<![CDATA[The Far and Few]]>https://thefarandfew.substack.comhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!s97J!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7c78d103-56bd-4146-9b9b-00d904368d98_600x600.pngThe Far and Fewhttps://thefarandfew.substack.comSubstackSat, 05 Sep 2026 01:45:21 GMT<![CDATA[The Costa Brava Guide.]]>https://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-costa-brava-guidehttps://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-costa-brava-guideMon, 31 Aug 2026 11:51:50 GMT

if you’re enjoying this post, would really appreciate if you would ❤️ tap the heart, 💌 forward this to a friend, or 🫶🏼 subscribe below!

There hasn’t been a place where I’ve felt more at ease with simplicity, or more content with life, than Costa Brava. Simple but beautiful beaches, minimalist approaches to cooking that somehow create perfectly delicious dishes, and understated hotels where every detail feels just right.

The towns, whether little villages tucked into the hills or seaside towns centered around bustling public squares, are stunningly beautiful and full of life. I can’t imagine a more down-to-earth, peaceful, yet celebratory way to spend a summer. The natural beaches and turquoise water had me feeling like the only place I needed to be was right there, and the only job I had was to swim, sleep, eat, and repeat.

I had some outstanding meals: simply cooked fish so fresh that it couldn’t go wrong even if they tried (which they most certainly did not), Michelin-quality experimental cooking, and, of course, true Spanish tapas.

But what stood out most was the kindness we encountered in nearly every interaction. People seemed genuinely excited to share their beautiful summer spot with us. From the sweetest hotel staff member, who personally went to a bakery to pick up pastries for us the night before an early departure because we’d be missing breakfast, to the kind beachgoers who showed me the best place to jump into the water without scraping myself on the rocks, everyone I encountered made me feel a little more optimistic about humanity.

Below, you’ll find my guide to some incredible spots throughout the region, organized as best as I could by town. For paid subscribers, I’ve also included a map with every recommendation pinned, as well as my three-day itinerary for what I think makes the perfect long weekend in Costa Brava.

If you’re heading to Costa Brava, be sure to also check out my Barcelona guide, and as always, feel free to reach out to (carolinehariri@gmail.com) for a customized itinerary tailored to your trip.

This account is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber!

N O R T H

Cadaqués / Roses / Port de la Selva + Figueres

Food

  • Oli Bar (outstanding modern dishes and a great wine list)

  • Casa Anita (fresh seafood, a local spot)

  • Set Cadaqués (simple and good food, very cute bar and lovely views)

  • ReMei - Restaurant Cadaqués (great take on Spanish cuisine)

  • Enoteca MF (a little touristy but right in town and everything is very fresh)

  • Rafa’s (simple but delicious and modern seafood spot in Roses)

Hotels

  • Casa Nereta (a perfect hotel with the kindest co-founder and Creative Director who made our stay incredibly special. The food is also outstanding)

  • Duran Hotel i Restaurant (the hotel itself is very bare-bones, but the food here is a true destination!)

Activities

  • Salvador Dalí House Museum (you can only imagine how fun the studio and home of this eccentric artist can be)

  • Drinks in town - Maritim Bar was my favorite! There was also live music happening in town that was very fun to be a part of! If you want a little fancier cocktail spot, Brown Sugar is the place for you.

  • Find a spot to swim in Cap de Creus, a beautiful rocky coastline with little swimming coves

C E N T R A L / B A I X E M P O R D À

Begur / Calella de Palafrugell / Llafranc / Tamariu / Pals + surrounding coast

Food

  • Hostal Restaurant Sa Rascassa (near the sea, wonderful food, good for dinner and also a little hotel)

  • Clara (a delicious and beautifully designed restaurant in Begur, very cool)

  • Casa Juanita (a classic and local spot in town with wood-fired seafood)

  • Fitzroy Café (a cute little coffee shop in Begur)

  • C-Roack (drinks spot in Begur)

  • Toc al Mar (great lunch spot to eat while at the nearby beach, Platja d’Aiguablava)

  • Sol i Mar Calella (delicious seafood spot right on the beach - be sure to make a reservation)

  • Margarita (another great seafood spot with some seafood pasta dishes as well)

Hotels

  • La Bionda - Hotel Begur (the most stunning hotel and spa with a delicious breakfast. I was told that Carla is the most amazing masseuse but didn’t have a chance to try!)

  • Sallès Hotel & Spa Cala del Pi (lovely hotel with beautiful water views)

  • Hostal de la Gavina (quaint, lots of character)

  • Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa (stunning hotel in the hills, very wellness focused)

Activities

  • Beaches:

    • Aiguafreda

    • Cala Sa Tuna

    • Platja Fonda

    • Cala Malaret

    • Aigua Blava

    • Platja d’Aiguablava

    • Tamariu Beach

    • Walk around Calella de Palafrugell to find the beach of your choice!

    • Beach of Castell

    • Cala s’Alguer

  • Hike along Cala s’Eixugador (the Camí de Ronda coastal path is incredible)

  • See the castle, Castell d’Empordà

  • Gala Dalí Castle & Museum

G I R O N A + I N L A N D

Girona / Sant Julià de Ramis / Maià de Montcal

Food

  • Restaurant Esperit Roca (for a special occasion)

  • El Celler de Can Roca (another great one for a special occasion)

  • Restaurant Normal (a delicious take on Spanish food)

Hotels

  • Off Grid Girona (beautiful hotel up in the hills of Maià de Montcal, great place to hang by the pool)

My Itinerary and link to the Costa Brava Map:

Read more

]]><![CDATA[The Cape Cod Guide.]]>https://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-cape-cod-guidehttps://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-cape-cod-guideSat, 22 Aug 2026 10:02:00 GMT

if you’re enjoying this post, would really appreciate if you would ❤️ tap the heart, 💌 forward this to a friend, or 🫶🏼 subscribe below!

A guide very near and dear to my heart! Despite being a California native, I’ve had the absolute privilege of spending at least part of every summer on the Cape since fifth grade. My best friend growing up spent her summers there, as did my college best friend and my cousins’ best friend, and now my fiancé’s family has a home there. Between all of them, I’ve been lucky enough to experience lots of different corners of the Cape over the years.

One thing I’ve noticed is that everyone who summers on the Cape has their traditions. People are incredibly loyal to their town, their beach, their favorite lobster roll spot, and the places they’ve been going for years — and they don’t always love to venture too far from them! It’s part of what makes the Cape so special, but it can also make it feel a little inaccessible if you don’t already know where to go.

So, I was determined to break down some of those barriers. While I definitely recommend sticking to one area at a time rather than spending your day driving up and down Route 6, it’s worth exploring beyond wherever you’re staying. The towns really do feel different from one another, and there’s so much more to the Cape than the handful of places you might initially know.

After all these summers, I’ve accumulated quite a few favorites. I’ve organized them geographically below to make exploring a little easier.

Let’s start at the tip (the fist, if you’re going by the arm of the cape!)

As always, feel free to reach out to (carolinehariri@gmail.com) for a customized itinerary tailored to your trip.

This account is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber!

O U T E R C A P E

Provincetown / Truro / Wellfleet / South Wellfleet

Food

  • Relish Bakery & Sandwich Shop

  • Sal’s Place (feels like you’re in Europe!)

  • Joon Bar

  • Pop+Dutch

  • Spiritus Pizza

  • Nor’East Provincetown

  • Far Land Provisions

  • Winslow’s Tavern (on the way to Provincetown!)

  • Mac’s Shack (delicious seafood)

  • Ceraldi (for a special occasion!)

Drinks/Going Out

  • Ladyslipper (very fun, quirky cocktail bar)

  • A-House (for late night dancing)

  • The Canteen (great for drinks, but also really good food!)

Hotels

  • The Red Inn

  • Land’s End Inn

  • Gifford House

Activities

  • Provincetown Causeway (beautiful walk and place to bike)

  • John Derian (the famous John Derian’s home store)

  • Beachcomber/Cahoon Hollow Beach (great beach with a very fun beach bar)

  • Check out the beautiful art galleries in Provincetown

L O W E R C A P E

Orleans / Brewster / Harwich / Harwich Port / Chatham

Food

  • twenty-eight Atlantic (for a special occasion)

  • Hangar B Eatery (great breakfast spot, very unique)

  • Pain d’Avignon Restaurant Boulangerie (a classic!)

  • Chatham Cheese Co (perfect place to picnic prep)

  • Bluefins Sushi & Sake Bar

  • Del Mar Bar & Bistro (fun to go when there’s live jazz)

  • Buca’s Tuscan Roadhouse

  • The Port Restaurant (ok food but very fun for later night going out!)

  • Perks Coffee Shop & Beer Garden (another fun going out spot)

  • The Squire (a must going out spot, but also underrated great food)

  • Chatham Bars Inn Farm (fancy dinner spot but also a great place to grocery shop!)

  • Picos Taco Shack

Drinks/Going Out

  • The Brewster Woodshed (very fun live music!)

Hotels

  • Chatham Bars Inn

  • Chatham Inn Relais & Châteaux

  • Wequassett Resort and Golf Club

Activities

  • Whale watching

  • Visit the Chatham Pier Fish Market for a very fresh meal

  • Walk along the Chatham lighthouse road

  • Shop along Main Street - there are some very cute stores!

  • Nauset Beach (stunning, vast beach)

  • Antique shopping in Brewster - two favorites are Vintage Traders and Wayne’s

M I D C A P E

Dennis / Dennis Port / West Dennis / West Yarmouth / Barnstable / Hyannis / Centerville / Osterville / Cotuit / South Yarmouth / Yarmouth

Food

  • Special occasion spots:

    • LUNE

    • The Ocean House Restaurant

    • The Rooftop at Pelham House Resort

    • Clean Slate Eatery

    • Fin

  • More Casual

    • Kettle Ho Restaurant & Tavern

    • Five Bays Bistro

    • Baxter’s Boathouse

    • Ann & Fran’s Kitchen (the best diner!)

    • The Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House (authentic cape food!)

    • Baleine (delicious wine bar)

    • Chapin’s Fish & Chips and Beach Bar

    • Leonessa (the most sceney food on the cape!)

    • Inaho Japanese Restaurant

    • The Pheasant (my personal favorite restaurant on the cape)

    • Sesuit Harbor Cafe (the best place to get seafood and lobster rolls!)

    • ACK Gioia (great Italian sandwiches)

  • Desserts/Bakeries

    • Sundae School Homemade Ice Cream

    • Four Seas Ice Cream (my favorite ice cream!)

    • AMIE Bakery

    • Proof Bakehaus (really great pastries)

Drinks/Going Out

  • Love Farms (fun going out spot)

  • Sand Bar (fun going out spot and great food)

  • Chart Room Osterville (best mudslide, day time spot)

Activities

  • Mayflower Beach

  • Bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail

  • Walk through the beautiful Armstrong-Kelley Park

  • Shopping

    • Dunn & Sons Wine

    • Lighthouse Keeper’s Pantry (really fun gift shop with great food)

    • 1856 Country Store (famous gift shop with lots of candy!)

    • Flora Cape Cod (the cutest flower shop!)

    • Fête Among the Flowers (another great flower shop with beautiful gifts and home decor)

    • Gatherings at Home (antique shop)

U P P E R C A P E

Falmouth/Woods Hole/Buzzards Bay/Sandwich/East Sandwich

Food

  • Barking Claw (little lobster stand in a parking lot with such great quality lobster)

  • Water Street Kitchen

  • Maison Villatte (delicious bakery)

  • The Seafood Shanty

  • Fishermen’s View Seafood Market & Restaurant

  • Café Chew (great lunch spot)

  • Lambert’s Farm Market (perfect place to get a beach sandwich)

  • Snowy Owl Cafe & Roastery (great coffee chain - good empanadas!)

  • Smitty’s for ice cream

Hotels

  • Belfry Inn and Bistro (quaint little inn, special dinner spot!)

Activities

  • Old Silver Beach

If you enjoyed reading The Far & Few today, tap the ❤️ below — it helps my content get discovered!

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this newsletter, you can support it by:

]]><![CDATA[The Basque Country Guide.]]>https://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-basque-country-guidehttps://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-basque-country-guideMon, 27 Jul 2026 15:26:45 GMT

if you’re enjoying this post, would really appreciate if you would ❤️ tap the heart, 💌 forward this to a friend, or 🫶🏼 subscribe below!

What I love most about the Basque region is the variety it has to offer. You can spend the morning exploring charming fishing villages, the afternoon on the beach, and the evening enjoying one of the best meals of your life. From San Sebastián and Bilbao to Biarritz and the smaller towns in between, every stop has its own personality.

There is so much to see, eat, and experience in this region. This guide highlights what I think are the very best of the Basque Country—from hidden, farm-to-table bed and breakfasts and laid-back pintxo bars to world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurants. I’ve also included my favorite hotels, beaches, museums, and day trips, bringing everything together in one place to help you make the most of your trip.

