trails in Alta Laguna Park

Dubbed “Top of the World” the lookout spot at the top of this park has 360 degree views of Laguna. There is an extensive trail network that winds through the rolling hills. Miles of hiking it easily available and well marked, or you can just park up top and walk 3-4 minutes to see the view. 

Visit the Tide Pools 

Laguna Beach boasts impressive tide pooling opportunities, giving you an up-close look at various sea creatures from sea stars to anemones. Pick up an illustrated brochure at the Official Visitors Center to help you identify the sea life you might spot.

Where to Stay 

Montage Laguna Beach

The Montage may be the nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed in. Hosting breathtaking ocean views, unparalleled service, and incredible facilities, it’s a pricey stay but an unbelievable experience if you’re balling out.

The staff took so many safety precautions – all were fully masked and gloved at all times. Masks are mandatory in all hotel areas unless you were seated at a meal or in your designated spot by the pool. They even had hand sanitizing stations at every single doorway and elevator pod. The Montage definitely spared no expense on keeping things safe and distanced.

The pool is spacious, quiet and overlooks the cliffs above the ocean. We splurged for a massage, but since the spa lounge and facilities were closed, it felt pretty overpriced without the experience of lounging before and afterwards. Also being fully masked up the entire time wasn’t exactly the same relaxing feel. Just my two cents! Save the money and grab a fancy cocktail by the pool instead.

Other spots to stay: The Inn at Laguna Beach, Laguna Cliffs Marriott, Monarch Beach Resort

My top travel tips

Call ahead 

First tip: call ahead to restaurants to see if they take reservations or if they’re walk up only. We also got unlucky along the trip where Google said restaurants were open, and they were closed, so calling ahead will save you some needless driving in circles. 

Pack some gut-health boosting supplements 

Whenever I’m on a vacation, you bet your ass I’m packing my FRISKA probiotic + digestive enzymes. Especially when my vacation is packed with glorious restaurants and a good bit of wine.

These daily supplements support digestion and absorption of nutrients, rebalance your gut biome, and have added benefits for your immunity and sleep cycles. I love traveling with the Nightly Reboot since I have so much trouble sleeping in new places. It gets me to sleep in no time. Also check out My Top Tips for Better Sleep while you’re at it.  

Have hand sanitizer and masks on you

I know this goes without saying these days, but have hand sanitizer and masks ready at all times. It makes life a whole lot easier! If you’re traveling from a state with mellower Covid restrictions, be ready for every California restaurant to require a mask when not seated at your table (as of early November 2020). 

Relax and go with it 

I struggle to let go of lofty expectations. Level setting my honeymoon expectations to what was possible during Covid wasn’t the easiest for me. But once I embraced our California road trip honeymoon as the first celebration of many, I could roll with the bumps along the way.

Prepare for restaurants to be unexpectedly closed or have long waits. It might be hard to find a cute cocktail bar to pop into spontaneously. Some of the activities you’re hoping for might not be possible. There is still fun to be had, and a lot to be grateful for regardless!