Guides

Best Hotel Bakeries - Galleria Iginio Massari at Helvetia & Bristol

Suite treats: the best hotel bakeries and cafés

In the golden age of “bakery tourism,” travellers are crossing continents in search of the perfect pastry. Whether it’s a mango pudding masterpiece in Tokyo or a just-right pain au chocolat in Paris, these hotel patisseries aren’t just dessert stops – they’re cultural experiences worth planning a trip around.

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Café Sacher at Hotel Sacher

Vienna, Austria

Café Sacher is the birthplace of Austria’s most iconic dessert: the Sachertorte. Dense chocolate sponge layered with apricot jam and cloaked in a silky chocolate glaze, it’s a rich rite of passage for any dessert devotee. The red-and-gold interiors channel imperial grandeur, and the original 1832 recipe remains a closely guarded secret – one still prepared by hand in the hotel’s own patisserie.

The Peninsula Boutique & Café Cake Counter

The Peninsula Boutique & Café

Tokyo, Japan

Tucked inside The Peninsula Tokyo, this sleek 20-seat café draws pastry pilgrims with treats like kokunama custard-cream brioche and crisp, caramelized mango florentine, alongside a lengthy menu of tea blends. Executive chef Pascal Cialdella’s creations blend Japanese precision with French flair, served in a glass-encased space that feels more like an upscale boutique than a traditional café.

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The Mandarin Oriental Shop

Bangkok, Thailand

A Bangkok institution since the 1950s, The Mandarin Oriental Shop offers a sweet retreat from the city’s bustle. Now with four locations, the original still resides within the storied colonial-style hotel it takes its name from. The shop’s famed chocolate mousse cake, impossibly smooth and deeply indulgent, has earned a devoted following. Pair it with tea served in delicate china, and linger like a local.

The Connaught Patisserie

The Connaught Patisserie

London, U.K.

Beneath the glitzy Connaught Hotel in Mayfair, this blush-toned jewel box of a patisserie is helmed by renowned pastry chef Nicolas Rouzaud. Every creation is a work of art, but the whimsical “Connaughty Hound,” a chocolate hazelnut cake shaped like the hotel’s canine mascot, is as delightful to eat as it is to admire.

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Le Comptoir at The Ritz Paris

Paris, France

At the Ritz Paris, pastry chef François Perret has redefined the pain au chocolat, transforming it into a sleek, baton-like shape that guarantees chocolate in every bite. Housed in a minimalist marble-clad boutique that contrasts with the hotel’s Belle Époque opulence, Le Comptoir offers classics elevated to couture status – like the must-try madeleines, presented in gift boxes almost too pretty to open.

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Galleria Iginio Massari at Helvetia & Bristol

Florence, Italy

In the heart of Florence, the historic Helvetia & Bristol hotel is home to Galleria Iginio Massari, the first Tuscan outpost from Italy’s most celebrated pastry chef. Inside this luminous boutique, glass cases gleam with delicious masterpieces like the Setteveli, a seven-layer chocolate and hazelnut cake that has become an Italian classic. From delicate fruit tarts to top-notch tiramisu, each dessert reflects Massari’s obsession with technique, balance and beauty.

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The Fullerton Cake Boutique

Singapore

Housed in the stately, neoclassical Fullerton Hotel, this boutique serves up pastries with Southeast Asian soul. The pandan chiffon cake – soft, fragrant and neon green – is a nod to local heritage with its distinct aroma, drawn from the tropical leaf often called “Asian vanilla.” Light as air and delicately sweet, the treat is a favourite among both locals and visiting dignitaries.

A foodie’s guide to exploring Fort de France, Martinique’s tasty capital

Fort-de-France, Martinique’s stunning capital, is a true culinary treasure that houses some of the country’s tastiest troves; beautifully blending the island’s French influence and Caribbean flair. 

This guide invites you to embark on an unforgettable gastronomic adventure through the city’s bustling markets, charming bistros, and authentic street food stalls. From savoury dishes to mouthwatering desserts, Fort-de-France promises an unmatched feast for the senses. Hop in, and explore the rich culinary landscape of this subtropical paradise.  

Market magic

Fort-de-France is home to a thriving market scene that embodies the spirit and bold flavours of Martinique.

At the heart of the city lies the Grand Marché de Fort-de-France, a bustling hub where colourfully adorned stalls overflow with fresh local produce, aromatic spices, and masterfully handcrafted goods. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the island’s lively atmosphere, sampling regional delicacies and discovering the unique artisanal crafts that characterize this corner of the Caribbean.

Just a short distance away, the Diamond Market is ideally situated along the seafront, providing a picturesque backdrop of the shimmering Caribbean Sea. As you stroll through the market, you will find an array of eye-catching kiosks brimming with fresh fish, succulent fruits and homegrown vegetables sourced by nearby farms. Whether you’re looking to fill your basket or simply bask in the vivacious atmosphere, Fort-de-France’s food markets are a must-see on your culinary journey. 

Discover local delights

In this city, local food shacks and cozy restaurants reign, offering humble eats and affordable delights that showcase the island’s best recipes. One must-visit spot is Le Truck Qui Fume, a beloved food truck famous for its barbecue and rotisserie-style dishes. From creole-inspired, tajin-spiced chicken sausage to hot, juicy ham hocks and spiced chicken wings, this bustling eatery is a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

For those seeking a friendly sit-down experience, Djol Dou serves up traditional yet scrumptious West Indian cuisine. Cooking comforts with a smile since 1999, at Djol Dou, you can look forward to indulging in sizzling stuffed crab, freshly smoked fish, fiery lambéed banana, sweet coconut flan and so much more. Another gem is Kay Ali, housed in a magnificent colonial mansion on the outskirts of the city. The chef masterfully crafts refined everyday cuisine using fresh, locally sourced ingredients that blend tradition with a modern flair.

Open on weekends as well for brunches with friends and family, Kay Ali’s cozy setting and inventive menu offer a perfect opportunity to enjoy Martinique’s culinary riches without breaking the bank. 

Savour sophistication

For those seeking an elevated dining experience in Fort-de-France, Martinique offers several options to satisfy every palate.

 Miza Restaurant leads the way with its refined interpretation of classic regional dishes. Chef Sébastien Jean-Joseph has curated an immersive gastronomic journey, introducing exotic, yet straightforward flavours with a world-class artistic presentation. Each lip-smacking meal from start to finish, highlights the natural essence of the carefully selected ingredients.

Miza is the perfect destination for food lovers eager to relish the elegance of the island in a sleek, modern setting. For a vibrant yet sophisticated seafood experience, head to Galanga Fish Bar, where Chef Yadji Zami celebrates the island’s organic side. Nestled amongst lush greenery, this eatery serves up creative dishes that explore every variation of fish, from zesty ceviche and tender tataki to carpaccio and fish meatballs. Each plate is a delightful melange of fresh local produce, seafood and herbs, sure to tantalize your tastebuds and transport you into the heart of Martinique’s food culture. 

Discover the vibrant gastronomic scene of Fort-de-France, where every meal celebrates the flavours of beautiful Martinique. From humble local shacks to elegant eateries, the capital city is a true haven for all foodies.

For more information on the top places to eat in Fort-de-France, visit https://www.martinique.org/en/bars-restaurants/restaurants?locality=Fort-De-France