At the end of the guide, you’ll find a map with every recommendation pinned to make planning even easier. As always, feel free to reach out to (carolinehariri@gmail.com) for a customized itinerary tailored to your trip.

This account is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber!

B I A R R I T Z

Food

Read more

]]><![CDATA[The Montreal Guide.]]>https://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-montreal-guidehttps://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-montreal-guideFri, 12 Jun 2026 13:42:16 GMT

if you’re enjoying this post, would really appreciate if you would ❤️ tap the heart, 💌 forward this to a friend, or 🫶🏼 subscribe below!

Montreal is one of those cities that surprises people. Equal parts European and North American, it somehow manages to feel charming, cool, relaxed, and exciting all at once.

The old town feels distinctly French, with cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, and cafés that make you want to get a little lost. But what I love most about Montreal is the contrast. Alongside all that old-world charm is a cooler, more creative side of the city with incredible restaurants, stylish bars, vintage shops, and neighborhoods that feel effortlessly cool rather than overly polished.

This is my guide to my favorite places in Montreal, from the best meals and bars to charming hotels, little shops, and spots worth going out of your way for.

As always, feel free to reach out to (carolinehariri@gmail.com) for a customized itinerary tailored to your trip.

This account is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber!

Food

  • Joe Beef (French food and steaks - and one of the best restaurants in Montreal)

  • Le Vin Papillon (same owners as Joe Beef - and boy, do you they know what they’re doing! Every dish was outstanding, and the most home-y atmosphere)

  • Vin Mon Lapin (a culinary destination! Set your alarm to book in advance)

  • Au Pied de Cochon (excellent take on Canadian cuisine)

  • Olive et Gourmando (the best breakfast in the city - get the Cubano sandwich and the ham and cheese biscuit)

  • Le Violon (delicious French-leaning cuisine, beautifully modern setting)

  • Restaurant Parapluie (a beloved spot in Montreal with some standout dishes)

  • Mastard (had such an outstanding meal here - totally blind pre-fix and I loved every dish)

  • Restaurant Da Emma (cozy Italian in a cave-like setting, in old to wn)

  • Mano Cornuto (great modern Italian, get the sandwiches)

  • Nora Gray (a very beloved upscale Italian)

  • Bar George (stunning restaurant - the food is not the most amazing but it’s beautiful inside)

  • Restaurant Beba (for a special occasion)

  • Serrano Bar-B-Q (great lunch spot to grab a life-changing rotisserie chicken sandwich)

  • Mandy’s (very easy salad chain, but people in Montreal love it and say it’s a must! Good meal to grab before a flight)

  • Monarque (offers both a more formal dining room as well as a casual eatery in the brewery)

  • Garde Manger (seafood)

  • Motto Handroll Bar (no reservation, incredible sushi spot)

  • Drogheria Fine (cute, grab-n-go Italian famous for their gnocchi takeout)

  • Restaurant Noodle Factory (really good take out Chinese)

  • Aux Vivres Plateau (great lunch spot, Vegan cuisine)

Bakeries and coffee

  • Kouing Amann Bakery

  • Fairmount Bagel (one of the oldest bagel stores in Montreal. On one side of the street is the traditional one that they don’t make sandwiches there, and on the other side you can order and eat the sandwich you want. Ask them which bagel just came out of the oven and get that flavor)

  • Creme Mood Artisan (bakery dedicated to cinnamon rolls!)

  • St-Viateur Bagel & Café Mont-Royal (another famous bagel spot)

  • Bernie Beigne (famous donut spot)

Bars/Going Out

  • Nhậu bar

  • STILLIFE (fun, lounge-like)

  • Flyjin (also a daytime cafe and restaurant)

  • Badin (cool, speciality drinks)

  • Atwater Cocktail Club (speakeasy with unique drinks)

  • Yoko Luna (late night club spot)

  • Cloakroom Bar (solid option for a cocktail bar)

  • Clandestino (tequilaria)

  • Bar Bisou Bisou (very cute hole in the wall bar)

  • The Coldroom (famous, maybe a little touristy, speakeasy)

  • El Pequeño Bar (really cute Cuban bar - good for food and drinks)

  • Buvette Vino Disco (good for light bites and late night)

  • Bar Bello (really cute spot, nice outdoor seating)

Activities

  • Mount Royal hike! Such a beautiful park - and lot’s of uphill so it really is a hike)

  • Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau (amazing Nordic-style spa. Excellent day activity)

  • Rent a boat and take a cruise down the river

  • visit the SSENSE store

  • Museums:

    • Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

    • PHI (contemporary art)

  • Day trips to Québec City! - hike the incredible Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier and see Montmorency Falls

Hotels

  • the Ritz Carlton

  • Humaniti Hotel Montreal Autograph Collection

  • Hotel Nelligan

  • Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel Montreal

  • Auberge du Vieux-Port par Gray Collection

If you enjoyed reading The Far & Few today, tap the ❤️ below — it helps my content get discovered!

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this newsletter, you can support it by:

]]><![CDATA[The Rome Guide.]]>https://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-rome-guidehttps://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-rome-guideSun, 31 May 2026 18:12:30 GMT

if you’re enjoying this post, would really appreciate if you would ❤️ tap the heart, 💌 forward this to a friend, or 🫶🏼 subscribe below!

My first trip to Rome was in high school with my Latin class, where I checked off all the touristy hot spots. Over the years, though, I’ve been lucky to have many close friends live in Rome, which completely changed the way I experience the city.

I’ve gotten to know a version of Rome that feels slower, more local, and infinitely more charming. Long lunches, sunset aperitivos, neighborhood trattorias where dinner somehow lasts four hours, hidden gardens, tiny wine bars with live music, and the kinds of places you’d never find if you were relying on TikTok or generic “Top 20 Rome” lists.

This is the Rome guide I wish someone had handed me years ago, for people who want to experience the city beyond the obvious. Of course, there are some classics worth seeing (you are in Rome, after all!!!), but I think Rome is best when you leave a little room for wandering and plan your day around one really good meal.

Every restaurant, bakery, hotel, museum, bar, boutique, and hidden gem below is pinned to a private Rome Google Map, available exclusively to paid subscribers at the bottom of this issue.

As always, feel free to reach out to (carolinehariri@gmail.com) for a customized itinerary tailored to your trip.

This account is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber!

Food

  • East of the Tiber River:

    • Flavio al Velavevodetto (the kind of place you’ll accidentally stay for three hours)

    • Rocco Ristorante (feels wonderfully local in this easy yet exquisite Roman restaurant)

    • Ristorante la Campana (small and unassuming but outstanding Roman food that you can tell is made with pure, fresh ingredients)

    • Salumeria Volpetti (my ideal Rome lunch is to take it get a custom made sandwich and eat in the Giardino degli Aranci park, the perfect setting redolent of sweet oranges)

    • Al Pompiere Roma (fresh, high-quality ingredients that make for excellent dishes)

Read more

]]><![CDATA[The Marbella + Malaga Guide.]]>https://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-marbella-malaga-guidehttps://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-marbella-malaga-guideWed, 20 May 2026 19:30:52 GMT

if you’re enjoying this post, would really appreciate if you would ❤️ tap the heart, 💌 forward this to a friend, or 🫶🏼 subscribe below!

I’m a little biased, given that I’m getting married in Marbella, but I’ve truly always loved this area. I didn’t think I could love it more than I already did, but time and time again, I find myself impressed by just how much the Andalusian coast has to offer. Marbella and Málaga are beautiful, vibrant, and full of soul. Between the charming old towns, palm-lined promenades, long beach lunches, and warm Mediterranean evenings, there’s an ease to life here that instantly makes you slow down. The food is incredible; from simple grilled seafood by the water to lively dinners that somehow stretch late into the night. Marbella feels polished and glamorous without losing its warmth, while Málaga brings history, culture, and an energy that’s all its own. It’s the kind of destination that feels both joyful and grounding, balancing beauty, fun, and a true sense of place.

The full map is available at the bottom of the page for paid subscribers. For custom itineraries, feel free to email carolinehariri@gmail.com

M A R B E L L A

Food

  • Beachside locations:

    • NOSSO Summer Club Marbella (fun, beach club vibes)

    • Restaurante El Lago Marbella (great for a special occasion)

    • MC Beach (the most aesthetically pleasing restaurant on this list! Poolside with delicious food, located in the Marbella Club)

    • La Milla (excellent food right on the beach)

    • El Patio at the Marbella Club (romantic, elegant and incredible food)

    • Sea Grill (part of Puente Romano’s hotel, delicious and right on the sea)

    • GAIA Marbella (Greek restaurant located in Puente Romano’s hotel)

    • Marisquería El Ancla (fresh seafood)

    • Besaya Beach (creative seafood dishes)

    • La Plage Casanis (elevated beachfront spot with seafood)

  • In the hills/non-beach spots:

    • Mercado Municipal de Marbella (beautiful local market with fresh, local foods)

    • Alba Marbella (great food)

    • Cascada (the most beautiful outdoor garden)

    • Magna Café Marbella (great lunch spot overlooking PG by Magna Golf)

    • 11:11 Société (great Mexican, very beautiful decor)

    • Restaurante Skina (a 2-Michelin hidden gem in old town)

Hotels

  • The Marbella Club (slightly biased, given it’s where I’m getting married this fall, but it’s objectively one of the most timeless and iconic hotels in the world, let alone in Costa del Sol)

  • Nobu Hotel Marbella

  • Don Carlos (new hotel)

  • Puente Romano (Marbella Club’s sister hotel, a little more family friendly, resort-like)

  • La Fonda Heritage Hotel, Relais & Châteaux (very quaint and authentic small hotel in old town)

  • Finca Cortesin (beautiful luxury hotel up in the hills)

  • La Zambra Resort - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

  • METT Marbella - Estepona (decent rooms, but the pool/beach area is excellent)

  • Buchinger Wilhelmi (specialized wellness clinic in Marbella)

  • Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella (excellent value for a 5-star hotel)

Activities

  • See Marbella’s old town, including the Plaza De Los Naranjos (orange square) as well as the statue of Salvador Dali, who used to vacation in Marbella

  • Hiking Trails

  • Day trip to Caminito del Rey hiking

  • La Concha hike (about 6 hours with sweeping views)

  • Benahavís - Montemayor (2-3 hour hike that leads to Montemayor Castle)

  • The Xarblanca – Ermita de los Monjes hiking trail (nice hike of the Monks’ Hermitage with beautiful streams, around 1.5-2 hours)

  • Golf! Countless courses all around Costa del Sol - one favorite is Finca Cortesin

  • Spa (personal favorites are the Marbella Club and Nobu hotel)

  • Boating with Scansail Marbella or Saga Puerto Banus - good place to see dolphins!

  • Play tennis at the beautiful Puente Romano Tennis Club

  • Check out the beautiful yachts at Puerto Banús port - either to walk around or go to one of the many glamorous beach clubs for day or night partying (personal favorites are Nikki Beach. La Cabane and Ocean Club)

  • Day trips:

    • Pedregalejo - a beautiful fishing town

    • Ronda, stunning town with a dramatic bridge and near the wine country

    • Nerja, relaxed seaside town

    • Frigiliana, a Moorish hillside village

    • George Scott Safari - a once in a lifetime horseback riding adventure through the Andalucia mountains, with the base being Trasierra hotel.

  • Shopping

    • Boutiques around the old town

    • El Corte Inglés Marbella (the high-end Spanish chains’ Marbella location)

    • Shop at Puerto Banús’ high-end shops including everything from Gucci and Loewe to Zara.

    • Sunday market also in Puerto Banús’

M A L A G A

Food

  • Bodega El Pimpi (part owned by Antonio Banderas and absolutely delicious!)

  • La Farola de Orellana (delicious Andalusian bistro)

  • Trocadero Casa de Botes (right on the dock!)

  • Casa Lola (very easy, casual tapas chain)

  • José Carlos García Restaurante (fancy, tasting menu)

  • Bar La Tranca (great, lowkey tapas bar)

  • El Refectorium Catedral (great simple Spanish dishes)

Hotels

  • Cristine Bedfor Guest Houses Málaga (absolutely stunning boutique hotel in the areas largest city)

  • Hotel Molina Lario (great option in Málaga)

  • Palacio Solecio (feels so grand and luxurious, you wouldn’t believe this is just a small 4-star hotel)

  • Hotel Catalonia Molina Lario (really cute, simple boutique with a rooftop pool)

  • Hotel Miramar (beautiful and very grand, right on the water)

Activities

  • Museo Picasso in Málaga

  • Sky plane tour with Real Aereclub de Málaga

  • Centre Pompidou Mála

Other great locations nearby:

Hotels

  • Finca La Donaira (further away from the coast, a rustic hotel with horseback riding, wellness and amazing farm-to-table food in Andalusia)

Map linked below for access to all these locations:

Read more

]]><![CDATA[The LA Guide.]]>https://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-la-guidehttps://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-la-guideTue, 21 Apr 2026 00:51:19 GMT

if you’re enjoying this post, would really appreciate if you would ❤️ tap the heart, 💌 forward this to a friend, or 🫶🏼 subscribe below!

Los Angeles is a city I’ve come to love over time. Being a Northern California native, I was always hesitant of the incredible vastness and diversity of LA. I soon learned that what makes it special isn’t just how much there is to do, but how different each part of the city feels, each with its own rhythm and personality.

This guide reflects that. It brings together places I’ve returned to for years, restaurants I grew up going to with my parents that feel nostalgic, both in my own memories and in the city’s history, alongside newer discoveries that have quickly become favorites. Every recommendation here is intentional. These are not just good places, but the ones that stand out. The meals worth planning around, the coffee shops you go out of your way for, and the hotels, shops, and experiences that make LA so compelling.

I’ve organized everything in a way that reflects how you actually move through the city, so it feels easy to navigate without losing the nuance of each area. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been before, this is meant to help you experience Los Angeles at its best.

For custom suggestions (or an end-to-end itinerary), feel free to email carolinehariri@gmail.com!

West Hollywood & Central LA (Melrose, Beverly Grove & Larchmont)

  • Food

Read more

]]><![CDATA[The Barcelona Guide.]]>https://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-barcelona-guidehttps://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-barcelona-guideThu, 09 Apr 2026 14:08:40 GMT

if you’re enjoying this post, would really appreciate if you would ❤️ tap the heart, 💌 forward this to a friend, or 🫶🏼 subscribe below!

Barcelona is a city I could return to again and again—vibrant, beautiful, and full of life. Between the striking architecture and sunlit plazas, the lively restaurants and tucked-away cafés, every corner feels like a work of art. The food is exceptional—fresh, flavorful, and meant to be shared—best enjoyed over long, leisurely meals that turn into even longer nights. Just beyond it all, the beach adds an effortless ease, where afternoons stretch out under the sun before the city comes back to life. There’s an energy to Barcelona that feels both relaxed and electric, a place where culture, creativity, and fun exist in perfect balance.

A full map of each location is available at the bottom of the page for paid subscribers - and it’s constantly being updated with the latest openings and findings!

As always, feel free to reach out to (carolinehariri@gmail.com) for a customized itinerary tailored to your trip.

This account is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber!

Food

  • Relleno (amazing quality and very affordable Italian)

  • Xiringuito Escribà (great Mediterranean food on the beach)

  • Suru Restaurant (creative cuisine and absolutely delicious)

  • Bar Betlem (tapas bar - super good)

  • Entrepanes Diaz (another tapas spot)

  • El Xampanyet (very famous and likely crowded, a bit overdone but a classic)

  • Quimet & Quimet (another famous tapas spot)

  • Cañete (a fan favorite - get the squid sandwich)

  • Ultramarinos Marín (get the fish of the day)

  • MIKAN (Asian)

  • Disfrutar (very famous, if you can get a reservation,

  • Soma restaurant (Mediterranean - get the flan)

  • Bar & Tapas Señora Dolores (really great tapas)

  • Bar Mut (legendary spot and so good)

  • fismuler barcelona (do not skip the cheesecake)

  • Queviures Múrria (

  • Direkte | Boqueria

  • La Cova Fumada

  • SENSATO Restaurant

  • Candela Gastro-Bar Peruano (Peruvian)

  • Berbena

  • Bodega Passatge 1986

  • Bandini’s

  • Bo de B (grab sandwiches)

  • Gigi Focaccia (another great sandwich spot, a few in the city)

  • LABALABUSTA

  • PUR Restaurant

  • Gresca

  • Restaurant El Passadís del Pep

  • Can Boneta (multiple locations, reliable, affordable tapas)

  • Maleducat

  • La Pepita (great tapas)

  • MONOCROM - Restaurant | Bistró | Vins naturals (Mediterranean)

  • Xuba Tacos (tacos)

  • Bistrot Levante (Mediterranean)

  • Clara Restaurant

  • Mont Bar (for a special occasion splurge meal)

  • Tiberi Bar

  • Robata (if you’re in the mood for sushi)

  • Parking Pizza | Passeig Sant Joan (for pizza!)

  • Can Fisher Restaurante playa Bogatell (great beach restaurant)

  • Chiringuito Ancla (another great place to hang by the beach in the beach town of Castelldefels, a great day trip from Barcelona)

  • Candela Canela - Best Specialty Coffee & Cinnamon Rolls (for Cinnamon rolls)

Drinks

  • TWO SCHMUCKS

  • Paradiso

  • Canvis Nous (wine bar)

  • Sips

  • Can Cisa/Bar Brutal (wine bar)

  • Bloody Mary Cocktail Bar

  • Káktos Botanical Society

  • La Caseta del Migdia

  • Morro Fi

Activities

  • Fundació Joan Miró

  • Mies van der Rohe Pavilion

  • Basílica de la Sagrada Família

  • Casa Batlló

  • Park Güell

  • Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

  • Teatre Grec (check performances)

  • Mercat de la Boqueria

  • Shopping:

    • Muy Mucho Rambla

    • Casa Viva | Rambla de Catalunya

    • Vintage Stores:

      • cottonVintage

      • KewaY Bags

      • The Favorite Vintage

Hotels

5-Star

  • Grand Hotel Central

  • Hotel Casa Sagnier

  • Mercer Hotel Barcelona

  • Wittmore Hotel

  • El Palace Hotel Barcelona

  • Almanac Barcelona

  • Nobu Hotel Barcelona

  • Mandarin Oriental

  • Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection

  • Hotel Arts Barcelona, Ritz-Carlton Hotel

4-Star

  • Hotel Pulitzer

  • ICON BCN

  • Casa Bonay

Utilize my Barcelona recommendations with the map below!

Read more

]]><![CDATA[The Milan Guide.]]>https://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-milan-guidehttps://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-milan-guideWed, 25 Mar 2026 02:12:03 GMT

if you’re enjoying this post, would really appreciate if you would ❤️ tap the heart, 💌 forward this to a friend, or 🫶🏼 subscribe below!

Milan is a city I could return to again and again—effortlessly elegant and endlessly self-assured. Between the refined restaurants and impeccable cafés, the grand architecture and beautifully curated shops, everything feels intentional and tasteful. The food is some of the best anywhere, simple yet perfected, with a confidence that doesn’t need to prove itself. The city moves with a quiet certainty, polished but never trying too hard. It’s a place that feels both elevated and easy, where style, substance, and culture exist in perfect balance.

As always, feel free to reach out to (carolinehariri@gmail.com) for a customized itinerary tailored to your trip.

This guide is continuously updated so come back to check the latest openings and findings!

This account is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber!

Food

  • Cracco

  • A Santa Lucia

  • Trattoria Trippa

  • Bacaro Montenapoleone

  • Antico Ristorante Boeucc Milano- dal 1696

  • Ristorante Ratanà

  • Dal Bolognese Milano

  • La Latteria

  • Trattoria Milanese

  • Hostaria Terza Carbonaia

  • Trattoria Vecchia Arena

  • Bentoteca Milano

  • 10 Corso Como Café (great for lunch in the garden)

  • Panini De Santis - Milan (great spot to grab a panini for lunch)

  • Antica Trattoria della Pesa

  • Ristorante Un Posto a Milano (also a small quaint hotel)

  • Bosco Verticale Restaurant

  • The Wilde (members club)

  • Le Specialità

  • Latteria Maffucci (far from city centre)

  • 28 Posti

  • Trattoria Madonnina

  • Cafezal Brunch & Specialty Coffee Hub (great for coffee)

  • Cova Montenapoleone (casual)

  • Ristorante Shanghai 上海餐館 (beloved Shanghainese spot)

  • Ravioleria Sarpi (delicious dumpling cart)

  • Pizza

    • Spontini

    • Maruzzella

    • Savô Pizzeria Gourmet

    • Crosta

    • La Coccinella

    • Pizzeria Geppo dal 1981

    • La Briciola

    • La Baia dal 1969

    • Pizza Big

    • Piz

    • Crazy Pizza Milan

    • Dry

    • CONFINE - PIZZA E CANTINA

    • Original Pizza Ok

    • Gennaro Rapido A’ Rot e Carrett Milano

    • Pizzeria Oceania

    • Denis Milano Moscova

    • MARGHE - Via Cadore

    • I Capatosta Navigli

  • For a special occasion:

    • The Manzoni

    • Langosteria Montenapoleone

    • Sadler Restaurant

    • La Bullona

    • Ristorante Da Giacomo

    • Yapa

    • Gong Oriental Attitude

    • Langosteria

    • Contraste

Deserts

  • Marchesi 1824 (cake shop, good for coffee and dessert)

  • Sant Ambroeus Milano (the ‘chain’, but always delicious for pastries)

  • Confetteria Romanengo

  • Pasticceria Sissi

  • Oslo Made In Heaven

  • Cioccolatitaliani

  • Ice Cream

    • Il Massimo del Gelato

    • Cioccolatitaliani (ice cream)

    • Terra Gelato (ice cream)

Drinks

  • Cantine Isola dal 1896 (very classic old school wine bar)

  • Ultramarino (wine bar)

  • Atypique (wine bar)

  • Camparino in Galleria (amazing bar)

  • Tom

  • Bar Luce

  • Bar Basso (get the signature Negroni Sbagliato)

  • Bar Paradiso

  • Minerale - Bar e Cantina (unfussy)

  • Mag Cafe

  • Rita Cocktails

Activities

  • Museums

    • Gallerie d’Italia

    • Osservatorio Fondazione Prada

    • Vico Magistretti Foundation

    • Galleria Luisa Delle Piane gallery

    • Nilufar Depot (gallery)

    • Fondazione Prada

    • Academy Italian Kitchen for a cooking class

    • Lanna Thai Massage Center (massage)

  • Shopping

    • Mercato Centrale Milano for amazing produce

    • Terroir Milano (artisanal market)

    • Vintage stores:

      • Cavalli e Nastri Brera

      • Urzì Vintage Selection

      • Vintage Delirium

      • Vintage Eyeglasses - Photo Veneta Optics

      • Sermoneta Gloves (for the best gloves out there!)

      • Marsèll Milano Spiga (shoe store)

    • Jewelry

      • GIOIELLI DELL’ORSO

      • Gioielleria Pennisi

      • Marina Fossati

    • Lisa Corti (interior designer)

    • Osanna Visconti - Atelier of bronze works (interior designer)

    • Emily Levine Milan

    • Reading Room (book store)

    • Tearose Boutique Milan (cute clothes and accessories)

    • Bitossi Home (kitchen supply store)

    • Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (shopping mall)

    • Eredi Zucca Milano (barber shop)

    • Molteni&C Milano Flagship Store – Palazzo Molteni (Furniture)

    • Time & Style Largo Treves (furniture)

Hotels

  • 5-Star

    • Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan

    • Park Hyatt Milan

    • Portrait Milano Hotel - Lungarno Collection

    • The Carlton, a Rocco Forte hotel

    • Grand Hotel et de Milan

    • Casa Baglioni - Milan

    • Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano

    • Casa Cipriani Milano

    • Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá - The Leading Hotels of the World

    • Vico Milano

    • Aethos Milan

  • 4-Star

    • Maison Borella

    • Room Mate Giulia

Save my entire Milan map with the map below!

Read more

]]><![CDATA[The Miami Guide.]]>https://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-miami-guidehttps://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-miami-guideSun, 08 Mar 2026 18:22:16 GMT

if you’re enjoying this post, would really appreciate if you would ❤️ tap the heart, 💌 forward this to a friend, or 🫶🏼 subscribe below!

Miami is a city that pulses with life. What I love most is how many different versions of a trip you can have here. I’ve done Miami as a serious food trip, a culture-heavy escape, a full-blown party weekend, and even a restorative reset, and somehow it delivers every single time. One visit might be late nights and long beach days, another might be gallery hopping, Cuban coffee, and slow lunches that stretch into the afternoon.

Of course, the warm air and ocean breeze don’t hurt (especially after a long winter in New York!) There’s something about stepping off the plane and instantly feeling the shift in energy. The colors are brighter, the music is louder, and everything just feels a little more alive.

No matter what kind of trip you’re looking for. whether it’s food, culture, nightlife, or a few days of pure sunshine, you’ll find it in the guide below.

As always, feel free to reach out to (carolinehariri@gmail.com) for a customized itinerary tailored to your trip.

This guide is continuously updated so come back to check the latest openings and findings on restaurants, bakeries, bars, hotels, shopping, museums and more!

Miami

  • Food

    • Claudie (chic French restaurant)

    • Midorie Coconut Grove (delicious Japanese)

    • Mamey Miami (farm-to-table with incredible Asian flair)

Read more

]]><![CDATA[Join my new subscriber chat]]>https://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/join-my-new-subscriber-chathttps://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/join-my-new-subscriber-chatTue, 03 Mar 2026 15:38:48 GMTToday I’m announcing a brand new addition to my Substack publication: The Far and Few subscriber chat.

This is a conversation space exclusively for subscribers—kind of like a group chat or live hangout. I’ll post questions and updates that come my way, and you can jump into the discussion.

Join chat

How to get started

  1. Get the Substack app by clicking this link or the button below. New chat threads won’t be sent sent via email, so turn on push notifications so you don’t miss conversation as it happens. You can also access chat on the web.

Get app

  1. Open the app and tap the Chat icon. It looks like two bubbles in the bottom bar, and you’ll see a row for my chat inside.

  1. That’s it! Jump into my thread to say hi, and if you have any issues, check out Substack’s FAQ.

]]><![CDATA[The Hotel Bucket List Guide.]]>https://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-hotel-bucket-list-guidehttps://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-hotel-bucket-list-guideMon, 02 Feb 2026 20:17:59 GMT

if you’re enjoying this post, would really appreciate if you would ❤️ tap the heart, 💌 forward this to a friend, or 🫶🏼 subscribe below!

One of my favorite kinds of posts: my hotel bucket list. This is a mix of places I’ve been fortunate enough to visit (even briefly) and many that are still at the top of my wish list. I could’ve easily filled this with Aman, Six Senses, and Auberge properties — but I wanted to highlight places that feel a little more personal and inspiring. No rankings, just pure travel daydreaming.

  • Been:

    • The Point, Lake Saranac, NY - Rockefeller’s former residence and maybe the most magical place I’ve ever stayed. The level of service is unmatched.

    • Les Roches Rouges, Saint Raphaël, France - A dreamy French getaway: effortless, chic, and refreshingly no-fuss.

    • La Reserve, Paris, France - Courtyard breakfasts, hushed hallways, and a spa you never want to leave. Paris at its most refined.

    • The Marbella Club, Marbella, Spain - An institution that has stood the test of time. Every corner makes you stop and stare (and yes, I’m biased, I’m getting married here).

    • Borgo Egnazia, di Savelletri, Italy - Nowhere makes me more tempted to trade city life for a small Italian village.

    • Soho Farmhouse, UK - A bit too trendy now, but my first visit opened my eyes to the magic of the English countryside. They still do it right.

    • Singita Boulders, Kruger National Park, South Africa - A world-class safari meets impeccable design and hospitality. A once-in-a-lifetime stay.

    • Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee - Everything here is intentional, tasteful, and quietly perfect.

    • Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai, CA - Sun-drenched, slow-paced, and grounding in the best way. California at its most restorative.

    • Le Stanzie, Supersano, Italy - The best meal of my life, surrounded by the warmest people. Food is truly their love language, and as a result, I’ve never felt more loved.

    • The Fairmont Banff + Lake Louise - A bit touristy and the food isn’t amazing, but waking up to those mountains and turquoise lakes makes it all disappear.

    • Reid’s Palace, Madeira, Portugal - A stylish, iconic hotel in the middle of the sea — it feels very special.

    • Hôtel Métropole, Monte Carlo, Monaco - The most glamorous way to do Monte Carlo - and that says a lot.

    • Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, Sacred Valley, Peru - Tucked into the Andes with flowing rivers, mountain air, and llamas roaming freely. Deeply peaceful and unforgettable.

    • Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes, France - The best hotel in the world for people-watching.

    • Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy - The gold standard of Amalfi Coast hotels. Timeless and impossibly beautiful.

    • Hotel Bel Air, Los Angeles, CA - A peaceful hideaway in the middle of the city. Classic, discreet, and always chic.

    • Hotel Akelarre, San Sebastián, Spain - Beautifully designed for total calm and restoration.

    • Sofitel Legend Old Cataract, Aswan, Egypt - A historic hotel done exactly right.

    • Cala Di Volpe, Sardegna, Italy - Crystal-clear water, pastel buildings, and total escapism.

    • Ocean House, Westerly, Rhode Island - Luxury meets classic New England charm.

    • Rosewood, London, England - From the moment you walk in, London feels at your fingertips.

    • Four Seasons Resort Seychelles - This stay opened my eyes to just how magical the world can be.

    • Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal - Wrapped in vineyards and valley views. Slow living at its best.

  • Planned for this year!

    • the Six Bells, Rosendale, NY

    • Villa Mabrouka, Tangier, Morocco

  • Need to go:

    • Château de la Treyne, Lucave, France

    • Nayara Gardens, Costa Rica

    • Asaba Ryokan, Shizuoka, Japan

    • Il Pellicano, Porto Ercole, Italy

    • Palm Heights, Grand Cayman

    • Et Hem, Stockholm, Sweden

    • Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô, Phú Yên, Vietnam

    • Bethlen Estates, Transylvania, Romania

    • Teranka, Formentera, Spain

    • One&Only Portonovi, Herceg Novi, Montenegro

    • La Bionda, Begur, Girona, Spain

    • Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy

    • Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Chiang Saen District, Thailand

    • Estancia La Bamba de Areco, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    • Estelle Manor, Oxfordshire, England

    • Eleven Deplar Farm, Iceland

    • The Brando, French Polynesia

    • Sterrekopje Farm, South Africa

    • Villa Palladio, Jaipur, India

    • Not a Hotel Nasu, Tochigi, Japan

    • Not a Hotel Kitakaruizawa, Omae, Japan

    • Not a Hotel Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan

    • Hotel Corazon, Mallorca, Spain

    • Pagostas Guest House, Patmos, Greece

    • Namia River Retreat - Wellness Inclusive Resort, Hoi An, Vietnam

    • Thyme, Gloucestershire, England

    • World of Quercus, Georgia, United States

    • Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Kuruman, South Africa

    • Union Øye, Norangsfjorden, Norway

    • Chewton Glen Hotel, New Milton, England

    • Juvet Landskapshotell, Valldal, Norway

    • Adare Manor, County Limerick, Ireland

    • Hotel du Couvent, Nice, France

    • Grand Hotel Son Net, Mallorca, Spain

    • Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, Puerto Maldonado, Peru

    • Storfjord, Skodje, Norway

    • The Margi, Vouliagmeni, Greece

    • Song San Private Island, Near Sihanoukville, Cambodia

    • Abbaye des Vaux Cernay, Cernay-la-ville, France

    • Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, Australia

    • Chateau de la Messardiere, Saint-Tropez, France

    • Beaverbrook, Surrey, England

    • Maxx Royal, Bodrum, Turkey

    • Ashford Castle, Mayo, Ireland

    • eriro Alpine Hide, Ehrwald, Austria

    • Hacienda AltaGracia, Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica

    • Casa Bonavita, Malta

    • The Newt in Somerset, Bruton, United Kingdom

    • NIHI Sumba, Bali, Indonesia

    • Huka Lodge, Taupō, New Zealand

    • Castello di Reschio, Tuscany, Italy

    • Hoshino Resorts Kai Yufuin, Oita, Japan

    • Casa D’Anna ai Cristallini, Naples, Italy

    • The Vines Resort, Mendoza, Argentina

    • Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

    • Skinopi Lodge, Milos, Greece

    • Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, St. Moritz, Switzerland

    • Tsara Komba Lodge, Anjiabe, Madagascar

    • Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, Salzburg, Austria

    • Blancaneaux Lodge, Blancaneaux, Belize

    • Ballyfin Demesne, Laois, Ireland

    • Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, British Columbia, Canada

    • Forestis, Dolomites, Italy

    • Keemala, Phuket, Thailand

    • Prisine El Calafate Luxury Camp, Santa Cruz, Argentina

    • Hôtel Lily of the Valley, La Croix-Valmer, France

    • Cibolo Creek Ranch, Marfa, Texas

    • La Posta Vecchia Hotel, Palo Laziale, Italy

    • qualia, QLD, Australia

    • Rajmahal Palace RAAS, Jaipur, India

    • Corte della Maestà, Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy

    • The Dalai Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia

    • Hotel Esencia, Quintana Roo, Mexico

    • La Colombe d’Or Hôtel et Restaurant, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France

    • Chiva-Som Hua Hin Wellness Resort, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand

    • Sun Ranch, Coopers Shoot, Australia

    • Mendocino Grove, Mendocino, CA

    • Artyzen, Singapore

    • Al Moudira Hotel, Luxor, Egypt

    • Lilou, Hyères, France

    • Shipwreck Lodge, Mowe Bay, Namibia

    • Casa Silencio, Oaxaca, Mexico

    • Bawah Reserve, Indonesia (private island)

    • Passalacqua, Lake Como, Italy

    • Hôtel Misincu, Cagnano, France

    • Montaña Mágica Lodge, Los Ríos, Chile

    • San Luis Lodges, Dolomites, Italy

    • Airelles Gordes, La Bastide, France

    • The Fife Arms, Braemar, Scotland

    • Casa Yuma, Oaxaca, Mexico

    • Les Prés d’Eugénie - Relais & Châteaux, Eugenie-les-Bains, France

    • Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita, Tokyo, Japan

    • The Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland

    • Le Doyenné, Saint-Vrain, France

    • Shinta Mani Mustang, Jomsom, Nepal

    • Skýra Retreat, Rovaniemi, Finland

Let me know if you have any favorites on this list that I should fast-track to the top!

If you enjoyed reading The Far & Few today, tap the ❤️ below — it helps my content get discovered!

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this newsletter, you can support it by:

]]><![CDATA[The NYC Shopping Guide.]]>https://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-nyc-shopping-guidehttps://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-nyc-shopping-guideFri, 28 Nov 2025 15:28:37 GMT

if you’re enjoying this post, would really appreciate if you would ❤️ tap the heart, 💌 forward this to a friend, or 🫶🏼 subscribe below!

Great timing with Black Friday coming up—yes, online deals are tempting, but even better is supporting the incredible boutiques and specialty shops that make New York, well…New York. I put this guide together for anyone who’s tired of the same basic, boring places and wants to shop the city the way locals and fashion editors actually do. These are the spots worth knowing: the indie fashion boutiques, the design-forward home stores, the beauty gems, the curated bookstores, the vintage hideaways, and all the under-the-radar shops that deserve as much hype as the big brands (if not more). Think of this as your shortcut to the full NYC shopping universe - cool, creative, and packed with places you’ll want on your radar long after Black Friday is over.

This category loves to keep me on my toes, so I’ll keep updating it and add new gems the moment they show up. For a custom fashion trip, feel free to reach out to carolinehariri@gmail.com.

Home Goods + Lifestyle

  • Painted Swan (cute added touches for a quaint, cottage-core home)

  • The Grey Pearl (a hidden gem)

  • Feste (perfect place for the host - and gifting the host)

  • Sterling Place (home goods and furniture)

  • Rosemary Home (can’t go here without buying something)

  • Salter House (home goods and clothes)

  • Saved NY (a lot more than just home goods, great place to get sheets and even antiques)

  • Yùnhóng Chopsticks (the best of the best for those searching for speciality chopsticks!)

  • Quarters (dreamy furniture and a great bar located inside)

  • Beverly 1975 (really cool store in LES)

  • PORTA (all my favorite brands at this beautiful Brooklyn shop)

  • Big Night (food + lifestyle)

  • November 19 Shop (amazing finds here, not to mention beautiful designs in the shop itself)

  • Global Table (really cute home goods with a variety of priced items)

  • Michele Varian Shop & Design (home goods)

  • John Derian Company Inc (a classic, beloved shop)

  • abc carpet & home (could spend forever here)

  • Scully & Scully (always the best of the best, particularly wonderful during the holidays)

  • Cursive New York (great for gifts and home goods)

  • LEIF (beautifully curated store in Williamsburg)

  • Coming Soon (my favorite place for the most funky, unique pieces)

  • The Six Bells (if you can’t make it to their upstate hotel, at least get to the store!)

  • Clic (beautiful home goods, great for gifts)

  • Abode (fun spot, lots of great personalized pieces)

  • Roman and Williams Guild (stay for lunch at Mercerie!)

  • Collier West (beautiful store)

  • Fishs Eddy (fun, iconic spot - great for gifts for our of towners!)

Furniture + Antiques

  • Nordic Knots (the best rugs)

  • KRB (antiques and furniture)

  • Nickey · Kehoe (I want my whole house to look like a Nickey Kehoe home)

  • Humble House (small shop with some great pieces for an NYC apartment)

  • Horseman Antiques (antiques)

  • Assembly Line (for someone looking for interior design help)

  • Maison Gerard (antiques)

  • Lawson-Fenning (showroom)

  • Paula Rubenstein Ltd (antiques)

  • ANTIK Furnishings & Objects (antiques)

  • deVOL Kitchens (for someone looking for a top-class kitchen remodel!)

  • Soane Britain (by appointment only)

  • BDDW (furniture)

  • Blu Dot (flagship furniture store)

  • Egg Collective (furniture)

  • Lalique Townhouse | Maison D’Artiste (for those with a big budget, and even if you don’t, it’s worth seeing the flagship)

Fashion/Clothing

  • Multi-brand department stores:

    • Printemps New York

    • LUISAVIAROMA NEW YORK

    • KITH (be prepared for lines!)

    • Dover Street Market New York

    • Lightly mentioning Bergdorf’s, Saks, Bloomingdales and Macy’s, but I’m sure if you’re looking to shop, you know these names already!

  • Atelier Jolie (concept store by Angelina Jolie)

  • Elisa (well-curated with big brand names)

  • two : minds (big names in a well-curated store, men + women)

  • Pêche (very cute clothes and shoes)

  • colbo (great staples)

  • Aimé Leon Dore (be sure to check out their cafe!)

  • ROOME (great spot with a focus on Asian designers)

  • 180 the Store Tribeca (very well-curated)

  • La Garçonne Tribeca (great pieces)

  • Café Forgot (very funky, standout pieces)

  • Ven. Space (very cool men’s clojthing store in Carroll Gardens)

  • Kirna Zabête (great store with quality pieces)

  • The Westside (very cute clothes)

  • Maryam Nassir Zadeh (iconic NYC fashion institute)

  • The Webster Soho (worth it just to walk through the fun store)

  • Blue in Green (denim)

  • C’H’C’M’ (menswear)

  • Pilgrim Surf + Supply (surf shop)

  • Old Stone Trade (made to order)

  • Vintage Stores

    • Lara Koleji

    • Desert Vintage

    • TUMBAO

    • DUO NYC

    • James Veloria

    • Proprietors Vintage

    • The Dobbin Greenpoint

Books

  • High Valley Books

  • Joanne Hendricks Cookbooks

  • McNally Jackson Books SoHo

  • Three Lives & Company

  • Strand

  • Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks (used cookbooks)

  • Dashwood Books

  • Casa Magazines (where to go for the magazines you can normally only get in Europe)

  • Goods for the Study Nolita (stationery/books)

Jewelry

  • de Vera

  • Love Adorned

  • Ted Muehling

  • Catbird

  • Mociun Fine Jewelry & Home

  • Marie-Hélène de Taillac

Beauty

  • Aedes Perfumery

  • Twisted Lily (perfumes)

  • Credo Beauty (a better Sephora)

  • New London Pharmacy (apothecary)

  • ZITOMER (the best pharmacy!)

  • D.S. & DURGA (perfume)

Food

  • Gem Home (great kitchen items)

  • DASHI OKUME Brooklyn (Japanese speciality store)

Flowers

  • Abraflora Flowers LLC – Florist

  • Just hang around flower district in general!

-

If you enjoyed reading The Far & Few today, tap the ❤️ below — it helps my content get discovered!

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this newsletter, you can support it by:

]]><![CDATA[The Copenhagen Guide.]]>https://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-copenhagen-guidehttps://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-copenhagen-guideFri, 21 Nov 2025 15:15:52 GMT

if you’re enjoying this post, would really appreciate if you would ❤️ tap the heart, 💌 forward this to a friend, or 🫶🏼 subscribe below!

One of my absolute favorite cities in the world. I can never get enough of the cozy-cool, wholesome, design-forward energy this place gives. Every time I go, I bring an extra suitcase fully prepared to fill it with the trendiest outfits, stunning home décor pieces, and honestly just as many cardamom buns and loaves of sourdough as I can physically carry home.

Copenhagen is one of those cities where simply existing feels inspiring. I could spend days tucked into a café, sipping the strongest, most delicious coffee and people-watching Danes who all look like they casually wandered off a runway. The way they make everyday life look effortlessly chic — it’s impossible not to want to take a little piece of it home with you. I could make a case for bringing back every knickknack and home décor piece I see in this impossibly stylish city.

It’s perfect in every season, but late fall has a special place in my heart — the warm lights glowing in café windows, the interiors that make me feel like a full-blown homebody, the kind of coziness that makes you want to curl up with a pastry and stay a while. Then again, summer in Copenhagen might be one of the happiest places on earth: long golden evenings, everyone flocking to the canals for a swim, music drifting from open windows, bikes everywhere, and that infectious feeling that life doesn’t need to be rushed.

A city that feels as good as it looks — and somehow gets better every time I go.

As always, feel free to reach out to (carolinehariri@gmail.com) for a customized itinerary tailored to your trip.

This guide is continuously updated so come back to check the latest openings and findings on restaurants, bakeries, bars, hotels, shopping, museums and more!

Food

  • Restaurants

    • POPL Burger (delicious burger)

    • La Banchina (the most fun spot for seafood, where you can swim in the summer!)

    • Format Café (restaurant in the Designmuseum Danmark, great spot for lunch)

    • Bottega Barlie (cute, local spot)

    • Granola (great breakfast spot)

    • Atelier September (very delicious restaurant for breakfast and a really cute shop)

Read more

]]><![CDATA[The Scotland Guide.]]>https://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-scotland-guidehttps://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-scotland-guideTue, 28 Oct 2025 14:15:00 GMT

if you’re enjoying this post, would really appreciate if you would ❤️ tap the heart, 💌 forward this to a friend, or 🫶🏼 subscribe below!

Scotland has slowly but surely become one of my favorite places in the world—equal parts wild and welcoming. Between the grand castles and cozy cottages, the moody coastlines and quiet farmland, it’s a place of beauty and balance. The people are impossibly kind and funny, quick to help or share a story. The sense of history is everywhere—from the cobblestone streets to the far reaches of the Highlands. It’s a place that feels both grounding and inspiring, where every corner seems to hold a bit of magic.

As always, feel free to reach out to (carolinehariri@gmail.com) for a customized itinerary tailored to your trip.

This guide is continuously updated so come back to check the latest openings and findings!

E D I N B U R G H

Food & Drinks

  • Old Town

    • Mellis Cheese Victoria Street

    • The Witchery (good food but incredibly beautiful atmosphere)

    • Mary’s Milk Bar (ice cream - on Grassmarket street which is not to be missed)

    • TIMBERYARD (exquisite restaurant with modern British cuisine in a former warehouse)

    • The Elephant House (where the Harry Potter stories were ‘born’ - not the most amazing food, but worth a quick hot coco if you’re an HP fan!)

  • New Town

    • The Dome (good spot for an afternoon tea or late night drink)

    • Brasserie at Harvey Nichols (good mid-day shopping stop with a rooftop view)

    • W Lounge (nice lounge for drinks at the W hotel)

    • Café St Honoré (adorable -and delicious - French bistro)

    • Noto (creative small-plates - a must!)

    • The Oxford Bar (self-described as ‘so basic, so charming’ - and it’s true!)

    • Bramble Bar & Lounge (cocktail bar)

    • LOWDOWN (coffee)

    • Kay’s Bar (very cozy pub with fireplaces)

    • The Voodoo Rooms (fun spot - make sure you go with live music on!)

    • Fingers Piano Bar (another good spot for live music, a bit grungy)

  • Abbeyhill/Marchmont/Prestonfiled/Duddingston/Bruntsfield:

    • Montrose (modern restaurant in a former inn)

    • Pomelo (incredible Chinese restaurant)

    • 101 Bakery (delicious bakery)

    • Sheep Heid Inn Edinburgh (the cutest pub - one of my absolute favorites in the world with great food)

    • FIN & GRAPE (very well-done fish-forward restaurant)

    • Mara’s Picklery (easy, casual spot)

  • Stockbridge/Canonmills/West End/Dean Village

    • The Scran and Scallie (absolutely delicious gastro-pub)

    • The Palmerston (one of my favorites - very classic spot with great food)

    • The Voyage of Buck (great gastropub - for drinks or food)

    • Cardinal (for a fancy, special occasion)

    • Fortitude Coffee Stockbridge

    • Lannan Bakery & Pantry (great bakery)

    • Twelve Triangles (another great bakery)

    • Stockbridge Eating House (an easy spot with solid food)

    • The Pantry (great breakfast spot)

    • Heads & Tales Gin Bar (cocktail bar)

    • Spry Wines (super cute wine bar with great light bites)

    • Little Capo (fun, easy spot)

    • MIRIN (amazing spot for Asian fusion)

    • Eleanore (excellent Modern Scottish)

  • Leith/Bonnington

    • Ardfern (unique dishes - also good for breakfast)

    • The Kitchin (a nice special occasion spot)

    • Restaurant Martin Wishart (fancy French spot)

    • Williams & Johnson Coffee Co

    • Nauticus (adorable pub)

    • Alby’s Leith (amazing sandwiches, good place to grab sandwiches and walk around!)

Activities

  • Arthur’s Seat (my favorite ‘hike’ with a great view of the city! Go to Sheep Heid Inn afterwards)

  • Take a tour of Lauriston Castle

  • Ingleby Gallery (very unique pieces)

  • Dovecot Studios (textile exhibits)

  • Mountain biking trip to the highlands through H+I

  • Old Town

    • St Giles’ Cathedral

    • Edinburgh Castle

    • The Scotch Whisky Experience (a little touristy, but fun for first timers!)

    • Real Mary King’s Close (very cool way to experience the history of Edinburgh)

    • National Galleries of Scotland: National (beautiful gallery - one of my favorites of Scotland’s National Galleries)

    • National Museum of Scotland

    • KESTIN (men’s clothing)

    • Dick’s Edinburgh (clothing)

  • New Town

    • Georgian House (great castle museum)

  • Shopping

    • Harvey Nichols (dare I say the Edinburgh location is even more shoppable than the London one? And a great brasserie on the 4th floor) - New Town

    • Jorum Studio (perfumery)

    • Bard Scotland (very cool store with amazing home and design goods, definitely worth a stop) - Leith

    • Edinburgh Mercantile Ltd (home goods)

    • Time & Tide (home goods)

    • ANTA Scotland Ltd (home goods)

    • ætla (jewelry)

    • Treen (very cute boutique)

    • Golden Hare Books

    • Topping & Company Booksellers of Edinburgh

  • Day trip to North Berwick/Dirleton

    • Eating at The Rocketeer Restaurant, North Berwick Fry, The Bonnie Badger - Pub, Restaurant with Rooms, The Lobster Shack, Bostock Bakery, afternoon tea at The Lawn Restaurant North Berwick and coffee at Steampunk Coffee

    • Visit the NB Distillery

    • Enjoy Archerfield - golf links/club, the hotel, the Walled Garden and the spa

    • Shopping at JACK WHITE golf store

Hotels

  • Old Town

    • Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh

    • The Witchery (luxurious rooms with the old town charm)

  • New Town

    • Gleneagles Townhouse (the famous Gleneagles hotel recently opened a city location - a must stay!)

    • 100 Princes Street Hotel (stunning little boutique hotel)

    • The Balmoral (one of the most famous luxury hotels in Edinburgh)

  • Stockbridge

    • The Roseate Edinburgh (very cute and quaint)

  • Leith

    • Fingal Hotel (fun hotel on an old ship!)

    • The Pavilion at Lamb’s House (great apartment rental)

  • Prestonfield

    • Prestonfield House (for something a bit outside the hustle and bustle)

  • Penicuik (close to Edinburgh)

    • Penicuik Estate Guest Reception (very cozy lodge, perfect for a weekend in!)

    • Old Penicuik House (great tour)

  • Gullane

    • Greywalls Hotel and Chez Roux, an SLH Hotel (beautiful hotel right outside the city)

    • The Bonnie Badger - Pub, Restaurant with Rooms

  • West End

    • The Hoxton

Outside Edinburgh

  • Highlands

    • Inverlochy Castle, an SLH Hotel (stunning, grand hotel in Fort William near Ben Nevis)

    • The Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle

    • Killiehuntly Farmhouse

    • Cairngorm Herd

    • The Sail Loft

    • Eilean Shona

    • The Spoons Luxury Self Catering

    • Lundies House (cozy cottage almost as north as you can get)

    • Boath House Restaurant & Rooms

    • Isle of Raasay Distillery (really cute hotel with great food and whiskey!)

  • Glasglow/Argyll and Bute Council

    • Stonefield Castle Hotel and Barmore Bistro (stunning hotel surrounded by the British Isles)

    • kaf coffee (great bakery in Glasglow)

    • Mellis Cheese Glasgow (same as the one in Edinburgh!)

    • Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa (modern hotel in Glasglow)

    • Kabn (magical escape)

  • Northeast

    • The Fife Arms in Braemar (a major hotel bucket list for me!)

    • Atholl Palace Hotel (a grand palace stay)

    • Ballintaggart Farm (beautiful rent-able cottage)

    • Aberfeldy Watermill Bookshop & Cafe (great bookstore and cafe!)

    • Charlotte Flower Chocolates (adorable chocolate shop)

    • St. Andrews

      • The famous golf course!

      • Rusacks St Andrews (beautiful hotel on the course)

      • Kinneuchar Inn (perfect pub after a round of golf)

    • Aderdeen

      • Amuse by Kevin Dalgleish (delicious restaurant)

  • Southern Scotland

    • Marine Troon (beautifully done hotel right on the Firth of Clyde and the 18th hole of Royal Troon Golf Club)

    • Glenapp Castle (absolutely stunning Relais & Châteaux hotel in a castle from 1870 - special experience!)

Save my entire Edinburgh map with this link - which is constantly being updated!

If you enjoyed reading The Far & Few today, tap the ❤️ below — it helps my content get discovered!

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this newsletter, you can support it by:

]]><![CDATA[The Upstate New York Guide.]]>https://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-upstate-new-york-guidehttps://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-upstate-new-york-guideMon, 29 Sep 2025 13:21:22 GMT

if you’re enjoying this post, would really appreciate if you would ❤️ tap the heart, 💌 forward this to a friend, or 🫶🏼 subscribe below!

Upstate New York is vast, layered, and endlessly charming—so narrowing it down into one guide wasn’t easy. To give it some structure, I’ve split recommendations into east of the Hudson, west of the Hudson, and also highlighted Hudson, Beacon, and Livingston Manor. There are picks further north and west too—from Buffalo to Saratoga, Albany, Ithaca, and Rochester. The map (available to paid subscribers) is highly recommended—with so much ground to cover across New York, it’s the easiest way to understand what’s near you as you plan.

For custom suggestions (or an end-to-end itinerary), feel free to email carolinehariri@gmail.com!

Hudson

  • Hotels

    • The Maker Hotel (famous and absolutely stunning hotel in Hudson)

    • Rivertown Lodge (quaint hotel)

    • Wm. Farmer and Sons (also has a very great restaurant inside!)

  • Restaurants/Food

    • Circles (bagel shop with the most unique toppings)

    • Le Perche (breakfast/lunch spot - get the chocolate croissant)

    • Quinnie’s New York (another lunch place - special spot!)

    • Kitty’s (fun restaurant - also prefer for lunch but they have dinner some nights!)

    • Culture Cream (ice cream)

    • MOTO Coffee/Machine (cool motorcycle store with a coffee shop in it!)

    • Cafe Mutton (one of my favorite lunches!)

    • Via Cassia (great Italian)

    • Talbott & Arding (gourmet grocery store - great for picking up food)

    • feast & floret (never will get over the beautiful decor here - and the delicious food)

    • Lil’ Deb’s Oasis (really fun Pan-Latin restaurant with craft beer)

    • Restaurant Manor Rock (farm-to-table-esque food)

  • Activities

    • Shopping

      • B Sides (jeans shop)

      • 314 Warren (home goods shop)

      • Nikki Chasin (clothing boutique shop)

      • Westerlind (clothing shop)

      • The Quiet Botanist (beautiful flower shop with dried flowers)

      • The Antique Warehouse (antique furniture store)

      • Michael Anchin Glass Company

      • FINCH Hudson (home goods)

      • Alder & Co. (clothes)

      • Regan & Smith Antiques

      • Jamestown Hudson (cute clothing boutique)

      • Spotty Dog Books & Ale (book store)

    • Churchtown Dairy (visit a farm to see the most adorable cows and shop their products at the store!)

    • Verdigris Tea (tea house)

    • Suarez Family Brewery

    • Hudson Brewing Company

    • Klocke Estate distillery

Livingston Manor

  • Hotels

    • The DeBruce (one of my favorite hotels in the world!)

  • Shopping

    • Homestedt (home goods)

    • Corners (very cool art and book store)

    • Nest (great boutique with clothes, furniture and home goods)

    • Spruce Home Goods

    • DROOZ and Company (cute boutique)

    • Seasons (clothing store)

  • Restaurants/Food

    • Stumble Out Bar (cute bar with good food!)

    • The Walk In (great breakfast/lunch spot)

    • Sunshine Colony (fun drinks and good food!)

  • Activities

    • Upward Brewing Company (amazing food and fun, cozy brewery!)

    • The Kaatskeller (pizza restaurant)

    • Livingston Manor Fly Fishing Club (for fly fishing!)

    • Mongaup Pond Campground

Beacon

  • Hotels

    • The Dutchess Inn & Spa: Beacon

    • The Roundhouse

  • Restaurants/Food

    • Alps Sweet Shop (candy store!)

  • Activities

    • Shopping

      • Little King (home store)

      • Binnacle Books

    • Hudson Valley Brewery

    • Breakneck Ridge (beautiful hiking trails)

    • Denning’s Point Distillery

    • Dia Beacon

Other towns!

~ WEST OF THE RIVER ~

Hotels

  • Scribner’s Catskill Lodge (design-forward hotel with its own private cabins) | Hunter, NY

  • Hotel Lilien (incredibly beautiful hotel) | Tannersville, NY

  • Deer Mountain Inn | Tannersville, NY

  • Six Bells Countryside Inn and The Feathers Tavern (jaw-droopingly beautiful decor) | Rosendale, NY

  • Foxfire Mountain House | Mt Tremper, NY

  • Piaule Catskill (a great spot if you’re looking for a unique stay!) | Catskill, NY

  • The Henson | Hensonville, NY

  • Camptown Hotel (very well done little hotel) | Leeds, NY

  • Urban Cowboy Lodge | Big Indian, NY

  • The Red Rose Motel | Roscoe, NY

  • The Ranch Hudson Valley (health-forward, retreat style hotel) | Sloatsburg, NY

  • Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection (a special hotel) | Gardiner, NY

  • Hotel Kinsley | Kingston, NY

  • Inness (stunning 5-star hotel - very chic) | Accord, NY

  • Glenmere Mansion (beautiful, luxury hotel in an old mansion) | Chester, NY

  • The Graham & Co. Hotel (really cute hotel, nothing fancy but a good option if you’re looking for a more affordable spot) | Phoenicia, NY

  • Hemlock Neversink or further west, Kenoza Hall (both with amazing spas) | Neversink + Kenoza Lake

Restaurants/Food

  • Fellow Mountain Cafe | Hunter, NY

  • Salt Box Bar | Kingston, NY

  • Shandaken Bake (bakery - go for the biscuits) | Tannersville, NY

  • Circle W Market (gourmet grocery store with great sandwiches) | Palenville, NY

  • Casa Susanna | Leeds, NY

  • First Bloom Corner Store (gourmet grocery store) | Bloomville, NY

  • Solinsky’s (meat shop with the best absolute hot dogs) | Stamford, NY

  • Restaurant Matilda (the beautiful hotel of The Henson Hotel) | Hensonville, NY

  • Harana Market (Filipino market and restaurant) | Accord, NY

  • Liberty Farm Plus, Inc. (grocery store with great quality options) | Liberty, NY

  • Nif-T’s (ice cream) | Roscoe, NY

  • The Junction (great food at a casual spot) | Roscoe, NY

  • Northern Farmhouse Pasta | Roscoe, NY

  • La Salumina (charcuterie shop with amazing salami and cheeses) | Hurleyville, NY

  • Catskill Momos (a beloved Tibetan spot) | Delhi, NY

  • Brunette (cute wine bar) | Kingston, NY

  • LOLA Pizza (Italian) | Kingston, NY

  • Butterfield (fine dining restaurant in the most adorable setting of the Hasbrouck House)

  • Kingston Bread + Bar (delicious bakery) | Kingston, NY]

  • Top Taste (Jamaican) | Kingston, NY

  • Accord Market (high-end grocery store perfect for grabbing a bite for the road) | Accord, NY

  • Ollie’s Pizza | High Falls, NY

  • Silvia (one of my favorite spots!) | Woodstock, NY

  • Good Night (Asian restaurant with beautiful decor) | Woodstock, NY

  • The Mud Club (bagels and pizza) | Woodstock, NY

  • Brushland Eating House (very fresh, farm-table feel restaurant) | Bovina Center, NY

  • Phoenicia Diner (outstanding diner, a local favorite) | Phoenicia, NY

  • Blooming Hill Farm (really cute farm where you can shop and enjoy a sit down meal) | Monroe, NY

Activities

  • Shopping

    • Tannersville Antique & Artisan Center | Tannersville, NY

    • Postmark Books Rosendale, NY

    • Gardenheir (garden store) | Windham, NY

  • Breweries/Orchards/Distilleries

    • Twin Star Orchards (fun spot to spend the day with cider and great pizza) | New Paltz, NY

    • Westwind Orchard (very fun cider bar) | Accord, NY

    • Woodstock Brewing | Phoenicia, NY

    • Do Good Spirits (Distillery) | Roscoe, NY

    • Arrowood Farms (brewery) | Accord, NY

    • Seminary Hill Orchard & Cidery (beautiful orchard) | Callicoon, NY

    • Rough Cut Brewing Co. (very quaint spot with good food) | Kerhonkson, NY

    • West Kill Brewing (very fun outdoor area) | West Kill, NY

  • Hiking Trails

    • Sunset Rock (hiking area with beautiful trails) | Hunter, NY

    • Tanbark Trail | Phoenicia, NY

  • Callicoon Theater | Callicoon, NY

  • Storm King (one of the most amazing sculpture parks in the world!) | New Windsor, NY

  • Woodstock Playhouse (theatre) | Woodstock, NY

  • Opus 40 (sculpture park) | Saugerties, NY

  • Upstate Films Woodstock (cool movie theatre) | Woodstock, NY

~ EAST OF THE RIVER ~

Hotels

  • Troutbeck | Amenia, NY

  • Mirbeau Inn & Spa Rhinebeck | Rhinebeck, NY

  • Bedford Post Inn | Bedford, NY

Restaurants/Food

  • The Whitlock | Katonah, NY

  • Bartlett House (cute cafe for breakfast or lunch) | Ghent, NY

  • La Cremaillere (delicious, French-restaurant in a farmhouse) | Bedford, NY

  • Augustine’s Salumeria e Pasta Joint (incredible Italian spot) | Mamaroneck, NY

  • Town House | New Rochelle, NY

  • Stissing House (legendary restaurant with amazing food in an old tavern) | Pine Plains, NY

  • La Casa (Bronxville, NY)

  • O Mandarin Chinese Cuisine (great Chinese food!) | Hartsdale, NY

  • The Cookery (homemade pastas and other great Italian dishes) | Dobbs Ferry, NY

  • Blue Hill At Stone Barns (the one and only! Even if you don’t go to the tasting menu, it’s worth walking around during the day) | Tarrytown, NY

  • Little Goat (modern restaurant with unique dishes) | Rhinebeck, NY

Activities

  • Rose Hill Farm (orchard with great cider and apple picking) | Red Hook, NY

  • Art Omi (beautiful art center) | Ghent, NY

  • Poets’ Walk Park (great parkx to walk in!) | Red Hook, NY

  • Olana State Historic Site (former estate of Frederic Edwin Church where you can take a tour!)

  • Kaaterskill Falls (great hiking trail)

  • Visit the Massaro House - a Frank Lloyd Wright Design on the island of Petra | Mahopac, NY

  • LOOK Dine-In Cinemas | Dobbs Ferry, NY

  • Catskill Fungi (really cool mushroom farm!) | Big Indian, NY

  • Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate (tour the Rockefeller estate!) | Sleepy Hallow, NY

  • Shopping

    • Folkways Wines (wine shop) | Croton Falls, NY

    • Cold Spring Apothecary (wellness shop)

Buffalo Area -

  • Food

    • Picasso’s Pizza

    • Waxlight Bar a Vin

    • Southern Junction (BBQ)

  • Shopping

    • O’Connell’s Clothing

Between Syracuse/Ithaca/Rochester -

  • Hotels

    • Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa

    • The Lake House on Canandaigua

  • Restaurants

    • Moosewood | Ithaca, NY

    • The Rook | Ithaca, NY

  • Activities

    • Red Tail Ridge Winery

    • Finger Lakes Cider House

    • Ithaca Farmers Market

    • Finger Lakes Cider House | Interlaken, NY

Albany/North of Albany/Saratoga -

  • Restaurants/Food

    • Bucks County Biscotti Company (the best biscotti out there! Check out the adorable honor stand) | Queensbury, NY

    • Hattie’s Restaurants Downtown Saratoga Springs (Southern Food) | Saratoga Springs, NY

    • The District | Saratoga Springs, NY

    • Henry Street Taproom (bar) | Saratoga Springs, NY

  • Hotels

    • Bluebird Lake Placid | Lake Placid, NY

    • Lake Kora (super quaint, cabin vibe!) | Raquette Lake, NY

    • Hotel Saranac, Curio Collection by Hilton | Saranac Lake, NY

    • The Point (one of the most magical hotels in the world) | Saranac Lake, NY

    • The Sagamore Resort | Bolton Landing, NY

Enjoy this useful map to help you navigate! Link below the paid content line:

Read more

]]><![CDATA[The Top-Spot New York Guide.]]>https://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-top-spot-new-york-guidehttps://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-top-spot-new-york-guideMon, 15 Sep 2025 14:05:36 GMT

if you’re enjoying this post, would really appreciate if you would ❤️ tap the heart, 💌 forward this to a friend, or 🫶🏼 subscribe below!

A few weeks ago, I said putting together a London guide felt nearly impossible — but that was far easier than trying to capture New York, a city that’s constantly changing and reinventing itself.

This isn’t meant to be a full “best of NYC” list — plenty of famous spots are missing. Instead, it’s a collection of places I personally love: the kind that, if I visited New York and went to, I’d leave feeling really glad I did.

Like all of my guides, this list is a work in progress and will keep evolving as I discover more. It’s a great place to spark ideas, but if you’re planning a trip and want something tailored to your own pace and style, feel free to reach out at carolinehariri@gmail.com!

A Restaurant Bucket List - What really makes a restaurant the “best”? Is it the quality of the ingredients? The flavor that stays with you? An atmosphere you can’t forget? Or maybe the thrill of landing a near-impossible reservation? For me, it’s a mix of all of these. The list below reflects that balance but every spot here is one I truly believe is worth experiencing at least once in your lifetime.

M A N H A T T A N

  • Lower East/East Village/Tribeca

    • Bridges (Modern American/European)

    • Claud (Modern American/European)

    • Smithereens (seafood)

    • Dame (British/seafood)

    • Cervo’s (Spanish/seafood)

    • Casino (Italian)

    • Frenchette (French)

    • Corima (upscale Mexican)

    • Le Dive (French)

    • Bungalow (Indian)

    • Dhamaka (Indian)

    • Adda (Indian formerly in Queens, now in East Village)

    • Han Dynasty (debated but upscale Chinese)

  • West Village/Soho/Nolita/Chinatown (attempted to put it in order of difficulty to get a reservation)

    • 4 Charles Prime (old school steakhouse meets West Village influencer)

    • Torrisi (Italian)

    • Carbone

    • Via Carota

    • San Sabino

    • Don Angie

    • I Sodi

    • Thai Diner

    • Raoul’s

    • Shmoné

    • Da Tascano

    • L’Artusi

    • Le Coucou

    • Waverly Inn

    • Zimmi’s (cute french bistro in the west village)

    • Raf’s (also good for brunch)

    • Commerce Inn

    • The Noorwyck

    • Minetta Tavern (my top nyc burger)

    • Jeju Noodle Bar

    • Wallsé

    • Red Paper Clip

    • C as in Charlie

    • Mei Lai Wah (for dumplings)

  • Chelsea/Flatiron/Union Square/Nomad

    • Union Square Cafe (an NYC institution!)

    • Rezdora (Italian)

    • Borgo (very cozy and delicious food)

    • Cote (Korean bbq)

    • Atoboy (fun Korean dishes)

    • Pranahkon (great Thai)

    • La Tête d’Or (incredible French - if you can get a reservation)

  • Upper East/Mid Town/Harlem

    • Uva (old school favorite)

    • NR (ramen)

    • Antonucci Cafe (one of my favorite Italian spots)

    • William Poll (sandwiches to go)

    • Scalinatella (the quintessential Italian vibes)

    • Monkey Bar (sceney and fun)

    • Sylvia’s Restaurant

    • Red Rooster

B R O O K L Y N

  • Williamsburg/Greenpoint

    • Maison Premiere

    • Four horsemen (and their new restaurant that just opened, I Cavallini)

    • Misi

    • Oxomoco

    • Madre

    • Laser wolf

    • Tacqueria Ramirez

    • Esse Taco

    • Lilia

    • Bonnie’s

    • Win Son

    • Taqueria El Chato

    • Le Crocodile

  • Bed-Stuy/Red Hook/Bushwick

    • Hart’s

    • Red Hook Tavern

    • Cafe Kestral

    • Ops (cute natural-wine pizza spot)

    • Eyval (Persian small plates, delicious

    • Marie’s (Italian)

  • Carrol Gardens/Forte Greene/Clinton and Cobble Hill

    • Frankie’s 457 Spuntino

    • Roman’s

    • Long Island Bar (great burgers, casual vibe!)

    • Henry Public (similar to Long Island Bar)

    • La Vara (Spanish)

  • Downtown Brooklyn/Dumbo

    • Gage & Tollner

    • The River Cafe Brooklyn

    • Clover hill (fancy)

    • Inga’s

    • Fini Pizza

  • Mid-wood

    • Di Fara (famous pizza)

Q U E E N S

  • Sushi on me

  • Rolo’s

  • Casa Enrique

  • Agnanti

  • Meju

  • F. Ottomanelli Burgers

  • SriPraPhai

  • Little Banchan Shop

  • Don Peppe

  • Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House

Walk-in Only

  • Penny (they take reservations but reserve bar spots for walk ins)

  • Bar Pitti (really amazing Italian)

  • Le French Dîner

  • Emilio’s (will likely be a very, very long line)

  • Bernie’s in Brooklyn (amazing martini)

  • Kiki’s (Greek)

  • Fiaschetteria Pistoia (true hole in the wall Italian)

  • JG Melon (not the absolute best burger in nyc but the vibes are amazing and so NYC)

  • Buvette (obviously basic, but it really is delicious for brunch)

  • Quique Crudo (incredible seafood)

  • Lucali pizza (super famous - personally I like the calzone better than the pizza)

  • I Cavallini (from the Four Horsemen people)

Fav pizza spots:

  • L’Industrie pizza

  • Ceres Pizza

  • Rubirosa (vodka pizza)

  • Scarr’s

  • Prince Street Pizza

  • Mano’s Pizzeria

Fav Burgers

  • Corner Bistro (West Village; V casual bar and cash only; delicious burger)

  • Minetta Tavern (my favorite burger)

  • Hamburger America (from a man who teaches a class at NYU on burgers)

  • Raoul’s (available at the bar only)

  • Red Hook Tavern

  • Gotham Burger

  • 7th Street Burger (a chain, but I’m sorry I love it)

Iconic old school restaurants

  • Katz’s Deli

  • Russ & Daughters

  • Keens Steakhouse

  • JG Melon

  • Grand Central Oyster Bar

  • The Odeon (French)

Splurge/special occasion spots

  • Daniel (also worth just going to the bar here!)

  • Cosme (Mexican)

  • Per Se

  • 11 Madison Park (not vegan only anymore!)

  • Le Bernardin

  • Atomix

  • Marea

  • Jean-Georges

  • Tatiana

  • Manhatta (beautiful views)

  • Saga

  • Chefs table at Brooklyn fare (Modern)

  • Sushi Noz (sushi)

  • Masa (sushi)

  • Sushi Nakazawa (sushi)

Breakfast

  • Golden Diner

  • Bubby’s

  • Sadelle’s

  • Chez Ma Tante (for the pancakes)

  • Clinton Street Bakery

  • Edith’s Sandwich Counter

  • Barney Greengrass

  • Gertie’s

  • Rigor Hill Market

  • Bakeries (here are some tops)

    • Librae bakery

    • Win Son bakery

    • Hani’s

    • Levain (for cookies)

    • Thea

    • 188 Bakery Cuchifritos

    • Peter Pan Donuts

    • Radio Bakery

  • Bagels (my tops)

    • Pop Up

    • Apollo

    • Utopia

    • Tompkins Bagel

Bars + Wine - sometimes the best NYC bar is your local dive bar, but here are some personal favorites.

  • Bars for old school NYC martini vibe: Mark Hotel Bar, The Bowery Hotel Bar, Swan Room, Bemeleman’s

  • People’s (hard to get into)

  • Martiny’s (beautiful spot in a former carriage house)

  • 161 Lafayette Bar (karaoke)

  • Eavesdrop (Japanese listening bar)

  • Attaboy (speakeasy)

  • The River (not sceney but amazinggg drinks and really fun)

  • Clemente bar (the bar of E leven Madison Park)

  • Madeline’s martini

  • Nubulez (for sky views)

  • Pebble Bar (nice after work bar)

  • The Honey Well (great bar in Harlem)

  • Swift (cozy bar downtown)

  • Nightmoves (super fun dance floor)

  • Osamil Upstairs (delicious cocktails)

  • Brooklyn Bowl (always a good time here with fun live music and bowling!)

  • Schmuck (the famous Barcelona outpost in NYC)

  • Smalls Jazz Club (legendary NYC jazz bar)

  • Parcelel Wine Bar (sceney wine spot)

  • Radegast Hall & BiergartenRadegast Hall & Biergarten (German beer hall with live music)

  • Twins Bar (retro vibes with a pool table)

  • Nowadays (something for everyone here)

  • June (for natural wines)

  • Joyface (for dancing!)

  • Ear Inn (they say it’s the oldest bar in NYC!)

  • Pig Beach BBQ Queens (great for a day hangout spot)

Activities (REALLY trying to keep this condense!)

  • Museums - below are my favorites!

    • Met + Met Cloisters

    • MOMA

    • Frick Collection

    • City museum of New York

    • Tenement museum

    • Cooper Hewitt

    • The Noguchi Museum

  • Brooklyn Botanical Garden

  • Walk the Brooklyn Bridge to Dumbo and take the ferry back to Manhattan

  • Food tours

  • Ghost tours

  • Broadway Show (get the TodayTix app or theatr for ease of getting tickets!) and also sports games!

  • High Line

  • Hudson Yards

  • Comedy show (comedy cellar or Apollo theatre are my favs)

  • Parks: Central Park + Washington Square Park

  • World Trade Memorial

  • Westside Highway/Little Island

  • Rooftop view -

    • Top of the Rock

    • Edge

    • One World Observatory

    • SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

    • Empire State

Shopping - Full NYC guide coming soon and will be linked here! (Too long for this guide!)

Hotels -

  • Uptown (I’m defining this as above 42nd):

    • 5 Star

      • Aman

      • The Lowell Hotel

      • The Pierre

      • The Langham

      • The Whitby hotel

      • The Peninsula New York

      • Loews Regency New York

      • St. Regis

      • The Mark

      • The Plaza

      • The Carlyle

      • JW Marriott Essex House

      • Park Hyatt

      • Mandarin Oriental

    • 4-star/below

      -The Sherry-Netherland

  • Downtown (below 42nd):

    • 5 Star

      • Fouquets

      • Ritz Nomad

      • Crosby Street Hotel

      • The Fifth Ave Hotel

      • Hotel Chelsea

      • The Beekman

      • ModernHaus

      • (The Mercer)

      • The Ned NoMad

      • 11 Howard

      • Warren Street Hotel

      • Soho House

    • 4-star/below

      • HGU New York

      • Ace Hotel

      • Walker Hotel Greenwich Village or Tribeca

      • The Ludlow

      • Sixty LES/Soho

      • The Nolitan (really cool rooftop)

      • The Bowery hotel

      • The Standard (East Village or Chelsea)

      • Arlo

      • Hotel Hugo

      • The High Line Hotel

      • Nine Orchard

      • Public Hotel

      • The Broome Hotel

      • Soho Grand

    • Brooklyn

      • Wythe Hotel

      • 1 Hotel Brooklyn

If you enjoyed reading The Far & Few today, tap the ❤️ below or share this with a friend!

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this newsletter, you can support it by:

]]><![CDATA[The Iceland Guide.]]>https://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-iceland-guidehttps://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-iceland-guideMon, 11 Aug 2025 01:08:25 GMT

if you’re enjoying this post, would really appreciate if you would ❤️ tap the heart, 💌 forward this to a friend, or 🫶🏼 subscribe below!

Iceland is a country brimming with vibrant food, warm people, and breathtaking sights. From the charming streets of Reykjavík to tiny villages and remote natural wonders, the beauty is unforgettable. Enjoy some of the most fresh and pure dishes, each one as memorable as the landscapes around it.

This guide is a great starting point and is continually updated with the latest and greatest. For a custom itinerary—whether you’re after deep adventure or a luxurious spa escape—feel free to reach out to carolinehariri@gmail.com.

Reykjavik + The Golden Circle

Restaurants, Cafes and Bars -

  • Reykjavik:

    • Food:

      • Fish Company (Fiskfelagid) – Seafood restaurant with delicious food (also has great meats)

      • Brauð & Co. – Bakery with the most amazing cinnamon buns, likely will be a line!

      • Kaktus Espressobar – Café

      • Matur og Drykkur - Icelandic food with a modern twist and even better cocktails

      • Dill Restaurant – Fine dining

      • Grillmarkaðurinn – Fine dining

      • Snaps Bistro – Bistro / brasserie good for brunch

      • Austur-Indíafélagið - Indian restaurant

      • Restaurant RIO Reykjavík – South American/Asian fusion

      • Fiskmarkaðurinn / Fish Market - sushi

      • Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur – famous hot dog stand

      • Grandi Mathöll – fun food hall with different stalls to eat from

      • Seabaron – great seafood restaurant

      • Valdís - ice cream shop

    • Drinks

      • Bankastræti 5 - bar

      • Slippbarinn – bar

      • Kaffibarinn – bar

  • Outside Reykjavik (but in the Golden Circle):

    • Fjorubordid Restaurant – quant and delicious

    • Friðheimar – famous for their greenhouse-grown tomatoes

    • Lindin – I had the best soup of my life here

Hotels/Lodging

  • Reykjavik

    • Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton – 4-star hotel

    • The Reykjavik EDITION – 5-star hotel

    • Hôtel Holt – Hotel

    • Hotel Borg by Keahotels – Historic hotel

    • Sand Hotel by Keahotels – Hotel

    • Alda Hotel – Hotel

    • Kex Hostel Reykjavík – Hostel / bar

  • Outside Reykjavik (in the Golden Circle):

    • ON Adventure Hotel, Nesjavellir – 3-star design hotel

    • Torfhús Retreat

Shops/Markets/Art:

  • Reykjavik

    • Fischersund – Perfume store

    • Gallery Port – Art gallery

    • Kolaportið – Flea market

    • Kirsuberjatréð – Art / gift shop

    • Epal – Design store

    • Orrifin – Design store

    • Fótógrafí – Photography shop/gallery

    • Omnom Chocolate Factory – Chocolate shop

    • Akkúrat – Design store

    • Reykjavik Letterpress – Print/design shop

Activities:

  • Reykjavik

    • Tjörnin – Lake / pond in Reykjavík

    • Free city tour given by Icelandic volunteers! Fun way to meet people!

  • Outside Reykjavik (in the Golden Circle):

    • Fagradalsfjall – Mountain peak

    • Skógafoss – Waterfall

    • Krýsuvíkurberg Cliffs – Coastal cliffs / viewpoint

    • Thríhnúkagígur Volcano – Volcano / tourist attraction

    • Seljalandsfoss – Waterfall

    • Blue Lagoon – thermal baths (this is very touristy and a bit overpriced - I personally think you can do better, like the below 2 recs)

    • Sky Lagoon – Thermal baths

    • Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach – Beach

    • Thingvellir National Park – National park

    • Gullfoss Falls – Waterfall

    • Arctic Adventures Silfra Fissure - diving scuba

    • Selatangar – Historic fishing village ruins (place no longer exists)

    • Centrale géothermique de Hellisheiði – Geothermal power plant

    • The Lava Tunnel – Lava cave tour

    • Perlan – Museum & observation deck

    • Silfra Diving – Diving/snorkeling site

    • Raufarhólshellir - lava tunnel ave

    • Thríhnúkagígur Volcano - inactive volcano

Northwest Island

  • Ísafjörður - very cute town to visit

  • Food:

    • Simbahöllin – Café

    • Tjöruhúsið – Seafood restaurant

Outside the Golden Circle

  • Hotels:

    • Fosshotel Mývatn

    • Eleven Deplar Farm – Luxury resort

  • Activities/Attractions -

    • Jökulsárlón – Lake

    • Vatnajokull - Glacier

    • Forest Lagoon - a beautiful thermal bath/spa

    • Goðafoss Waterfall – Waterfall

    • Fjallsárlón – Lake

    • Dettifoss – Waterfall

    • Ásbyrgi – Canyon / natural site

    • Gjastykki – Volcanic area

    • Hverir – Geothermal area

    • Þeistareykir – Geothermal area

    • Mývatn Nature Baths – Thermal baths

    • Grjotagja - small lava cave

    • Dimmuborgir – Lava field / rock formations

    • Eyjafjörður – Fjord

🔒 Exclusive Subscriber access (a very convenient map with all my recommended places pinned!)

Read more

]]><![CDATA[The San Francisco Guide.]]>https://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-san-francisco-guidehttps://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-san-francisco-guideFri, 01 Aug 2025 02:53:49 GMT

if you’re enjoying this post, would really appreciate if you would ❤️ tap the heart, 💌 forward this to a friend, or 🫶🏼 subscribe below!

San Francisco may be the best city in the world.

Yes, I’m biased—I grew up here—but nearly every visitor I’ve met has thought about moving here or has left with a lasting love for The Bay. Its natural beauty is undeniable: sweeping views, dramatic coastlines, and charming neighborhoods tucked into every hill. Whether you're after country living, vibrant city life, or laid-back beach town vibes, it's all within reach in the Bay Area. Add to that a mix of cultures, microclimates, and endless option of things to do, and you’ve got a city that offers something for everyone.

This guide is a great starting point, and I keep it updated with all the latest and greatest. For a custom itinerary, feel free to reach out to carolinehariri@gmail.com.

Food

  • Swan oyster depot (no fuss, old school seafood spot. no reservations, prepare to wait)

  • Zuni (for the chicken)

  • Cotogna (also for the chicken)

  • House of Prime Rib

  • Rich Table (incredible food)

  • Foreign Cinema

  • Kokkari Estiatorio (Greek)

  • Tony’s Napoletana (pizza)

  • Robin (a spurge - but incredible sushi)

  • Delfina (amazing pizza and Italian dishes)

  • Gordo’s (fast burrito joint that’s a local favorite)

  • Californio’s (if you want to upgrade your Mexican food with a California twist)

  • El Buen Comer (another casual Mexican spot)

  • La Taqueria (same type of quick Mexican!)

  • Via Aurelia (beautiful Tuscan restaurant)

  • Dalida (Mediterranean and so, so good)

  • Burma Superstar (beloved Burmese food)

  • Souvla (Greek fast-casual, a fan favorite!)

  • Pasta supply company

  • Tosca Cafe (old school Italian spot)

  • Hog Island Oyster (in the ferry building)

  • Spruce (Iconic - I prefer it there for lunch)

  • Bar Cren (food is great, atmosphere is excellent though)

  • Anchovy Bar (lots of amazing seafood!)

  • Aziza (Moroccan)

  • Quince (for a special occasion)

  • Leo’s Oyster Bar (very chic and delicious)

  • The Morris (get the duck)

  • Beretta Valencia

  • Niku Steakhouse (for a special occasion

  • Ernest (amazing, inventive dishes)

  • Hilda and Jess (really unique food)

  • Octavia (special occasion spot!)

  • State Bird Provisions

  • SPQR

  • San Ho Won (unique Korean)

  • Pearl 6101

  • A16 (Italian)

  • Nari (Thai - beware, it’s pretty spicy!)

  • Deli Board (for great sandwiches)

  • GIOIA Pizzeria

  • Outerlands (fun for brunch)

  • Hot Johnnie's Smokehouse

  • Liholiho Yacht Club

  • Verjus

  • Chinese Food (SF has the biggest Chinatown in the world) -

    • Mr. Jui’s

    • Yank sing

    • R+H

    • Empress by Boon

    • HK Lounge Bistro

    • Palette Tea House

    • Harborview Restaurant & Bar

    • Dragon Beaux

    • Four Kings (hard to get a table!)

    • Good Mong Kok Bakery (cheap, takeaway dim sum)

Bars

  • Harris’ Steakhouse (food is fine but the bar is incredible,

  • Original Joe‘s (not the best food but lovely, old-school SF atmosphere)

  • Balboa Cafe (now a going-out spot specializing in espresso martini’s but can’t forget that the burger is really incredible)

  • Smuggler’s Cove

  • Trick Dog (great cocktails)

  • Moongate Lounge - upstairs of Mister Jiu’s

  • Cubita rooftop bar

  • The Riddler (all champagne bar!)

Bakeries + Dessert

  • Maison Nico (French pâtisserie)

  • Bob’s donuts (old school donut shop)

  • B. Patisserie

  • Cafe Jacqueline (a full restaurant but personally only like the dessert but it’s IMPOSSIBLE to get in for just dessert)

  • Tartine Bakery - an SF classic

  • Articault for their kouign amann

  • The Mill (great bread)

  • Philmore Creamery

  • Manresa Bread

  • Devil's Teeth Baking Company

Activities

  • Take the ferry to Marin or to the Easy Bay, also hang out

  • Lands End Hiking Trail + Sutro Baths ruins

  • Bernal Heights Park hike

  • SF MOMA

  • Japanese Tea Garden

  • Go to a Giants game during baseball season (I am so positive there is no better baseball stadium in the world)

  • Filbert Steps (a hidden staircase walk through Telegraph Hill)

  • Shopping

    • William Stout Architectural Books

    • Lisa Says Gah (women’s clothing store)

    • Mollusk Surf Shop

    • March (the most incredible home store)

    • Sue Fisher King (another dreamy home store, particularly lovely during Christmas)

    • Cheese Plus (the best cheese shop!)

    • Emily Joubert Home & Garden (lovely home store)

    • A Runner’s Mind (my favorite place to get tennis shoes)

    • Mudpie (the cutest children’s store)

    • Atelier Lan Jaenicke (women’s clothing shop)

    • Nest (home decor)

    • Caravane (home goods)

    • Button Down (the absolute best men’s clothing store)

  • Day Trips

    • Day Trips:

      • Napa (full guide here.)

      • Point Reyes (go for the hikes, the activities (bioluminescent kayaking at night and The Skunk Train!) and of course the food - Hog Island Oyster, The Marshall Store, Nick’s Cove - full guide coming soon!)

      • Marin County

        • Amazing hiking trails and activities

          • Bolinas Bay Vista

          • Tennesse Valley

          • Kronkite Beach

          • Cataract Falls

          • Dipsea Steps

          • Muir Beach (one of my favorite things to do is hike to Pelican Inn, what feels like an authentic pub)

          • The Beach in Sausalito by Liberty Ship Way - best kept secret)

        • Hotels:

          • Cavallo Point (In Sausalito)

          • The Inn Above the Tide (In Sausalito)

          • Great Food, some of my favorites:

            • Sausalito:

              • Bar Bocce food is decent but the atmosphere is very fun! Worth spending a weekend day there

              • Sushi Ran (the sushi I grew up on!)

              • Fish (delicious seafood - cash only)

              • Le Garage (very fun to come, particularly if you have a boat)

            • Mill Valley:

              • Sol Food (Puerto Rican)

              • TamalPie (pizza)

            • Tiburon:

              • Sam’s Anchor Cafe: also great atmosphere but mediocre food

              • Bungalow Kitchen (sceney spot with a great bar)

              • Malibu Farm (same as the one in Malibu!)

            • San Anselmo/Fairfax:

              • 2 of my favorite lunch spots: Comfort’s (for Chinese Chicken Salad, chicken okasan and a coconut cupcake) and Insalata’s (for a Fattoush salad)!

              • Madcap (splurge)

              • Village Sake (great sushi)

            • Larkspur:

              • Picco

            • East Bay - some of the best food!

              • Vik’s Chaat (Berkeley)

              • Chez Panisse (Berkeley)

              • Cheese Board (you guessed it, amazing cheese! And also delicious pizza)

              • Bette’s Diner (quality ingredients at a diner!)

              • Tahoe (not a day trip but worth making a 2-3 night visit)

Hotels

  • The Huntington Hotel (recently reopened)

  • The Jay, Autograph Collection

  • Hotel Drisco

  • Proper Hotel

  • Neighbourgood Sutter Mansion

  • 1 Hotel SF

  • St. Regis

  • Four Seasons

  • Hotel Kabuki by Hyatt

-

If you enjoyed reading The Far & Few today, tap the ❤️ below — it helps my content get discovered!

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this newsletter, you can support it by:

]]><![CDATA[The Top-Spot London Guide.]]>https://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-top-spot-london-guidehttps://thefarandfew.substack.com/p/the-top-spot-london-guideTue, 01 Jul 2025 03:21:06 GMT

if you’re enjoying this post, would really appreciate if you would ❤️ tap the heart, 💌 forward this to a friend, or 🫶🏼 subscribe below!

An impossible task: putting together a guide to London — a city overflowing with culinary gems, historic charm, and some of the most style-forward spots in the world. It also happens to be one of my favorite places I’ve lived, and somewhere I hope to spend much more time in the future.

This is not a definitive list — plenty of those top Yelp places are missing. Instead, it’s a well-rounded collection of my personal favorites: places I return to, recommend often, and feel genuinely excited about.

As with all my destination guides, this list is ever-evolving — I update it regularly to keep things fresh. And while this overview is great for general inspiration, if you're planning a trip and want a deeper, more tailored itinerary, reach out to carolinehariri@gmail.com! London deserves a visit that fits your style, pace, and purpose.

This guide is the result of a lot of love (and literally years of thinking about it), which is why it’s behind the paywall. I promise it’s worth it. Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll get — including access to the full map:

NEW trendy spots:

  • Juliet – Gorgeous, vibey, stylish

  • Gold – Sceney and solid

  • Zephyr – Chic Greek

  • One Club Row – Sleek Shoreditch new spot

  • OMA – Modern Greek, beautifully designed

  • Dumbo Shoreditch - new burger place from Paris just arrived in Shoreditch!

  • The Hart - pub in Marylebone

A Restaurant Bucket List -

  • Sushi Tetsu – A top fav restaurant in the world for me, of course because of the sushi but so much because of the hospitality and the wonderful memories sitting at the counter with Chef Toru Takahashi and his wife, Harumi (impossible to book) - screenshot attached of when I called 174 times in a row to get a reservation

  • Core by Clare Smyth – Special spot with the most unique dishes that stand out to me to this day

  • St. John – Iconic British cooking (be sure to check out the bakery in Neal’s Yard, mostly just to enjoy the beauty of Neal’s Yard!

  • Rochelle Canteen – Season farm to table with exceptional food

🔒 Exclusive Subscriber access below!

Read more

]]>